Peruvian Onions Bring Flavor

Producers skillfully transition US production with Peru imports.

With its arid desert temperatures, low humidity, and fertile sandy soil, Peru’s climate facilitates exceptional onions.

U.S. sweet onion producers of Vidalia, HoneySweet, Mayan Sweets, Mr. Buck’s, RealSweet, and others supplement their sweet onions’ seasonality with imported Peruvian sweet onions.

CONSISTENT QUALITY

Onions in Peru “are highly valued for their consistent quality, which is reflected in their great acceptance in demanding markets such as the United States and Europe,” says Diana Pita Rodriguez, director of the Trade Commission of Peru, based in New York City.

“The Peruvian sweet onion closely resembles the Vidalia onion in taste, sweetness and appearance, featuring the distinctive flat shape and yellow color that consumers associate with premium sweet onions.”

Production is highly controlled, complying with strict phytosanitary standards, which guarantees a product free of pests and diseases, she adds. Peruvian cultivation techniques include technical irrigation systems, integrated pest control and genetically improved varieties. The main production areas include Ica, Arequipa, Lima and Lambayeque.

The sizes of Peruvian onions tend to be uniform, and the firm, well-adhered skin gives them a longer post-harvest shelf life. Peru’s different climatic zones allow almost continuous production throughout the year, and can attain ideal conditions. Two or three crops per year adds to their market desirability.

But it is their mild and sweet flavor that is most celebrated. Users rate their taste as exceptional. With their versatility as well, this combination drives their demand upward.

U.S. GROWERS TRANSITION TO PERU

“For about 20 years, U.S. growers have collaborated with Peruvian farmers to enhance and expand the Peruvian sweet onion market,” Rodriguez reports.

Led by primarily Vidalia onion growers, the quality of sweet onions has propelled consumer desire for year-round supplies. However, Georgia produces just one Vidalia crop in early spring, with this year’s pack season beginning April 17. Producers extend the established market with Peru-grown, strikingly similar sweet onions during the later months of the year. Put simply, they skillfully transition U.S. production with Peru imports.

SHUMAN FARMS

“Our premium sweet onions from Peru are available at grocery stores throughout the fall and winter and make the wait between Vidalia seasons a whole lot sweeter,” says John Shuman, president and chief executive officer, Shuman Farms, Reidsville, GA.

In 1998, Shuman Farms became one of the first Vidalia growers to establish growing operations in Peru, planting the same seed varieties from which Vidalias are grown on their U.S. farms. Since then, Shuman Farms has become the leading grower, packer, and shipper of sweet onions from Peru.

Shuman says the U.S. Vidalia season this year was “robust,” this year, setting a strong foundation for a smooth transition to the Peruvian program. “Our commitment to quality and consistency carries over from the Vidalia to the Peruvian season, guaranteeing that our customers continue to receive premium sweet onions throughout the year.”

Shuman expects to start shipping premium sweet onions from Peru in mid-September, and says the current quality of the crop “looks good and volumes are expected to meet consumer demand through March.”

In addition to operating its own farms and facilities in Peru, the import program supports the full-time, year-round workforce in Shuman Farms’ Georgia facilities.

BLAND FARMS

Delbert Bland, owner of Bland Farms, Glennville, GA, says Bland Farms has maintained operations in Peru for 28 years. “The growing conditions in Peru are ideal — dry and controlled — unlike Georgia, where rain can impact the crops.”

“We have an excellent crop in Peru this year,” he says.

In late August, Bland announced an extension of Georgia’s season into early October. “This rare extension is due to a bumper crop and advanced storage capabilities, allowing us to meet the growing demand for Vidalia sweet onions longer than usual. Typically, we begin transitioning from Vidalias to our Premium Sweet Onions from Peru in mid-August.”

With the extended Vidalia season, Bland says they’ve focused on importing only organic Premium Sweet Onions from Peru. “Our 52-week Organic Sweet Onion program allows us to maintain a continuous supply of organic options.”

Because Vidalias are available longer, Bland Farms diverted some of its Peruvian supply to their Spain and Chile markets, but Bland says the company “is prepared to ramp up shipments in September to ensure a seamless transition when the Vidalias are finished.”

HERNDON FARMS

LG Herndon Jr. Farms’ crop spans Vidalia sweet onions, sweet corn, greens and sweet potatoes. For seven months of its sweet onion program, they import onions from Peru.

“Transitioning to the tasty sweet imports has been a very good program,” says John Williams, director of sales for the Lyons, GA-based company. “The quality offers a lot, and with their nice bright appearance, we keep the customers year-round. It’s a large part of our program — we’ve been importing for years, and it works out well for us.”

