Virtually Bringing the Nut & Dried Fruit Sector Together

www.nutfruit.org

INC ONLINE CONFERENCE

Virtually Bringing the Nut & Dried Fruit Sector Togetherp. 57

Edition 81. Nº 3 November 2020

November 2020 | NUTFRUITNovember 2020 | NUTFRUIT

5November 2020 | NUTFRUITNovember 2020 | NUTFRUIT

BOARD OF TRUSTEESMichael Waring - ChairmanMWT Foods, Australia Ashok Krishen - 1st Vice ChairmanOlam International Limited, SingaporePino Calcagni - 2nd Vice ChairmanBesana Group, Italy Riccardo CalcagniBesana Group, ItalyBill CarriereCarriere Family Farms, USAKarsten DankertMax Kiene GmbH, GermanyRoby DanonVoicevale Ltd, UKCao DerongChina Chamber of Commerce, ChinaJoan FortunyBorges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (BAIN), SpainGiles HackingCG Hacking & Sons Limited, UKMike HohmannThe Wonderful Company, USACheng Hung KayCHK Trading Co. Ltd., China, Hong KongMark JansenBlue Diamond Growers, USAJack MarianiMariani Nut Company, USAMark MarianiMariani Packing Company, USAStephen MeltzerBalcorp Ltd., CanadaRussell MooneyIntersnack Procurement B.V., NetherlandsPratap NairVijayalaxmi Cashew Company, IndiaOsman OzAegean Exporters Associations, TurkeyAntonio Pont - Honorary PresidentBorges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (BAIN), SpainAntonio Pont Jr.Crisolar Nuts, S.L., SpainChen QiQiaqia Food Co. Ltd., ChinaJan Vincent RieckmannAugust Töpfer and Co. (ATCO Group), GermanyMichael Rund Bösch Boden Spies GmbH and Co. Kg, GermanyHasan Sabir Sabirlar Findik Ihracat Ltd. Sti., TurkeyDick WaldenThe Green Valley Pecan, USA

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Michael Waring ChairmanAshok Krishen 1st Vice ChairmanPino Calcagni 2nd Vice ChairmanBill Carriere Board MemberGiles Hacking Board MemberJack Mariani Board MemberMark Mariani Board MemberPratap Nair Board MemberAntonio Pont Board MemberGoretti Guasch Secretary General and Executive Director

For all editorial and advertising enquiries:Marc Centelles [email protected]

The Nutfruit magazine is published three times a year by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council - INC (Fundació Privada International Nut and Dried Fruit CIF G-43738475). This magazine, including all articles and illustrations, is copyright protected. Any utilization beyond the light limits set by the Copyright Act is subject to publisher’s approval.All the trademarks, brand identities and graphic images shown in this publication are the property of their respective owners.While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to press, they can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, photographs or other materials published in the Nutfruit magazine.

Carrer de la Fruita Seca, 4 Polígon Tecnoparc, 43204 Reus, SpainTel: +34 977 331 416 Email: [email protected]

The INC is the international umbrella organization for the nut and dried fruit industry and the source for information on health, nutrition, statistics, food safety, and international standards and regulations regarding nuts and dried fruits.

Edition 81. Nº 3 November 2020

INC HEADQUARTERS

1414 Carme Ruscalleda, Barcelona, Spain

Gourmet

Growth of Plant-Based Protein

48Health News

48

Pistachios, Iran

35Country/Product Spotlight 35

9Business News9

10

11

12

Partnership Besana-Importaco

PepsiCo Targets 100% Renewable Electricity Globally

Danone’s Alpro Celebrates 40 Years

Creamy, Crunchy, Chewy: Introducing Nature Valley Packed, a New Sustained Energy Bar

Legal Update 17

94Advertisers List

67

67Global Statistical Review

Special Report: California Almond Shipments

INC Online Conference

INC Academia: The Best Training Program in the Nut and Dried Fruit Industry

INC Webinars

Trend Research: International Market Opportunities

Real Power for Real People: Boost your Attitudinal Immunity

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60

62

63

64

57INC News

Dollars and Sense: Economics and Almond Quality Propel Gradual Move to Off-Ground Harvesting

Record Crop for the California Walnut Industry Opens New Opportunities

Study Shows Pistachios May Be Helpful in a Weight- Loss Plan

Environmental Monitoring: 4 Questions from the Industry

California Prunes Doubles Down on Virtual Nutrition Events to Engage a Broader Audience

A New Strategic Direction for Nuts for Life

New Gen Z Research Reveals Macadamias’ Relevance to the Demands of Younger Consumers

Nucis Italia Triumphs at Nutrimi 2020

Chile, a Southern Hemisphere Powerhouse

84Industry News

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Brazil Nuts and the Amazon Rainforest: A Story of Sustainability, Livelihood, and Conservation

Taiwan, The Kingdom of Fruits and Dried Fruits

Almond Growing in the South of Italy

Russian Pine Nuts Commodity Base & Real Export Potential

Evolution of COVID-19 for the Nut and Dried Fruit Industry

Feature Articles

32

54 Dubai, INC XXXIX World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress

54INC Congress

52

52A Chat with the Industry

Fraser Scott, Agribusiness Development Manager, Ferrero Hazelnut Company, Luxembourg


INC Foreword

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and in varying intensity from country to country, I would like to reiterate the continued support and good wishes from the INC to all those affected. We remain committed to serving and providing support to the nut and dried fruit industry. The Executive Committee met twice during September and October to assess its impact on the nut and dried fruit industry and to ensure a relevant approach is adopted.

Adapting as required, the INC Secretariat under the management of Goretti Guasch has continued to add virtual components to projects and services provided by the INC, such as the first ever international and online platform for the nut and dried fruit industry. The INC Online Conference is set to take place November 17-19, 2020 and will feature key industry leaders broadcasting live working groups aimed at providing updates for the sector. INC has formed three working groups, representing each of the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, & Oceania. The working groups provide specific information on each product under the INC umbrella and are led by industry experts from each region. We will include keynote speakers and knowledge sessions with webinars on sustainability, scientific topics, nutrition research, and industry marketing programs. Attendees will also have access to a virtual exhibition hall to network and conduct business with peers. We look forward to your active participation.

INC have completed three new units into the Academia online course. The first focusing on insurances, highlighting essential knowledge of relevant topics in the food and beverage industry, including credit, food safety, financing, product recall and weather. Another new course covers consumption trends and demonstrates how to communicate nuts and dried fruits to a contemporary consumer, specifically

consumers that care about the health benefits of their food. The third new unit will emphasise cross-cultural negotiations, and how to understand negotiation across cultural barriers, an increasingly important topic in a globalised economy. Furthermore, we will have two new subunits, one on nut allergies, and a second subunit introducing the INC Short Form Contract for the sale and purchase of nuts and dried fruits.

This year’s dissemination campaign is being launched in October and through November and focuses nuts and dried fruits connecting with “attitudinal immunity”. The campaign’s video highlights how plant-based power, “Real Power”, from nuts and dried fruits gives the consumer. “Real People”, and the ability to resist negativity they face throughout each day. I would like to invite all INC members to join the campaign by taking advantage of the toolkit designed by the INC. As a united industry, this message has the potential to reach a global audience and help promote the consumption of nuts and dried fruits around the world.

As we move to the end of 2020 and having endured the disruptive schedules caused by COVID-19, the next INC Congress remains planned to take place in Dubai, UAE in May 2021. We are so eager to meet you all again in person and we hope that you will be able to join us for the INC World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress! Be safe, keep well, and hope to be together again soon.

Yours sincerely,

INC Online Conference:

The Top Virtual Event for the Entire Industry!MICHAEL WARINGINC CHAIRMAN


Clear Vision, Clear Progress

SORTING | CONVEYING | INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

CLEAR VISION TO MAXIMIZE YIELD

Want to raise productivity to reduce waste? Key Technology’s cutting-edge optical sorting

and conveying solutions set the standard for maximizing yield, efficiency and profitability.

At the same time, they deliver data-driven intelligence to continually optimize and

improve your operations. Start your progress at Key.net

© 2020 Key Technology

Business News


Partnership Besana-Importaco

A deal between two family-owned companies, that together count 100+80 years of history: The integration of Besana (Italy) into Importaco group (Spain) will strengthen their international presence and reinforce their competitiveness in the nut sector, especially for hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts and seeds.

Their business model is commonly based on product quality and innovation, sustainable and efficient processes, and growing production capacity, constantly paying attention to their customers in Europe and worldwide to ensure healthy and safe nut products.

On the strong base of a shared corporate vision, the alliance will remain under the guide of the two families: Besana will continue to be led by Pino Calcagni as Honorary President and Riccardo Calcagni as CEO. Importaco’s President Toño Pons will lead the new Group.

Explaining this company integration, Pino Calcagni commented: "The globalization towards new markets and the development of synergies to improve economies of scale are decisive factors in the current landscape. The Importaco Group is the ideal strategic partner for achieving these

Two leading INC members come together in an important international alliance.

objectives and creating value throughout the supply chain.""With this operation, we are going to consolidate our

plan for sustainable growth based on quality and innovation,” said Toño Pons, "We are creating a strong Group with a solid competitive position, with high growth potential.”

Importaco and Besana represent a combined turnover of €770 million, with 1,950 employees, 17 factories in five countries, 600 suppliers and an annual purchase volume of 123,000 metric tons.

On the left, Toño Pons and the right, Pino Calcagni

Clear Vision, Clear Progress

SORTING | CONVEYING | INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

CLEAR VISION TO MAXIMIZE YIELD

Want to raise productivity to reduce waste? Key Technology’s cutting-edge optical sorting

and conveying solutions set the standard for maximizing yield, efficiency and profitability.

At the same time, they deliver data-driven intelligence to continually optimize and

improve your operations. Start your progress at Key.net

© 2020 Key Technology

Nestlé Launched YES! Plant Protein Bars Powered by Nuts and Peas

Recent Nestlé research has shown that most people buying protein bars are now looking for more natural protein sources with no additives. Plant protein is one of the most preferred options to fuel an active lifestyle and get the most out of their busy day.

The new YES! Bar packs in 10 grams of plant protein from peas and nuts and gives consumers power on the go. Like other YES! bars, the new protein bars are made of wholesome ingredients, are high in fiber, use no artificial colors or preservatives, are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians.

The new bar comes in two delicious flavors: Almond, Peanut and Double Dark Chocolate; and Cashew, Blueberry and Dark Chocolate. Nuts are the number one ingredient, and the bars are drizzled with real dark chocolate made with sustainable cocoa certified by the Rainforest Alliance.

Nestlé has launched a new range of its YES! snack bars, with each bar containing 10 grams of plant protein from a delicious natural combination of nuts and peas.

Noberasco Signs Supply Chain Agreement for Italian PeanutsAn agreement between Noberasco, SIS, Società Italiana Sementi (Gruppo BF Spa), and Coldiretti has repaved the Italian peanut supply chain. In September, the partners came together to make it official.

Managing Director, Mattia Noberasco mentioned, “What we are presenting today is not just the launch of a decidedly revolutionary product for agri-food such as the Italian peanut, it is a project that combines innovation, quality, transparency and strong commitment to invest in the territory. We want to create a line of made in Italy products and thanks to these supply chain agreements we pursue our commitment to educate the consumer in healthy eating styles, who increasingly want to be and are, an integral part of conscious choices that start from the earth up to shopping, then to the table.”

With this agreement, consumers in Italy will now be able to purchase 100% made in Italy peanuts.

Business News

10 November 2020 | NUTFRUITNovember 2020 | NUTFRUIT

Over the past few years, PepsiCo has accelerated efforts to ensure global renewable energy, from developing an industry-leading showcase facility for sustainable manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution technologies at their Frito-Lay site in Modesto, California, to signing the UN’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C pledge, which committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

PepsiCo Targets 100% Renewable Electricity Globally

Now they have announced their latest step: PepsiCo is transitioning to 100% renewable electricity globally. They will do this first across their company owned operations by 2030, with an aim for the entire global operations, including franchisees, by 2040.

PepsiCo Chief Sustainability Officer, Jim Andrews said, “We know the responsibility that comes with our size and scale, so transitioning PepsiCo's global business operations to 100% renewable electricity is the right step forward to deliver meaningful impact as we continue to advance our sustainability agenda.”

TOMRA Food Opens New Regional Headquarters in Latin America The new purpose-built base, in Santiago, Chile, means that

TOMRA Food and its two sister companies, Compac and BBC Technologies, now all have a strong presence in the region, which contributes significantly to the global supply of fruits, nuts, vegetables, potato products, grains and seeds, dried fruit, meat and seafood.

The 810 square-meter, two-story building adds to the premises BBC Technologies has been operating in Chillán for 10 years with more than 20 employees. The new building accommodates offices, a meeting room, a spare parts store for greater spare parts stock, and a test and demonstration area that serves as a Customer Experience Center and Regional Training Hub.

The demonstration room in Santiago hosts five optical sorting machines: TOMRA 5A, TOMRA 5B, TOMRA 3C, TOMRA Nimbus BSI+, and Blizzard.

TOMRA Food has opened new regional headquarters to enhance its support of food processors and packers across Latin America.

Business News


Alpro is celebrating 40 years of plant-based innovation for consumers. The brand, with Belgian origins and heritage, has expanded across Europe and the world with a great variety of plant-based foods and drinks. Alpro joined the Danone family of brands in 2017.

Danone’s Alpro Celebrates 40 years

To mark the 40th year, Alpro has launched a new health and sustainability action plan for 2025 under the banner “Feeding our

Unilever has announced that its manufacturing site in Hefei, China, has been recognized as an ‘Advanced 4th Industrial Revolution Lighthouse’ by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with McKinsey & Co. This is the second Unilever site to achieve the prestigious status.

Unilever’s Manufacturing Site in Hefei, China, Joins the WEF’s Renowned Global Lighthouse Network

The Global Lighthouse Network is a community of certified manufacturing sites that are leading in the digital industrial technology space. The network demonstrates leadership in using Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to transform business operations and advance innovative manufacturing methods.

The site now has a digital end-to-end ecosystem, deploying AI across the production process. Advanced technology has allowed some operators to work from home during lockdown. For example, production lines were re-engineered to allow them to be ran remotely and digital performance management was leveraged, a process which monitors productivity and enables timely and digital interventions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced efforts to bring about farm-to-table traceability in the US food supply.

FDA Announces Key FSMA Rule to Advance Traceability of Foods, a Major Milestone in the New Era of Smarter Food Safety

The FDA has proposed a new rule that lays the foundation for end-to-end food traceability across the food industry that it will be working toward over the next decade as part of the New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative. While limited to certain foods, this proposed rule would create a first-of-its-kind standardized approach to traceability recordkeeping, paving the way for industry to adopt and leverage more digital, tech-enabled traceability systems both in the near term and the future.

The FDA also released a draft Food Traceability List that identifies foods to which the additional recordkeeping requirements would apply. For more information on the plan, visit www.fda.gov.

Future with Plants”. “The diets we have adopted are no longer sustainable for the planet, so we have to change the way we look at food production and consumption,” explains Sue Garfitt, General Manager at Alpro. “Millions of people are more aware of the personal and environmental benefits of plant-based foods and drinks. Our brand has a mission to promote more flexitarian diets. We want to keep bringing more choice, variety and taste, and that's why innovation lies at the heart of what we do at Alpro.”

Business News


www.kreyenborg.com

PASTEURIZATION

ROASTING

COATING

STOCK PROTECTION

THE FOOD SAFETY SOLUTION FOR

NUTS, SEEDS & DRIED FRUITS

• 5-log reduction

• Homogeneous treatment

• Process within minutes

• No gases or chemicals

• Continuous process

• Applicable for organic food

Food Safety Line:Dosing beltFS-IRDConveyor beltFS-RC

Ocean Spray Advances Sustainable Packaging Strategy and Launches National Recycling Program with TerraCycle

Through the partnership, Ocean Spray is advancing its sustainable packaging strategy by helping to divert waste from landfills and extending the life of materials to reduce the overall environmental footprint of a product.

In addition, Ocean Spray is working with TerraCycle's new Loop platform to develop a program where together they will design and launch products in reusable packaging to create a truly circular economy. Consumers will be able to order Ocean Spray products from Loop's e-commerce platform, and once done with the product, they will be able to simply return the packaging to Loop to clean, sanitize and refill with the original products to reuse.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, announced a partnership with innovative waste management company TerraCycle to launch a free recycling program that enables consumers to recycle Ocean Spray® flexible plastic Craisins® dried cranberries and snack packaging for an alternative use.

Nature Valley has launched Packed, a sustained energy bar that uniquely features three textures – creamy, crunchy and chewy.

Creamy, Crunchy, Chewy: Introducing Nature Valley Packed, a New Sustained Energy Bar

This new addition to the Nature Valley lineup is packed with creamy nut butter, crunchy nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or peanuts, and chewy cranberries or blueberries.

