While German and Dutch asparagus are already being sold in Germany, French asparagus are currently dominating events in Switzerland. Especially in the western canton, it is primarily French products that are marketed at weekly markets and in the catering trade. "Because of the good February weather, we could harvest about 10 days earlier. The interest in the trade, however, is still limited," says Michel Schwab, co-owner of SCHWAB Gemüse und Früchte, based in Siselen. 
The Schwab company currently supplies French asparagus La Perle des Fontaines. Above all, it is important that gastronomers get the right quality and quantities.
"Everyone is still waiting for the local asparagus," he continues. The prices of the first imported asparagus are quite normal and fluctuate around CHF 22 per kg in the retail sector, says Schwab, who sells the vegetables both on weekly markets and in the catering trade. "In addition to the French white asparagus, we also currently offer green asparagus from Italy. The kilo prices in this area are quite normal as well: they are around CHF 16-18 in the retail trade."
Demand is rising annually
"Just over a week ago, we also had some Dutch asparagus. Nonetheless, we normally only sell goods from the Netherlands and the Danube region later in the season. Over time, the demand in Western Switzerland has increased significantly, but primarily for domestic products."
For more information:
SCHWAB Gemüse und Früchte GmbH
Rebenweg 4, CH-2577 Siselen (CH)
Tel: +41 32 396 10 20
Fax: +41 32 396 30 22
E-Mail: schwab.gemuese@bluewin.ch
www.schwab-gemuese.ch/