Full program details for ASTA’s 2022 Annual Meeting & Exhibits can be found below. You can view more information about our presenters and panelists in the Speakers Directory. This schedule is subject to change.
Sunday, April 10 - All Events
Joint Food Safety/Government Relations Committee Meeting | 8:30am – 11:00am
This is a closed meeting for members of the food safety and government relations committees and invited guests. (Invitation Only)
Analytical Methods Subcommittee Meeting | 11:30am – 12:30pm
This is a closed meeting for members of the Analytical Methods Subcommittee and invited guests. (Invitation Only)
ASTA Power Up Fitness Networking Event | 10:00am – 11:00am
Refresh your mind and body and connect with other meeting attendees during an outdoor yoga class overlooking a 360-degree view of Miami. Registration for the Skylawn yoga event is $20 per person and includes a mat and towel. The event will be relocated indoors if there is inclement weather. Additional registration required.
First Timers Luncheon | Noon – 1:00pm
Attendees who have never previously attended an ASTA event are invited to join members of the ASTA Board of Directors and committees for a special networking lunch to introduce them to the association and make connections to ASTA leadership. (Invitation + RSVP Required)
Sustainability Symposium | 1:30pm – 5:30pm
Sponsored by Nedspice and olam food ingredients (ofi)
ASTA is partnering with the Sustainable Spice Initiative to offer this exciting program about sustainability in the spice industry. The program will kick off with a discussion of what sustainability really means for spices and why all spice companies need to be thinking about their role in protecting people and the planet to ensure future profits. Get a glimpse ahead of what consumers will expect from companies and governmental requirements in coming years, hear from leading spice companies on their key initiatives, and gain insights from key spice customers on the importance of addressing sustainability issues. (Separate Registration Required – $195 Per Registrant)
Welcome Reception | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join us in the Exhibit Hall for an evening of mingling, drinks, and light fare, as we reconnect with industry colleagues and friends.
Monday, April 11 - Morning Sessions
Breakfast | 8:00am – 9:00am
Enjoy breakfast in the Exhibit Hall.
Organic Task Force Meeting | 8:00am – 9:00am
This is a closed meeting for members of the Organic Task Force and invited guests. (Invitation Only)
ASTA Update | 9:00am – 10:15am
Hear how ASTA is working to promote the supply of pure, safe spice, shape public policy, and advance the global industry. ASTA strives to advocate on behalf of the spice industry, promote food safety, and foster an engaged membership. Recently, ASTA has been focused on preventing adulteration and contamination in spice supply chains. This session will explore ASTA’s latest initiatives to advocate for practical and achievable regulations, conduct important research on spices, and work with partners in origin countries to minimize contamination and promote compliance. Attendees will have the chance to learn more from Craig Johnson and Carolyn Scrafford on ASTA’s recent advocacy activities and scientific work, and public affairs expert Aaron Saunders on communications issues and strategies in the food sector. New members and awards will be announced at the conclusion of this session.
Networking Break | 10:15am – 10:45am
Join us in the exhibit hall to reunite with colleagues, get acquainted with new attendees, and meet the 2022 exhibitors!
Lightening the Load: Key Strategies to Mitigate Supply Chain Challenges | 10:45am – 12:00pm
Panelists:
• Danielle Negueloua, Director of Johanson Transportation Service, International Division
• Spencer Strader, Director at Imports ECU Worldwide
Video Update from California Ports:
• Marcel van Dijk, Cargo Marketing Manager at the Port of Los Angeles, California
• Heejoo Ramsey, Assistant Marketing Manager at the Port of Long Beach, California
Importers are continuing to experience transportation challenges from unprecedented ocean shipping costs to port congestion and trucking labor shortages. This panel discussion will include presentations from supply chain experts and port authorities on the state of play on shipping and freight and provide an insightful dialogue on tools for navigating the transportation crisis. The session will focus on mitigation strategies, best practices and case studies on how importers can mitigate ongoing transportation challenges.
Monday, April 11 - Afternoon Sessions
Lunch on Own | Noon – 2:00pm
Explore downtown Miami’s many appetizing dining options.
Membership Outreach Committee Meeting | 12:15pm – 1:15pm
This is a closed meeting for members of the Membership Outreach committee and invited guests. (Invitation Only)
Spice Integrity Council Meeting | 12:15pm – 1:15pm
This is a closed meeting for members of the council and invited guests.
(Invitation Only)
The Great Resignation: Superglue Your Culture Through Recognition, Meaningful Connection, and Abundant Appreciation | 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Sarah McVanel, Founder at Greatness Magnified
Food companies everywhere are facing new and growing challenges with employee retention and engagement. How can you retain talent in an era where more workers are quitting their jobs than ever before? “The Great Resignation” could upend production, shrink profits, and create uncertainty for the vitality of many companies and industries. This session will focus on how employers can promote a culture of recognition, raise trust, and boost satisfaction to transform the employee experience and prevent turnover. Workforce expert Sarah McVanel will share insights from the F.R.O.G. (Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness™) program and discuss solutions for developing stronger recognition programs to improve company culture and ensure a well-staffed operating environment. Meet Sarah and hear what she has in store for ASTA.
Break | 2:45pm – 3:15pm
Stretch, hydrate, and connect with colleagues and exhibitors.
Will Weather Add More Spice To Market Volatility? | 3:15pm – 4:00pm
Drew Lerner, President and Senior Agricultural Meteorologist at World Weather, Inc.
This session will provide a detailed assessment of world weather and identify the areas where crop production may be most threatened by adversity during the balance of 2022. Time will be spent examining the departing La Nina event and estimating how quickly the next El Nino might evolve. Other weather patterns that may have an influence on spice production around the world will also be identified.