“Through Packed, we want to make sustained energy approachable,” said Scott Baldwin, business unit director, Grain Snacks at General Mills. “Time and again, we’ve heard from consumers who want a delicious, affordable snack bar with feel-good ingredients that not only bring together a variety of textures, but can also offer long-lasting energy to help them get through their busy days.”

Packed contains no artificial flavors or colors and no high fructose corn syrup. The new snack bars are available in two varieties: Peanut Butter & Cranberry and Almond Butter & Blueberry.

Gourmet


Nuts & Dried Fruits Valued in the Catalan Cuisine

CARME RUSCALLEDA

Carme Ruscalleda is a world renowned Michelin star chef who specializes in Catalan cuisine with influences from all around the world. She is the only female chef to hold seven Michelin stars. Her first restaurant, Sant Pau, which was located in Sant Pol de Mar, just north of Barcelona launched her into the spotlight and was awarded three Michelin stars. Sant Pau closed its doors in 2018 in the Sant Pol de Mar location, however, Sant Pau opened a branch in Tokyo, Japan with the same name in 2004. In Barcelona, Carme runs two more restaurants, Moments and Blanc, which both provide elegant dining experiences for guests. Carme is also a well published author, writing many cookbooks displaying the Catalan cuisine for which she has become so well associated with.

One of the most well-known chefs in all of Catalonia and Spain, when did you first begin cooking? I feel as if cooking and I have gone hand in hand since I was a child. I started to take on family cooking responsibilities at 12 years old. Cooking always interested me and for personal and professional growth, it guided my steps, and I became a chef.

Your popularity grew with your restaurant, Sant Pau in Barcelona, but you also decided to open a restaurant in Japan by the same name. What was appealing about Japan and why did you open another restaurant there? We opened Sant Pau in Tokyo in the spring of 2004. It was a proposal and offer given to us by Yuji Shimoyama, a Japanese businessman. Without a doubt, it is one of the most interesting things that has happened to me in my life! I had admired Japanese cuisine before starting to work with them, but now, I admire it even more after 16 years working together; I have learned so much and their Japanese cuisine philosophy has become ingrained in my mind. Since my experience in Japan, my cooking has become even better and more interesting!

Mediterranean cuisine has been trending recently, what do you believe is the future of Mediterranean food? My cooking style is completely of Mediterranean origin; it is the style of cooking that I learned since I was a child, that of fishermen and farmers. I have defended this cooking culture since the first day I opened my restaurant, because it added originality and a common sense of discourse both culinary and personal to Sant Pau when it opened in 1988. I predict a wonderful future for Mediterranean cuisine because so many professionals and consumers love it, they search for it and they defend it!

Gourmet


A lot of your food combines Catalan and Eastern cuisine. What is so special and unique about this combination? I don’t think it is about combining, but rather professional growth. It is not a fusion, but an inspiration with solid gastronomic arguments. For example, the Japanese broth Dashi, which is used so much in Japanese cuisine, I can use this in Mediterranean food because the components of the Dashi significantly enhance the flavors of food. Our “Dashi de Romesco” is proof of this. Or our “Pichón deshuesado”, stuffed with barbecue and with a touch of salted Sakura leaves, it gives an elegant and exceptional gourmet fragrance.

Over the years, you have been awarded with the numerous Michelin Stars. What has this meant for you and your restaurants? I have always considered the Michelin Stars as the best business card for the world of gastronomy. A guide like Michelin steers demanding and knowledgeable gourmet chefs all over the world. I believe that Michelin rewards strength, talent, creativity, and quality. For these reasons, I am delighted to have guided gourmets to Sant Pol de Mar and to continue guiding them to Sant Pau in Tokyo and Moments in Barcelona, in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

What place do nuts and dried fruits have in Catalan and Eastern cuisine? In Catalan cuisine, nuts and dried fruits are extremely appreciated! “La Picada” is one Catalan dish that uses nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts, which add flavor and texture to many stews. One of the oldest Catalan sauces,

“Romesco”, also utilizes hazelnuts and almonds. And one of the most popular Catalan desserts, “Postres de Músic” is usually served with a variation of nuts and dried fruits, such as almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, raisins, dried apricots, and dried figs (there are those who also serve it with pistachios). In Japan, I have been able to appreciate how they also enjoy hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, raisins, etc. However, I have been amazed at how fruits like persimmon and mango are dried in Japan.

Night before:Infuse lard with toasted saffron and pulverize.

Ingredients for Shortbread

200 g of extra lard 200 g of powdered sugar 250 g of powdered almonds 500 g of flour

Ingredients for Aromatics

zest of one limon 0.5 g of saffron (toasted and pulverized) 0.5 g of allspice 1 g of salt

Steps:1. Toast the flour at 190 degrees Celsius on a flat tray for about 15 minutes. Put through a sieve.2. Toast the almond powder at 190 degrees Celsius, flat for about 5 minutes.3. Mix the powdered sugar with the lard (infused with the saffron).4. Incorporate the powdered almonds.5. Add the flour and the rest of the aromatics. Mix very well. It should come out thick and uniform.6. Let rest for one hour.7. Stretch to make the thickness uniform and cut into pieces. 8. Bake at 190 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes.

Almond Shortbread

What do you most love about cooking? Feeling the idea, the inspiration, and of course bringing it to life.

What is your personal favorite dish? Arroz Mar y Montaña (rice dish including both seafood and meat).

What is the next big gastronomical trend in the world? I believe it will be the great melting pot of Latin American cuisine.

What nut and dried fruit do you always have in your kitchen? Everything! Hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, raisins, dried apricots, prunes, dates, etc.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

Legal Update


PesticidesAUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND: MRLs UpdateFood Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) issued variations to Schedule 20 of the revised Food Standards Code on July 7, August 11, and September 8, 2020. The following maximum residue limits (MRLs) were established.

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm)Clofentezine almonds 0.5

Clothianidin almonds 0.05

Uniconazole-p walnuts T*0.01

* indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of determination.‘T’ indicates that the maximum residue limit is a temporary maximum residue limit.

CANADA: MRLs UpdateCanada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency notified the following MRLs in nuts and dried fruits.

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Date

Mefentrifluconazole

tree nuts (crop group 14-11) 0.06

Adopted on June 7, 2020dried prune plums, raisins 4.0

peanuts 0.01

Glufosinate-ammoniumtree nuts (crop group 14-11) 0.5

Deadline for comments: 28-09-2020stone fruits (crop group 12-09) 0.3

Fenpropathrin tree nuts (crop group 14-11) 0.15 Adopted on September 6, 2020

Inpyrfluxam peanuts 0.01 Adopted on September 23, 2020

Oxathiapiprolin raisins 1.3 Deadline for comments: 06-12-2020

CHINA: MRLs UpdateThe separate customs territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the adoption of the Draft Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods, which include the following MRLs in nuts and fruits.

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) DateFluopyram peanut 0.02

Adopted on May 20, 2020

Flutriafolalmond 0.6

pecan 0.02

Isofetamid grape 5.0

Pyrifluquinazonplum 0.1

grape 1.0

Pyriofenone grape 2.0

Quinclorac cranberry 1.5

Spiroxamine grape 0.5

Sulfentrazone hazelnut 0.1

* The MRL is the temporary limit

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Deadline for comments

Chlorantraniliprole plum 0.3*

13-09-2020Pyraclostrobindried figs 30

apricot 3

Spirotetramat plum 5*

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China notified the WTO of the National Food Safety Standard of the P.R.C.: Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Foods. Regarding nuts and dried fruits, the following MRLs were listed.

EFSA: MRLs ReviewThe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed the MRLs for some pesticides and proposed the following changes.

Pesticide Product ExistingMRL (ppm)

ProposedMRL (ppm) Comments

Fubendiamide

tree nuts 0.1 0.1 Recommended

apricots 1.5 2 Recommended

plums 0.7 2 Recommended

grapes 2 2 Recommended

Meptyldinocap grapes 1 0.2 Further consideration needed

Flonicamidtree nuts (except coconuts and pistachios) 0.06* 0.07 The submitted data are sufficient to derive

an import tolerance based on the authorized US GAP. Risk for consumers unlikely.pistachios 0.06* 0.3

Flupyradifurone

tree nuts 0.01* 0.02 The submitted data are sufficient to derive an import tolerance (US/Canadian GAP). Risk for consumers unlikely.

grapes 0.8 3

peanuts 0.01* 0.04

Amisulbrom grapes 0.5 0.4 Recommended

Etofenprox plums 0.01* 0.2 The submitted data are sufficient. Risk for consumers unlikely.

Legal Update


EU: Pesticide WithdrawalsThe European Commission notified the WTO of the non-renewal of the active substance beta-cyfluthrin and benalaxyl. This decision does not affect the MRLs for residues of this pesticide but separate actions may be taken.

EU: MRLs UpdateThe European Commission established the following MRLs in nuts and fruits.

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Adoption date Regulation

Myclobutanil

tree nuts, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01*

02-01-2021 Regulation (EU) 2020/770 of 8 June 2020

apricots 3

grapes 1.5

Napropamidetree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01*

cranberries 0.02*

Sintofen tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, figs, dates, peanuts 0.01*

Chromafenozide tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01*


Pencycuron tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.02*

Sedaxane tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01*

Tau-fluvalinate plums, cranberries, peanuts 0.01*

Triazoxidetree nuts, peanuts 0.005*

apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs 0.001*

Cyantraniliprole cranberries 0.08


Isofetamidapricots 3

plums 0.8

Kresoxim-methylpecans 0.05

grapes 1.5

Pyriofenone cranberries 0.5

Chlorpyrifos tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01*13-11-2020 Regulation (EU) 2020/1085

of 23 July 2020Chlorpyrifos-methyl tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01*

* Indicates lower limit of determination.

* Indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of analytical quantification.

INDIA: MRLs UpdateThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India notified the WTO of the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations 2020. The Draft changes the following MRLs for groundnuts.

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Deadline for commentsDifenoconazole peanut 0.01

08-11-2020

Mancozeb peanut 0.01

Flubendiamide peanut 0.02

Imidacloprid peanut 0.05

Indoxacarb peanut 0.05*

Novaluron peanut 0.01*

Propaquizafop peanut 0.01*

Tebuconazole peanut 0.05

Trifloxystrobin peanut 0.02*

Fluxapyroxad peanut 0.05*

Methoxyfenozide peanut 0.02*

* indicates that the maximum residue limit is set at the limit of determination.

Abamectin tree nuts 0.01* 0.01*

The submitted data are sufficient to derive an import tolerance at the LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg for the whole group of tree nuts. US tolerance: 0.01 mg/kg. Risk for consumers unlikely.

Mefentrifluconazole

apricots 0.01* 0.7 The submitted data are sufficient to derive an MRL proposal. Risk for consumers unlikely.

plums 0.01* 0.5

grapes 0.01* 0.9

Chlorantraniliprolealmonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts

0.05 0.03

MRL is derived from a GAP evaluated at EU level, which is fully supported by data and for which no risk to consumers is identified.

Legal Update


Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Adoption dateFenpyroximate peanuts 0.04 18-06-2020

Cyflumetofen plum subgroup 12-12C 0.3 01-07-2020

Oxathiapiprolincranberry 0.4

06-07-2020nut, tree, group 14-12 0.01

Hexythiazoxin date, dried 3 20-07-2020

USA: MRLs UpdateThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the following MRLs in nuts and fruits.

ContaminantsGERMANY: Mineral Oil HydrocarbonsRepresentatives of the food control authorities of the federal states and the food sector association Food Federation Germany made a recommendation on “benchmark levels” for contents of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH).

These benchmark levels (non-legislative) for MOH, which were introduced on July 1, 2020, cover only the German market. For nuts and dried fruits, a benchmark level of 4 mg/kg for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) is established. For mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), the level is lower than the limit of qualification (LOQ).

Product Description Aflatoxin, total (mg/kg)

Brazil nutsWhole commodity (ready to eat) 10

Shelled Brazil nuts intended for further processing 15

PistachiosWhole commodity (ready to eat) 10

Pistachios intended for further processing 15

Dried figs Whole commodity (ready to eat) 10

Peanuts Unless specified, seed or kernels, after removal of shell or husk and intended for further processing 20

AlmondsWhole commodity after remove shell (ready to eat) 10

Whole commodity after remove shell (intended for further processing) 15

HazelnutsWhole commodity after removal of shell (ready to eat) 10

Whole commodity after remove shell (intended for further processing) 15

Other nuts and dried fruits Other than the above lists 20

THAILAND: Contaminants and Toxins in FoodThe Food and Drug Administration of Thailand notified the World Trade Organization of the adoption of the "Maximum levels for contaminants and toxins in food". As for total aflatoxin in nuts and dried fruits, the following maximum limits are stablished.

Food SafetyUSA: Smarter Food Safety

On July 13, 2020, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint. This document sets goals to enhance traceability, improve predictive analytics, respond more rapidly to outbreaks, address new business models, reduce contamination of food, and foster the development of stronger food safety cultures.

It outlines a partnership between government, industry and public health advocates. It is centered around four core elements: 1) Tech-enabled Traceability; 2) Smarter Tools and Approaches for Prevention and Outbreak Response; 3) New Business Models and Retail Modernization; and 4) Food Safety Culture.

USA: Food Traceability

On September 23, the FDA published the proposed rule “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods” to establish additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for persons who manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods included on the Food Traceability List.

The Food Traceability Proposed Rule is a key component of the FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint and pursues to identify recipients of foods to prevent or mitigate foodborne illness outbreaks in a quick and efficient manner. The foods identified in the Food Traceability List will require additional traceability records. Nut butter (includes all types of tree nut and peanut butters; does not include soy or seed butters) is listed.

Legal Update


Date Trade agreement

August 1, 2020

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force. The FTA will eliminate nearly all customs duties on goods traded between the two parties in a progressive way. It was signed on June 30, 2019, and approved by the EU on March 30, 2020, and by Vietnam on June 8, 2020.

July 1, 2020

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force, replacing the decades-old NAFTA. The USMCA is expected to enable food and agriculture to trade more fairly, and to expand exports of agricultural products.

September 11, 2020

The UK and Japan reached a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement is expected to give UK companies exporting to Japan a competitive advantage in a number of areas: tariff free access for more goods, improved mobility for business people, and digital and data provisions, among others.

TRADE AGREEMENTS

WCO: Amendments to HS 2022

The World Customs Organization (WCO) published the amendments to the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature accepted during the HS Convention. Among the 351 sets of amendments, the following HS codes have been set for pine nuts. These amendments shall enter into force on January 1, 2022.0802.91 - Pine nuts, in shell0802.92 - Pine nuts, shelled

Trade

Organic Production

EU: Organic ProductionOn September 18, 2020, the European Union notified the World Trade Organization of three draft regulations amending or supplementing Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labeling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007:

- The Draft Commission Delegated Regulation as regards the requirements for groups of operators and the model of certificate attesting compliance with the rules on organic production, lays down the provisions on groups of operators and amends the model of the certificate provided to operators or group of operators.

- The Draft Commission Delegated Regulation on the specific criteria and conditions for the checks of documentary accounts in the framework of official controls in organic production and the official controls of groups of operators, will supplement the Regulation (EU) 2018/848 by laying down further rules on traceability and mass balance checks, as well as on specific controls on groups of operators.

- The Draft Commission Implementing Regulation on controls and other measures ensuring traceability and compliance in organic production and the labeling of organic products lays down the rules for precautionary measures and investigation in case of suspicion of non-compliance due to the presence of non-authorized products and substance, labeling, group of operators, minimum additional controls, national catalogues of measures and exchange of information between different bodies and authorities for organics.

The proposed date of adoption is November 2020.

EU: Organic Production ConsultationThe European Commission has opened a public consultation about the action plan for the development of EU organic production with deadline November 27, 2020. The objective of this public consultation is to collect and analyze the opinion and ideas of citizens, civil society, Member States authorities and concerned sectoral organizations on actions to be developed.

Through the Farm to Fork and the Biodiversity strategies, published in May 2020, the Commission has committed to reach at least 25% of EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030 and a significant increase in organic aquaculture, both to improve the sustainability of the food system and to revert biodiversity loss. To achieve this, the Commission proposes setting up an action plan to help Member States stimulate both supply and demand of organic products, ensure consumer’s trust through promotion activities and green public procurement, and respond to the challenges in reaching the target.

5377_Optimum_Pub_INC mag_w92h134mm_EN_v1.indd 1 10/01/20 10:32


0802.91 - Pine nuts, in shell0802.92 - Pine nuts, shelled

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Feature Articles


Brazil Nuts and the Amazon Rainforest: A Story of Sustainability, Livelihood, and Conservation

The Brazil nut and the Amazon rainforest are inseparable and as deforestation, wildfires, and land grabbers destroy the rainforest, the negative chain effect begins. Therefore, the conservation of the Brazil nut and the Amazon rainforest depend on each other, thus affecting the millions of people who call the Amazon region home.

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most majestic, biodiverse, and environmentally important regions of the world. Covering an area of over 5.5 million km2 and spreading over various countries in South America, it is the largest rainforest on the globe. Located within the rainforest is the tough, delicious, and nutritional Amazonia (Brazil) nut. Over the past decades, the Brazil nut has grown to become one of the most important economic products of the Amazon1.

