ROME: Shipments to foreign countries continue to grow, a testament to the increasing popularity of asparagus in the past few years.
In 2016, total asparagus exports exceeded 8,500 tons, 40% more than in the previous season.
The value reached almost €29 million, 50% more than in 2015, also thanks to an average price of €3.40/kg, among the highest of the decade.
Italy therefore occupies the third place in Europe among asparagus exporters, behind Spain and the Netherlands.
Germany remains the main outlet market, despite being the leading European producer with 20,000 cultivated hectares. In 2016, Italy shipped over 3,200 tons of produce to this country, i.e. 38% of the total.
Austria occupies the second place with almost 1,500 tons, 17% of the total volume and a 33% increase on 2015.
In addition to those mentioned above, the first 10 destinations all absorbed larger volumes compared to the previous season. Good performances were also registered for Sweden, Switzerland, France and UK, while the volumes sent to Denmark were rather stable.
