Asparagus seasons in Peru and Mexico start again on time

(Agraria.pe) There appears to be less imported asparagus on the U.S. market right now. "Overall asparagus volumes are down from last year by about 15%," said Carlos Solf, vice president of purchasing for Southern Specialties, which offers the Southern Selects line of value-added packaged asparagus, organic green asparagus and white asparagus. "Volumes from Peru have been lower than normal, although quality is still good. Rains in the central Mexican growing areas have affected the quality in that region," he said. However, he said, there is optimism for the future, given that the El Niño year is about to end; warmer temperatures related to that weather phenomenon contributed to a late start to the season this year. "We are now seeing the seasons starting on time. Peru is ending in the northern areas, and the southern ones (Ica) will start in three weeks," said Solf. Baja California will also start in three weeks. Fall demand strengthensAs for asparagus demand, it has been soft, ...