Exporters of Peruvian asparagus and their import partners in the US have established a new fund designed to boost sales on the North American market, according to a report by Peruvian news agency Andina.
“The idea is to contribute a cent for every kilo of asparagus sold in the US, thus making a total fund of US$4m,” explained Hans Bottger, commercial manager of Talma.
The goal is to drive demand in the US for Peruvian asparagus by 25 per cent within a year of implementing the levy.
Mr Bottger said the initiative arose last May during a meeting of the Peruvian Asparagus Import Association (PAIA), which evaluated the need to increase asparagus consumption in the US in order to generate more demand for the benefit of Peruvian suppliers.
Mr Bottger said the development of blueberry demand in the US serves as an example for importers and exporters of Peruvian asparagus.
“In the case of blueberries, demand has increased by more than 25 per cent for the 2010/11 season, which favours mainly Chile and Argentina,” he noted.
