Peruvian exports of fresh asparagus got off to a strong start in 2015 thanks to the fall in production in Mexico, one of its main competitors. Shipments for the first three months of the year were up 26.5 per cent on the year-earlier period, at US$95.5m, according to figures from exporter association Adex.
In the US, the leading destination for Peruvian and Mexican asparagus, strong demand allowed Peru to recoup some of the market share it lost to Mexico last year on account of the latter being able to supply the market at a lower price.
However, Adex warned that production in a number of areas was being replaced by other crops such as table grapes, blueberries and citrus which require less water.
Exports of fresh, canned and frozen asparagus to the US totalled US$60.9m in the first quarter, a rise of 22.4 per cent on the same period of 2014. Spain was the second destination with US$20.1m, a fall of 15 per cent on 2014, and the Netherlands was third with US$17.5m, a fall of 2.9 per cent on last year. Adex said the fall in shipments to Europe were due to the sharp drop in the euro exchange rate and the higher volumes bound for the US.
Other markets included, France, the UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Chile, Denmark, Canada, Sweden, Colombia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In total, Peru exports fresh asparagus to 41 countries worldwide.
Beta, Danper Trujillo, Camposol, Viru, Green Peru and IQF are among the biggest exporters.