Brazil Nut Origins Brazil nuts are harvested in the wild of the Amazon rainforest. Their trees are massive and often times rise above the canopy of the rainforest. Each tree produces a fruit that encases anywhere from 10 to 20 individual Brazil nuts. Once these fruits ripen, they fall to the forest floor, waiting to be gathered from harvesters. Efforts to cultivate the tree outside of the wild have failed as the tree requires the extensive and complex ecosystem of the Amazon to flourish and produce Brazil nuts. Consequently, the production of Brazil nuts is rarely steady and this results in unpredictable harvests. Each year, the harvest is dependent on environmental, economic and political conditions of the area.

Once Brazil nuts are harvested, they are enjoyed around the world for their delicious taste, amplifying recipes or just serving as a tasty snack. Moreover, they provide various health benefits, being high in fiber, vitamin E, thiamin and minerals such as selenium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese. They also contain more selenium than any other food on the planet.Picture courtesy of Tahuamanu SA.

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References1. Kainer, K. A., Wadt, L. H., & Staudhammer, C. L. (2018). The evolving role of Bertholletia excelsa in Amazonia: contributing to local livelihoods and forest conservation. Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente, 48. 2. Spring, J. (2020, July 10). La deforestación del Amazonas aumenta en junio y podría ser la peor en una década. Reuters. https://es.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idESKBN24B1XO 3. Amazon region: Brazil records big increase in fires. (2020, August 2). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53626544v 4. Maisonnave, F. (2020, July 28). Amazon land grabbers are destroying brazil nut groves for cattle pasture. Climate Change News. https://www.climatechangenews.com/2020/07/28/amazon-land-grabbers-destroying-brazil-nut-groves-cattle-pasture/ 5. Laird, S. A., & Pierce, A. R. (2002). Tapping the green market: certification and management of non-timber forest products. Earthscan. 6. Clay, J. W. (1997). Brazil nuts: the use of a keystone species for conservation and development. Harvesting wild species: implications for biodiversity conservation, 246-282.

Threats Against the Amazon RainforestHome to the Brazil nut, the Amazon rainforest currently faces some of the highest rates of deforestation as well as wildfires. In June 2020, Reuters reported that the deforestation of the rainforest could be at its worst levels in over a decade2. Regarding wildfires, the situation does not look any better. In July 2020, there were almost 7,000 wildfires in the rainforest, amounting to an increase of 28% compared to July 20193.

Furthermore, the rainforest is also threatened by “land grabbers”, which are individuals who clear paths in the Amazon for cattle pastures. Just from April 27 to September 9, 2019 alone, 2.8 thousand hectares of forest were illegally cut down4. Unfortunately, the expansion of cattle pasture usually takes away from Brazil nut harvesters.

Sustainability, Livelihood, and ConservationThroughout the years, the growth and harvest of Brazil nuts from the Amazon has become a key resource and through its harvesting, known as “conservation-through-use”, it has supported millions of hectares of the rainforest5. The growth of the Brazil nut can be directly tied to the saving of the Amazon rainforest and due to the impact not only on the conservation of the rainforest, but also the impact on the local economies and livelihoods, the Brazil nut has been referred to by some as the cornerstone of Amazon forest conservation6.

Economically, it is easy to argue that the Brazil nut is the most important plant product that is harvested from the Amazon as it enjoys an ample world market. Additionally, the harvesters usually come from some of the most underprivileged sections of society, thus putting their lives on the harvest of the Brazil nut.

The Interconnected StoryAll in all, the connection between the Brazil nut and the Amazon rainforest is undeniable. One cannot survive without the other and this is why serious efforts to conserve the rainforest and to make Brazil nuts sustainable must be considered a priority. As the efforts to conserve the Amazon rainforest make headway, the role of Brazil nuts only grows. The sustainability of harvesting Brazil nuts will continue to pay a pivotal role in conserving the Amazon and supporting the livelihood of the residents in the region.

Feature Articles


DR. CHAOYUN LIANGDr. Chaoyun Liang is a distinguished professor in the Department of Bio-Industry Communication and Development, National Taiwan University. His research focuses on human creativity, social entrepreneurship, agricultural communication, and rural marketing.

Taiwan, the Kingdom of Fruits and Dried Fruits

Taiwan enjoys a positive global reputation for its electronics but it is seldom recognized as a major dried fruit producer. Known by many as the ‘Kingdom of Fruit’, it excels at growing a diverse array of delicious fruit. Such fruit is available year-round thanks to Taiwan’s suitable climate, geographical location, skillful farmers, and creative use of agricultural technology.

Taiwan and its surrounding islands are blessed with gifts from nature; they are situated in East Asia at the northwestern edge of the Pacific, between tropical and subtropical climate zones. This allows them to withstand formidable summer typhoons and dry winters and enjoy yearlong agricultural

production. Taiwan has a range of terrains, marine ecologies, forests, mountains reaching up to 3,952 m, and diverse ethnic cultures, each with their own charming traditions and practices.

Because of these natural and human conditions, remarkable diversities of fruits can be grown here at different levels of humidity and temperature. Taiwan is also highly praised for its dedicated farmers and ingenious ways of engineering agricultural technology to maintain a high standard of fruit quality and flavor. Every month, more than one kind of fruit is in season. A partial list of fruits seldom seen outside of Taiwan is as follows:

Illustrated by Liv Wan, https://livwanillustration.com

Figure 1.

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References: EZGO. Retrieved from: https://ezgo.coa.gov.tw/zh-EN/FrontQuick Facts about Taiwan. Retrieved from: https://www.studyintaiwan.org/discover/quickSun, Y., & Laing, C. (2020). Factors determining consumers’ purchase intentions towards dried fruits. International Journal of Fruit Science. doi: 10.1080/15538362.2020.1774477

Various fresh fruits are commonly available to Taiwanese people, reducing consumer needs for dried fruit, although dried fruit production techniques are advanced. Recent research indicates that dried fruits are perceived as a snack among Taiwanese people. Local people appreciate these dried fruits as a gastronomic delight; they offer delectable flavors, convenient transport and storage, and ease of sharing while socializing with families and friends. Hence, dried fruits are popular snacks at festivals and parties in Taiwan.

To satisfy increased demand, some dried fruit manufacturers in Taiwan have increased production, but they have done so by forgoing traditional methods and misleading consumers. Although additional ingredients are not required in drying processes, some manufacturers infuse dried fruit with sugar syrup prior to drying.

In Taiwan, dried fruit consumption is a hedonistic pleasure that has become an essential part of everyday life. Taiwanese people offer fruit slices to their houseguests, gift fruit baskets to their clients, exchange assortments of quality fruit with close friends and family, and even make entertaining group activities out of picking seasonal fruit while on vacation or during festivals and celebrations.

Although fresh and dried fruit production may now be targeted to specific consumer markets _either toward those looking for fruit grown and dried in more environmentally friendly and health-conscious manners or those in search of exceptional flavor at a reasonable price_ fresh and dried fruit are generally perceived as healthy choices for those craving something sweet and are also valued as humble offerings for gods and cultural symbols.

In line with an emerging geopolitical and global economic shift, Taiwan, the Kingdom of Fruit, is ready to welcome all visitors and share its remarkable culinary gifts (Figure 1).

Import · Customs Clearance · VAT · Logistics · Storage · Sales · Retail · Distribution

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• Litchi is unique in its red, bumpy skin and opaque white interior. It is naturally sweet and juicy with floral notes, contributing to its pleasant aroma. Litchi has a delicate flavor with high nutritional value, and it is a perfect summer treat.

• Green mango is the most unique species among many mango varieties. Smaller and sweeter than red mango, green mango possesses a soft texture and a slightly tart juice, making it the perfect summer fruit.

• Wax apple has a dense, bell-shaped body and a bright, thin skin. It is juicy, crunchy, delicious, and fragrant. ‘Black pearls’ are the most sought-after type of wax apple.

• Custard apple, also known as a ‘Buddha’s head’, has a fragrant, sweet taste, a soft texture, and a creamy, seed-filled interior.

• Longan, also known as ‘dragon eyes’, has a brown shell and juicy, white-fleshed interior. Longan has a mildly sweet, musky flavor and is commonly sold fresh, dried, or canned in syrup. Dried longan is also used in soups and hot teas.

• Taiwanese papaya has a creamy, buttery texture with a flesh that melts in the mouth when ripe. It has been associated with digestion and improving blood glucose sensitivity.Though, banana, guava, star fruit, and pineapple are

obtainable year-round, some fruits are best eaten when in season. Spring to summer is the best time to savor fruit such as loquat, plum, sapodilla, watermelon, and mango. Between summer and autumn, pear, dragon fruit, passion fruit, and lime are all widely found. Autumn to winter is the prime season for citrus, pomelo, tomato, persimmon, strawberry, jujube, and melon. Furthermore, Taiwan’s creative farmers have developed approaches to genetically modified fruit, yielding delectable results. Genetically modified fruits often have extravagant names such as ‘Pearl Guava’, ‘Peach Pineapple’, ‘Apple Banana’, ‘King Kong Wax Apple’, ‘Watermelon Plum’, and ‘Belle of the Night Dragon Fruit’; all of these are innovative fruits with unique flavors and superior quality compared with others.

Taiwan has a diverse selection of quality fruits, and its fruits and dried fruits meet EU standards.

Feature Articles


Almond Growing in the South of Italy

In Italy, the cultivation of nuts maintains a strategic role in the economy of the agri-food sector, consolidating important market slices with different species. Almonds keep playing a key role mostly in the south where it has always represented a link to the culture and gastronomic tradition.

Sicily and Apulia remain the two areas with the greatest crop diffusion accounting for more than 60,000 ha, underlining a strong dynamism of the sector that tries to keep quality standards for international interest.

The only varietal types that are widespread today in Italy are the Mediterranean semi-hard-shell varieties with a fair spread, and even today, traditional and local hard-shell varieties. The Apulian self-fertile Tuono and Genco are the most widely diffused, often interspersed with some local germplasm cultivars destined to some unique industrial processing; for this purpose, Fascionello, Pizzuta d'Avola, Romana, Vinci a tutti, are the main local cultivars of Sicilian germplasm that still find space in the new orchards.

Almost unknown, the soft-shell cultivars and in few orchards, some of Spanish origin have been introduced, Vairo and Guara in particular. They have been introduced through the use of plants already grafted from nurseries and connected to Spanish commercial structures. These cultivars find excellent adaptability to the organic management which is increasing a lot in southern Italy.

Regarding planting systems, the presence of a model that is now obsolete and difficult to compete with is still evident, but it is struggling to be completely replaced by a tangible sign of innovation towards a completely different model. Ultimately, there is a resumption of interest in the Italian almond sector, especially in Sicily, where for over ten years there has been a constant growth of commercial interest and there are many experiences of new investments even from large companies. These new orchards are experiencing that the almond grove benefits a lot from a specialized cultivation model, and with relevant productive and qualitative answers of great interest for the modern fruit growing. The most widespread innovative almond orchards range from 400 to 600 trees/ha, grafted on clonal or seed rootstocks, managed with drip irrigation or sub-irrigation, trained in order to allow the use of machines or mechanical aids for harvesting.

The coexistence between two different models of almond cultivation is therefore still evident today; in areas without irrigation resources, there is still a strong tradition that requires the use of traditional management techniques, with lower planting densities and manual harvesting. The varietal platform is the same while the use of inputs is considerably different. There is very low interest in Sicily for high density orchards based on the Spanish model, while in Apulia a few hundred ha have been planted following this model.

A recent study1, carried out in Sicily has analyzed different almond orchards in order to highlight both environmental and economic sustainability during the planting life. The study, with some results reported in table 1 and 2, underlined that, besides a greater environmental impact, the innovative plant model allows higher economic profitability than the traditional one, despite higher planting and operating costs. The environmental impact, however, remains substantially lower than that reported in the bibliography for alternative species, such as table grapes and citrus fruits, which have much higher water needs and crop management costs are not comparable.

FRANCESCO SOTTILE PROFESSOR AT UNIVERSITY OF PALERMO, ITALY

Francesco Sottile is an associate professor at the University of Palermo in Italy. He is the Director of the Interdepartmental Research Center Bio-based reuse of waste from agri-food matrices (RIVIVE). [email protected]

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One of the effects of this new interest in the almond tree sector is the resumption of research activities and prospects for aggregation. In the center of Sicily, the first Italian Almond Producers' Organization (La Mandorla soc. coop.) has been developed, involving hundreds of mostly organic companies, with over 1500 ha of orchards processed and transformed, thanks to the presence of structures for the processing of the product starting from Bongiovanni Almonds Ltd.

The University of Palermo supports scientific research also through the establishment of the Interdepartmental Research Center for the ‘Bio-Based Re-use of waste from agri-food matrices’ that brings together researchers from the production phase to processing. Recently the Sicilian Dried Fruit District was established, an aggregation tool that brings together over 100 Sicilian enterprises of almond, hazelnut, pistachio and carob with the aim of sharing the needs and requirements of innovation developed through industrial research projects and experimental development.

All of this development takes concrete form in an activity that considers the essential choices towards sustainable agricultural models found in the Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They also take into consideration the indications of the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European Commission. The production areas of Southern Italy allow for high quality levels of production without aflatoxins and it provides almonds that are suitable for food processing, cosmetics and the pharmaceutical industry. The time of obsolete and traditional almond farming is over and today we are working towards an organic, competitive and qualitatively excellent almond farming.

Table 1 and 2.Data on almond orchard profitability and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)

Source: Sottile, F., Massaglia, S., & Peano, C. (2020). Ecological and Economic Indicators for the Evaluation of Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) Orchard Renewal in Sicily. Agriculture, 10(7), 301.

First Harvest Full Production Last Year of Production

Modern planting typology

Yield t ha -1 2.0 Yield t ha -1 4.8 Yield t ha -1 3.0

Operational costs € ha -1 329,209 Operational costs € ha -1 5113.00 Operational costs € ha -1 5113.00

Total output € ha -1 3800.00 Total output € ha -1 9120.00 Total output € ha -1 5700.00

Gross margin € ha -1 507.91 Gross margin € ha -1 4297.00 Gross margin € ha -1 877.00

Traditional planting typology

Yield t ha -1 0.8 Yield t ha -1 2.3 Yield t ha -1 1.5

Operational costs € ha -1 1876.02 Operational costs € ha -1 3207.72 Operational costs € ha -1 3207.72

Total output € ha -1 2470.00 Total output € ha -1 5520.00 Total output € ha -1 3600.00

Gross margin € ha -1 593.98 Gross margin € ha -1 2336.28 Gross margin € ha -1 466.28

Impact Category Unit Modern Traditional

Global warming kg CO2 eq. 0.22 0.18

Non-renewable energy MJ primary 6.53 2.95

IPCC GWP 100a kg CO2 eq. 0.23 0.18

1. Sottile, F., Massaglia, S., & Peano, C. (2020). Ecological and Economic Indicators for the Evaluation of Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) Orchard Renewal in Sicily. Agriculture, 10(7), 301.

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Russian Pine Nuts Commodity Base & Real Export PotentialANDREI MIKHAILENKO MANAGING PARTNER, RUSSIAN UNION OF WILD CROP COLLECTORS AND PROCESSORS

Andrei was born in Omsk, Siberia. He received his legal education at the Omsk Law Academy, graduated master degree of international economic relationships in the Moscow State University of International Relationships of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After graduation, he started his business in Russian agricultures export. In 2016 Andrei became a founder of “Siberian Pine Nuts” Company. The focus area is procurement, processing and export of pine nuts. In the current year, 2020, the company started a new production site for pine nuts processing. Also, in 2020, Andrei was elected as Managing Partner of the Noncommercial Partnership “Russian Union of Wild Crop Collectors and Processors”.

The Russian Union of Wild Crop Collectors and Processors is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 by leading Russian producers and processors of food forest resources, which currently unites companies involved in harvesting and processing of wild products throughout the Russian Federation. The Union includes organizations that specialize in developing production for processing nuts, berries, mushrooms, medicinal plants, etc. Currently there are 40 members.

Country Pine Nuts Raw Material Base*(Crop 2020/2021, Metric Tons)

Russia 42,000China 42,000North Korea 35,000

* Pinus Sibirica & Pinus koraiensis, in-shell basis.

Morning in a Pine Forest (1889) by Ivan Shishkin & Konstantin Savitsky

Pine nut is one of the brightest representatives of the wealth of Russian nature and, of course, a storehouse of useful elements. According to a study published in 2010 in the journal Food Technology1, pine nuts contain almost 65% of high-quality oil, easily digestible proteins (which include 19 amino acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, E), and some of the most important macro- and microelements. Pine nut kernel contains B vitamins, vitamins E and K, as well as iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, copper and especially manganese. 100 grams of pine nuts satisfy one third of the daily protein requirement of the human body.

There are 3 varieties of cedar growing in Russia: Siberian Stone Pine (Pinus Sibirica), Korean Pine (Pinus Koraiensis) and Japanese Stone Pine (Pinus Pumila):

• The area of growth of the Siberian Stone Pine is 29 million hectares in western and eastern Siberia, and central Altai; the potential volume of harvesting is 80,000 tons per year.

