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White asparagus, the observatory

Posted on by Vincent

White and green asparagus:
the harvest observatory.

Why is it important to know the volumes of white and green asparagus before they arrive?

According to insights gathered by Asparagus World, Eurofresh, and Christian Befve, is there an advantage to knowing the quantities of white and green asparagus available before they reach the market?

Setting up a forecasting observatory for white and green asparagus volumes in Europe could help fill this gap. The problem lies in the lack of information at the grower level—producers often have no visibility on the market, and thus cannot properly manage their harvest. Additionally, there is little foresight regarding market packaging and logistics.

asperge blanches

Objective: harvest forecasting

White and green asparagus producers in Europe need a forward-looking vision for the next 4 weeks, in order to reduce pressure on the asparagus market.

A strategy tailored to asparagus

It is essential to provide volume estimates for the next four weeks, with an increasing margin of error the further the projection goes.

Only producers who are representative of their region can participate in the survey. Estimates will be based on the average data from respondents in each region. Initially, only participating producers will have access to the weekly survey results.

The observations will focus on white and green asparagus production across Europe.

Asparagus production observatory calendar:

2023: The test year : All weekly information on the asparagus harvest is collected on Friday and published the same evening.

End of season: A debriefing session is held to summarize the results and discuss improvements.

For anyone interested in participating and receiving information on asparagus harvest forecasting, please register with christian@befve.com.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

Robots for harvesting asparagus

Posted on by Vincent

Cultivation Technology Is Evolving

New asparagus harvesting robots seen in Karlsrhue.

It is indeed possible to use robots to harvest asparagus. These robots typically use cameras and sensors to locate the asparagus and mechanical arms to harvest them. Depending on the model, they can harvest up to 20,000 asparagus spears per day—far more than a human worker could manage.

Cultivation technology: still limited use

However, it’s important to note that the use of robots for asparagus harvesting is still fairly limited, and most farms still rely on human labor for this task. This is partly due to the high cost of purchasing and maintaining the robots, as well as the difficulty of adapting them to different types of terrain and growing conditions.

There are several new technologies that can be used to grow asparagus more efficiently and productively. Here are a few examples:

  1. Line sowing: Instead of planting asparagus seeds manually, some farms use line-sowing machines for faster and more precise planting.
  2. Drip irrigation: This system delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant roots, helping reduce water loss and improving asparagus growth.
  3. Mulch-covered beds: Using a layer of mulch before planting helps protect plant roots from heat and drought, which can improve growth.
  4. Greenhouses: Some farms grow asparagus in greenhouses, offering protection from bad weather and better control over growing conditions to boost yield.
  5. Precision agriculture: This method uses cultivation technologies like soil mapping, field sensors, and drones to collect detailed data on plant growth conditions and adjust practices accordingly.
technologie de culture robot asperge
technologie de culture robot asperge

Carlos Solf, Southern Specialties (USA): “Asparagus prices will rise once Canada and Michigan are done” – by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola

Carlos Solf, from Southern Specialties (USA):
“Asparagus prices will rise once Canada and Michigan have finished their season.”

Current asparagus supply in the United States is good, with several regions currently in production, such as Michigan. In terms of imports, Canada, Peru, and Mexico are also shipping this vegetable. However, both Canada and Michigan are nearing the end of their season.

“As of now, asparagus production is equal to or slightly higher than last year,” says Carlos Solf, Vice President of Procurement at Southern Specialties, who adds that asparagus quality has been good across all regions. “Central Mexico is beginning its season, which will have an impact.”

The company ships its products from Grand Rapids (Michigan), McAllen (Texas), and its facilities in Pompano Beach (Florida).

A slightly shifted schedule compared to 2024

Regarding the season’s timing, all regions started one to two weeks later than initially forecast.

Demand remains steady, but “asparagus prices are currently $1 to $2 higher than in previous weeks,” notes Solf, who highlights that one of the main challenges is balancing costs with consumer demand. “A slight price increase can also be expected once Canada and Michigan have completed their production.”

For more information:
Charlie Eagle
Southern Specialties
Tel.: +1 (404) 949-0944
ceagle@southspec.com
www.southernspecialties.com

Publication date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
© FreshPlaza.es / Astrid van den Broek

Asparagus up 10%, blueberries drop sharply by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola
Seasonal perishable products weekly update:

Asparagus up 10%, blueberries drop sharply

This week’s produce report shows diverse movement patterns and price shifts across several key fruits and vegetables. While some regions are winding down their seasons, others are gearing up. Below is a summary of the current market conditions for major crops.
Asparagus
Movement from Mexico through Arizona is expected to increase slightly, though trading is slow and prices are lower. Large bunched 11-pound cartons sell for mostly $18.75–$20.75, standard for $15.75–$16.75. Michigan’s season is ending, and while movement will decrease, trading is very active. Prices for 28-pound large cartons are slightly higher. Jumbo 11-pound bunched cartons go for $28.75–$30.75, large for $26.75–$28.75, and standard for $26.75.


Click to enlarge

Avocado
Movement from Mexico through Texas is expected to decrease slightly. Trading is slow. Prices for conventional 60s and 84s are steady; others are lower. Cartons of 2-layer Hass: 32s are $60.25–$62.25, 36s mostly $58.25–$60.25, 40s mostly $56.25–$58.25, 48s mostly $54.25–$56.25, 60s mostly $37.25–$39.25, 70s mostly $31.25–$33.25, 84s mostly $24.25–$25.25. Organic 48s are $74.25–$76.25, 60s $62.25–$65.25, and 70s mostly $42.25–$46.25. Imports from Peru through Philadelphia and New York ports remain stable.


