The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) announces the recent election of the new association Chairmen for the 2014-2015 term. Elected by member vote at the October 2013 meeting 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.
“The PAIA 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. “We look forward to extremely effective programs in 2014-2015 under these accomplished industry leaders.”
PAIA is tasked with enhancing trade with Peru and working to help increase fresh asparagus consumption throughout the United States. “It is important for all of us to cooperate and share a focus and commitment to advancing the asparagus industry,” says Yager. “This benefits all who are involved from grower to retailer and the end consumer.”
“Being newly elected to this position, I look forward to further increasing industry synergies within the asparagus industry,” says Miller.
In recent years, PAIA has worked to resolve trade issues with USDA, coordinate training events related to food safety / traceability and assist importers and industry with key networking opportunities. “The association has gained momentum over the years and has played vital role in resolving issues affecting our industry,” states Lleras. “We have collectively united ourselves and our approaches on industry issues and find the best results are in our unified strength,” stated Yager.
The association will focus even greater efforts in 2013/2014 on spreading the positive word to trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the health benefits of fresh asparagus. Miller adds, “PAIA will continue to channel our combined energy to advancing the Peruvian asparagus industry and meet the needs of the buyers and consumers of fresh Peruvian asparagus.”
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) is an organization of US companies involved in the trade of importing fresh Peruvian asparagus within North America. We are committed to improving the process and present a united forum through which dialogue and progress is achieved. We represent the industry to the trade and focus on issues of political and logistical importance.
Source: The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA)
