PERU - In order to make every season the best that it can possibly be, you need trends to back up your response to the market. Luckily, the Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association (PAIA) has developed its 2019/2020 Fresh Asparagus Statistics, Trends and Demographics Report.

“The Fresh Asparagus report is essential information for retailers to increase their sales of fresh asparagus for today and the remainder of the year,” stated Priscilla Lleras-Bush, PAIA Director.

In fact, asparagus has been rising in popularity among consumers for the past four years. From 2016 to 2019, United States imports of fresh asparagus increased by 18 percent. According to the USDA and Foreign Trade Statistics data recorded in 2019, the United States imported more than 572 million pounds of fresh-market asparagus, which equates to a 4.1 million pound import increase 2018 over 2019.

“Peru is a leading import source for fresh market asparagus in the United States,” commented Walter Yager, CEO Alpine Fresh, Miami, Florida and Co-Chairman of PAIA. “U.S. retailers have recognized the advantages of stocking Peruvian asparagus on their shelves, which have resulted in maintaining fresh asparagus sales year-round.”

PAIA importers continue to work with customers in an effort to strategically promote the nutritional benefits, ease of preparation, and convenience of fresh asparagus.

“The 2019/2020 Report provides buying trends and key demographic information which point retailers to the dedicated buying consumers of fresh asparagus," Jay Rodriguez, CEO Crystal Valley Foods, Miami, Florida and Co-Chairman of PAIA, remarked in a press release. "Retailers can be confident to promote fresh asparagus year-round to increase sales.”

In 2020, the association hopes to increase consumption and demand of fresh asparagus through articles, advertising, direct-communication and trade-show participation, so keep your eyes and ears open, industry members! The next big thing in asparagus may be about to hit.

Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association