Breakfast

8:00 am – 9:00 am
Enjoy a light breakfast in the Exhibit Hall.

Keynote Address

9:00 am – 10:00 am 
Jack Bobo, The Nature Conservancy 
The spice industry is growing faster than ever, emerging relatively unscathed from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has benefited from innovative applications in diverse fields like seasonings and flavors, increasing interest in the immune-boosting properties of spices, and shifting consumer preferences. Despite these opportunities, considerable risks remain in the form of natural disasters (pests, heat, floods, drought, etc.) and structural challenges related to the nature of many spice producers needing access to finance, storage, and market power. In this session, Jack Bobo and ASTA colleagues will explore how these risks affect the livelihood of all those in the supply chain.

Show Me the Money (Supply)

10:00 am – 10:30 am 
Anirban Basu, The Sage Group 
Soft landing? Something harder? Whither inflation? This session will analyze the major factors shaping economic outcomes, including central bank policymaking, worker attitudes, business confidence, and geopolitics. You’ll walk away from the presentation armed with an economic forecast for the coming year, highlighting the major risks stakeholders will likely encounter. 

Networking Break

10:30am – 11:00am
Stretch, hydrate, and connect with colleagues and exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall.  

ASTA Issues and Advocacy Update

11:00 am – Noon
Pontus Mattsson, ASTA President
Laura Shumow, ASTA
Maile Gradison, Hogan Lovells
Hear how ASTA is working to advocate for the spice industry, promote food safety, and foster an engaged membership. This session features a robust update from ASTA’s General Counsel on the latest regulatory and policy issues impacting the spice industry and a discussion amongst ASTA leadership and consultants on how the association is responding to protect, promote, and advance industry interests. Learn about the latest developments on heavy metals, ethylene oxide, food safety regulations, and the importance of spices being included in the FDA’s definition of “healthy.” 

Lunch on Own

Noon – 2:00 pm 
Explore San Diego’s many delicious dining options, and take the opportunity to connect with colleagues and return refreshed for the afternoon sessions.  

Membership Outreach Committee Meeting

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm (Invitation Only) 
This is a closed meeting for Membership Outreach Committee members and invited guests. Individuals interested in learning more about participation should contact [email protected].  

Organic Task Force Meeting

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm (Invitation Only) 
This is a closed meeting for Organic Task Force members and invited guests. Individuals interested in learning more about participation should contact [email protected]. 

Global Spice Trade Roundtable

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm 
Panel: Andrey Inshyn, Ukrainian Spice Association; Mike Liu, China Spice Association; Martin Einig, European Spice Association; Lien Hoang Thi, Vietnam Pepper Association; Sanjeev Bisht, All India Spice Exporters Forum (AISEF) 
Moderator: Laura Shumow, American Spice Trade Association 
The success of the global spice trade depends on strong coordination between origin and importing countries. This roundtable includes unique perspectives from worldwide spice trade associations on the top geopolitical, climate, and governmental challenges in top spice-producing regions. First, hear an informative briefing on how Ukrainian spice producers have been impacted by the conflict with Russia, and learn how global partners can support the development of the Ukrainian Spice Association. Next, ASTA’s Executive Director will moderate a panel on how allied spice trade associations in China, India, and Vietnam are working to meet the evolving compliance and market requirements in the U.S. and the EU.  

Networking Break

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm 
Take a short break to stretch, hydrate, and connect with colleagues and exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall.  

IFIC’s 2023 Food and Health Survey: Highlights for the Spice Industry

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm
Anthony “Tony” Flood, International Food Information Council (IFIC)
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) conducts an annual survey of consumer perceptions and beliefs about food safety and nutrition and publicly publishes the findings on www.foodinsight.org. Join this session to hear a brief update on the latest findings from the 18th year of this long-running survey, focusing on relevant insights into the spice industry.

Leveraging Relevant Food Trends & Understanding Consumer Purchase Behavior

4:00 pm – 4:45 pm 
Liz Moskow, Bread & Circus Ltd.  
Food and beverage fads come and go, exciting and engaging consumers as “eatertainment,” but often failing to create meaningful product opportunities for companies. There is a distinct difference between fads and trends, and what truly impacts the product landscape are lasting trends that emerge from consumer emotions that drive purchase behavior. How can you pinpoint purchasing behaviors and trends to act upon? What are emerging trends relevant to the spice market? Attendees will walk away from this session with a strong understanding of how to harness the power of trend translation to benefit your business. 

How Beverage Trends Are “On Fire” with Spice

4:45 pm – 5:15 pm 
Mike Yen, San Diego Mixology 
Mixologists are leveraging spices to create a new cache of classic cocktails featuring bitter, sweet, spicy, umami, and salty flavors. At this exciting session, learn how mixologists enhance flavors with sous vide cooking techniques and discover tips on how to pair spices and herbs to concoct on-trend, “swicy,” bittersweet, and salty and sweet cocktails and mocktails. Then, head to Happy Hour to taste the trends and savor the concoctions of Mike Yen, a San Diego-based beverage savant, as he shakes, stirs, mixes, blends, and showcases the special spice secrets to today’s hottest cocktails. 

Happy Hour

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm 
Join us in the Exhibit Hall and connect with industry colleagues, friends, and exhibitors, featuring the specialty crafted spice-infused cocktail created by Mike Yen, ASTA’s guest mixologist.  

Gaslamp Quarter Crawl

9:00 pm – 11:30 pm  (Additional + Advance Registration Required) 
San Diego bars are waiting to welcome you on this guided bar crawl through the famous Gaslamp quarter. Enjoy VIP entry to three bars, hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets (limited), discount drinks, music, fun, and much more. Registration is $65 per person and must be completed in advance. Space is limited, so book early to guarantee your spot. There will be no onsite registration available.