2025 Annual Meeting & Exhibits

This is a closed meeting for the ASTA Board of Directors.

Separate registration required; Limited availability

Join ASTA friends for a round of golf on the ‘Club at Savannah Harbors’ championship 18-hole golf course. The fee of $325 includes green costs, a cart with GPS, the use of the practice facility, including range balls, and a boxed lunch.

Separate registration required; Limited availability

Join ASTA friends for a tennis tournament at the ‘Savannah Harbors Club.’ The tournament will commence with a mini clinic, then rolls into a round-robin format with two divisions and winners. Loaner racquets are available upon request. The fee of $115 includes courts, balls, racquet loaners, tennis pro, and prizes. The tournament is contingent on sufficient interest; registration fees will be refunded if not enough players sign up.

Sponsored by Sabater

This is a closed meeting for committee chairs of ASTA’s technical task forces and subcommittees who are members of the Technical Council.

This is a closed meeting for Science and Regulatory Committee members and invited guests. To learn more about participating, contact Shannen Kelly.

Associate Group Members only; RSVP required

Connect and mingle with ASTA leadership, including the ASTA Board of Directors and committee chairs, as well as fellow Associate members during this exclusive cocktail reception designed for ASTA’s Associate Group.

RSVP required

ASTA’s committee volunteers are invited to join this networking dinner reception to mingle with colleagues and enjoy a delicious meal as a thank you for the exceptional dedication and accomplishments of ASTA’s committees and task forces.

This is a closed meeting for members of the Analytical Methods Subcommittee and invited guests. Individuals interested in learning more about participation should contact Shannen Kelly.

Separate registration fee; Limited availability; Lunch included

The spice industry is once again facing uncertainty with various supply chain challenges, from port strikes to freight costs and tariffs. This Symposium will explore the current supply chain environment, offering practical strategies for spice importers to navigate these turbulent times.

The event will conclude with an exclusive, guided bus tour of the Port of Savannah, featuring two key highlights: the Garden City Terminal—North America’s largest and fastest-growing container terminal—and Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, a 200-acre facility with the capacity to service two large container ships simultaneously. The tour will provide an inside look at the port’s operations, including direct rail connections and interstate access, supporting an annual capacity of 2 million TEUs.

The Symposium and Port of Savannah Tour have limited availability, so ASTA encourages you to secure your spot by registering early. Learn more about the Symposium.

“Break the ice” with colleagues from around the globe and try your hand at some friendly garden game competition. While playing, make new connections and enjoy a beverage from the bar.

Reconnect with long-time colleagues, chat with new friends, and connect with the 2025 exhibitors as you enjoy an evening of Southern Hospitality, mingling in the Exhibit area while enjoying food and drinks inspired by the port city of Savannah!

Sponsored by Verger

Members only; Separate registration required; Limited availability

Join this eye-opening trolley tour to hear ghostly tales and enjoy the charms of Savannah’s historic district. Drinks will be provided for your enjoyment on the trolley. The tour will start at the hotel and end with snacks and drinks at a haunted venue. To learn more about this exclusive ASTA member fundraising event and to register, Click here.

Start the day by networking in the Exhibit spaces.

Members only

ASTA members, be sure to join this informative session to elect the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, hear an update on the association’s financial position, and discuss ASTA’s exciting future, including a discussion about ASTA’s new strategic plan. Be a part of the dialogue that drives critical industry decisions and make your voice heard. The 2025 Marty Mitchell Outstanding Service Award and Susan L. Abbott Scholarship recipients will be announced at this time.

Stretch, hydrate, and connect with colleagues and exhibitors.

Back by popular demand, renowned economist Dr. Anirban Basu returns to the ASTA Annual Meeting to deliver an insightful and engaging economic update tailored to the spice trade. A crowd favorite from last year, Dr. Basu will break down current economic trends and their potential impacts on the industry with his signature wit and clarity. Whether you’re navigating inflation, trade policies, or shifting market conditions, this session promises actionable insights and strategies to help stay ahead in a constantly changing economic landscape.

Enjoy a mid-morning break as you mingle with colleagues and exhibitors.

Cutting-edge technology, changing consumer expectations, and sustainable practices are shaping the future of food and eating. This talk explores emerging innovations in artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, precision agriculture, personalized nutrition, and cellular agriculture, highlighting major opportunities for the spice industry to future-proof in anticipation of the coming transformation of all things food.

Lunch provided by ASTA for registered attendees

New this year! Enjoy a buffet spread in the Exhibit Hall, offering attendees a convenient and delicious refuel.

This is a closed meeting for ASTA Membership Committee members and invited guests. Individuals interested in learning more about participation should contact Meegan Kavanaugh.

This is a closed meeting for ASTA Organic Task Force members and invited guests. Individuals interested in learning more about participation should contact Shannen Kelly.

This is a lunch for the newly elected 2025-2026 ASTA Board of Directors.

Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and applications are advancing at an unprecedented rate, touching virtually every sector. As AI technologies become more sophisticated, they offer many opportunities for those in the food industry to enhance their operations and strategic decision-making processes. However, navigating this rapid growth also requires you to stay informed about the latest AI developments, invest in the right technologies, and address challenges such as data privacy and the ethical use of AI. By embracing the exponential growth in AI, you can not only streamline your operations but also position yourselves as leaders in your field, offering innovative services that meet the evolving needs of your customers.

Stretch, hydrate, and connect with colleagues and exhibitors.

