The European asparagus market is currently making the switch from the Peruvian to the Mexican season. “Mexico is on the market from late January to mid-April, and Peru supplies practically year-round. But during the Mexican season, volumes are so large Peru cannot compete with their prices. Traditionally, these weeks of season switches are the toughest ones of the year,” says buyer Joost Schoondermark from Nature’s Pride.
“Supply of Peruvian asparagus was about ten per cent lower in 2016 than it was in 2015. That has had an effect on prices last year. Demand was fairly fickle, especially from the US, and combined with the exchange rate, it resulted in a relatively expensive product. On average, prices were at a higher level than in 2015,” Joost says. “Now that the Peru season is ending and Mexico is starting, prices have risen to a very high level. I expect prices will be considerably lower at the start of February, and that availability will be very good from mid-February to late March.”
According to Joost, the prospects for the Mexican season are good. “Because of the warm December weather, people started 10 to 14 days later, but expectations are good. The global demand for asparagus is increasing. For example, Asian countries are discovering asparagus more and more. In general, these countries pay well. Productions in Peru have not changed much in recent years, although much has been planted in the north in 2016, and that will become visible on the market in two or three years. The question is whether supply can keep up with the growth of the market. As yet, focus from Mexico was mainly on the US, but the question is whether they will now also start focusing on other markets. Furthermore, production countries such as Spain, which were traditionally focused on Europe, are now taking steps to extend their season.”
For more information:
Joost Schoondermark
Nature's Pride
Honderdland 611
2676 LV Maasdijk, the Netherlands
T: +31 (0)174519079
Joost.Schoondermark@naturespride.nl
www.naturespride.eu