Domestic Market
With its temperate - subtropical climate and a cool winter, Australia is well suited to growing asparagus. In terms of production volume, the Australian Asparagus Industry is the eighth largest in the world. The net value of the industry is around $50 million, with more than 95% of production coming from Victoria. The industry enjoys comparative advantages in terms of environmental factors, low chemical use and relative freedom from pests and diseases. In Australia, green asparagus is the dominant variety grown, with some white asparagus and a very limited amount of purple asparagus. The Australian season extends from August-September through to April.
Sizable plantings are found in Victoria, with smaller plantings in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. The majority of asparagus produced in Australia is sold fresh on the domestic and export markets.
Asparagus produced in Victoria in Koo Weep Rup and Dalmore area accounts for more than 93% of Australia’s total asparagus production so it’s no wonder this area has been fondly named “Asparagus Country”.
Asparagus from this region has earned an enviable reputation for being 100% clean, green and safe and its luscious eating quality is esteemed on both domestic and global markets. As recently as the early 2000’s Australians recently considered asparagus a “gourmet” vegetable and a delicacy to be eaten on special occasions rather than for every day meals. Today asparagus remains loved by chefs and gourmands for its versatility, unique herbaceous flavour and distinctive shape – yet it has now become firmly implanted in the repertoires of home cooks and families who are now enjoying for everyday family recipes from the backyard BBQ to stir-fries, soups and salads.
Whilst past growth and development of the Australian asparagus industry has been due to healthy export markets, in 2002 the industry embraced the opportunity to expanding the domestic market. Since then apparent domestic consumption has subsequently increased due to the increased availability of asparagus on the domestic market, increased accessibility at retail level, increased marketing and promotions activities and increased demand for healthy foods.
Annual per capita consumption of asparagus in Australia is estimated to be 416 g (just over 2 bunches). Although this has increased by more than 30% over the last decade, there is plenty of room to include this versatile vegetable in the Australian diet. Annual per capita consumption of asparagus in Switzerland is 1.5 kg followed by Germany at 1.12 kg.
In Australia, green asparagus is the dominant variety grown, with some white asparagus and a very limited amount of purple asparagus during November. For the remainder of the year, availability of imported asparagus comes from Peru, Thailand, Mexico and United States of America.
Asparagus is marketed through Central Wholesale Markets in all states of Australia and also marketed direct to supermarkets and the foodservice market.