Peru was the undisputed world leader in the export of asparagus during the period between 2008 and 2012, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has said.
Likewise, the regional entity warned that factors such as global market dynamics, competition from Mexico, the growth of logistics costs, changes in currency exchange and the lack of similarity between different exporter trade policies make it clear that more and better decisions need to be made in the sector for it to retain its leading position as the world's largest asparagus traders.
Moreover, the report said climate change is having an increasingly bigger impact on the asparagus business, both in terms of production and consumption, be it due to the effects of temperatures, rainfall or drought.
The report acknowledges that, to face these challenges, the country's institutions are making an effort to achieve technological innovations, but unfortunately they act in isolation and do not see the need to do so throughout the entire production chain.
"The National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) is the governing body of the National Agricultural Innovation System. Therefore, public policies should aim towards the strengthening of this institution, to which end the participation of the private sector is vital," he added.
Work still needs to be done in sectorial articulation, as well as in market development, such as in the case of Germany and Japan (which are among the largest asparagus consumers), freshplaza.com reported.
"Peru's competition is the Mexican asparagus supply, which has become a "rising star" during the first two quarters in several countries such as the UK, the Netherlands and Spain and all year round in the United States," says the report, noting that in the latter, Mexican producers benefit from the parity of the peso against the U.S. dollar.
The second half of the year is when Peru concentrates most of its exports. However, it is noted that shipments to Spain are stagnating and those to the Netherlands and the UK have are starting to face some small competitors.