"In recent years, there has been a decline in volumes from Peru, but the warm weather this season has meant that even less is available. Shoots grow too fast and then the heads open. Growers then disregard whole fields. The yield is currently minimal. If the weather is colder, the volume will pick up again."
"In late December and the first week of January in Peru asparagus is still cut. Spears still being cut are often sent to America. These have much higher FOB-price because the airfreight costs less. Therefore there is more exported there. Some is still sent to Europe but that goes mainly to the big players.
They are given priority because they supply year round," he explains. "The prices are extremely high. For the green, 26/27 Euro or sometimes more is paid. The white will be around 10 to 12 Euro. Due to the downward trend in supply and the smaller area in Peru, we see that some importers their increase their prices by as standard."
The volumes from Mexico are expected to arrive within two weeks. "I think the situation then will be a bit more stable. Demand from the U.S. will also affect whether the prices return to normal levels. From mid-February real volumes are expected. Possibly next week more will arrive."
