Exports of (fresh and prepared) Peruvian asparagus have risen by 16 per cent in value to some US$116.7m during the first four months of the year, according to figures released by the Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex).
However, the result is still 5 per cent down on 2008 when sendings reached US$122.9m during the four-month period – the year before the global economic crisis.
Within the category, shipments of fresh or refrigerated asparagus totalled US$64.8m between January and April, which is 7 per cent more than last year, Adex said.
The leading destination market was the US, which absorbed 39.4 per cent of the sales worth some US$47.1m.
Spain and the Netherlands followed, receiving US$19.2m and US$17.6m-worth of exports respectively.
Sendings to France also recorded an important growth, rising by 95 per cent to US$14.4m, according to Adex.
The UK, Germany and Italy were among other markets to receive Peruvian asparagus so far this year, as well as newer destinations Bulgaria, Swaziland and Aruba.
