Comparative analysis of asparagus marketing practices in Europe, North America, and Asia during summer and autumn

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), a perennial plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family, is native to the Mediterranean region.
Its spears are categorized as green, white, or purple, based on color.
According to FAOSTAT data collected in 2021, global asparagus production reached 8,501,443 t, with China leading as a producer (7,344,440 t), followed by Peru (365,123 t), and then Mexico (328,990 t). Although asparagus can be harvested year-round in tropical areas, Europe’s main harvest season is April-June, with lower yields in summer and autumn.
The present study analyzed asparagus sales in local markets and supermarkets across six European, two North American, and two Asian countries during July-September, 2017-2022. The parameters assessed included spear color, sales form (fresh, canned, bottled, frozen, powdered, and cooked), origin, and price.
Notably, Germany favored white bottled asparagus (83.7% of total sales), whereas Thailand favored green fresh asparagus (90.0%). Peru led as a producing nation across the ten countries.
Green fresh asparagus prices kg^‑1 in Thailand exhibited a coefficient of variation of 1.15, surpassing other countries’ prices among spear colors and sales forms.
The observed disparities in spear color, sales form, origin, and price likely mirror asparagus production conditions and consumer preferences within each country.

IV Asian Horticultural Congress – AHC2023

S. Yamashita, S. Motoki

Asparagus officinalis L., spear, market research, sale, price, export, import

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1404.201