Industry News & Events

Here is where ASTA provides updates and archives information about news, events, and ASTA educational programs tailored for today’s spice industry. ASTA features a wide range of educational offerings ranging from food safety to regulatory compliance to the latest food industry trends that impact spices. We utilize a combination of in-person meetings and web-based lectures to meet the needs of the industry. Content on past events is available for past participants of these programs. ASTA currently publishes two monthly electronic newsletters and is on LinkedIn. These platforms are designed to keep members informed.

Not a member yet? Visit about membership to find out more about the benefits of Membership and how to join ASTA.

Newsletters (members only) and Social Media – ASTA Advocate provides current information on U.S. legislative and regulatory issues that impact the spice industry. At the same time, FYI ASTA keeps members informed with the latest information about ASTA initiatives supporting the association’s strategic goals, annual meetings, dues renewal, new member announcements, and other industry-related news. If you are searching through archive issues, please be advised that some links may no longer be available. ASTA is excited to combine its two monthly newsletters FYI ASTA and ASTA Advocate into one weekly newsletter beginning in January 2020. Stay tuned for more information on this focused newsletter that will continue to offer frequent news and information to ASTA members.

Follow ASTA on LinkedIn. As an association, it’s important that we can communicate with you to get you important information when you need to know it, ensure you know about meetings and educational programs, and to make sure you know about new publications and guidance as they are developed.

Call for Presentations – Please let us know if you have a great idea, an interesting topic, or know of a knowledgeable or terrific speaker that will challenge and inspire our audience. All ideas are welcome and there are no fees required to submit a proposal.

Media Requests for ASTA – ASTA is available to respond to media inquiries regarding the spice industry. ASTA can provide basic information about spices, responses on industry issues, and information on quality and safety standards. ASTA does not have market data statistics on the spice trade. For information on market data, ASTA generally refers media inquiries to government databases, such as the USDA FAS GATS database.

Annual Meetings and Exhibits – ASTA’s premier educational event is the Annual Meeting and Exhibits held in the spring. This event provides a series of lectures on the latest key spice industry issues, features a pre-conference workshop with an in-depth look at one key topic, and the exhibits offer attendees the opportunity to learn about essential products and services. In 2020 ASTA pivoted to a virtual event; check out ASTA Online.

Quarterly Crop Reports – ASTA offers quarterly sessions/updates on various crops of interest to the ASTA membership. These Quarterly Crop Report updates are designed to align with the harvesting time of various crops to allow for more timely updates on what is happening with the different spice crops of interest to members. The quarterly updates will be presented in a variety of formats intended to provide more engaging and informative presentations. Access to the recordings for these quarterly sessions/updates is for members only.

Workshops – Each fall, ASTA holds a Workshop in Washington, DC, to allow the industry to hear directly from policymakers and regulators.

Webinars – Throughout the year, ASTA brings education right to your desktop with Webinars. After the live broadcast, these are available to purchase for download.

Advertising and Sponsorship – Advertise with ASTA or become a sponsor. Here you will find out more about these opportunities to gain exposure for your company and become a sponsor to one or more of our many events and programs.