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Blueberry
North Carolina’s season is ending, with decreasing movement. Prices remain unchanged: 12 1-pint flats mostly $18.00–$20.00. Mexico crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas are sharply down. Prices of 6-ounce cups are slightly higher: 12 6-ounce flats range from $12.00–$16.00, 1-pint cups mostly $20.00–$22.00; organic 1-pint cups are $24.00–$28.00. The Central and Southern California movement is also sharply lower. Flats of 12 6-ounce cups are $12.00–$16.00, 12 1-pint flats $20.00–$24.00, and 8 18-ounce containers $20.00–$24.00.


Click to enlarge

Cucumber
Mexico crossings through Texas are declining. Prices are slightly higher: 1 1/9-bushel cartons, medium mostly $11.95–$12.95, fair quality $5.95–$7.95, ordinary $4.95–$5.95, large $12.95–$13.95.The Otay Mesa movement is slightly down. Mediums are mostly $14.00–$16.00, fair $12.00, large $10.00–$11.00, 24s $6.00–$8.00, 36s mostly $8.95–$9.00.

Bell Pepper
Coachella Valley volume is steady. Trading is moderate, and prices are mostly unchanged. The green pepper supply is too low to establish a market. From South Georgia, movement is also steady. Jumbo and extra-large are mostly $13.35–$14.35, fair quality $6.35–$7.35.


Click to enlarge

Tomato
Florida West and South Carolina Districts are seeing increasing movement. Jumbo size is $11.00–$11.35, 5×6 and 6×6 are $10.00–$10.35, and 6×7 $7.00–$8.35. California’s Central District will begin reporting soon. Mexican crossings through Texas are decreasing with slow trade. Vine Ripes 2-layer 4x4s are $7.37–$7.95, 4x5s $7.39–$7.95, 5x5s $7.13, 5x6s $6.64; 25-pound loose 4×4–4x5s are $8.30–$8.95, 5×5–5x6s mostly $8.30.

To view the full report, click here.

For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2791
Email: press@usda.gov
www.mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov

 

Peru, First Quarter: Mangoes, Asparagus, and Blueberries Dominated Air Exports – via FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola

Between January and April 2025, Peruvian air exports reached 36,203 tons, a 32.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This was reported by the Foreign Trade Society of Peru (Comex Perú), which attributes the growth to higher volumes of products such as fresh mangoes, asparagus, and blueberries. Together, these three products accounted for 65.36% of the total volume shipped by air.

The main product exported by air during the first four months of the year was fresh mango, with 14,348 tons—a 70.7% year-on-year increase—representing 39.63% of total air exports.

Fresh or chilled asparagus ranked second with 7,420 tons, up 9.4% and representing 20.50%. Next came fresh blueberries with 1,896 tons, a 26.5% increase, accounting for 5.24% of the total.

Strong Growth in April 2025

In April 2025 alone, air exports reached 9,825 tons, up 69.9% compared to April 2024.

Fresh mango remained the top product with 3,537 tons—a surge of 287.7%—accounting for 36.0% of the monthly volume. Fresh or chilled asparagus followed with 2,136 tons, an 83.1% increase from last year, making up 21.74% of the total.

Other notable products included non-ground or powdered ginger (522 tons, -4%), fresh pomegranates (390 tons, -0.9%), and fresh blueberries (329 tons, +17.5%).

Source: agraria.pe
Cover photo: © Valentyn75 | Dreamstime
Publication date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Peruvian asparagus expected to rebound in 2025, according to FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola

The 2025 Peruvian asparagus season is showing clear signs of recovery, driven by favorable weather conditions and corrective agronomic practices. By May, Peru had exported 39,436 tons of asparagus, representing a 42% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

This growth in volume generated $126 million in revenue, up 18% from 2024, although accompanied by a 17% drop in the average price, which stands at $3.19 per kilo. The main destinations are the United States and Europe, two strategic markets for Peruvian asparagus.

Encouraging outlook, but uncertainties remain

Prospects for the rest of the year are optimistic. Export volumes are expected to exceed 2024 levels by more than 30%. Additionally, the early end of the Spanish season due to persistent rains could open a window of opportunity from June onward, potentially leading to price recovery if paired with an effective commercial strategy.

However, the abundance of supply and downward pressure on prices are creating uncertainty in the sector. In the absence of attractive margins and a clear strategy to boost international demand, some producers have opted to reduce rather than expand their planted areas.

Peruvian asparagus is mostly produced under a model where small farmers supply large exporting companies. In unfavorable periods, this system leaves little room to reinvest capital. This structure may limit the sector’s ability to adapt to new market challenges.

United States and Europe: two different contexts

From a commercial standpoint, the United States remains the main destination. Although annual consumption exceeds 300,000 tons, domestic production only covers 10–15% of that demand. Mexico dominates the supply, increasingly focusing on premium varieties, while Peru remains oriented toward conventional asparagus, posing a challenge as American consumer preferences evolve.

In Europe, the dynamics are different. Countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece produce primarily for their own consumption. However, the seasonal nature of the European market leaves room for Peru to step in outside local harvest periods. Still, growth potential is limited, as imports only account for 15–20% of total demand.

Source: freshfruit.pe
Cover photo: © Picture Partners | Dreamstime