• The growing area of the Korean Pine is 3 million hectares in Primorsky Krai and Khabarovsk Krai, Jewish Autonomous Region; the possible harvesting volume is 15,000 tons per year.

• The growing area of Japanese Stone Pine is 33 million hectares in Eastern Siberia and Far East, possible harvesting volume per year is 5,000 tons.There are four leading countries in the world in terms of

pine nuts raw material base: Russia, China, North Korea and Mongolia, and Russia possesses one of the largest pine nuts raw material base.

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C

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CM

MY

CY

CMY

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1. Палагина, М. В., & Приходько, Ю. В. (2010). Обоснование использования дальневосточных растений в качестве функциональных ингредиентов в технологии пищевых продуктов. Известия высших учебных заведений. Пищевая технология, (4).

The key feature of the current state of the Russian pine nut market is that about 85% of the crop exports to China in-shell. For example, of the 17 thousand tons of pine nuts collected in Russia in 2019, 14 thousand tons or about 82% were exported to China in-shell and 3 thousand tons or about 18% were processed in Russia only.

Noncommercial Partnership «Russian Wild Crop Union» was established in Russia in 2007. The main goals of the Union are:

• revealing the resource potential of renewable natural resources;

• participation in the regulation of the turnover of wild plants from harvesting to their deep processing;

• regulation of the trade turnover of wild plant products in the domestic and foreign markets;

• participation in lawmaking aimed at the development of sustainable, socially and environmentally responsible forest management;

• also, Russian Wild Crop Union is involved in the implementation

of organic wild crop collection & production principles into the Russian legislation.Russian Wild Crop Union is a partner

of the World Wide Fund for Nature and is aiming to become a partner of the FairWild Foundation in the near future. Our plans include:

• to implement protection of pine forests from fires destruction & logging;

• to ensure rational use and harvesting of pine nuts by tenants without bureaucratic delays;

• to ensure involvement of all forest management entities into the process of using non-timber forest resources on a legal basis;

• to return part of the value added from the use of pine trees resources of Russia in the environmental and social activities of the taiga regions.The Russian Wild Crop Union aims

to be a reliable partner for companies in Europe. Competitive advantages of the Union's partners are:

• Union’s members have direct access

to national raw material base –the largest in the world, with the cheapest raw material prices and the lowest export quote rates;

• financial guaranties & references by Russian federal bodies and government corporations, such as the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Russian Export Centre, etc.;

• Union’s pine nuts processors are able to cover raw material collection totally and have highly modernized production facilities, capable to process the entire volume of Russian raw material;

• organic feature of Russian origin pine nuts as a basis option, environmental protection, sustainable development & zero-waste processing are our core values.

Feature Articles


Evolution of COVID-19 for the Nut and Dried Fruit IndustryThe year 2020 has forever shaped and changed the way business is conducted around the world. As COVID-19 began to spread throughout the world in the early months of 2020, the ability to adapt in the face of uncertainty became of utmost importance. And now, in the last two months, it appears that COVID-19 has made itself a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. In the face of all the uncertainty and doubt, the nut and dried fruit business has had to do its best to adjust and remain strong. Starting in April, and every two weeks or so, the INC has posted a COVID-19 update to give members the latest information.

The start of the pandemic is hard to determine with certainty, however, throughout January, February, and the beginning of March, the virus spread mostly undetected and by the middle of March, the virus began to cripple the global economy. Governments began to take almost draconian measures to fight back against the virus and with these actions, the world as we knew it began to fade away. It is important to note that this overview does not reflect the development in every region of the world, but rather a generalized outline of how the pandemic has evolved.

First Wave of COVID-19 The first wave of coronavirus was not evenly spread throughout the globe, with Asia getting hit hard early in 2020, followed by Europe, then the Americas, and the rest of the world. However, by April, the virus had crippled the majority of the global economy. With the pandemic well underway in all parts of the world, the INC set out to interview members of its leadership team to give an update of how the virus had been affecting the nut and dried fruit industry.

The interviews, conducted in June, coincided with the first ever INC Webinar Series which highlighted and gave information on each of the products under the INC umbrella. This

event, together with the interviews, gave way to a clearer picture on just how COVID-19 had affected the nut and dried fruit industry.

It was evident that the virus had strained supply chains and threatened employee safety throughout all levels of the supply chain. Many companies had to reevaluate how they conducted business on-site, their production methods, and their ability to transition to a digital format of working. Global trading came to almost a complete halt and many businesses in the industry had to adapt and find ways to navigate the ever-evolving situation.

Although the tension of COVID-19 was clearly seen in the sector, there were a couple of points that acted as a light at the end of the tunnel:

1. With lockdowns in place and “panic” shopping from consumers, a significant rise in demand for nuts and dried fruits was observed across most countries.

2. With such an unprecedented global health crisis, consumers’ minds have become more focused on healthy, natural, and plant-based options. This shift in consumers’ preferences has catapulted the nut and dried fruit industry into the consumers’ baskets.

Through the INC Webinar Series and the interviews with the INC Leadership team (available in Nutfruit July 2020), there seemed to be a common thought: the nut and dried fruit industry could and would prevail during this crisis.

Feature Articles


The nut and dried fruit industry will position itself to succeed

Stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic by following the INC’s biweekly updates, which are available at www.nutfruit.org/news.

Recent Months and Evolution of the PandemicReturning colder weather in the northern hemisphere has once again amplified the infection rate of COVID-19 and many countries, especially in Europe, and the Americas are seeing a return of rising cases, which in turn has led to increased restrictions. Although there is a resurgence of cases, several countries have opted for more localized lockdowns in contrast to the large-scale strict nationwide lockdowns observed early in the pandemic.

For the nut and dried fruit industry, even though the health crisis continues to disrupt many parts of our lives, the sector as a whole has shown its capability to adapt, implement health protocols, navigate troubling supply chain issues, and most of all, push nuts and dried fruits to the forefront of consumers’ minds and promote the products as the healthy product they are.

As part of this effort, the INC has launched a new dissemination campaign, "Real Power for Real People" which connects the "Real Power" gained from consuming nuts and dried fruits, to attitudinal immunity, an individuals capability to resist negativity. You can find more information on the campaign at www.nutfruit.org/consumers/powerchallenge.

A Look at What’s to Come for the IndustryWhile the future remains mostly unclear and difficult to predict, some things are evident, the industry must continue to adapt, navigate, and persist during this unprecedented public health crisis. Furthering these efforts, the INC has organized the first ever online and international conference for the entire industry. With a strong product lending itself towards healthy demand, applied safety measures during harvesting, and cooperation, the nut and dried fruit industry will position itself to succeed.

COVID-19 Summer Slowdown With the arrival of summer months in the northern hemisphere, many regions of the world had drastically reduced or were in a downward trend of coronavirus cases. By this time, there was also a clearer picture on what some of the effects would be. According to the OECD in late June, the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered the most severe economic recession in nearly a century.

The severe economic recession coupled with steady infection rates prompted a slow and gradual reopening of economies. By the June 25, 2020 INC COVID-19 Update, most international borders had begun the process of reopening. Although some regions and countries still faced rising infections, late June, all of July, and most of August gave the world a much need breather in fighting the pandemic.

With some people returning to the workplace, factories and production sites began to operate in the most unrestricted means since the pandemic had started. At this point in the pandemic, extensive economic stimulus plans had been approved in many countries around the world, and commonly found in recovery packages was support for the agriculture sector. These recovery packages were aimed at protecting industries deemed necessary, such as food and agriculture.

Unfortunately, the brief summer slowdown of COVID-19 was just that, brief.

3535November 2020 | NUTFRUIT

Country/Product Spotlight

Pistachios & Iran

This country product spotlight is the third in a series of industry and market highlights in the Nutfruit magazine. This report provides a snapshot of the pistachio industry in Iran with data, analysis, and trends. Additionally, there is an article on the industry in perspective, health findings, and new product launches.

We would like to thank the Iranian Pistachio Association and

Behrooz Agah for their contribution in this edition.

Industry HighlightAn overview of production, trade, and consumption

Pistachios and HealthUnderstanding pistachios and their impact on health

New Product LaunchesInsights into new products that utilize pistachios

Iran's Pistachio Industry in PerspectiveBehrooz Agah discusses the Iranian Pistachio industry

36



ProductionPistacia vera L. is the only commercially-important species within the genus Pistacia L. (Anacardiaceae family) with nuts large enough to be consumed. Northern Iran, along with southern Turkmenistan and parts of Afghanistan, are the center of diversity of pistachios1.

Although pistachios have been cultivated in Iran for thousands of years, commercial production started to significantly increase around a hundred years ago and has been growing ever since. As of the 1970s pistachio commercial crop reached other Mediterranean climatic regions around the world: California, Chile, South Africa and Australia.

Iranian pistachios are characterized by a high kernel to in-shell ratio, and a rich and unique flavor highly appreciated among consumers around the world. Besides, their polyunsaturated oil content gives pistachios great roasting capacity: nuts can be roasted at between 160 and 180°C .

Currently, Iran along with California (USA) lead the marketable world supply of pistachios (Figure 1). Turkey, Syria, Greece, Afghanistan, Spain, Australia, China and Italy are other significant producing origins3.

Industry HighlightIranian Pistachio Industry in Numbers

Growers (estimated number)

+150,000

Processing capacity (raw basis)

Up to 7,000 MT/day

Under planting (bearing & non-bearing)

400,000 ha

Supply exported(10-year average)

80 %

of world exports (in-shell equivalent, 10-year average)

43 %

10-year average production (in-shell basis)

180,000 MT

Annual domestic consumption (10-year average)

35,000 MT

Produced in small scale orchards (2 or less ha)

70 %

According to Iran Pistachio Association (IPA), the demographics of production structure in Iran is largely composed of small-scale producers, managing orchards of two hectares or less with manual harvest. Overall, there are over 400,000 hectares planted with pistachios, of which around 300,000 ha are bearing. Kerman Province, in Southern Iran accounts for 42% of total acreage, equivalent to 185,000 ha. Great Khorasan and Yazd provinces add up to 27% and 10% of the planted area, respectively. The rest of the growing areas are distributed among Fars (6%), Semnan (4%), and other provinces (11%) (Fig. 2).

1. Sheikhi A., A. M. (2019). Pistachio (Pistacia spp.). Breeding. In J. S. Al-Khayri J., Advances in Plant Breeding Strategies: Nut and Beverage Crops. Springer, Cham. 2. Iran Pistachio Association (2020). 3. INC Database.

*Exceptionally low crop in Iran due to extreme weather conditions **Forecast.

Sources: Iran Pistachio AssociationFigure 1. Iranian Pistachio Production (In-shell basis, Metric tons)

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

2020/21**

2010/11

216,

000

2011/12

160,

000

2012/13

183,

000

2013/14

170,

000

2014/15

230,

000

2015/16

210,

000

2018/19*

52,0

00

2017/18

225,

000

2019/20

195,

000

180,

000

2016/17

153,

000


Commercial varieties in Iran are classified by shape: round and long. When the length to diameter ratio is greater than 1.5, then that variety is classified as long, a ratio below 1.5 is called round.

Currently, there are four different commercial varieties of pistachios cultivated in Iran, as listed below4.

Among round cultivars, Fandoghi is the most widely available variety and is still cultivated in traditional-producing regions of Iran. At present, it accounts for around 50% of Iranian production. However, due to its limited yield, new orchards are rarely planted with this variety.

Kalleh Ghouchi (Jumbo) was a commercially successful variety, but because its production is highly affected by water shortage, water salinity and weather fluctuations, Jumbo is no longer being budded and current production comes from existing trees.

As for long cultivars, Akbari acreage is expanding due to its higher yields and large nut size. Besides, this variety presents the largest kernel to in-shell weight ratio.

Ahmad Aghaei is an increasingly in-demand commercial long variety. Resembling the Kerman variety from the US, its production is growing as it has become very popular in export markets like India due to its exceptional taste and appearance.

4. Iran Pistachio Association (2020)

TradeThere are around a hundred pistachio export houses in Iran, from which, some are dedicated pistachio exporters, while others trade other dried agricultural commodities in addition to pistachios. These established exporters, as a group, command about 95% of total Iranian pistachio exports. Growers of pistachios, especially the medium to large sized ones, usually sell their products directly to the established export houses.

As per the IPA data, over the last decade, total Iranian pistachio annual exports (marketing years, September 23-September 22) ranged between 128,000 and 184,000 MT in-shell equivalent, on average. As for the current marketing year, shipments from September 2019 through July 2020 have been 152,000 MT (Fig. 4).

Figure 2. Iranian Pistachio Growing Regions (Bearing and Non-bearing hectares) Source: Iran Pistachio Association

Qom10,000 ha

Kerman185,000 ha

Isfahan7,000 ha

Semman18,000 ha

Ravazi Khorasan95,000 ha

South Khorasan18,000 ha

Sistan and Baluchestan8,000 ha

Yazd43,000 ha

Fars25,000 ha

Qazvin4,000 ha

Markazi11,000 ha

Tehran8,000 ha

Fandoghi Kalleh Ghouchi (Jumbo) Akbari Ahmad Aghaei

• 26/28-32/34 nut counts per ounce• Round-shaped• The most widely available• Limited yield

• 18/20-24/26 nut counts per ounce• Round-shaped• Sensitive to weather fluctuations

• 18/20-24/26 nut counts per ounce• Long-shaped and large nut size• High yield• Largest kernel to in-shell weight ratio

• 22/24-28/30 nut counts per ounce• Long-shaped• Exceptional taste and appearance

Figure 3. Main Commercial Varieties of Iranian Pistachio Nuts

Source: Iran Pistachio Association. Pictures courtesy of IPA

Pistachio Iranian industry has grown spectacularly over the last 90 years: Production grew from 2,000 MT in 1930s to 25,000 MT in 1970s, reaching 150,000 MT by the end of the millennium. Current crop levels range between 150,000 MT in off years and 230,000 MT in on years.

38



On average (2010/11-2019/20 marketing years), around 80% of Iran’s total supply is exported, domestic consumption represents 20% (Fig. 4).

Pistachio exports from Iran over the last ten years averaged 143,000 metric tons (in-shell equivalent). Most pistachio exports are raw, in bulk, at either one of the three following forms: open or closed dried in-shell, kernels, and green peeled pistachio kernels (Fig. 5).

IPA data show that 75% of international shipments were naturally open in-shell pistachios (10-year average) while the remaining 25% was distributed among closed shells (11%), kernels (9%), Green Peeled Pistachio Kernels (2%) and other forms (3%) (Fig. 6).

Average global annual shipments during the last 5-year period (marketing years 2014/15-2018/19) amounted to 120,700 MT. The main markets were the Far East, with 41% of the total share, followed by the European Union (12%), the Middle East (11%), the Indian Subcontinent (11%) and the CIS countries (9%). The UAE and Turkey (re-export markets) accounted for 14% of the share (Fig. 7).

Free Trade Agreements: On October 27, 2019, entered into force the Iran and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Interim Agreement. The full development of the Agreement is expected by 2022-2023.The Iran and Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement has been in effect since 2007.Iran is currently negotiating a 25-year strategic partnership agreement with China.

Source: Iran Pistachio Association. Pictures courtesy of IPA

Figure 5. Iranian Pistachio Exportable Products

Open In-shell Closed Shell Natural Kernel

• Naturally open• Kernel yield 52-57%• Exported mostly as raw dried, in bulk• Also exported roasted• Very long shelf life• For snack consumption

• Not naturally opened• Mechanically opened to produce open pistachios• or shelled to produce kernels

• Obtained mainly by shelling closed-shell pistachios• Mostly used as ingredient in bakery, chocolate industry and cooking• Also used as a snack

Green Peeled Pistachio Kernels

(GPPK)Pistachio Oil Pistachio Paste

• Obtained by harvesting pistachios before full ripening• Used as premium ingredient in pastries, chocolates, ice creams and gourmet processed meat products

• Obtained by cold-pressing pistachio kernels• For culinary and cosmetic use

• Obtained by milling roasted pistachio kernels, weather or not sweetened• For culinary and cosmetic use

Source: Iran Pistachio Association

*Exceptionally low supply due to extreme weather conditions ** September 2019-May 2020

Domestic International

Figure 4. Iranian Pistachio Exports and Domestic Consumption(In-shell equivalent, metric tons)

200,000

175,000

150,000

125,000

100,000

75,000

50,000

25,000

0

2010/11

2018/19*

2011/12

2019/20**

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/1818

5,00

0

134,

000

156,

000

36,0

00

33,0

00

32,5

00

34,0

00

46,1

00

42,0

00

33,0

00

37,0

00

10,0

00

30,0

00

180,

000

128,

000

139,

000

148,

000

155,

000

55,0

00

152,

000


5. Iran Pistachio Association (2020)

Consumption TrendsWorldwide, naturally split in-shell pistachios are mostly consumed as a salted roasted snack and it is the consumer who shells the kernel before eating. In a smaller proportion, GPPKs are used as an ingredient by the food industry, such as the confectionary, chocolate, ice cream and gourmet processed meat industries.

