about asta

The Voice of the American Spice Industry

For over a century, the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) has been the leading voice of the U.S. spice industry. We represent a diverse range of industry players, from spice growers and processors to importers and researchers. Our top priority is ensuring the supply of pure, safe spice to American consumers. As an organization, we are committed to delivering insight, fostering collaboration, and working to shape public policy on behalf of the global industry.

Insight

We provide members with technical and compliance resources, essential for navigating the spice industry’s complexities. Our offerings include market analyses and crop reports that focus on industry regulations and technical insights. This enables members to seize opportunities and excel in the spice trade.

Collaboration

ASTA cultivates a culture of collaboration by bringing together various industry participants, focusing on shared objectives. Through networking events, member resources, and participation in task forces and committees, we enhance the interconnectedness and resilience of the spice industry.

Influence

We leverage our collective voice on behalf of association members to champion policies and practices that intelligently shape the spice industry. In addition, we advocate for well-founded regulations and strive to set quality and safety standards, and we ensure our members’ interests are always prioritized and protected.

Laura Shumow

Executive Director

From our Executive Director

As the Executive Director of ASTA, I am immensely proud to represent an industry that promotes health, culture, and the economy. Spices are critical to flavoring healthful foods and recipes that strengthen familial bonds, and connect people to their heritage. Furthermore, spices are essential to the livelihoods of farmers around the world, and integral to the American food industry, which accounts for about one-fifth of the U.S. economy.

In response to ever-growing challenges related to supply chain complexities, regulatory changes, climate, labor, and technical issues, ASTA equips all our valued members with the crucial resources, support, and advocacy needed to excel in this industry. We bring together our diverse membership, which includes farmers, processors, importers, researchers, and other stakeholders in the U.S. spice industry with leaders in industry, academia and regulatory agencies to solve our sector’s biggest issues and advance the trade. Together, we are working to ensure a sustainable supply of safe pure spice by protecting and promoting our vital industry. Join us in our mission!

Our team

Supporting ASTA Members and the U.S. Spice Industry

Our dedicated team brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Together, we work tirelessly to serve our members and advocate for the U.S. spice industry.

Leadership & Staff

Our history

Guiding the American Spice Industry for over 100 years

1907-1931

Formation

ASTA was established to bring organization to the spice industry and uphold newly established food safety laws. During this period, the association worked to develop industry-wide standards to foster compliance with the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. ASTA also established standard contracts and addressed disputes among members.

1931-1950

Expansion

Amid challenges like declining markets, poor publicity, intra-industry strife, the First World War, and lack of import-level government standards, ASTA underwent a significant restructuring to grow the association and hire professional staff to efficiently navigate these challenges.

1950-1969

Education

With the resurgence of the spice trade following the Second World War, ASTA focused on organizing industry networking events. ASTA also focused on educating American consumers, who had limited knowledge and access to spices, through magazine articles and recipes featuring the use of spices.

1970-1989

Methods and Research

This era is marked by a focus on developing technical expertise within the spice industry. ASTA continued to prioritize consumer safety and developed industry standards for analytical testing of spices. ASTA also worked closely with the FDA in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster to safeguard consumer health.

1990 - 2009

Advocacy

ASTA relocated from New York to Washington D.C. to enhance its advocacy efforts, establishing closer ties with legislative and regulatory bodies and increasing synergy with other trade associations. ASTA continues to be involved in coalitions pressing for legislative and regulatory action on food-related issues.

Future Focus

Safety and Sustainability

Since the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act, ASTA has focused on enabling food safety compliance through research, education, and resources. As we look to the future, ASTA expects to focus more on sustainable sourcing and responsible labor standards, as well as addressing climate-related challenges.

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more about the American Spice Trade Association? Check out these related resources below.

Learn More about ASTA

Discover more about ASTA, including a detailed update from our annual report and our association policies.

Our Latest Annual Report

Policies & Procedures

ASTA Bylaws

Our Strategic Plan

Our strategic plan outlines our vision for the future and our commitment to the U.S. spice industry.

ASTA 5-Year Strategic Plan 2025

ASTA Committees

Our committees play a crucial role in driving our strategic objectives and serving our members.

View our Committees