Last week, Yex, a Dutch produce wholesaler, received its first green asparagus from Caborca, Mexico again. Yex gets green asparagus from Mexico all year round. But the Caborca season is special. Production there and demand from Europe peaks. That's according to buyer, Enmanuel van Voorthuizen.
He works for this mainly exotic fruit and vegetable importer. Enmanuel is satisfied with this first shipment's quality. It was flown in and will soon be on the market under the Discovered brand. "The weather during this product's growth was ideal. That means this year's season is going to be good."
Harvesting in the Caborca region will be in full swing for 12 weeks now. Caborca is in the Sonora state in northern Mexico. "Caborca grows the most green asparagus in the world. Most of it goes to the US. But Mexican growers also see opportunities in the European market," Enmanuel says.
"So, we're expecting a good supply of asparagus from Caborca until mid-April. That's when the season ends. It's at exactly the right time. We can still market these green asparagus during Easter. There is currently a high demand for these in the US. This green asparagus is, therefore, good value for money here."
Yex has not only Mexican green asparagus in its assortment. They also get these from Peru. "We have Peruvian asparagus throughout the year too. But in the coming weeks, the focus is usually on the Mexican asparagus. Peru simply can't compete, due to the more expensive transport costs. That can save up to $10 per load," says the buyer.
Since last week, there has been an additional obstacle. Passenger flights between South America and the Netherlands have been further curtailed. That's because of COVID-19. "We can say that here, too, Mexico came on the market at exactly the right time. Had the measure been introduced a month earlier, there would've real shortages on the market."
"There are also 35% fewer flights from Mexico to Europe. That country has, however, been spared these extra measures. Sonara's asparagus is also put on a plane in Los Angeles. They can, therefore, come from the field to our warehouse within two days." Enmanuel adds that these air traffic restrictions are making shipped asparagus more popular. "That's increasingly becoming an option due to the high air freight costs."
Spain and Italy come onto the market at the end of the Mexican season. The asparagus from these countries complement the declining supply from Mexico well. "If the product is available from closer by, there's often more demand for it. Spain comes on the market in March and Italy follows at the end of March, beginning of April. So, clients can buy green asparagus from us all year round," Enmanuel explains.
The Yex visits Mexico.
Enmanuel is generally optimistic about the season. "Asparagus lovers will soon be able to enjoy these products to the full again. We hope the hospitality industry can open its doors again as well. Because asparagus, whether white or green, primarily remains a restaurant item. Nevertheless, this doesn't affect demand. The retail sector continues to buy many batches. And market demand is generally stable," he concludes.
For more information:
Enmanuel van Voorthuizen
Yex
Tel: +31 (0) 174 214 551
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.yex.nl
