Supplies of asparagus from Peru will be up by an estimated 10 to 15 percent for the Christmas pull. “Peru volume has been consistent with good quality,” says Carlos Solf, director of procurement for Southern Specialties, who notes that supplies are coming from Northern Peru. “Baja Mexico is also producing and supplies from Mexico were affected by a hurricane earlier in the year and volumes have been below expectations.”
That said, he notes that volume from Peru has been a little less this year though volumes are picking up now. “Some growers have diversified into other crops like blueberries, avocados, grapes and citrus but the growing areas are ideal for asparagus and we expect the cycle to move towards more asparagus plantings in time,” says Solf.
Transitioning to Mexico
At the same time demand is consistent and was good for Thanksgiving. “Christmas looks like it will be good continuing into the New Year,” says Solf, adding that generally, asparagus consumption continues to grow given the nutritional value of the vegetable. He also notes that Southern Specialties continues to, along with importing from Peru, grow its involvement and investments in Mexico year over year and will transition to its Mexico farms towards the end of January.
As for pricing, it has been higher this year over last year, though so have costs. “We are hopeful some transportation and fertilizer costs will settle down in 2023,” says Solf who says maintaining costs is the biggest challenge. “As with other products, logistics costs, raw material and packaging costs continue to rise. We’re committed to providing customers with the most competitive costs possible.”
Looking ahead, Southern Specialties is promoting Peruvian asparagus for Christmas. “With some other crops facing production hurdles recently, asparagus from Peru has proven to be reliable,” says Solf.
For more information:
Charlie Eagle
Southern Specialties
Tel: +1 (404) 949-0944
ceagle@southspec.com
www.southernspecialties.com