Pistachios have been traditionally considered a delicacy and in the industrial use, kernels and GPPKs are mostly added as an ingredient to give the product an aura of luxury. However, since the 1970s, pistachios have developed also into a widely available supermarket item to the general public5.

Owing to the industry’s improved processing, packaging and distribution systems, along with the promotion of pistachios as a healthy snack, apart from the traditional ingredient market that keeps trending upwards, domestic pistachio in-shell consumption is also growing steadily. As per IPA, domestic consumption remains consistent. Ranging between 32,000 and 46,000 MT over the last decade, domestic consumption accounts on average for 20% of total supply (The remaining 80% stands for pistachio exports).


Figure 6. Iranian Pistachio Exports by Product Type (%)

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0

2010/11

2018/19

2011/12

2019/20

Sept-May2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18


Figure 7: Iranian Pistachio Exports, Top Destinations. (In-shell equivalent, Metric tons, average 2014/15-2018/19)

Kazakhstan5,200 MT

Germany9,200 MT

Turkey5,200 MT

Pakistan4,800 MT

India6,200 MT

Vietnam20,500 MT

China31,800 MT

UAE11,400 MT

Iraq 6,400 MTLebanon 2,600 MT

Russia2,600 MT

Domestic31,000 MT

CIS Countries11,000 MT

Indian Subcontinent13,200 MT

Far East53,329 MT

EU 1514,322 MT

Middle East14,200 MTRe-Export Markets (UAE & Turkey)16,600 MT

Open In-shellClosed ShellKernelGreen Peeled Pistachio Kernels and Split KernelsOthers


40 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT

Iran's Pistachio Industry in Perspective

Pistachio cultivation and trade date back to thousands of years in Iran, with about a century of industrial production and export as an agricultural commodity. The unique organoleptic characteristics of Iranian pistachio nuts make them versatile and universally appreciated both as a snack and as an ingredient.

Pistachios have been valued by the aristocracy from Rome to China since ancient times. In contrast to most other nuts, the hard shells of pistachio nuts split during the final stages of nut ripening, while still on the tree. The presence of such a cleft in the shell facilitates the thorough flavoring of the kernel with salt and/or other spices, while the presence of the hard shell around the kernel permits roasting at high temperatures so as to accentuate the exquisite aroma of the nut. The shelling of open in-shell pistachio nuts by hand can be an engaging pastime. These features make pistachios unique and an exceptional snack.

Significantly, raw dried in-shell pistachio nuts have an exceedingly long shelf life. Pistachios are also an exceptional source of healthy nutrients in the human diet. The unique flavor and color of the kernel makes pistachios an excellent choice of a topping or ingredient as a condiment. All these attributes have resulted in a rapid expansion of pistachio consumption throughout the world during the past 100 years. Nevertheless, there remains a large portion of the global population that is not familiar with this nut and the many different ways it can be consumed. Thus, there exists a substantial untapped global market for the world's pistachio industry.

Iranian pistachios have unique attributes that make them desirable for their international customers. The many pistachio nut varieties of Iranian origin have an intense taste-profile resulting from their higher oil content. A high oil content allows for roasting at higher temperatures, that in turn brings out the unique flavor of Iranian pistachio nuts. Iranian pistachios come in many different varieties, shapes and sizes. This gives consumers in different parts of the world with different preferences a wider choice. Another significant attribute of Iranian pistachios is a high meat content, on average, ten percent higher than other origins. At the commercial level, the large number of producers, buyers, exporters, and importers of Iranian pistachios makes for conditions of perfect competition in its market.

Iranian pistachio production trends for the past 10 years reveal a level of stability that will continue into the future. The establishment of new plantations and improvements in horticultural practices in mature orchards will compensate for production decline in areas affected by water resource

BEHROOZ AGAHAGAH GROUP & IRAN PISTACHIO ASSOCIATION

Behrooz Agah is the grandson of the originator of the modern international pistachio industry. His family’s involvement with pistachios started about a 100 years ago. Behrooz is a third-generation pistachio farmer/trader. He currently leads the Agah Group, which has been producing and exporting pistachios from Iran to customers worldwide. Behrooz is a founding member of Iran Pistachio Association and the INC Ambassador to Iran.

There is a substantial untapped global market for the world’s pistachio industry.“ “


decline. As a result, Iran's pistachio production is predicted to stand at an average of around 200,000 metric tons on a dried in-shell basis. Furthermore, increasing geographical diversity of production areas in Iran will result in less severe fluctuations of production volume from one year to the next. At the present, pistachios are cultivated in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces. The trend in new plantings, along with rejuvenation and re-grafting of existing orchards, is shifting the composition of Iranian pistachio production from dominance of round to long varieties, specifically, Akbari and Ahmad-Aghayi. Hence, a continuing trend toward increasing availability and price competitiveness of long varieties is expected in the near future.

There has been significant progress on aflatoxin and pesticide residue control in different sectors of Iran's pistachio industry. At the grower level, numerous improvements such as conversion from flood to drip irrigation, exponential increase in the technical know-how of small farmers with the advent of social-media conduits, application of residue-free pesticides, improvements in agricultural practices, plus timely and speedy harvest have been major contributors. Improved awareness of pistachio processors has resulted in much better control of aflatoxin contamination during the fresh processing phase. On another front, currently a number of Iranian processing companies possess the most globally-advanced know-how for reducing aflatoxin contamination in commercial pistachio nut consignments. Furthermore, Iranian pistachio exporters have become more experienced in matching the different needs and product specifications of importers in various

A continuing trend toward increasing availability and price competitiveness of long varieties is expected in the near future.

“ “ countries with different regulatory MLs and different qualities of their purchased raw materials. There is also a recent trend towards vertical integration among numerous players in all three sectors of Iranian pistachio industry, namely: farming, processing and trade, in order to guarantee quality and traceability from the farm to destination markets.

Most pistachio exports from Iran are raw, in bulk, as dried in-shell, natural kernels or green peeled pistachio kernels. In-shell pistachios are consumed as a snack. However, natural pistachio kernels can be consumed both as a snack or as an ingredient in the food industry. Owing to a gradual decline of global pistachio prices from its peak in 2016, natural kernel shipments show a fast-growing trend in global markets. Green peeled pistachio kernels are used as an ingredient in foods, pastries, chocolates, ice creams and processed meat products, where a small quantity of the green kernel gives an aura of luxury and distinction to the product. Moreover, pistachio oil which has found popular appeal as a natural ingredient in gourmet salad dressings and hypoallergenic cosmetics seems to have the potential for promotion in an expanding niche market for pistachio products.

Meanwhile, Iran's pistachio industry is facing a number of challenges. The lock-downs in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a reduction in processing capacities, in addition to disrupting the flow of pistachios through sales channels in different markets. Although pistachio consumption in most countries was not drastically affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the unprecedented nature of the issue and the uncertainty of longer-term general economic outlook seems to be the main concern. Iranian pistachio exporters are also facing foreign trade and banking restrictions resulting from the unilateral US sanctions against the country. Furthermore, in the absence of the country’s oil and gas revenue due to sanctions, the government of Iran has imposed regulations on the handling and return of all foreign currency proceeds from exports, which has created several challenges for Iranian pistachio exporters. However, it is hoped that these latter challenges will be resolved soon with a shift in the political atmosphere.


42 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT

Health Benefitsof Pistachios

Pistachio nuts have a delicious flavor and a high nutritional value, being high in monounsaturated fats, fiber, thiamin and vitamin B6, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese. They are also a source of protein, riboflavin, vitamins A, E and K, as well as other minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium1,2.

Nutrition ResearchResearch on the health benefits of pistachios is quite extensive. Within the past couple of years, there has been an abundance of research explaining how pistachios can have positive health effects in areas such as: weight loss3, herpes virus4, sleep quality5, protein6, diabetes7, and cellular ageing8.

Weight LossObesity is a growing issue in many parts of the world. As obesity continues to increase, individuals are faced with increased health risks and diseases. Therefore, consumption and pistachio intake has been of interest for researchers.

In a recent behavioral intervention study with a hundred subjects, researchers aimed to identify what effect on weight loss in overweight or obese adults, increased pistachio consumption may have. The study concluded that pistachio intake at 42 g/day equivalent to 1.5 oz/day may contribute to a healthy dietary pattern and weight reduction in the context of an energy-restricted diet, and may confer additional health benefits such as reduced blood pressure3.

Moreover, in another publication, researchers concluded that the daily intake of pistachios (44 g) may help improve nutrient intake without affecting body weight or body composition in healthy women.

The additional calories provided by the pistachios induced satiety and sufficient adjustment of intake to prevent body weight changes9.

Both studies were funded by the American Pistachio Growers association.

Antiviral PropertiesAside from weight loss, researchers have also observed the relation between pistachios and herpes simplex virus type 1. Herpes is a viral infection that is quite common among adults and although it is uncurable, there are polyphenols that can have antiviral effects.

In one study, results indicated that polyphenols from pistachios are effective against herpes simplex virus type 1. This study concluded that the antiviral effects of pistachio extracts are the result of a balance of the individual polyphenolic components (antioxidants) that in combination exert the anti-viral activity10.

This research was also funded by the American Pistachio Growers.

Melatonin and Sleep QualityThroughout the world, problems with sleeplessness are a concern for many and melatonin, a natural hormone, can be beneficial for the sleep quality of an individual. Furthermore, melatonin can exhibit many other health benefits such as antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties, which help boost immunity. Melatonin also displays anti-cancer activity, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetic, anti-obese, neuroprotective and anti-aging activity.

In a study from 2017, pistachios were found to contain melatonin. The results showed that pistachios contained about 660 ng melatonin per gram of pistachio11. These results are positive for an individual who is looking to increase their levels of melatonin through a natural supplement.

Quality ProteinAs gastronomical trends shift, plant-based protein is poised to be one of the largest growing trends among consumers. Along with an increased focus on sustainability and the ecosystem, the plant-based protein movement has been advanced further by increased interest in vegan and vegetarian diets.

A study published in the Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture in 2020 found that pistachios contained “good” quality protein. The protein quality of a food is determined by the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), and the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS).

In the report, both raw and roasted pistachios scored above the threshold of 75, indicating that they are both sources of “good” quality protein12.

DiabetesPistachios have a glucose- and insulin-lowering effect, so they may help reduce blood sugar levels13. Eating pistachios every day may also improve some cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes14.

A 2017 study showed that an early dietary intervention in pregnant women with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and pistachios reduced the incidence of Gestational diabetes mellitus15.


Toast with Pistachio Mascarpone and Dried FigsIngredients• 2 whole-wheat toasts

• 125 g mascarpone

• Pistachios (1.5 handfuls)

• 4 dried figs

Preparation First, in a blender, add the mascarpone and one handful of pistachios and mix until the cream is homogeneous. Then toast the bread and spread the pistachio mascarpone on it. Finally, cut the dried figs into four pieces, place them on the bread and sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top.

1. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release April, 2018. 2. Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. 3. Rock, C. L., Zunshine, E., Nguyen, H. T., Perez, A. O., Zoumas, C., Pakiz, B., & White, M. M. (2020). Effects of Pistachio Consumption in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention on Weight Change, Cardiometabolic Factors, and Dietary Intake. Nutrients, 12(7), 2155. 4. Musarra-Pizzo, M., Pennisi, R., Ben-Amor, I., Smeriglio, A., Mandalari, G., & Sciortino, M. T. (2020). In Vitro Anti-HSV-1 Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts and Pure Polyphenol Compounds Derived from Pistachios Kernels (Pistacia vera L.). Plants, 9(2), 267. 5. Meng, W. et al. Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients, 2017. 6. Bailey, H. M., & Stein, H. H. (2020). Raw and roasted pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L) are "Good" sources of protein based on their digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) as determined in pigs. Journal of the science of food and agriculture. 7. Assaf-Balut, C., de la Torre, N. G., Durán, A., Fuentes, M., Bordiú, E., del Valle, L., ... & Izquierdo, N. (2017). A Mediterranean diet with additional extra virgin olive oil and pistachios reduces the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): A randomized controlled trial: The St. Carlos GDM prevention study. PloS one, 12(10), e0185873. 8. Canudas, S., Hernández-Alonso, P., Galié, S., Muralidharan, J., Morell-Azanza, L., Zalba, G., ... & Bulló, M. (2019). Pistachio consumption modulates DNA oxidation and genes related to telomere maintenance: a crossover randomized clinical trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 109(6), 1738-1745. 9. Fantino, M., Bichard, C., Mistretta, F., & Bellisle, F. (2020). Daily consumption of pistachios over 12 weeks improves dietary profile without increasing body weight in healthy women: A randomized controlled intervention. Appetite, 144, 104483. 10. Musarra-Pizzo, M., Pennisi, R., Ben-Amor, I., Smeriglio, A., Mandalari, G., & Sciortino, M. T. (2020). In Vitro Anti-HSV-1 Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts and Pure Polyphenol Compounds Derived from Pistachios Kernels (Pistacia vera L.). Plants, 9(2), 267. 11. Meng, W. et al. Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients, 2017. 12. Bailey, H. M., & Stein, H. H. (2020). Raw and roasted pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L) are "Good" sources of protein based on their digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) as determined in pigs. Journal of the science of food and agriculture. 13. Kendall, C. W. C., Josse, A. R., Esfahani, A., & Jenkins, D. J. A. (2011). The impact of pistachio intake alone or in combination with high-carbohydrate foods on post-prandial glycemia. European journal of clinical nutrition, 65(6), 696. 14. Sauder, K. A., McCrea, C. E., Ulbrecht, J. S., Kris-Etherton, P. M., & West, S. G. (2015). Effects of pistachios on the lipid/lipoprotein profile, glycemic control, inflammation, and endothelial function in type 2 diabetes: A randomized trial. Metabolism, 64(11), 1521-1529. 15. Assaf-Balut, C., de la Torre, N. G., Durán, A., Fuentes, M., Bordiú, E., del Valle, L., ... & Izquierdo, N. (2017). A Mediterranean diet with additional extra virgin olive oil and pistachios reduces the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): A randomized controlled trial: The St. Carlos GDM prevention study. PloS one, 12(10), e0185873.

Pistachios

KEY FACTS

CHOLESTEROLSeveral scientific studies have observed an association between the intake of pistachios and the reduction of blood levels of cholesterol, specifically LDL “bad” cholesterol.

DIABETESFurther research has shown that daily pistachio consumption can also improve some cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.

HIGH IN: Pistachios are high in monounsaturated fat, fiber, thiamin and vitamin B6, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese.

SOURCE OF: Pistachios are a source of protein, riboflavin, vitamins A, E and K, as well as other minerals as iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium.




New Product Launches

Pistachio oil: Pistachio oil, which is extracted from the nut, has been used in various products ranging from spreads to skincare.

Nooha Pistachio Butter (Iran): Nooha Pistachio Butter is a pleasant product which contains 65% pure Iranian pistachio. In addition to the unique properties of pistachio, this product has a pleasant flavor too. https://nooha.ir/en/

Chef’s Choice Natural Pistachio Extract (Australia): Chef’s Choice Natural Pistachio Extract is all natural and excellent in baked goods, beverages and ice cream. It is a versatile extract with sweet nutty tones that add a variety of flavors. Simply add a splash to your favorite recipes. https://premiumgourmetfood.com.au/

Angel Specialty’s Flavor Delights! Pistachio Powder (USA)This pistachio powder will increase the variety of your baking creations with authentic, tasty, high quality flavors. Simple and easy way to add the nutty and sweet flavor of pistachios to your choice of dry bakery mixes or custom recipes. https://angelspecialtyproducts.com/

Van der Linden’s Pistachio Cream (Netherlands) A delicate spread in which the distinctive flavor of the nuts is smooth and balanced. Perfect as an alternative to conventional spreads and also ideal to garnish desserts with a touch of original flavor. https://vanderlindenproducts.com/

Over the years, pistachios have become valued as a snack throughout the world, but more recently, alternative uses of pistachios have emerged. Pistachios can be found now in a wide array of forms. Baking and confectionary uses are extremely common and as more consumers become health-conscious, pistachios are well established in these markets. When used in baking and confectionary, pistachios give a delicious nutty and sometimes sweet flavor.

As the health benefits of pistachios spread, companies continue to invest in new product development and innovation for pistachios. Below are some products that have been launched from various parts of the world.

45November 2020 | NUTFRUITNovember 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUITNovember 2020 | NUTFRUIT

CaliforniaPrunes.org | @ CAforPrunes

Why does the world come to California for prunes?

R E A S O N N O. 4

News An established product needs up-to-date news to make new sales.

Only California Prunes regularly brings something new to the

industry to promote, like our recent research that suggests eating

five to six California Prunes a day may help support healthy bones.

But that’s just one reason. Choose California Prunes for yours.

Health News


The majority of protein intake comes from animal sources including meat, eggs, and dairy, all of which also contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions and an environmental impact. Data has shown that vegetarian alternatives of cheese, meat and fish may impact the environment less(1).

