The Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association (PAIA) has completed and published their 2016/2017 Fresh Asparagus Category Statistics and Trends. “Our Fresh Asparagus Category Statistics and Trends Plan is the tool that shows the industry Peru is serious about our products, our people and our quality,” states Priscilla Lleras-Bush, PAIA Coordinator. “Despite the havoc of El Nino in Peru, much of the asparagus production in the south was not affected – yet the country did experience violent mudslides and flooding in the north where several people were seriously injured and others lost their lives. It is absolutely amazing how Peru has remained steadfast to rebuild bridges and roadways that enable people to work and production and trade to reach the airports and ports.”
As outlined in the Category Plan, Peru is a leading import source for fresh market asparagus in the United States. Asparagus consumption has a proven strong market trend with United States consumers; according to the plan, the United States Department of Agriculture/Department of Commerce reported that Peru imported over 40% of the total supply that was consumed in the U.S.
“Peru will remain a consistent, quality supplier of fresh asparagus into the United States,” reports Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh and Co-Chairman of PAIA. “Most of the tragic affects El Nino imposed on Peru, effected farms in the north. Volumes are expected to increase within the next 30-45 days as we transition to the south and enter peak season.”
“The 2016/2017 Fresh Asparagus Category Statistics and Trends specifically includes statistics relating to market summaries, trends, nutritional facts, consumer positioning, fresh asparagus consumption data and key essential demographics,” states Jay Rodriguez of Crystal Valley Foods and Co-Chairman of PAIA. “This information will help every marketer of fresh asparagus sell more product.”
“We want to equip the entire industry with the type of information needed to sell more Peruvian asparagus,” says Lleras-Bush. “Our goal is to inform and promote the trade.” The Plan is available from any member of the Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association or by contacting its coordinator Priscilla Lleras-Bush.
The association will focus even greater efforts in 2017/18 on spreading the positive word to industry trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus through articles, advertisements, direct-communication, and trade show participation. The association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2017/18.
Contact:
Priscilla Lleras-Bush
PAIA
Tel: 817-793-3133