Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association names new co-chairman

The Peruvian Asparagus Importer’s Association has new co-chairman for 2024-25: Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties for the East Coast Chair and Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt for the West Coast Chair.

“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,” said Priscilla Lleras, executive director for the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association.

The PAIA co-chairmen serve a two-year term and are voted in by their membership peers. The PAIA co-chairmen seats have served the asparagus industry well by dedicated and driven industry leaders.

The recent history of PAIA chairmen have voted in Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh and Jay Rodriguez of Crystal Valley Foods for consecutive terms. Their leadership has continued to yield advancement throughout the asparagus trade deal. 

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

Rodriguez said, “I am 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.” PAIA 2022-23 chairmen have warmly wished continued success to the 2024-25 co-chairmen and have committed their further collaboration, if necessary, within the association. 

Solf and Rolandelli have the responsibility to carry the torch with consistency.

“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,” said Solf.

Rolandelli said, “PAIA’s membership represent over 90 percent of the fresh asparagus industry that is consumed within the United States.  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.”

PAIA was developed in 2001 and will be celebrating 23 years of service to the industry in September 2024.  Throughout its establishment, it has maintained leadership within the asparagus trade industry because of their membership.

“Our members are leaders of the industry, their commitment to the association brings deliberate success and growth.  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,” said Lleras.

Photo: Craig Rolandelli and Carlos Solf.