Mexico overtakes Peru in asparagus shipments to the UK
Mexico maintained its position as the world’s leading supplier of fresh asparagus until 2021. However, in 2022, Peru retook the lead after five years, relegating Mexico to second place. Since then, Mexico has focused on increasing its presence in markets also served by Peru, including the UK. Between May and June 2024, Mexico managed to export more asparagus than Peru to the United Kingdom, even though Peruvian shipments did not decrease significantly during this period. This is due to an increase in British demand for Mexican asparagus. In addition, Peruvian asparagus yields per hectare were 20% lower than last year, due to difficulties inherited from 2023.Peru, facing a difficult year, has seen Mexico take advantage of its higher production and proximity to the United States to adapt to changes in international demand. Between January and August this year, Peru exported 49,499 tons of fresh asparagus worth $211 million to the UK, a decrease compared to the last year. Green asparagus dominated exports, accounting for 95% of the total. La Libertad stood out as the main producing area, followed by Lambayeque and Ica. Most of the asparagus was shipped through Jorge Chavez International Airport.
The US continued to be the main market for Peru’s fresh asparagus, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom. Exports to the United States decreased and exports to Spain increased. Despite the decrease in volume, exports to the UK increased in value, thanks to a higher average price.
