The French asparagus season has just started. The first volumes in the southwestern department of Landes were already available in February. According to Céline Genty of the association Asperges de France, it is not the first year that asparagus are available from February, but never so early or on several production sites. “We were helped by the weather, which stimulated the production.”
It is now a question of preparing the market to absorb the French volumes. Céline explains that the season is starting well. “The asparagus are slowly finding their place on the supermarket shelves. Prices are being readjusted every day, making asparagus more accessible to the consumer. We believe that it could be a nice season but it will depend on the weather conditions.”
Normally, the Easter period is very important for asparagus consumption. “Around Easter, there is always a consumption peak. It’s a meal very much appreciated by the French. Before Easter, the consumption can be a little less dynamic, especially if Easter falls early. This year, we will celebrate Easter at the end of April, which is relatively late, so consumption will increase before the Easter celebrations. We hope the weather will be on our side, because nice weather also makes you want to eat asparagus.”
Even the region is important
Although the French asparagus suffers from foreign competition during certain times of the year, most consumers still always have a preference for the French origin. “Even the region is important for some.” There are two asparagus PGIs in France, the Asperges des Sables des Landes PGI and the Asperge du Blayais PGI.
In May, white and purple asparagus are mainly competing with the German and Dutch asparagus. “We find those asparagus mostly on wholesale markets. They meet the aesthetic criteria of some buyers.”
Promoting the French asparagus
Asperges de France handles 30% of the French asparagus production, which is 4,000 tons produced each year by nearly 160 producers. In order to promote the French asparagus, the association will launch educational videos this spring for professionals of the sector and for consumers.
Asperges de France/ A. Vacheron
For more information: 
Céline Genty
Asperges de France
MIN de Brienne
110 quai de Paludate
33800 Bordeaux
+33 (0)5 64 31 08 49
contact@asperges-de-france.fr
www.asperges-de-france.fr