Their Peruvian supply, along with other Vidalia growers, arrives via the Port of Savannah. “They are familiar with handling, and ship them cold to us about 90 miles with reefers.”

Williams recalls that in the last 10 years, El Niño affected yields, but he says this year the volume looks better.

LITTLE BEAR PRODUCE

Little Bear Produce, Edinburg, TX, produces Vidalia sweet onions, greens, cabbages and root vegetables. Their proprietary HoneySweet Onions also grow in Texas, New Mexico and Georgia, plus imports from Mexico and Peru.

“HoneySweet is the mildest onion available in the market,” says Jeff Brechler, sales representative, adding that growing in multiple locations around the world captures the best conditions to most consistently produce this mild onion. “We focus on the flavor.”

“We constantly get emails and phone calls asking where to purchase HoneySweet,” Brechler says. “There’s nothing else like it. You can eat it like an apple. Our customers send us photos showing how their kids enjoy it.”

ONION PROMOTIONS

A new study by New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences reports onions are the third most popular vegetable in the U.S.

The merchandising tips of the National Onion Association, Eaton, CO, suggest onions can be included in nutrition and health programs, as well as seasonal, holiday and special events. For example: onion dips and salsas for Super Bowl, Cinco de Mayo and other parties; onions for burgers/kebabs during barbecue season; or recipes featuring onions as a vegetarian main dish or an alternative to other vegetable side dishes.

Herndon Farms’ Williams points out that co-branded Vidalia mesh bags carry the Herndon Farms and Gary Sinise Foundation logos, with a QR code that consumers can scan for the veterans and first responders foundation.

Bland Farms reports their partnership with Big Green Egg “Gameday Sweetness” is being continued, and Shuman Farms’ Tailgating and Feeding America and Healthy Family Projects are again promoted.

RETAILERS DISPLAY AND STIMULATE SALES

Cash Wise, in Fargo, one of the banner’s 12 stores in North Dakota, lists a wide assortment of onions in its weekly flyer. Their own shelf tag program, Dietitian’s Choice, includes sweet, red, yellow bag, white, organic, and yellow and red store-diced onions. Produce department associate Blaze Johnson says the imported onions are expected in mid-September.

Sweet onions are the largest seller of onions at the Food City store in Pikeville, KY. Along with fresh yellow, white jumbo, white boiler, red fresh, red ready-cut, bulk basket, and organic onions, Vidalia 2-pound bags, and one individual Vidalia onion can be purchased.

“Consumers look for attractive appearance, and definitely like the larger onions,” says Produce Manager Perry Hinkle. They are displayed on tables, with varying sizes of stacks. “If we sell two caseloads of red onions, we’ll sell 10 to 12 cases of sweet onions.”

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Gridiron, Healthy Eating Promotions

Shuman Farms, Reidsville, GA, spotlights key promotions that include fall tailgating and healthy eating.
This year, the company is continuing its partnerships with the University of Georgia (UGA) and Georgia Southern University (GSU) athletic programs, according to John Shuman, president and chief executive officer. Exclusive recipes, in-stadium promotion and more feature the sweet onions.

“Shuman Farms gains significant brand visibility among a passionate and loyal fan base, reinforcing our position as a leader in the sweet onion market,” Shuman says.

This year’s name, image and likeness licensing includes deals with Marques Watson-Trent, linebacker at GSU, and Tate Ratledge, offensive lineman at UGA, and D.J. Shockley, former UGA quarterback. “These partnerships reflect our dedication to uplifting athletes who embody the values of hard work, determination, and leadership — traits that align closely with our brand’s mission,” says Shuman. This is the company’s third year participating in NIL partnerships with UGA and GSU athletes.

“The partnerships with Watson-Trent, Ratledge and Shockley are not just about endorsements; they are about creating meaningful connections with consumers through shared values and a commitment to quality,” says Shuman.

SUPPORTING HEALTH

Shuman Farms is also continuing its Feeding America bag promotion for its retail partners to support a meaningful cause while driving sales. Support helps provide 100,000 meals to families during the holiday season. This promotion not only highlights Shuman Farms’ commitment, but also offers a compelling value proposition for consumers to make a difference in their communities.

The company’s Healthy Family Project increases fresh produce consumption by making fruits and vegetables more accessible and appealing. “Through partnerships with grocery retailers and produce brands, our organization ensures that healthy options are prominently featured and encouraged throughout our content,” Shuman says. “We strive to empower families to make healthier choices by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need.”

In-store promotions, digital campaigns and more focus on educating parents and children about fresh produce benefits help establish lifelong healthy eating habits. Recipes, cooking tips, plus fun and easy-to-follow advice inspires families to make healthy eating achievable. Information on mental health and physical activity is included on Shuman Farms’ website; social media; and podcasts.