FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2010 – The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) has begun 2010 with energy and drive – they continue to press forward with growth and remain dedicated to their Mission Statement and association objectives.
PAIA Mission Statement:
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.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has remained strong since 2001 – the associations new officers motivation for 2010/11 season will be emphasized in their commitment to advancing the Peruvian asparagus trade. PAIA is announcing their Chairmen seats for the 2010-2012 term: East Coast Co Chair John-Campbell Barmmer of Chestnut Hill Farms, Miami, Florida and newly elected West Coast Co Chair – Chris Martin, Gourmet Trading, Los Angeles, California.
PAIA Coordinator, Priscilla Lleras states we have identified several areas of activity for 2010, the first and foremost is to enhance industry focus for increasing the consumption of fresh asparagus in the U.S. market. Secondly, our plan on continuing the coordination and production of reports such as the Peruvian Asparagus Category Management Plan Outline which identifies market growth and trends, industry facts, as well as information that will aid retailers in the marketing and promotion for Peruvian Asparagus.
The importers of PAIA are working diligently with growers and producers in Peru to continue to bring quality asparagus to the US retailers market shelves and the food service industry. It is our commitment to the trade to focus on quality, production and nutrition. We focus on these goals with the understanding that we are equipping US households with a delicious and nutritious meal solution, states John-Campbell Barmmer, Director of Marketing at Chestnut Hill Farms and East Coast Co-Chairman of PAIA.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) informs industry that importers are working with their retailers on synergies to boost promotions and sales for Peruvian asparagus at store levels. Chris Martin, President of Gourmet Trading and West Coast Co-Chairman of PAIA adds, Consumer trends indicate that more and more Americans are eating their meals at home and as an asparagus industry, we are partnering with retailers by providing additional ideas for merchandising outside the box, i.e. cross merchandising suggestions and creating diverse and attractive display shelves – spotlighting Peruvian asparagus.
Focus for PAIA is to maintain the information chain within the industry, collaborate with agency on techniques, systems and approaches that affect the entire logistics chain which ultimately assists and equips the industry to sell more Peruvian asparagus, declares Priscilla Lleras, PAIA Coordinator. The association also reports that they will continue to promote the nutritional benefits that Peruvian asparagus brings to the consumers tables.
The association will focus even greater efforts in 2010/11 on spreading the positive word to trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus – through articles, advertisements, direct-communication, and trade show participation. The association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2010/11.
Source: PAIA
