Mexico exported 147,000 tons of asparagus worth 368 million dollars between January and September 2019, consolidating the country as a leader in exports of fresh and frozen asparagus worldwide. Peru, the United States, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and France are among the largest global exporters of this product.
In 2018, asparagus exports from Mexico amounted to $393 million dollars. In 2017, the country's asparagus exports amounted to 455 million dollars, their historical maximum. Its main destination market is the US, where annual asparagus consumption per inhabitant has increased from 1.25 pounds in 2000 to 1.58 pounds in 2010, and 1.90 pounds in 2018.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), fresh asparagus is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and folic acid.
Fresh American asparagus is mainly produced in California, Washington, and Michigan. However, the largest sources of imported asparagus out of season are Mexico and Peru.
Asparagus consumption in the US has grown due to the increase in imports once the season in Michigan and the West Coast is over.
Source: opportimes.com
