Peruvian Asparagus Importer's Association Announces New West Coast Co-Chairman

The Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association (PAIA) has announced new West Coast Co-Chairman, Gary Meadows, Progressive Produce, Director of Sales.  “The PAIA Co-Chairmen help guide the association in our efforts to facilitate asparagus trade and evolve the asparagus category as a whole,” says Priscilla Lleras, Coordinator for the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association.

As announced in PAIA’s December 2013 Press Release, The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) announced their election of the new association Chairmen for the 2014-2015 term. Elected by member vote at the October Board Meeting in 2013 were West Coast Co-Chair, Brian Miller of Gourmet Trading, Los Angeles, California and re-elected East Coast Co-Chair, Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh, Miami, Florida.   “Since Brian has been newly announced as Mission Produce’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing – PAIA has warmly wished him much success in his new position”, stated  Walter Yager, Alpine Fresh, East Coast Co-Chairman of PAIA.

Nearly 10 years ago, the owners of Progressive decided to enter the fresh asparagus business and Gary Meadows was hired as sales manager to begin that endeavor.   Since that time, Progressive, and partner company Keystone Fruit Marketing have become international players in the US Asparagus deal. Progressive President, Jim Leimkuhler noted “Gary has been very instrumental in the growth of our business and has worked tirelessly to bring success to this part of the business.” 

Serving the remainder of the 2014-2015 Term as PAIA Chairmen:

• East Coast Co-Chair, Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh, Miami, FL.
• Newly Assigned:  West Coast Co-Chair, Gary Meadows of Progressive Produce, Los Angeles, CA

Source: Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association (PAIA)