Health concerns are another key reason for shifting towards plant-based protein sources. Different types of proteins, from various sources each have different effects on health. Studies report that the slope of protein consumption in the Western population is as the following: meat-eaters > fish-eaters > lacto-ovo-vegetarians > vegans(2). Contrary to the common misconception of not having a complete set of essential amino acids from plant-based proteins, it has been emphasized that including protein from diverse plant sources such as grains, nuts, legumes, and soy could help reach the necessary amino acid requirements(3). Including diverse plant-based foods not only gives consumers amino acids, but it provides other nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals (3). In the case of animal protein, nutrients such as saturated fatty acids and cholesterol are also provided and these have been proven to have negative health effects.

A growing public health and environmental concern has led to a shift towards a more plant-based diet. Within this movement, protein has been a key target for change.

The future will be plant-based. “

“

Plant-based protein sources such as nuts, legumes, and soy have all shown anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties(4). Lysine and arginine, two amino acids from animal and plant protein sources, have also shown the potential to play a role in the regulation of blood lipids. However, there are several hypothesized negative impacts of consuming animal protein(5). Lysine, which is more prevalent in animal proteins has been shown to increase cholesterol levels in animal trials. In contrast, arginine, which is found more commonly in plant proteins, has been shown to have the opposite effect(5,6) and has beneficial effects on endothelium. Similarly, carnitine, commonly obtained from meat and dairy, has also been associated with the development of metabolic diseases through the formation of acylcarnitine(7). Another potential mechanism by which protein could have different effects depending on the source is via gut microbiota modulation which has shown to affect metabolism.

Legumes and pulses are also interesting plant-based protein sources that provide up to 15-30% of their energy to protein(8). Moreover, legumes with their rich nutritional composition of bioactive compounds, have been shown to have

Growth of Plant-based Protein

Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó

PHD STUDENT JANANEE MURALIDHARAN AND PROF. JORDI SALAS-SALVADÓ

Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan de Reus, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus (Spain). CIBER Obesity and Nutrition Network (CIBEROBN), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid (Spain).

Health News


References 1. Reijnders L, Soret S. Quantification of the environmental impact of different dietary protein choices. Am J Clin Nutr [Internet]. 2003 Sep 1;78(3):664S-668S. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/78.3.664S 2. Sobiecki JG, Appleby PN, Bradbury KE, Key TJ. High compliance with dietary recommendations in a cohort of meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians, and vegans: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Oxford study. Nutr Res. 2016 May;36(5):464–77. 3. Mariotti F. Animal and Plant Protein Sources and Cardiometabolic Health. Adv Nutr [Internet]. 2019 Nov 1;10(Supplement_4):S351–66. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy110 4. S. LS, Sonia BM, Lyubov L, E. SS, Effie V, Vanessa H, et al. Effect of Plant Protein on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc [Internet]. 2020 Sep 22;6(12):e006659. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.117.006659 5. Sánchez A, Rubano DA, Shavlik GW, Hubbard R, Horning MC. Cholesterolemic effects of the lysine/arginine ratio in rabbits after initial early growth. Arch Latinoam Nutr [Internet]. 1988;38(2):229–38. Available from: http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/3155291 6. Kurowska EM, Carroll KK. Effect of high levels of selected dietary essential amino acids on hypercholesterolemia and down-regulation of hepatic LDL receptors in rabbits. Biochim Biophys Acta - Lipids Lipid Metab [Internet]. 1992;1126(2):185–91. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0005276092902898 7. Guasch-Ferré M, Ruiz-Canela M, Li J, Zheng Y, Bulló M, Wang DD, et al. Plasma Acylcarnitines and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in a Mediterranean Population at High Cardiovascular Risk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab [Internet]. 2019 May 1;104(5):1508–19. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-01000 8. Messina V. Nutritional and health benefits of dried beans. Am J Clin Nutr [Internet]. 2014 Jul 1;100(suppl_1):437S-442S. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.071472 9. Kalogeropoulos N, Chiou A, Ioannou M, Karathanos VT, Hassapidou M, Andrikopoulos NK. Nutritional evaluation and bioactive microconstituents (phytosterols, tocopherols, polyphenols, triterpenic acids) in cooked dry legumes usually consumed in the Mediterranean countries. Food Chem [Internet]. 2010;121(3):682–90. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814610000452 10. Pan A, Sun Q, Bernstein AM, Schulze MB, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, et al. Red meat consumption and mortality: results from 2 prospective cohort studies. Arch Intern Med [Internet]. 2012/03/12. 2012 Apr 9;172(7):555–63. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22412075 11. Snowdon DA. Animal product consumption and mortality because of all causes combined, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer in Seventh-day Adventists. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988 Sep;48(3 Suppl):739–48. 12. Shang X, Scott D, Hodge A, English DR, Giles GG, Ebeling PR, et al. Dietary protein from different food sources, incident metabolic syndrome and changes in its components: An 11-year longitudinal study in healthy community-dwelling adults. Clin Nutr [Internet]. 2017 Dec 1;36(6):1540–8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2016.09.024 13. Afshin A, Micha R, Khatibzadeh S, Mozaffarian D. Consumption of nuts and legumes and risk of incident ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr [Internet]. 2014 Jul 1;100(1):278–88. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.076901 14. Sabaté J, Oda K, Ros E. Nut Consumption and Blood Lipid Levels: A Pooled Analysis of 25 Intervention Trials. Arch Intern Med [Internet]. 2010 May 10;170(9):821–7. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2010.79 15. Jiang R, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, Liu S, Willett WC, Hu FB. Nut and peanut butter consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. JAMA. 2002 Nov;288(20):2554–60. 16. Mintel GNDP. Mintel Global New Product Database- Meat Substitutes. London, UK; 2019.

Even though a complete change towards a plant-based diet might be a personal choice, moving towards a less animal-based diet would be an ethical and nutritional recommended option.

“ “

protective effects against cholesterol and cancer(9). On the other hand, meat consumption has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and cancer mortality(10,11). In an 11-year long Melbourne Collaborative Cohort, it was seen that red meat, or chicken intake was positively associated with metabolic syndrome (a constellation of metabolic disorders associated to abdominal obesity) incidence, whereas legumes and nuts had an inverse association with the incidence of this syndrome(12). They also observed that a 5% increase in animal protein intake, was associated with a 0.97 cm increase in waist circumference and a 0.97 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure.

Nuts are nutrient dense plant protein sources that have shown consistent benefits in reducing coronary heart disease. The PREDIMED study, a large randomized control trial for the primary

prevention of cardiovascular disease, showed that increased frequency of nut consumption is significantly associated with reduced mortality in populations with high cardiovascular risks. A meta-analysis looking at 25 observational studies and two trials, including 14,449 diabetic incidents, reported that 4-weeks of consuming 28.4 g of nuts is associated with 12% decrease in risk for diabetes(13). This effect is observed through its dose-dependent and lipid lowering potential for people with higher LDL-c level (14). Nut consumption is also associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in some, but not all observational studies, and a decrease in insulin resistance through clinical trials. High fiber and magnesium composition in nuts is a possible cause of decreased insulin resistance(15).

The growing interest in plant-based proteins has given a significant

opportunity to the food industry to explore the versatility of nuts, legumes, soy and pulses as plant-based substitutes for animal-based products. Since 2015, and up to 2019, over 4,400 products have been launched worldwide as alternatives to animal-based products(16). Furthermore, it is important for the regulatory bodies to stay up-to-date with the growth of plant-based proteins so they can to provide the consumers with clear information and allow them to make an informed decision. Overall, in addition to the growing alternative protein market replacing meat and dairy products, consuming natural plant-protein sources such as legumes, nuts and pulses would be a convenient choice for consumers. Even though a complete change towards a plant-based diet might be a personal choice, moving towards a less animal-based diet would be an ethical and nutritional recommended option.

Health News


Snacking on whole almonds instead of typical snacks may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) partly by ameliorating the suppression of heart rate variability during periods of mental stress.

This is the conclusion of the study “Snacking on Whole Almonds for Six Weeks Increases Heart Rate Variability during Mental Stress in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial” published recently in the journal Nutrients.

Low heart rate variability, which can be induced by mental stress, is a predictor of risk of sudden cardiac death. Researchers form the King’s College London investigated the impact of almond consumption on heart rate variability.

Results showed that snacking on whole almonds instead of muffins may improve heart rate variability parameters, and therefore improve cardiac function. Researchers also conclude that incorporating tree nuts as daily snacks is encouraged as a positive lifestyle change that may enhance cardiovascular health.

This research was funded by the Almond Board of California and Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education.

Snacking Almonds May Help Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Dikariyanto, V., Smith, L., Chowienczyk, P. J., Berry, S. E., & Hall, W. L. (2020).

Snacking on Whole Almonds for Six Weeks Increases Heart Rate Variability during Mental Stress in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nutrients, 12(6), 1828.

New Scientific Studies

de Faria Coelho-Ravagnani, C., Corgosinho, F. C., Sanches,

F. L. F. Z., Prado, C. M. M., Laviano, A., & Mota, J. F. (2020).

Dietary recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nutrition Reviews.

This review summarizes recent scientific studies and existing recommendations from national and international nutrition agencies on an optimal diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and good hygiene practices for food preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nutrients such as zinc and vitamins A, C and D have been mentioned by several nutrition guidelines to play a key role in optimizing the immune system. Adequate intakes of these micronutrients may be obtained by a daily diet that includes lean meat, fish, lentils and beans, dairy foods, nuts, seeds, eggs, citrus fruits and vegetables. Vitamin D can be also obtained through exposure of the skin to the sun.

On the other hand, unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) fatty acids are known for their favorable immune-modulatory action. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, present in walnuts, seafood, algal oil, marine fish and flaxseed may support the immune system, while omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive, sunflower, and safflower oils and nuts may have antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral effects.

In their discussion of nutritional recommendations during COVID-19 quarantine, the role of tryptophan was highlighted in the regulation of satiety and caloric intake, suggesting protein-rich foods such as dairy, seeds and nuts as good sources.

Dietary Recommendations during COVID-19

Health News


The purpose of this study, recently published in the journal Nutrients, was to examine the effect of pistachio nut consumption in overweight/obese adults.

The study involved 100 participants over a four month period.

Researchers observed that regular pistachio consumption was associated with weight loss, and similar reductions in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, in overweight/obese adults compared to the control group, and favorable changes in the diet were observed.

In conclusion, pistachios may contribute to a healthy dietary pattern and weight reduction in the context of an energy-restricted diet in a behavioral intervention, and may confer additional health benefits such as a reduction of blood pressure. Additionally, regular pistachio consumption has been associated with healthful shifts in dietary intake and food choices.

This research was funded by the American Pistachio Growers.

Effects of Pistachio Consumption in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Rock, C. L., Zunshine, E., Nguyen, H. T., Perez, A. O., Zoumas, C., Pakiz, B., & White, M. M. (2020).

Effects of Pistachio Consumption in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention on Weight Change, Cardiometabolic Factors, and Dietary Intake.

Nutrients, 12(7), 2155.

Walnut Consumption and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

A new study published in Public Health Nutrition explored the relationship between walnut consumption and the cognitive function, focusing on an older population. Past research has shown that walnut consumption may be associated with better overall cognitive function, however, few studies have utilized longitudinal data from observational studies of ageing populations.

The results of the study found that those individuals who consumed walnuts showed higher cognitive scores at the baseline compared to those who did not consume walnuts. However, although there was an association between walnut consumption and better cognitive scores, it was not associated with cognitive change over a 4-year observational period.

Bishop, N. J., & Zuniga, K. E. (2020).

Investigating walnut consumption and cognitive trajectories in a representative sample of older US adults.

Public Health Nutrition, 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980020001287

Researchers have published a study in the journal The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health that examined the efficacy and safety of a new oral biologic drug called AR101 against peanut allergies. The trial was conducted in several countries across Europe with a focus on children with peanut allergies aged 4 to 17 years.

At the end of the trial, the researchers found that 58% of the individuals in the control group tolerated 1000mg of peanut protein versus 2% of the individuals in the placebo group. Although adverse events were report by almost all of the individuals, the severity level for most participants in both groups were mild or moderate. In conclusion, AR101 oral immunotherapy treatment led to a desensitization to peanut protein and provided a predictable safety profile.

Efficacy and Safety of New Oral Immunotherapy Drug on Peanut AllergiesHourihane, J. O. B., Beyer, K., Abbas, A., Fernández-Rivas, M., Turner, P. J., Blumchen, K., ... & Sharma, V. (2020).

Efficacy and safety of oral immunotherapy with AR101 in European children with a peanut allergy (ARTEMIS): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial.

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.

A Chat with the Industry


As the Agribusiness Development Manager for Ferrero Hazelnut Company, are there any new innovative projects or plans that you would like to mention or highlight? One of my responsibilities, as Head of the Ferrero Agri Competence Center through which we deploy our knowledge and experience in hazelnut cultivation, is to improve quality, productivity and enhance sustainability in all the geographies in which we operate. Our Agri Competence Center is organised under six streams of research, each led by a subject matter expert, and within each stream are a number of projects.

For example, one of our projects

is focused on the monitoring and implementation of Integrated Pest Management strategies against the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), and we are engaging with other stakeholders to share our knowledge and discuss options to address this topic, including biological controls. Another example is in Australia, where, in partnership with a national research agency, we have just begun a project that aims to develop our understanding of how to optimize water usage and its impact on hazelnuts trees in different conditions with the objective of continuing to enhance Good Agricultural Practices through this new knowledge. Furthermore, in our farm in Chile, we are trialing a method to grow

hazelnuts without the use of inorganic inputs. We are also collaborating with a number of universities to enable research into the understanding of the development of new varieties that are more resistant to climatic conditions.

Sustainability is a continuously growing important topic in agriculture. What steps are Ferrero Hazelnut Company taking to increase sustainability in their operations and the existing value chains? Our own farms located in Argentina, Chile, Georgia, Serbia, South Africa and Australia, are key to reaching farmers and sharing with them Good Agricultural

Ferrero Hazelnut Company (HCo) was set up in 2015 as a division within Ferrero as an example within the hazelnut industry of a “fully integrated value chain” company, with the aim to unite all hazelnut value chain activities under one structure. HCo leverages on its own farms, and operates in agricultural research and innovation, processing, industrial quality, as well as procurement and B2B activities. Mr. Fraser Scott currently serves as the Agribusiness Development Manager for HCo.

Agribusiness Development Manager, Ferrero Hazelnut Company, Luxembourg

FRASER SCOTT

A Chat with the Industry


Practices and supporting the sustainable development of the sector. In fact, our farms in Chile and Serbia have been certified under the Sustainably Grown standard, an accredited certification program. It provides assurance that hazelnuts meet several environmental standards, that farm workers and farm communities are protected and engaged, and that the farm is economically resilient. We believe that partnerships are essential to achieving our goals in terms of environmental sustainability and this is one of the key pillars of our Supplier Code, to which all of our suppliers are expected to adhere. In our work in this area we are leveraging on innovation such as the adoption of precision agriculture. For example, we are supporting and participating in a project with the European Commission and in collaboration with several European universities. The project is based on a system of drones and ground robots to collect data and perform farming operations tree by tree, with the aim of improving quality while minimizing the environmental impact. In our pursuit of having our own farms be the illustration of best practice, our aim going forward is to work towards demonstrating the benefits of Regenerative Agriculture in developing our sustainable approaches to hazelnut cultivation.

Regarding the AgriBusiness Development of hazelnuts, what steps are being taken to increase the quality or quality standards of hazelnuts? Through our Agri Competence Center, a lot of our work is focused on quality. Two of the main factors that affect the quality of our nuts are rot and pest damage (known as “cimiciato”). To understand how such problems manifest themselves in the hazelnuts requires extensive collaboration with our partners in universities and institutions, to help us to firstly understand how these problems occur, and then aim to put programs in place to reduce the risk. A good example is the work we are involved with in relation to the brown marmorated stink bug to monitor in country populations of this most damaging of pests for many agricultural crops, with programs that focus on the correct timings of any applications, enabling farmers to reduce their use of inputs. We have also been supporting the work of public authorities in Italy and Turkey as they explore methods for biological control with the samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) to address this issue.

In your opinion, how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected production, international trade, or any other aspect of the hazelnut industry?Covid-19 has naturally impacted everyone to some extent. Despite this unprecedented situation it seems that farmers have on the whole been able to manage their crops well and the impacts on hazelnuts have been minimal. Thankfully, farmers throughout the world have a great capacity to adapt and to ensure the health of their crops, and this experience

together with good growing conditions can enable a successful harvest. The foremost and most significant priority in these continually evolving circumstances is protecting people throughout the value chain.

