September 22, 2022 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), the leading association representing the U.S. spice sector, and the Sustainable Spices Initiative (SSI), a consortium of partners committed to sustainable value chains, today announced a joint commitment and partnership to promote sustainability in the global spice industry.

Founded under IDH, the Sustainable Spice Initiative advocates for sustainable practices to transform economic growth in producing countries. It is a champion for several goals codified in the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, including no poverty, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land, and partnerships for the goals.

This effort will embolden the partners’ shared goal of advancing the adoption of sustainability principles in the spices supply chain. Together, ASTA and SSI will create conversation and education on climate change, labor conditions, and responsible sourcing, among other topics important to the issue of sustainable spices.

“I am thrilled to see this partnership emerge and for SSI’s shared commitment to this important charge. It’s an auspicious time for our industry to address sustainability. This partnership will ensure that we continue on a forward path that solidifies the industry’s environmental and social responsibility,” said Pontus Mattsson, ASTA Board of Directors President.

“As we develop new resources, companies worldwide will be better equipped to adopt sustainable policies and practices specific to the spice trade. This evolving partnership is a great opportunity for our sector to become more connected and uniformly committed to a sustainable future,” said Alfons van Gulick, SSI Chairman.

The collaboration has already delivered promising results. This year, ASTA and SSI hosted a first-of-its-kind Sustainability Symposium to spark a conversation across the industry and also jointly supported an ongoing project to promote sustainable black pepper and cassia in Vietnam. These programs, and those to follow, are the keystone of the partnership between ASTA and SSI: To provide education and promote sustainability principles within the global spice industry.