Ocean Mist's John Shaw and Southern Specialties' Carlos Solf Talk Rising Asparagus Volume
MEXICO and PERU - With just a over a week left between us and the Fourth of July holiday, growers are reporting that asparagus volume is up and movement is doing well for the category.
“We’re up year-over-year on volume. We have very good supplies of product,” said John Shaw, Asparagus Manager for Ocean Mist Farms. “We’re hitting our peak going into this week and the market’s been building up for a few weeks at this point.”
As of June 22, pricing out of Mexico has ranged from $16.75 to $18.75, with moderate demand. Growers report that despite the few hurricane scares in Baja California, quality hasn’t been affected at all.
“The tips are nice and tight, beautiful green color, and very good sizing,” Shaw continued.
Similarly, out of Peru, growers are reporting that they have received 5 percent more volume than last year so far as a result of opening some fields ahead of time.
“Recent warmer weather in Peru has affected the yields, but because there is not much product going to IQF freezers, the overall volume for fresh has not been affected,” said Carlos Solf, Director of Procurement for Southern Specialties. “Volume will come mainly from Peru and Central Mexico. By the end of the month we should start to see more demand and more ads.”
As of June 23, 2015, the USDA reported prices of 11 lb cartons bunched asparagus imported from Peru at South Florida ports at $24.00 - $28.00 for jumbo sizes, $18.00 - $21.00 for extra large sizes, $17.00 - $20.00 for large sizes, $16.00 - $19.00 for standard sizes, and $10.00 - $14.00 for small sizes.
“Since the percentage of small grass has increased coming from Peru, customers should take advantage of promotion opportunities for those sizes,” Solf recommended. “Southern Specialties can provide value-added presentations that utilize smaller sizes also. The Fourth of July is a great time to promote grilling asparagus. They are a great addition for summer cook outs.”
Time to fire up those grills. For the latest on the asparagus market, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
