ASTA partnered with the Sustainable Spice Initiative (SSI) to offer an interactive three-part webinar series in spring 2024 on sustainability essentials, namely, how to define sustainability in the spice industry. The sessions address how sustainability is tied to the economic paradigm and the advantages of embracing sustainability, including its profound impact on financial performance and brand enhancement. The series explores insights into global and U.S. sustainability concerns and why and how ASTA members should prioritize sustainability as a risk management tool and regulatory compliance strategy. It also offers practical insights into navigating sustainability certifications and industry standards. Part II - A Pathway to Sustainability for the American Spice Industry, presented by Kai Robertson, Senior Corporate Sustainability Advisor, addresses: Why should ASTA members care about sustainability? Sustainability as a risk management/mitigation tool. How sustainability can help with regulatory compliance – MRLs, heavy metal, forced labor, traceability, resilience. Sustainability as a differentiator – brand protection, brand building, storytelling, building customer and consumer intimacy. How can sustainability help attract and retain talent and improve organizational engagement levels? What can ASTA members do?

This presentation was provided at the 2022 ASTA/SSI Sustainability Symposium in advance of the 2022 Annual Meeting & Exhibits. The presenter, Sustainable Spices Initiative, presented on their platform for sustainability in the spices sector, including sustainable development and market transformation towards a sustainable supply chain.