Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association Announces 2018-2019 Co- Chairmen

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) announces the election of the association Chairmen for 2018-2019.  Elected by a member vote at the October 2017 Association meeting were Co-Chairs Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh, Miami, Florida and Jay Rodriguez, of Crystal Valley Foods, Miami, Florida. “Walter and Jay have been strong leaders of PAIA in the past and we are grateful for their continued commitment to leadership of the association,” says Priscilla Lleras-Bush, PAIA Coordinator.  “Under their direction our association will continue to achieve the goals we have set out to even better facilitate and promote asparagus trade.”

PAIA has been active for the past few years in addressing significant regulatory issues affecting the international trade of fresh asparagus. “The association looks to continue its focused work in 2018 on initiatives that will streamline and advance the asparagus industry,” says Lleras-Bush. “Additionally, our members, through our association resources, work to build the growing demand for fresh asparagus at retail and foodservice levels.”

The association plans to focus even greater efforts in 2018 on spreading the positive word to trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus. PAIA’s Category Management Plan contains a wealth of information to help retail better analyze the fresh asparagus business. Retailers can contact any PAIA member to obtain a copy.

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.