Limited availability of Spanish green asparagus to meet high demand in Europe

The green asparagus campaign has already started in Granada, although for now, only limited volumes are being sold. The acreage increased significantly last year; however, large volumes are not expected until April. This is due to excessive rainfall and cloudy days, which prevents a normal development of the plants' growth. There is high market demand at the moment, but little availability and high prices oscillating between 5 and 6 Euro per kilo.

"If the weather was better, we would have more asparagus than in the previous season, taking into account the acreage expansion this year," says Germán Rodríguez, of the commercial department of the Granada-based cooperative San Isidro, from Loja.

"At the moment, there is a very high demand for asparagus in Europe ahead of Easter, and given the little availability, prices are high, which will have a positive impact on the average price of the campaign. However, when the sun comes back and all the expected production arrives in a period of lower demand, we will have a problem," says the producer and exporter. "We hope that Germany and the other countries of central Europe won't start early this year."

At the moment, it is difficult to have programs with large chains for the supply of large volumes. The excess humidity caused by the rains has even resulted in part of the production not looking as appealing, but this has so far not made selling it more difficult, due to the scarcity.

Mexico is already making its last shipments and Peru is just starting, although according to Germán Rodríguez, the European chains prefer the Spanish production when it is available, due to the proximity and quality.