Peruvian fresh produce giant Camposol is expecting its first peak in 2013 asparagus volume just before Easter when it plans to distribute the product through all supply channels, according to a press release from the company.
With around 90 per cent of the volume due to be sold through retail chains, Camposol will be carrying out special promotional activities focused on underlining the year-round availability of white asparagus.
“We are seeking to educate the consumers by demonstrating that asparagus is not just a typical spring vegetable, but that you can enjoy it all year round, and that the quality of Camposol’s asparagus is equal or even better than that of asparagus from local European production,” explained Sergio Torres, general manager of Camposol Fresh in the Netherlands.
“Historically, white asparagus has been the first key product of our company, therefore we always work with special enthusiasm for the development of this product, especially in the German market which is the most important one for this crop.”
With regards to green asparagus, Camposol said it will look to establish sales programmes to accompany the white asparagus, as well as promote the product in those markets where the green variety has not yet fully developed its potential.
In this respect, Camposol believes Germany, Austria and Switzerland are the markets that offer further growth opportunities for the firm’s entire asparagus range.
In 2012/13, Camposol organised intense promotional activities for white asparagus in Germany, in close cooperation with the marketing departments of major clients and PR agency MK2.
According to the group, the activities were well-received and sales volumes tripled or even quadrupled during the promotion days.
“We are very satisfied with the results, and so are our customers,” said Torres. “However, the long-term effect of these activities can be judged only in the future, although already today we note an increasing interest of some retailers to develop programmes also for the autumn period and not just before Easter.”
