Imported asparagus prices gain strength

Asparagus prices are rising with volumes lower than the past several seasons.

Supplies are available from Peru and Mexico, and growers report high quality.

Asparagus Prices F.O.B. Perú vs México August 1st through September 29th, 2020

Due to low volumes in the last week we have noticed in the last few weeks (Sept. 20-Sept. 29), prices have considerably increased to $25 for Mexico and $22 for Peru for Asparagus Green size Large, said David Wilson Villasenor, vice president of sales to shippers and growers for Agtools Inc. BB #:355102

Blue Book has teamed with Agtools Inc., the data analytic service for the produce industry, to look at a handful of crops and how they’re adjusting in the market during the pandemic.

Asparagus Prices Have Also Affected the New York Terminal

One of the principal markets of Peru and Mexico is the New York Terminal for the 11-pound Asparagus Green size large, Wilson said. Prices have increased to the $20s from September 20th to September 29th, 2020.

In the period between August 1st through September 29th, Peru is the No. 1 source of asparagus volume in the U.S. at 40 million pounds. Total Volume for the last two months is 70 million pounds. Peru represents 57.5 percent of the total reported volume in this period.

We can observe that Peru has also increased 931,000 pounds in comparison with the same period of last year 2019 which represents an increase of 2.3 percent, Wilson said.

Volume comparison for Peru 2018-2020 August 1st to September 29th

In 2020, the volume from Peru has increased slightly from 39 million pounds to 40 million pounds vs 2019. He said 2018 had more volume of all the years at 45 million pounds. In September 2020, the volume has decreased vs. 2019 and 2018 it can be seen from September 13th forward.

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