FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2022 — Peruvian fresh asparagus continues to enjoy a prominent place in the U.S. market. In 2021, U.S. imports from Peru increased 9% over the previous year, according to USDA statistics, to 224,871,286 pounds. Ranked as a principal source country for fresh asparagus, Peruvian imports account for almost US $274 million annually.
At the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association’s (PAIA) May 12, 2022 meeting, members discussed industry topics and other points related to the continued supply from Peru.
“As a significant source of fresh asparagus, Peruvian supply contributes to keeping U.S. retail and foodservice stocked with a consistent, quality supply of this fantastic product,” says Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh in Doral, Florida, and Co-Chair of PAIA. “Our upcoming supplies look excellent and should allow for great promotional and sales opportunities.”
Yager and Co-Chair Jay Rodriguez of Crystal Valley Foods in Miami, Florida, will continue leading PAIA during 2022 and 2023, providing consistency for the association’s vision and activities.
“Peru is a significant contributor to the U.S. consumer’s table and we want to ensure an uninterrupted supply of this nutritious item,” says Rodriguez. “For over 20 years, our association has been dedicated to improving trade in Peruvian asparagus. It’s such an important vegetable for our customers, both retail and foodservice, and for consumers as well.”
Fresh Asparagus
2021 Import Landscape (Top 5)
Country
Quantity (lbs)
YOY Variance
Mexico
434,139,136
16%
Peru
224,871,286
9%
Canada
4,163,870
47%
Ecuador
1,901,046
69%
Argentina
68,343
-41%
Import Total
665,176,532
14%
Area/Partners of Origin
January – December
And Consumption Commodities Imported
Cumulative To Date Values in Thousands of dollars
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Partner
Product
Value
Value
Value
Value
Value
Peru
Asparagus, Fresh
262,929
239,104
252,573
261,389
274,342
Grand Total
262,929
239,104
252,573
261,389
274,342
The association will focus efforts in 2022 on working with trade press, supermarkets and consumers to education more about the benefits of fresh asparagus. As U.S. consumers look for alternative, interesting, and healthy products, the association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2022.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) is an organization of US companies involved in the trade of importing fresh Peruvian asparagus within North America. We are committed to improving the process and present a united forum through which dialogue and progress is achieved. We represent the industry to the trade and focus on issues of political and logistical importance.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2022 — Peruvian fresh asparagus continues to enjoy a prominent place in the U.S. market. In 2021, U.S. imports from Peru increased 9% over the previous year, according to USDA statistics, to 224,871,286 pounds. Ranked as a principal source country for fresh asparagus, Peruvian imports account for almost US $274 million annually.
At the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association’s (PAIA) May 12, 2022 meeting, members discussed industry topics and other points related to the continued supply from Peru.
“As a significant source of fresh asparagus, Peruvian supply contributes to keeping U.S. retail and foodservice stocked with a consistent, quality supply of this fantastic product,” says Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh in Doral, Florida, and Co-Chair of PAIA. “Our upcoming supplies look excellent and should allow for great promotional and sales opportunities.”
Yager and Co-Chair Jay Rodriguez of Crystal Valley Foods in Miami, Florida, will continue leading PAIA during 2022 and 2023, providing consistency for the association’s vision and activities.
“Peru is a significant contributor to the U.S. consumer’s table and we want to ensure an uninterrupted supply of this nutritious item,” says Rodriguez. “For over 20 years, our association has been dedicated to improving trade in Peruvian asparagus. It’s such an important vegetable for our customers, both retail and foodservice, and for consumers as well.”
Fresh Asparagus
2021 Import Landscape (Top 5)
Country
Quantity (lbs)
YOY Variance
Mexico
434,139,136
16%
Peru
224,871,286
9%
Canada
4,163,870
47%
Ecuador
1,901,046
69%
Argentina
68,343
-41%
Import Total
665,176,532
14%
Area/Partners of Origin
January – December
And Consumption Commodities Imported
Cumulative To Date Values in Thousands of dollars
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Partner
Product
Value
Value
Value
Value
Value
Peru
Asparagus, Fresh
262,929
239,104
252,573
261,389
274,342
Grand Total
262,929
239,104
252,573
261,389
274,342
The association will focus efforts in 2022 on working with trade press, supermarkets and consumers to education more about the benefits of fresh asparagus. As U.S. consumers look for alternative, interesting, and healthy products, the association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2022.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) is an organization of US companies involved in the trade of importing fresh Peruvian asparagus within North America. We are committed to improving the process and present a united forum through which dialogue and progress is achieved. We represent the industry to the trade and focus on issues of political and logistical importance.
