Know Your Trade Association: the International Aloe Science Council

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What is the purpose of your association?

The International Aloe Science Council (IASC) is dedicated to serving the needs of the aloe vera industry and acts as a liaison and source of information for research, development, and promotion of aloe vera and associated products.

Who does your membership consist of? What are the qualifications for membership?

The IASC active membership consists of growers, raw material suppliers, and finished product marketers in the aloe vera industry. Product marketers may supply products containing aloe vera in the dietary supplement, food and beverage, and personal care product sectors. Associate membership is available for organizations that provide services to the aloe vera industry, such as testing laboratories, regulatory consultants, scientists, and the legal community.

What services or benefits do you provide your members?

Member benefits include the following:

How is your organization different than others representing the natural products industry?

IASC represents the interests of only the aloe vera industry, rather than natural products in general. Due to the chemical complexity of the aloe vera plant, and its broad array of existing and potential future uses, IASC focuses on the scientific aspects of this botanical, which differentiates it from other natural products associations.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in the coming months?

IASC is exploring ways to more actively engage its international members, which comprise about 40 percent of the association membership. We are exploring the possibility of conducting an IASC event outside of the U.S. and plan to conduct a needs assessment of our international members.

In your opinion, what’s your role in the natural products industry?

Consumer interest in natural products appears to be at an all-time high, with growing demand for goods that are produced in a sustainable manner.  The role of IASC is to support the aloe vera industry in responding to this consumer demand by helping to generate and disseminate the scientific information that helps aloe vera products successfully compete in this marketplace. Aloe vera is an ancient plant with a long history of use as a natural remedy, and scientific documentation of its efficacy is an important way to enhance its value in the eyes of the consumer.