Fresh Peruvian Asparagus Anticipating Volume & Value

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) reports that volumes are already over 85 percent of the year’s total volume and anticipates ending 2011 strong. The Association informs industry that PAIA’s focus is to successfully work with agency and industry to improve, advance and advocate new opportunities for Peruvian asparagus.

Priscilla Lleras, PAIA Coordinator, states, “2011 has brought many new opportunities, ideas and avenues for both imports and exports. USDA reports that we have already seen a spike in fresh asparagus volumes from Peru as of September 2011 compared to September 2010. The industry acknowledges Mexico for coming in with strong volumes within the last few months, and the partnering of both Peru and Mexico importers with U.S. retailers enables supermarkets across the nation to stock fresh asparagus on retailer shelves and provide U.S. consumers with ample supply of this highly nutritious vegetable.”

Walter Yager, PAIA CoChair East Coast and CEO of Alpine Fresh, adds “Volume! Yes, more volumes! PAIA has new opportunities into Canada – many PAIA importers have been the forerunners for the industry to ship non-fumigated product into Canada and recognize Canada as a viable volume recipient for asparagus from Peru. This new protocol by USDA to allow non-treated asparagus to transit the U.S. into Canada will significantly increase the shelf-life of fresh asparagus, while helping to keep the overall logistics cost down.”

“Value and Quality sells,” says Chris Martin, PAIA CoChair West Coast and President of Gourmet Trading. “Many importers of PAIA are working diligently with growers and packers in Peru to continue to bring quality asparagus with new presentations to market shelves through value added presentations. Our commitment to the trade is to focus on quality, value and nutrition. We focus these goals with the intention of offering U.S. households with delicious and nutritious meal solutions that includes green, white, and purple asparagus.”

The Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association (PAIA) members are reported to be expecting consistent volumes of quality Peruvian asparagus through the end of the year with steady, production and solid returns by providing volume and value for U.S. consumers. Additionally, importers are working with their retailers on synergies to boost holiday promotions and sales for Peruvian asparagus at store levels.

The association will continue to promote the nutritional benefits that Peruvian asparagus brings to the consumers tables.

The association will focus even greater efforts in 2011/12 on spreading the positive word to trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus, through articles, advertisements, direct-communication, and trade show participation. The association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2011/12.

Source: Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association