Do you foresee any long-term changes or challenges for the hazelnut industry caused by COVID-19?The key for everyone involved in hazelnuts is having a business that allows long-term economic and sustainable production that enables the whole value chain to deliver quality hazelnuts to consumers. There will no doubt be the need for greater flexibility to be able to adapt actions accordingly and this may change the way some businesses operate in order to ensure the health and safety of people. However, consumer expectations are increasing and our challenge from an agricultural point of view will be to research and develop sustainable programs that continue to ensure the potential of the hazelnut tree for the future. What value do hazelnuts bring to the confectionary industry and what makes hazelnuts so incredibly popular with chocolate? Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient available in many forms from raw, roasted or ground into a paste. They offer a rich, premium and distinctive taste, as well as providing a positive nutritional role thanks to their antioxidants and micronutrients. When blended with chocolate, the hazelnut accentuates the experience whilst still retaining its unique characteristics. Our products require hazelnuts with a very precise quality to ensure excellence in taste, aroma and texture for our consumers.

Where do you see the worldwide hazelnut marketing in the next 10 years? It is likely that the demand for nuts in general will follow current positive trends and that the popularity of hazelnuts will remain consistent. However, the unforeseen circumstances brought about by Covid-19 and its unpredictable evolution of course makes any forecasts more difficult than normal.

INC Congress


Come Together Once Again with the Nut & Dried Fruit Industry for the Must-Not Miss Event of the Sector!

INC Congress


Strengthen your brand, expand your reputation and take advantage of an environment fully oriented to the nut and dried fruit business. Take a sponsorship opportunity and ensure your brand is seen by 1,000+ world-class industry leaders and professionals.

We thank our sponsors and exhibitors for their ongoing support. www.nutfruitcongress.org

Sponsors

November 2020 | NUTFRUITNovember 2020 | NUTFRUIT56 November 2020 | NUTFRUITNovember 2020 | NUTFRUIT

INC News


INC Online Conference 2020

With three working groups representing all regions of the world, led by 27 industry experts and speeches from international respected Keynote Speakers such as Javier Solana, Alan Oster and Haim Israel, this conference is the must-not-miss event for the nut and dried fruit industry! The working groups highlight and give updates on production, consumption, and general market information for each product under the INC umbrella for each region, the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Moreover, the event features insightful seminars and knowledge sessions, such as the Nutrition & Research Webinar, Scientific & Regulatory Webinar, and an Industry Marketing Programs Update. The knowledge session chairs, Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó and Pino Calcagni are joined by respected Guest Speakers to further add more expert opinions on each topic.

It is guaranteed to be the best online gathering for the entire nut and dried fruit industry!

This signature event, taking place November 17-19, 2020, provides participants with the latest industry updates, the opportunity to network among international peers, and the ability to discover new business opportunities. The conference features leading industry experts, respected keynote speakers, a virtual 3D exhibition hall, and much more!

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMNovember 17

AMERICAS WORKING GROUP

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (CET)

Chaired by Mark Jansen, Blue Diamond Growers, USA• Almonds: Laura Gerhard, Blue Diamond Growers, USA• Walnuts: John Aguiar, Mariani Nut Company, USA• Cashews: Scott Easterwood, Flagstone Foods, USA• Pistachios: Mike Hohmann, The Wonderful Company, USA• Hazelnuts: Sean Denfeld, Denfeld Packing Inc., USA• Pecans: Dick Walden, The Green Valley Pecan, USA• Brazil nuts: David Rosenblatt, The Richard Franco Agency, USA• Peanuts: Jamie Brown, Olam Peanut Shelling Co., USA• Dried fruits: Mark Mariani, Mariani Packing, USA

NUTRITION & RESEARCH WEBINAR

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CET)

Chaired by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination

• Dr. Cyril Kendall, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. “Nuts and dried fruits in the prevention and treatment of diabetes: What we know?”• Dr. Hana Kahleova, Director, Clinical Research, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, USA• Dr. Pablo Hernández-Alonso, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga IBIMA-FIMABIS, Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology, Spain. “Nuts, Mediterranean diet and aging”

November 18

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA WORKING

GROUP 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (CET)

Chaired by Vincent Rieckmann, ATCO, Germany• Almonds: Josep Arques, Borges, Spain• Walnuts: Alessandro Annibali, New Factor S.P.A., Italy• Cashews: Vincent Rieckmann, ATCO, Germany• Pistachios: Behrooz Agah, Iran Pistachio Association, Iran• Hazelnuts: Hasan Sabir, Sabirlar Findik Ltd. Sti., Turkey• Macadamias: Alan Sutton, Sabie Valley Macadamia, South Africa• Pine nuts: Riccardo Calcagni, Besana Nut Company, Italy• Peanuts: Guillermo Feo, Importaco, Spain• Dried fruits: Osman Oz, Anatolia AS, Turkey

SCIENTIFIC & REGULATORY WEBINAR 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CET)

Chaired by Pino Calcagni, INC Sustainability, Scientific and Government Affairs Committee

• Maciej Golubiewski, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Agriculture, European Commission. “Towards a more sustainable EU: The European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy”• John Carter, Area Europe Quality Director, Ferrero, Luxembourg• Diane Holdorf, Managing Director, Food & Nature, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Switzerland

JAVIER SOLANA, KEYNOTE SPEAKER

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CET)Secretary General of NATO (1995-1999) and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU (1999-2009)

November 19

ASIA & OCEANIA WORKING GROUP

7:00 am - 9:00 am (CET)

Chaired by Brenton Woolston, Almondco Australia Limited, Australia• Almonds: Brenton Woolston, Almondco Australia Limited, Australia• Walnuts: Jinkui Zhou, Fen Yang Reell Food Co., Ltd., China• Cashews: Hari Nair, Western India Cashews, India• Hazelnuts: Cheng Hung Kay, CHK Trading, China-Hong Kong• Macadamias: Larry McHugh, Macadamia Marketing International, Australia• Pine nuts: Chen Ying, CFNA, China• Peanuts: Sandeep Bhura, Om India Trading Co. Ltd., India• Dried fruits: Charles Ma, Sunshine (Tianjin) Produce Ltd., China

ALAN OSTER, KEYNOTE SPEAKER

9:00 am - 10:00 am (CET)

Group Chief Economist, Australia National Bank, “Global Overview & Australia – Impact of COVID-19 in near and medium term”

INDUSTRY MARKETING PROGRAMS

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CET)

Chaired by Antonio Pont, INC Honorary President and Executive Committee Member, Spain

• Stephanie Grunenfelder, Senior Vice President, American Peanut Council, USA• Jacqui Price, Marketing Manager, Australian Macadamia Society, Australia• Kevin Verbruggen, European Marketing Director, California Prune Board

(Europe)• Edmundo Valderrama, Chairman of the Board, ChileNut, Chile• Maureen Ternus, MS, RDN, Executive Director, International Tree Nut Council

Nutrition Research & Education Foundation, USA• Giovanna Caccavelli, SPRIM Italia, Coordinator of Nucis Italia project “Nuts

about Good Health”

HAIM ISRAEL, KEYNOTE SPEAKER

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CET)

Global Strategist, Managing Director of Research, Bank of America, “Transforming World! The World After COVID”

INC News


Thank you to all of our sponsors who continuously support our wonderful industry!

Javier Solana, former Secretary General of NATO, is one of the most significant political figures in the international arena for his vital role in the development of international relations for over two decades. At NATO, he is credited with bringing much-needed re-organization and revitalization to the organization’s military structure. In October 1999, he became the Secretary General of the Council of the European Union and its first High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. He had a leadership role in world affairs as the EU's de facto foreign minister. He is a member of the board of the International Crisis Group and the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Haim Israel is a Managing Director and Global Strategist who heads up the Global Thematic Research team. Prior to this position, Israel was the head of Bank of America’s EEMEA Technology, Media and Telecommunication Research team, as well as the head of Israeli Research. In 2020, Israel and team were ranked in first place as the best Thematic Research and ESG – Integrated Climate Change teams in the Institutional Investor Extel Global Survey.

Israel attained his MBA from The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and also holds a dual major in Finance & Business. For more information about any award cited, visit https://rsch.baml.com/awards.

Alan Oster is NAB’s Group Chief Economist. He joined the Bank in 1992 from the Federal Treasury where he worked for 15 years –his special field being economic forecasting and monetary policy. Immediately before joining the Bank, Alan was the Senior Adviser in Treasury responsible for economic forecasting and modelling. In 1987 he was seconded for nearly four years as Counsellor-Economic and Financial with Australia’s delegation to the OECD in Paris.

As Group Chief Economist, Alan is responsible for NAB’s global economic and financial forecasts. He is also a highly respected and much quoted commentator on Australian and global economic trends and policy issues.

JAVIER SOLANA,

HAIM ISRAEL,

ALAN OSTER,

Secretary General of NATO (1995-1999) and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU (1999-2009)

Global Strategist, Managing Director of Research, Bank of America

Group Chief Economist, National Australia Bank

Keynote Speakers


For more than 40 years, TOMRA Food designs and manufactures sensor-based sorting machines and integrated post-harvest solutions for the food industry, using the world’s most advanced grading, sorting, peeling and analytical technology.

[email protected]/food

TOMRA 3C - A REVOLUTIONARY NEW PRODUCT FOR THE NUT & SEED INDUSTRY THAT WILL DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES OF YOUR HULLING, SHELLING AND INSHELL OPERATIONS.

INC News


The Third Edition of the Executive Program on Nuts and Dried Fruits has been inevitably marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The on-site course had to be re-scheduled (May 23-25, 2021) and the date to complete the online course was adjusted to November 31, 2020, with the aim of allowing students to have more time to finish the online material.

The 2020 Edition is about to finish with a total of 64 student from 26 countries, expanding the figures of the previous edition. With this success, the INC Academia continues working hard to offer an unparalleled insight into the nut and dried fruit industry.

INC is continuing its bet on its education branch, updating the current contents, looking for new topics of special interest and expanding its training offer. Therefore, in 2021, the INC Academia will come with a new and more personalized learning experience.

2021 Updates for the INC AcademiaNext year, students will have the possibility to choose between two self-paced training tracks:

- General Industry Track. The Executive Program offers a basic overview of the nut and dried fruit industry. The Program consists of 12 units (10 required units + 2 specialized elective courses), covering different topics: soil and climate, varieties, nutrition facts, processing, food safety, and quality standards, industry statistics and essential strategies for successful negotiations, among other subjects.

- Specialized Elective Track. Students will have the opportunity to choose their courses from a list of four specialized courses.

Despite of the special circumstances arising from COVID-19, the Third Edition of the Executive Program on Nuts and Dried Fruits increases the number of participants.

INC Academia: The Best Training Program in the Nut and Dried Fruit Industry

1

1

2

2

3

In addition, three new courses are incorporated:

Moreover, two new subunits:

Insurances: by insurance risk international specialist firm Aon.

Nut Allergies: by Dr. Vicki McWilliam, clinical allergy dietitian and researcher at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

International Market Opportunities: by world leading advertising, marketing and public relations agency, Ogilvy.

INC Short Form Contract: explaining the new short form contract for the sale and purchase of nuts and dried fruits for all INC members.

Cross Cultural Negotiations: by Prof. Dr. Kandarp Mehta, from prestigious IESE Business School, Barcelona, ranked 1st in the world for Executive Education by Financial Times.

INC News


Online Program's Required UnitsUnit 1. Origin and description: Introduction to the long history of nuts and dried fruits, their description and physiology.Unit 2. Soil and climate:Which climates nuts and dried fruits are adapted to, soils, water demand and how climate conditions may affect the crops.Unit 3. Varieties and uses:An overview of the main varieties and geographical distribution of species, as well as traditional and recent products and uses.Unit 4. Nutrition facts: A review of the nutritional value and evidence-based health benefits of nut and dried fruit consumption.Unit 5. Harvesting & Processing: Main processing operations that can take place during and after harvest, including shelling, drying, sorting, pasteurization, frying, flavoring and storage.

5.1 Harvest 5.2. Shelling5.3. Blanching5.4. Drying5.5. Sorting technologies5.6. Pasteurization5.7. Fumigation with phosphine5.8. Storage5.9. Frying and dry roasting5.10. Flavoring

Unit 6. Retail packing and allergen management: Essential knowledge of the packaging process and packaging materials, including contaminant detection and allergen management.

6.1. Multihead weighing and bag forming6.2. Modified Atmosphere Packaging6.3. Vacuum packing6.4. Packaging6.5. Contaminant detection and removal6.6. Allergen management6.7. Nut allergies – an update on current evidence and

practiceUnit 7. Food safety and quality standards: Review of the essential aspects of food safety, quality standards and best practices.Unit 8. Production, trade and consumption: Global review of industry statistics, including production, trade and consumption volumes.Unit 9. Consumption trends: Understanding purchase behavior and capturing opportunities from emerging trends.Unit 10. Negotiation: Essential strategies and skills for successful negotiations.

Specialized Elective CoursesArbitration rules. Overview of arbitration rules, procedures and tribunals, as well as defaults and contract related issues. This course includes a review of the INC Short Form Contract.International market opportunities. Communicating the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits to a contemporary consumer.Cross-cultural negotiations. Understanding how to negotiate across cultural barriers.Insurances. Key risks facing the Food & Beverage Industry, such as product contamination, property protection, cyber attacks, credit, etc.

On-Site CourseThanks to the on-site part of the course, students will get the chance to be hands-on and see the nut and dried fruit industry up close. 2021 on-site course includes an on-site experience of three days in Italy, May 23-25, 2021, (10+ hours of preparatory tasks & reading material) to go on technical visits (orchards, processing plants and a distribution center), learn through case studies and network.

The INC would like to remind all, that in order to attend the on-site course, the Executive Program on Nuts and Dried Fruits online course must be completed first.

Testimonials

Director Private Sector Development, Competitive

Cashew initiative, Burkina Faso

MARY ADZANYO

President, Tootsi Impex, Canada

ALI SHAYESTEH

There is a diversity of programs on nuts and dried

fruits from production, to origins, research,

processing, consumption, global trends and yet the

program also gives the fine details of every nut and

dried fruit.

I recommend this course for the large

amount of information that can be learned with each session.

Export Manager, Dost Fındık, Turkey

MERT ATIK

Business Developer, Yavuzkan, Turkey

OZKANCABITKAN

Being in the food industry for several

years and taking roles in quality, purchasing and

export departments, I find the variety and thoroughness of the

course topics essential for an over-all qualified

food industry executive.

I would recommend this course for the

thorough and global overview of nuts & dried

fruits from the origins and production to

nutritional benefits. I also appreciated the outlining

of international trade.

INC News


INC Webinars

Prof. Dr. Kandarp Mehta, who is a senior lecturer in the Entrepreneurship Department and the Negotiation Unit at IESE Business School, Barcelona, ranked 1st in the world for Executive Education by Financial Times for a record 6th year, delivered the webinar presentation to over 150 participants from 28 countries!

His presentation explained that as COVID-19 continues, the post-pandemic normal has not returned as quickly as we would have liked, therefore the importance of learning how to negotiate during the crisis cannot be understated.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has put us all in an unprecedented situation and almost all professional negotiations have been affected by the crisis. Negotiation is an essential skill for leaders, entrepreneurs and managers.

If you were unable to watch the webinar live, INC members can find it in Member’s Area of the website in the INC TV Channel!

With over 150 participants from 28 countries around the world, the INC’s free webinar on negotiation was undoubtably a success! On July 22, 2020, Prof. Dr. Kandarp Mehta presented the Negotiation in Times of Crisis Webinar and explored the main principles of crisis negotiation and how they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic.

INC Hosted a Successful Negotiation Webinar

Planned for early December, the INC Contract Webinar will discuss the new INC Short Form contract that is currently being prepared by the INC. In the nut and dried fruit industry, contracts are an important and necessary component to ensure the successful sale and purchase of products.

Moreover, the INC Contract Webinar will provide for a place for participants to come together and have a clearer understanding of what the Short Form Contract is.

The webinar will follow a similar format as in previous INC webinars with a group discussion followed by a Q&A session.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on the webinar and we look forward to seeing you there!

Business as we know it has changed and for the foreseeable future, online events will remain key to connecting with clients, members, and partners. Therefore, to continue to provide INC members with new online services, the INC is planning to launch a Contract webinar in December 2020.

INC Prepares a Contract Webinar for December 2020

INC News


Source: Euromonitor, 2019

Health and Wellness Positioning - Past and Future 5YR Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) %

(Bubble size: Market retail value, Mil EUR)

Top 11 Markets Total: Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, USA

Based on the results of the analysis, consumer trends show that within the next five years, energy boosting and digestive health will be all the more important to consumers and immune support has growth potential due to COVID-19.

Consuming foods that boost energy, and support digestive health are among the largest and fastest growing consumer trends. The analysis found that these two markets are forecasted to be the fastest growers among the health and wellness category, which includes a wide array of health benefits that are used to market food products to consumers. By 2024, the market size for products boosting energy is forecasted to grow 50% and products supporting digestive health are forecasted to grow 32%. The study also showed that weight management was still the largest area of concern for consumers, however, it is not forecasted to grow as quickly as those previously mentioned.

