Although Peru is a year-round grower and exporter of asparagus, the country’s peak season is nearing. It starts September/October and runs through January. While volumes usually are abundant during peak season, this year the expectation is for stable supplies that will be nowhere near the volumes from the years before. Unusual weather patterns are a significant contributor to the lower supplies. In March of this year, Cyclone Yaku reached Northern Peru and caused excessive rainfall in regions that are normally dry. In just one day, the affected regions received a year’s worth of rainfall. “Add to that the arrival of El Niño and a perfect storm was created,” says Priscilla Lleras with the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA). “Damages from these two events resulted in production losses, and delays in logistics. In many cities, the devastating circumstances were rendered as a state of emergency.”
Improvement for 4th quarter
Now, industry and markets are starting to stabilize. “However, we still do see a week-over-week and year-over-year decline in exports,” said Lleras. “We are experiencing a decrease of approximately 40 percent,” she added. As Peru is embarking on peak season, volumes will begin to normalize in September/October. “We expect a strong fourth quarter as production will come from the South that time of year, an area not affected by the weather. While we are expecting to land the year strong, volumes will be nowhere near the numbers from the years before,” Lleras shared.
Worldwide exports
US demand for Peruvian asparagus has always been strong and PAIA witnesses an overall increase in per capita consumption of fresh asparagus. According to US statistics, asparagus continues to be a highly sought-after vegetable for US households. “Statistics and trends consistently have shown that US consumers are buying fresh asparagus and adding it to their carts as a perfect meal solution,” commented Lleras. Exports of Peruvian asparagus are of principle importance to Peru and to US trade. In addition, asparagus from Peru makes its way over to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Lleras acknowledges 2023 has been a difficult year in production for the country. “However, as we all know in the produce industry, it is overcoming circumstances that will make our industry that much stronger.”
For more information:
Priscilla Lleras
Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association
Tel: (+1) 817 – 793 -3133
[email protected]
www.peruvianasparagusimportersassociation.com
