Peruvian asparagus group continues to push for progress
Peruvian asparagus group continues to push for progress
The Peruvian fresh asparagus import community continues to be a viable and important part of building the U.S. market for fresh asparagus, and is working diligently with its exporters to make even further progress in several areas.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association recently adopted a mission statement and focused on improving the market for Peruvian fresh asparagus and serving as a facilitator for key industry issues. The mission statement will help direct activities already underway and to kick off a strong season.
The adopted mission statement reads, "The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association is an organization of U.S. 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."
During a recent meeting in Miami with association members and representatives from the Peruvian Asparagus Institute, Frio Aereo, and IPEH's Washington ,DC, lobbying firm discussed how to further promote and improve the marketing of fresh asparagus from Peru.
"One thing we've determined will be very valuable is a monthly rolling production forecast from Peruvian exporters to PAIA members, said John-Campbell Barmmer of Bounty Fresh in Miami, who is co-chair of PAIA. "The information will include actual and projected asparagus production forecasts accumulated at origin and disseminated to PAIA members. These reports will assist in sales analysis for both the importers and their retailer customers.
Wood pallets also were a focus of discussion. "USDA will regulate wood packing material with guidelines to set specifications as of September 2005, said Chris Martin of Gourmet Trading in Los Angeles, who is also co-chair of PAIA. "PAIA is working with industry companies and organizations to create a functional, cost-effective pallet that will comply with USDA requirements and the requirements of our customers.
The Peruvian asparagus industry, along with its U.S. counterpart PAIA, continues to work diligently to support the free trade and other trade incentives, which are crucial to the trade of fresh Peruvian asparagus.
"Continued free trade status of fresh asparagus is important to our retail customers, to consumers and to many workers sustained by this import industry, said Mr. Barmmer. "PAIA has joined forces with several associations and coalitions in the effort to advance negotiations for a free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.
The association will focus even greater efforts in 2005 on spreading the positive word to trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus. Through utilizing articles, advertisements, direct-communication, and trade show participation, the association anticipates increased consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2005.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association recently adopted a mission statement and focused on improving the market for Peruvian fresh asparagus and serving as a facilitator for key industry issues. The mission statement will help direct activities already underway and to kick off a strong season.
The adopted mission statement reads, "The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association is an organization of U.S. 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."
During a recent meeting in Miami with association members and representatives from the Peruvian Asparagus Institute, Frio Aereo, and IPEH's Washington ,DC, lobbying firm discussed how to further promote and improve the marketing of fresh asparagus from Peru.
"One thing we've determined will be very valuable is a monthly rolling production forecast from Peruvian exporters to PAIA members, said John-Campbell Barmmer of Bounty Fresh in Miami, who is co-chair of PAIA. "The information will include actual and projected asparagus production forecasts accumulated at origin and disseminated to PAIA members. These reports will assist in sales analysis for both the importers and their retailer customers.
Wood pallets also were a focus of discussion. "USDA will regulate wood packing material with guidelines to set specifications as of September 2005, said Chris Martin of Gourmet Trading in Los Angeles, who is also co-chair of PAIA. "PAIA is working with industry companies and organizations to create a functional, cost-effective pallet that will comply with USDA requirements and the requirements of our customers.
The Peruvian asparagus industry, along with its U.S. counterpart PAIA, continues to work diligently to support the free trade and other trade incentives, which are crucial to the trade of fresh Peruvian asparagus.
"Continued free trade status of fresh asparagus is important to our retail customers, to consumers and to many workers sustained by this import industry, said Mr. Barmmer. "PAIA has joined forces with several associations and coalitions in the effort to advance negotiations for a free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.
The association will focus even greater efforts in 2005 on spreading the positive word to trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus. Through utilizing articles, advertisements, direct-communication, and trade show participation, the association anticipates increased consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2005.
