VII International Asparagus Summit to bring North American supply chain together in Tucson in 2027

The VII International Asparagus Summit will bring approximately 150 members of the asparagus industry together in Tucson in February 2027, creating a unique forum for growers, retailers, importers, distributors, logistics providers, suppliers, customs agencies, and other industry partners to connect, share perspectives, and discuss the future of the category.

Organized by the Caborca Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (PROFYH), the seventh edition of the International Asparagus Summit will emphasize commercial relationships, communication and collaboration across the supply chain. The event is part of PROFYH’s plan to alternate the Summit between Mexico and the United States. While US editions will focus primarily on commercial relationships, distribution and networking, future editions in Mexico are expected to place greater emphasis on technical and production topics.

“For PROFYH, this Summit is an opportunity to professionally present the realities of the asparagus industry in Caborca while bringing together the people who will help shape its future,” said Marcelo Vanegas, Chairman of PROFYH. 

“Our goal is to have growers, retailers, importers, distributors, logistics providers and other partners across the supply chain sitting together, communicating openly and building stronger relationships. We want the people who will be working together in this industry over the next 10 years to begin strengthening those relationships today.”

Caborca remains critical to the North American asparagus supply

The Asparagus Summit comes at an important time for the asparagus industry, particularly in Caborca, Sonora, one of Mexico’s major asparagus-producing regions during the February, March, and April production window.

In 2026, Caborca had approximately 9,462 hectares dedicated to asparagus production and produced approximately 141.9 million pounds. In 2020, the region had approximately 14,210 hectares and produced approximately 255.8 million pounds. The figures represent a roughly 33 percent decline in production area and a 45 percent decline in production volume over the six-year period.

Despite these changes, Caborca remains strategically important to the North American asparagus supply chain due to its growing conditions, established agricultural infrastructure, and proximity to the United States. Its location allows asparagus to move quickly from the field toward US markets, helping support freshness and quality.

The industry also continues to navigate rising labor costs, labor availability, changing economic conditions, and ongoing supply-chain pressures. Organizers believe that greater communication between each stage of the supply chain can help the industry better understand those challenges.

“We need better communication and transparency across the entire asparagus supply chain,” Vanegas said. 

“Every part of the chain has an important role, from the grower and importer to the distributor, logistics provider, and retailer. When we bring everyone together, we have an opportunity to better understand what each part of the industry is experiencing, share information openly and build stronger relationships that benefit the category as a whole.”

Bringing the industry together at the Asparagus Summit

The 2027 Asparagus Summit will feature high-profile speakers, commercial panels, industry discussions, and extensive networking opportunities. A golf tournament is also planned, with proceeds benefiting a nonprofit organization in Caborca.

Chris Horrell, Farm Direct Supply, who has attended the International Asparagus Summit for several years, said the event provides a level of access and transparency that is difficult to achieve through day-to-day business interactions.

“Having attended the Summit over the years, I’ve seen the value of bringing the entire asparagus community together in one place,” Horrell said. 

“By bringing together growers, importers, logistics providers, packaging companies, and sales teams to share real-time updates, the entire asparagus supply chain can communicate better and build stronger relationships. This direct connection is vital for the asparagus industry, where market conditions change rapidly.”

Rogelio Fontes Rascon, General Manager of PROFYH, also sees the event as an opportunity for the industry to learn from one another.

“I think the Asparagus Summit is a great opportunity for all of us in the asparagus industry to come together, share our experiences and learn from each other,” Fontes Rascon said. 

“We’re also putting together a strong program with great speakers and discussions that we hope will bring useful ideas and information to everyone attending.”

The VII International Asparagus Summit aims to bring together the people who grow asparagus, move it across borders and through the supply chain, market it and ultimately put it in front of consumers.

Additional speakers, programming, and Summit details will be announced in the coming months.

*All images courtesy of the Asparagus Summit.

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