Indonesian Cassia, Nutmeg, and Mace Crop Report | 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Steven Winarto, PT. Indoharvest Spice
This is a 25-minute presentation, followed by questions.
Indian Chilies Crop Report | 4:30pm – 5:00pm
Prakash Namboodiri, General Manager at Business Development and Communications, AB Mauri India PVT LTD.
This a 25-minute presentation, followed by questions.
Associate Group Meeting | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
This meeting is open to all Associate members. It is an opportunity to discuss Associate member benefits and make recommendations to enhance the value of membership.
ASTA Happy Hour | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Get your evening started with some light hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the Exhibit Hall.
South Beach Social | 9:00pm – 11:00pm
Enjoy the electric energy of South Beach with ASTA friends at Mango’s Tropical Café. Attendees will enjoy live performances, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a full open bar while socializing with ASTA colleagues and seeing Ocean Drive come to life. Registration is now closed.
Tuesday, April 12 - Morning Sessions
Breakfast | 8:00am – 9:00am
Enjoy breakfast in the Exhibit Hall.
Inflationary Pressures on Food Pricing and Other Economic Trends in Manufacturing | 9:00am – 9:30am
Chad Moutray, Chief Economist at the National Association of Manufacturers
This session will examine the current state of the manufacturing sector, including key pressures that are facing the food industry today. Those include the impact of inflation and food pricing. In addition, supply chain and labor market challenges continue to be a top concern for manufacturers. Beyond those factors, there will also be a discussion of global trends, including foreign exchange rates.
Evolving Packaging Innovation Landscape | 9:30am – 10:00am
Dr. Michael Okoroafor, Chief Sustainability Officer at McCormick & Company
What new innovations are driving spice packaging trends? How is sustainability impacting developments in packaging materials and processing? Join this presentation to learn about the latest advancements in spice packaging technology.
Relaxation and Wellness Break | 10:00am – 10:45am
Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy this wellness-inspired break while visiting the exhibitors.
Hot Topics in Spice Regulations | 10:45am – 11:30am
Maile Gradison, Partner at Hogan Lovells LLP
Join ASTA’s General Counsel, Maile Gradison, and other industry experts for a discussion of the latest hot topics in food regulation and policy impacting the spice industry. Get updates on a host of recent issues such as heavy metals, chlorpyrifos, allergen labeling, gluten-free labeling, FSMA implementation and enforcement, and more. If you have a burning regulatory topic to be addressed submit it in advance for inclusion in the session.
Garlic and Onion Crop Report | 11:30am – Noon
Moderator: Suvan Sharma, Jain Farm Fresh
Raf Nonneman, European Spice Services (US and Chinese garlic)
Mike Bray and Hai Sui, BCFoods (Chinese and Indian onion)
This 25-minute session will be co-presented, followed by questions.
Tuesday, April 12 - Afternoon Sessions
Lunch on Own | Noon – 2:00pm
Explore downtown Miami’s many appetizing dining options.
Pesticide Roundtable | Noon – 2:00pm
The Pesticide Roundtable will also take place at this time. (Invitation Only)
“May I Be Excused?: How Force Majeure Works in Commercial Transactions | 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Preston Wigner, Vice President and General Counsel at Universal Corporation
The past couple years have presented businesses with one challenge after the next, including supply chain constraints, COVID impacts and restrictions, and labor shortages. Many companies have been talking about “force majeure” lately but they often don’t know what that term really means or what types of problems qualify as a force majeure. This presentation will address the basic elements of force majeure and other related legal concepts that excuse a company’s performance when faced with extraordinary challenges, and discuss examples of recent case studies that are relevant to the spice industry.
Black Pepper Crop Report Panel | 2:30pm – 3:15pm
Moderator: Fletcher Sayia, Partner at A.A. Sayia & Co.
Panelists:
• Juliano Câmara, Managing Director at COREIMEX Representações Ltda.
• Charlie Gill, Commodity Director at McCormick Global Ingredients Limited
• Nikhil Joseph, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Nedspice
Contributor: Nitin Bansal, Vice President at OFI Spices Vietnam
This is a 40-minute moderated panel discussion that includes a video report provided by International Pepper Community, followed by questions.
Committee Connections Break | 3:15pm – 4:00pm
Are you interested in joining an ASTA Committee? ASTA Committee Chairs will be available to provide updates on the work their Committees and Task Forces are doing and explain opportunities to get involved.
Business Meeting | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
ASTA members, be sure to join this interactive session to elect the 2022 Board of Directors, get an update on the Association’s financial situation, and discuss the future of ASTA. Be a part of the dialogue that drives key industry decisions and make your voice heard. Scholarship recipients will be announced at this time. (Members Only – Review Agenda Materials Here)
A Taste of Miami Reception | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Head up to the Skylawn with your ASTA colleagues for an evening of culinary delights and 360-degree views of Miami’s iconic skyline and glistening Biscayne Bay. This event is outdoors, weather permitting.
Exclusively sponsored by Kalustyan
Wednesday, April 13 - All Events
Annual Program Committee | 9:30am – 11:00am
This is a closed meeting for committee members and invited guests. (Invitation Only)
Thank You to ASTA 2022 Annual Meeting & Exhibit Sponsors
Ruby and Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Griffith Foods | Kalsec | Ken Lehat & Associates | Mincing Spice Company
Nedspice | Paprimur, S.L. | Trilogy Essential Ingredients, Inc. | Wixon
Silver Sponsors
Certified Laboratories | Mold-Rite Packaging | SGS North America
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