LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA) has announced the appointment of a talented food industry veteran to the position of President of the organization.  Lilly Rocha, founder of the Sabor Latino Food Industry Trade show, will now lead the nation’s first national association representing Latinos involved in every aspect of the food industry.

“We are honored that Lilly Rocha has accepted our offer to lead the Latino Food Industry Association as we launch a new era of growth and expansion of our services for our members,” said Ruben Smith, Chair of the LFIA board. “Her years of experience and dedication to the introduction and expansion of Latino food to the nation’s many diverse communities will serve as a real asset to our organization.”

Ms. Rocha is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, who also attended St. Mary’s University in London, England.  She graduated from UC Berkeley during the height of the dot.com bubble in Silicon Valley and her first job was as an event/project manager for NOKIA in Mountain View, Calif.

It was during that time that Ms. Rocha developed a serious interest in trade show & conference management, which eventually led her to earn both the CMP & CMM certifications (the highest in the meeting planning industry).  Her company, Space 67 Productions, has produced corporate events since 2009. After successfully managing and growing corporate trade shows for many organizations around the world, she founded the Sabor Latino Food Industry Trade Show in 2013.

With her expertise in sales, marketing and project management, Sabor Latino has become a recognized brand in the Latin Food industry and serves as the premier business platform for Latin food professionals. In addition to serving as President, Ms. Rocha will also maintain her seat on the LFIA board.

“I am honored that the Board asked me to take the helm of this dynamic and influential organization,” said Ms. Rocha.  “LFIA’s focus and purpose is to advance the growth and influence of Latinos in one of the nation’s most lucrative and influential business arenas, and I’m prepared and anxious to lead that effort.”

Ms. Rocha developed a passion for healthy eating while a student at UC Berkeley, which grew into a commitment to wholesome living. She enthusiastically shares her passion for healthy eating and other causes while volunteering for the following organizations: The American Heart Association, Long Beach Memorial Women’s Heart Institute, The Heart & Vascular Institute at LBMMC, NLBWA-National, LGELP-USC & ATC School Culinary Program in Montebello, CA.   She is also an avid rock climber.

About LIFA
The Latino Food Industry Association was established to represent Latinos in all aspects of the food industry and is the leading voice addressing the growing influence of this important and growing demographic.  The U.S. Economy has benefited from the sheer size of this consumer segment. With an estimated 54 Million Latinos representing 17% of the U.S. population, it is easy to see how this consumer market has influenced the food and beverage industries in the U.S.  To stay competitive in burgeoning marketplace LIFA provides its members with the necessary tools to compete and succeed in the food industry. That support includes: compliance workshops, advocacy, legislative updates, operational trainings, technology, marketing and branding improvements.

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SOURCE Latino Food Industry Association