Peruvian asparagus exports reached US$263.7m in value during the January to August period of this year, a 16 per cent increase on the same period in 2010 when sales totalled US$227.2m.
Volume-wise, sendings rose 15 per cent over 2010, according to figures from the Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex).
Within the category, fresh and refrigerated asparagus exports recorded the biggest increase, growing by 25 per cent in volume terms and 3 per cent in value to US$159.4m.
Despite the economic climate, Adex said the US remained the leading export destination for Peruvian asparagus, absorbing US$120.7m-worth of the vegetable, up 8 per cent on 2010.
Spain ranked second (with US$39.7m or a growth of 12 per cent), followed by the Netherlands (4 per cent), France, (84 per cent) and the UK (16 per cent).
In total, Peru shipped asparagus to 54 countries between January and August, according to Adex.
New markets included: Croatia, Greenland, Aruba, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Swaziland and Uganda.
