Peruvian importers and exporters of asparagus are working to create a fund to push sales of the vegetable in the United States, Andina.com.pe reported.

“The idea is to contribute a cent on the dollar for each kilogram of asparagus that it sold in the U.S. market, which would create a fund of US $250,000,” Hans Bottger, marketing manager of Talma, a leading exporter, was quoted as saying.

He said the idea was suggested last May by the Peruvian Asparagus Import Association, after an evaluation of the need to increase the consumption of asparagus in the United States because it would generate demand that would favor Peruvian businesses, the website said.

“That’s the case for the blueberry, whose demand has increased by more than 25% for the 2010-11 season, selling that favors mainly Chile and Argentina,” Bottger said, according to the website.

Bottger said Peruvian importers and exporters aim to increase demand for Peruvian asparagus in the U.S. by 25% a year after starting the effort.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com