Peru asparagus import group names new co-chairs

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has new co-chairs for 2024-25.

For 2024-2025, Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties will serve as East Coast chair and Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt will be the West Coast chair, according to a news release. PAIA co-chairs serve a two-year term and are selected by membership vote.

“PAIA co-chairmen help guide the association in our efforts to advance the asparagus trade industry and progress the entire asparagus category as a whole,” Priscilla Lleras, executive director for the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, said in the release.

From 2016 to 2023, Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh and Jay Rodriguez of Crystal Valley Foods served as PAIA co-chairs. The association said their leadership has contributed to the growth of the Peruvian asparagus industry.

“It has been a privilege and a joy to serve as PAIA co-chairman and work alongside our member associates within PAIA,” Yager said in the release. “Together, we have been able to steer the industry well and obtain many goals.”

Rodriguez said in the release that he was grateful to have served as PAIA co-chair.

“The PAIA association is a collaborative association creating a very unique culture where competitors interact and work together to obtain industry goals,” he said.

Solf and Rolandelli said in the release they are looking forward to their leadership roles.

 “Certainly, PAIA previous chairmen have exhibited their loyalty to the association and industry, we have the responsibility to carry out consistency in growth, common vision and goals that are all executed with accuracy,” Solf said.

Rolandelli said in the release that PAIA’s membership represents more than 90% of the fresh asparagus industry that is consumed within the U.S.

“Carlos and I are dedicated to maintaining the strong relationships within the association and realize long-term strategic plans for the fresh asparagus industry with thoughtful collaboration,” Rolandelli said.

PAIA was developed in 2001 and will be celebrating 23 years of service to the industry in September 2024, according to the release. 

“Our members are leaders of the industry, their commitment to the association brings deliberate success and growth,” Lleras said in the release. “Our membership is comprised of first-class importers and industry service providers. PAIA membership cares about our association and industry and are involved in our progression.”

The association says it plans to focus even greater efforts in 2024 on spreading the positive word to trade press, retailers and industry concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus, the release said. The association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2024 through articles, advertisements, direct communication and trade show participation, according to the release.