Asparagus prices keep rising as supplies tighten

Overview of asparagus in the U.S. market, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on December 28, 2023.

Supplies remain extremely scarce; prices will continue climbing this week but are close to reaching their peak. Packer label is being substituted to meet demand when necessary.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Mexico

• – Limited quantities are being harvested in Southern Baja and Sonora; many growers stopped harvesting earlier this month

• – Small-diameter stalks dominate yields

• – Cooler weather and shorter days combined with elevated markets have hindered maturation and reduced incentives to pack larger sizes

• – Large and jumbo sizes are in strong demand; substituting standard packs is recommended to ensure orders are filled over the next two to three weeks

• – Expect supplies to increase and prices to ease a bit by the first week of January, but remain elevated until Caborca growers begin harvesting in late January

• – Markon is sourcing delivered options where available to help supplement short supplies in member DCs

Peru

• – Minimal volume is being imported to the U.S. (via Miami, Florida)

• – Many Peruvian growers are prioritizing the more lucrative European market

• – FOB costs remain comparable from both regions, though some freight savings are available for Eastern DCs

• – Expect high prices and extremely tight supplies into early February

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

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