Stay ahead of the curve on the latest regulatory and policy developments impacting the U.S. spice trade. This session will explore recent regulatory and policy challenges facing the industry and how ASTA is leading the charge in addressing them through advocacy and engagement. Key topics include heavy metals and chemical contaminants, pesticide regulations, food safety regulations, and trade/tariff policy.  With shifting political dynamics, changes in policy priorities, an evolving landscape of trade, and food and health policy on the federal and state front, understanding the current food policy landscape is more critical than ever for long-term industry planning. Gain insights into how these issues affect your business and discover resources and strategies to stay compliant, competitive, and informed.

Connect with fellow attendees in the Exhibit area and collect tasting notes while sampling a local collection of fine bourbons and whiskeys.

Sponsored by Eurofins

Continue building your connections and enjoy breakfast in the Exhibit Hall and Foyer.

Weather risks are a constant challenge in the spice trade, impacting everything from crop production to supply chain efficiency and even seasonal supply and demand. Extreme weather events such as flash floods, droughts, hail, high winds, and hurricanes pose ongoing threats, with daily conditions often deviating significantly from the average. To navigate this uncertainty, we rely on a range of weather forecasts to understand variability, but are we improving our predictions? How is artificial intelligence shaping weather forecasting? This talk will explore state-of-the-art forecasting methods, discuss key climate drivers like El Niño and La Niña, and examine their long-term impact on the spice industry. The session will also highlight resources for predicting weather events, review trends in extreme weather, and discuss strategies for enhancing resilience to future climate shifts in the global spice trade.

Enjoy a mid-morning break as you mingle with colleagues and exhibitors.

The All India Spice Exporters Forum will share a video report on the latest developments in the red pepper market developed for the 2025 International Spice Conference meeting. The video will be followed by a regional panel discussion and audience questions.

Crop Reports sponsored by Terova

This report will be developed collaboratively by a panel and will include a summary of market data submitted anonymously to ASTA by members and other experts. The panel will discuss the consolidated market data and explore factors influencing the global onion and garlic supply, followed by audience questions.

Crop Reports sponsored by Terova

Lunch provided by ASTA for registered attendees

Enjoy a delicious buffet spread in the Exhibit Hall.

This is a closed meeting for ASTA Sustainability Committee members and invited guests. Individuals interested in learning more about participation should contact Laura Shumow.

This regional panel will include individual reports on the herb markets in Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco, followed by a panel discussion. The reports will include updates on oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, marjoram, sage, bay leaves and rosemary, concluding with questions from the audience.

Crop Reports sponsored by Terova

This session includes a panel discussion on Indian seeds, including fennel, cumin, caraway, and coriander, followed by questions from the audience.

Crop Reports sponsored by Terova

Stretch, hydrate, and connect with colleagues.

This session begins with a video report on black pepper created by ASTA with data anonymously submitted by members and external experts, followed by a moderated discussion amongst industry experts on key factors influencing the market, during which time the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Crop Reports sponsored by Terova

First, test your knowledge of the day’s Crop Reports (opportunities to win prizes)! Then, ASTA’s incoming president will briefly recap the insights gathered from ASTA’s presenters and conclude the meeting with reflections & remarks on the upcoming year.

A closed reception hosted by the outgoing ASTA President to honor the Board of Directors and welcome the incoming President and new Board members.

Join the premier social event of the week, marking the close of the industry’s experience together at the event in Savannah. Step into the decadence of the Roaring Twenties at ASTA’s speakeasy, enjoy the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age come alive with a night full of music, interactive experiences such as a roving photo booth, and the chance to try your luck at the casino. Enjoy the free flow of drinks and food in this secret speakeasy – where the prohibition laws are blissfully ignored! Proudly wear your Great Gatsby-inspired attire.

Sponsored by Kalustyan

This is a closed meeting for all ASTA committee members under the leadership of the Education and Outreach Council. Individuals interested in participating should contact Margarita Passero.

The symposium will kick off with a keynote address on current supply chain challenges, including ocean freight pricing spikes, steamships manipulating supply/hiking prices, strife in the Red Sea, demurrage, Panama Canal drought, transit shipping point obstacles, tariffs and related political developments, and other pressing issues.

Shippers associations are collaborative organizations formed by groups of shippers to address common shipping and logistics challenges. These associations provide a unified voice to advocate for members’ interests, negotiate competitive shipping rates, and navigate evolving trade policies and supply chain disruptions. This session will break down what shippers associations are, how they operate, and their role in supporting importers. Learn how shippers associations can serve as strategic partners for spice importers by offering advocacy, negotiation power, and shared resources to tackle shipping challenges.

The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on imported commodities into the U.S. could reshape the landscape for spice traders and importers. This session will be held just two months after President Trump starts his second term. New tariffs on U.S. imports as high as 60% from China, 25% from Mexico, and 10% from the rest of the world are anticipated to be in or near implementation. This session will cover the basics of tariffs, why they are important for U.S. trade policy, and an expert analysis of the latest actions impacting U.S. imports of spices and our sector.

Join this insightful panel discussion featuring representatives from the Port of Savannah, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This session will include an operational overview of one of the nation’s busiest ports while addressing the unique challenges facing spice importers, as well as how agencies like FDA, USDA, and CBP work collaboratively to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods across borders. Panelists will discuss tips on logistics for coordinating examinations for expedited entry and touch on key regulatory challenges, including food safety inspections, forced labor compliance, and noxious weed seeds.

Please take this opportunity to take a break and rejoin the group to load buses for the Port of Savannah Tour. Buses will leave promptly at 2:30 pm.

This exclusive, guided bus tour of the Port of Savannah, features two key highlights: the Garden City Terminal—North America’s largest and fastest-growing container terminal—and Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, a 200-acre facility with the capacity to service two large container ships simultaneously. The tour will provide an inside look at the port’s operations, including direct rail connections and interstate access, supporting an annual capacity of 2 million TEUs.