Empire Asparagus is “Big in Japan”

From staff reports

Empire’s Asparagus Festival this year drew the attention of Japanese food importer Tsukasa Miyakawa (pictured here with Miser’s Hoard owner Paul Skinner), who intends to purchase locally-grown asparagus and import it to Japan. Miyakawa visited Skinner in Empire on June 3. His company imports approximately 800 tons of frozen asparagus each year, and looks to grow that market by 250 tons over the next five years, according to Skinner. Northern Michigan may become their new supply source.

How did Miyakawa learn about Michigan asparagus? Through online social media. The Empire Asparagus Festival’s Facebook page reveals that “hits” from Japan topped “hits” within the United States by nearly 2,000 between April 22 and May 19. In fact, of the top six cities to register “hits”, four were Japanese.

Perhaps next year, the Empire Asparagus Festival will offer asparagus sushi, jokes Skinner.