Furthermore, one interesting trend to keep on the radar is immune support. With many people concerned over the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer focus on a healthy diet will likely deepen. Already the trend research showed that companies are increasingly expanding into this market and this trend is expected to only grow in a post-COVID-19 normality. In North America, more than one-third of vitamin and mineral products advertise an immune supportive claim and in Asia-Pacific, nearly half of the vitamin and mineral products released within the last year promote an immune supportive claim.

Figure 1 shows the percentage of food, drink, healthcare launches featuring immunity-enhancing functional claims by region, from April 2015 to March 2020.

Conducting a trend research provides valuable information to an industry as the results provide a glimpse into the current market and allow trends to be analyzed. That is why, the INC partnered with Ogilvy and organized a trend research looking at the international market opportunities for the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. This project gave a clear understanding of which health benefits have market growth potential and demonstrated how to communicate nuts and dried fruits to a contemporary consumer.

Trend Research: International Market Opportunities

Europe 41 %

Asia Pacific 34 %

North America 10 %

Latin America 9 %

Middle East & Africa 6 %

Figure 1.

-10.0 -5.0

Bone and Joint Health

Urinary Tract Health

Brain Health and Memory

All Categories Total:2014-2019 CAGR: 2.1%2019-2024 CAGR: 4.6%Cardiovascular Health

Oral and Respiratoy Health

Weight ManagementImmune Support

Energy BoostingDigestive Health

Endurance

Vision Health

0.0

-4.0

-2.0

2.0

6.0

10.0

12.0

4.0

8.0

0.05.0 10.0 15.0

2014-2019 CAGR %

2019

-202

4 Fo

reca

sted

CA

GR

%

INC News


Real Power for Real People: Boost your Attitudinal Immunity

This October, the INC launched a new dissemination plan that aims to promote the consumption of nuts and dried fruits globally. After conducting a market trend research and identifying the areas with the most growth potential, the INC elected to pursue a campaign that connected nuts and dried fruits with attitudinal immunity, simply described as one’s ability to resist negativity that is constantly presented in front of us.

The main video created for the campaign is an impactful look into how nuts and dried fruits can give real people the power they need to fight the negativity that attempts to bring us down. Unfortunately, each day we hear some sort of negativity or are faced with negativity from others. This can be difficult to handle especially when we are not fueling our body with natural foods that give us Real Power! That’s why, consuming nuts and dried fruits can provide your body the Real Power it needs! A mix of nuts and dried fruits contain vitamin A, vitamin B6, selenium, zinc, iron and copper that contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Additionally, the INC has created a toolkit for those members who would like to join the campaign and help spread the message.

Stay tuned for updates on the campaign and make sure to check social media for Real Power for People posts!

It’s true some products can be a source of power, but maybe they’re not all natural! Luckily there’s a product that is a real source of power and it comes from nature itself #RealPowerforRealPeople #PlantBasedPower

INC News


A Worldwide Message from Real Power from Influencers to Real PeopleSocial media influencers around the globe have also become part of the campaign showing their users their "secret superpower" which they gained by eating nuts and dried fruits and asking them to get involved. Top influencers such as Healthy Fitness Meals, USA, 3.5M followers, Carlos Rios, Spain, 1.4M followers, Afinka DIY, Ukraine, 1.3M followers, Ximena Saenz, Argentina, 359K followers, and Rebecca Gawthorne, Australia, 150K followers have already joined! Check out where our influencers are located!

@carlosriosq: 1.3 Million followers

@realfooding: 951K followers

@miguelcamarenasalud: 163K followers

@nourish_naturally: 150K followers

@healthyfitnessmeals: 3.5 Million followers

@nicoleosinga_rd:54.7K followers

@afinkadiy:1.1 Million followers

@nicnutrition: 34.2K followers

@ximena_saenz: 273K followers

Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Real Power for Real People Video

The making of the video for the Real Power for Real People campaign during a pandemic was certainly a challenge, with members having to maintain social distancing and masks.

However, nothing was going to stop this video from becoming a reality, not even COVID-19! Working together with a talented film crew and actors, Real Power for Real People came to life!

The one-minute video was shot at various locations in and around Girona, Spain. The film crew was able to utilize natural lighting and angles to generate an all-around impactful video. One of the most impactful scenes from the video is where the girl is shaving her hair! It is a great example of how to not worry about what others will say!

The actors brought a sense of realness to each scene through their laughter, dancing, and style! The making of the video itself just goes to show that Real Power for us, Real People, can make a video come to life even in the midst of a global pandemic!

Statistical Review


USAAustraliaSpainIranTurkeyTunisiaGreece

ChileMoroccoItalySyria

ChinaUSAIranTurkeyUkraineChileFranceMoldava

TurkeyIranChinaUSASouth AfricaAustralia

USACanadaChile

TurkeyEgyptIranUSAGreeceSpainItaly

USA ChileFranceArgentinaSerbiaAustraliaItaly

USATurkeyIranChinaIndia ChileUzbekistan

ChinaIndiaUSANigeriaIndonesiaArgentinaSenegal

Saudi ArabiaEgyptIranUAEPakistanAlgeriaIraq

BoliviaPeruBrazil

IndiaCote d’IvoireVietnamGuinea·BissauBrazilTanzaniaBenin

NigeriaIndonesiaCambodia

TurkeyItalyUSAGeorgiaAzerbaijanSpainFrance

South AfricaAustraliaKenyaUSAGuatemalaMalawiBrazil

ChinaDPR KoreaPakistanAfghanistanMongoliaRussiaSpain

USAIranTurkeySyriaAfghanistanChinaGreece

USAMexicoSouth AfricaAustraliaBrazilChina

Almonds Brazil Nuts Cashews Hazelnuts Macadamias Pecans Pine Nuts Pistachios

Walnuts Peanuts Dates Dried Apricots Dried Figs Prunes

Dried Cranberries

ChinaIranChile

ChinaColombiaNew ZealandVietnam

TurkeyPortugalItaly

ItalyAustraliaSpain

IndiaRomaniaArgentinaHungaryItalyGeorgiaAustralia

VietnamGhanaBrazilNicaraguaCote d’Ivore

SudanOmanTunisiaMoroccoLibyaIsraelUSA

GreeceAustraliaArgentinaSouth Africa

South Africa

Listed by global production as per FAO but not necessarily meaning quantities going through commercial channels.

RaisinsSultanasCurrants

Statistics are also available at our website

www.nutfruit.org

Global Statistical ReviewNovember 2020

Crop Forecast Update

Disclaimer: The compilation of data is intended to give a general overview for the reader’s best interest, who accepts full responsibility for its usage. Consequently, the INC cannot admit any liability from any loss or damage arising from any decision taken in accordance with this data.

Main Producing CountriesMap shows 5 top producing countries. Other major producers listed below.


Statistical Review


USA. The August Almond Board of California Position Report, published on September 11, 2020, shows receipts of 272 million lbs. (approx. 123,000 metric tons) through August 31. At the time of writing this report, it was too early to determine if the estimated 3 billion lbs. crop forecasted by the USDA National Ag Statistics Service will be realized –this would be California’s 5th straight record crop. More will be known about the actual receipts as the remaining months of harvest progress.

Total shipments in 2019/2020 set a new record at 2.372 billion lbs. (approx. 1.076 million metric tons) up 4.8% from the previous record shipment year of 2018/19. Larger 2019/20 supply has led to a carry-out of 450 million lbs. which was in line with industry expectations. Buoyed by the expectation of a record 2020 crop and remarkably strong commitments, August 2020 shipping numbers were historically large. Domestic shipments in August of 66 million lbs. is an increase of 5.6% from August 2019. Export shipments were up 49% over August 2019. The two main export marketing regions of Asia-Pacific and Western Europe were up 83% and 29% respectively when compared to the same period last year. August net shipments of 193 million bested the previous August shipment record by over 20 million pounds.

Australia. The 2020 crop tonnage has been revised from the pre-harvest forecast of 106,000 MT to over 111,000 MT after hulling and shelling of the crop had been completed.

The Australian almond industry has been able to successfully navigate a period of concern regarding beekeepers, being able to move hives between states across COVID-19 border closures to almond orchards during the

pollination season. Beekeepers were able to replace hives damaged during the summer wildfires and sufficient hives were delivered to almond producers in July/August. Despite some cold, rainy and windy weather conditions, bee flight hours were average or above on orchards and the bloom of varieties overlapped well.

There has been good rainfall in the catchment area for the dams, providing irrigation water to the almond producing regions and water allocations are higher than in recent years. As a result, prices on the water market are much lower than in 2019/20.

Spain. Harvesting started in early September in southern Spain and, as previously forecasted, a bumper crop of over 115,000 MT was expected.

As reported by the Spanish Ministry of Commerce, in-shell almond international shipments have been significantly increased over the previous five years. Total in-shell exports from January-June 2020 added up to 3,373 MT, 196% up from the same period in 2019 and 10 times above 2016. The main in-shell market in 2020 was the European Union, with Italy accounting for 62% of the share.

Q1 and Q2 shelled almond shipments amounted to 42,893 MT, 14% below 2019, but 34% up from 2016. With 21% of the share each, Italy and Germany were the top importers, followed by France with 15%.

As for Spanish almond demand, from January to June, 2,600 MT of in-shell almonds were imported into Spain, from which 54% were provided by Portugal. California was the top shelled origin, amounting to 92% of the 54,915 MT imported.

Almonds杏仁 / Almendra / Amande / Mandorle / Mandel / Badem

Estimated World Almond Production. Kernel Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021

Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending

StockBeginning

Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock

USA*^ (MM lbs) 318 2,504 2,823 450 450 2,940 3,390 525

USA* (MT) 144,387 1,135,893 1,280,280 204,172 204,172 1,333,562 1,537,734 n/a

SPAIN 1,800 90,000 91,800 6,000 6,000 115,633 121,633 n/a

AUSTRALIA 2,000 104,437 106,437 6,000 6,000 111,100 117,100 8,000

TURKEY 0 14,500 14,500 0 0 20,000 20,000 0

IRAN 0 15,000 15,000 0 0 16,600 16,600 0

TUNISIA 0 12,000 12,000 0 0 16,000 16,000 0

MOROCCO 0 13,000 13,000 0 0 14,000 14,000 0

CHILE 615 9,596 10,211 0 0 10,500 10,500 n/a

ITALY 0 18,000 18,000 0 0 10,000 10,000 0

GREECE 0 4,000 4,000 0 0 7,000 7,000 n/a

OTHERS 0 30,000 30,000 0 0 30,000 30,000 0

WORLD TOTAL 148,802 1,446,426 1,595,228 216,172 216,172 1,684,395 1,900,567 8,000

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 1,379,056 1,892,567

Sources: Almond Board of California, USDA NASS, Almond Board of Australia, AEOFRUSE and DESCALMENDRA, Greek Nuts & Fruits Trade Association and other INC sources.*USA crop reflects the estimated 2% Loss and Exempt (L&E) for the crop year. ^USA 2020/21 ending stock estimated, 2020/2021 Crop-USDA Objective Measurement Published July 7, 2020.


In terms of 2020 crop number, it is likely to be down on a normal crop, as there was limited investment earlier on in collection and many factories which have been processing with reduced capacities will export less. At the time of writing this report, most exporters have all completed the sales of their 2020 inventory. Negotiations for the new crop were expected to start at the end of October. Given the current levels of raw material, which is more than 50% lower than the starting price last season, negotiations were anticipated to be difficult.

The main challenges faced so far in 2020 can be summarized as follows.

1. Social unrest due to massive political change in Bolivia after the 2019 failed elections.2. Poor liquidity of factories who struggled to raise finances to invest in raw material early on in the season. 3. Weak demand for Brazil nuts from traditional and newer markets.4. COVID-19 challenges:

- Factories forced to stop and then allowed to start production.- Social distancing measures in place resulted in reduced capacity in factories.- Logistics for transporting goods and paper work around the country was difficult.

- Sourcing empty containers for export was even more challenging. - Once containers were found, there were fewer vessels scheduled to call port which sometimes was also shut.- Finally, once exported, many containers were also directed on scenic route around the world before arriving at their destinations.

5. Lowest export and raw material price seen in more than 10 years.

The challenges are not yet over, apart from the pandemic disruptions, new elections in October, regardless of outcome, are likely to cause social turmoil. This could again result in road blockages and delayed shipments.

Amazonia (Brazil) Nuts巴西果 / Coquito de Brasil / Noix de Bresil / Noce de Brasile / Paranuss / Brezilya Fingigi

Estimated World Amazonia (Brazil) Nut Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


BOLIVIA 7,500 64,500 72,000 6,000 6,000 58,500 64,500 3,750

PERU 2,250 10,500 12,750 900 900 10,500 11,400 900

BRAZIL 750 3,300 4,050 1,350 1,350 4,500 5,850 600

WORLD TOTAL 10,500 78,300 88,800 8,250 8,250 73,500 81,750 5,250

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T, Supply - End, Stock) 80,550 76,500

Estimated World Amazonia (Brazil) Nut Production. Kernel Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


BOLIVIA 2,500 21,500 24,000 2,000 2,000 19,500 21,500 1,250

PERU 750 3,500 4,250 300 300 3,500 3,800 300

BRAZIL 250 1,100 1,350 450 450 1,500 1,950 200

WORLD TOTAL 3,500 26,100 29,600 2,750 2,750 24,500 27,250 1,750

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 26,850 25,500

Source: INC.


Statistical Review


Cashews腰果 / Anacardo / Noix de caju / Anacardio / Cashwkerne / Cashew cevizi

Vietnam harvested a good 2020 crop and local processing was largely unaffected by COVID-19. Although movement of raw cashew nut from Africa has been slow, RCN availability in 2020 was high (partly due to the accumulated Tanzanian supply). The good crops in Vietnam and Cambodia, coupled with the fact that processing in Vietnam has not been significantly affected by COVID-19, resulted in record kernel shipments the first half of the year. Supply has been able to meet the demand of the importing countries, which seemed to be steady to growing in most countries. In contrast, the prolonged lockdown in India adversely affected processing and consumption, but demand was recovering towards the end of September. All in all, cashew consumption in India is expected to be lower than in 2019.

Although still below the 2019 crop, the total Western Africa crop has been updated to 1.78 million metric tons, up by 90,000 MT from the 1.69 million MT forecasted last June. This difference is attributable mainly to an over-estimation of crop loss in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana due to the impact of

COVID-19 expected at that time. At the time of writing this piece, Nigeria shipment numbers were not yet fully available –the crop estimate will be updated based on final exports into India and Vietnam. All in all, collection and shipments from Western Africa have been slow, which negatively affected kernel yields (especially whites), as it has been happening, to some extent, over the last few years. At the beginning of October, shipments were still going on and there were unsold stocks. The Tanzanian crop was developing well, auctions were expected to start in early October and trade was anticipated to be smoother than in the last two years, when there were significant political disruptions.

The cashew industry is adapting to the reality of working with COVID-19. Long term planning is difficult as it is not possible to predict how its already complex and fragmented supply chain will be affected. At the time of this report, markets were firm on the back of small recovery in demand and large in-shell purchases by a few major players.

Sources: Global Cashew Council and other INC sources. *Harvest from January'20 through June'20 (Northern hemisphere), from September'20 through February'21 (Southern hemisphere).

Estimated World Cashew Production, Raw Cashew Nut (RCN), Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021*

Crop Crop

INDIA 742,000 691,000

VIETNAM 375,000 450,000

CAMBODIA 210,000 250,000

COTE D'IVOIRE 805,000 830,000

NIGERIA 250,000 190,000

GUINEA-BISSAU 200,000 180,000

BENIN 138,000 166,000

BURKINA FASO 135,500 137,000

GHANA 120,000 123,000

GUINEA CONAKRY 50,000 40,000

SENEGAL 20,000 35,000

MALI 47,000 30,000

TOGO 46,000 30,000

GAMBIA 18,000 15,000

Sub Total Western Africa 1,829,500 1,776,000

Sub Total Northern Hemisphere 3,156,500 3,167,000

TANZANIA 245,000 250,000

MOZAMBIQUE 70,000 70,000

KENYA 6,000 6,000

Sub Total Eastern Africa 321,000 326,000

BRAZIL 150,000 135,000

INDONESIA 115,000 115,000

Sub Total Southern Hemisphere 586,000 576,000

OTHERS 54,000 54,000

WORLD TOTAL 3,796,500 3,797,000


Turkey. Harvesting results are in line with the estimates, with strong nut yield, good natural drying conditions and overall, very satisfactory quality despite some regional flooding in the Province of Giresun.

TMO’s base price of 22TL has been accepted as bottom and TL based prices have been increasing since early September. So far, TMO procurement activity seems to be weaker compared to the previous seasons. Parallel to this development, current devaluation in Turkish Lira against Euro allowed minimal changes in export prices, which have been even lower than last year’s bumper crop level. The COVID-19 uncertainty about demand development, and some carry-over stocks in the destination countries, spared buyers a couple of weeks of time to watch the price trajectory.

Italy. Abundant summer rainfall was favorable to kernel development; thus, a lower availability of smaller calibers is expected (9/11) for this season. Harvesting of the early

varieties started by mid-August and, by the end of the month, harvest of Long Naples and Piedmont was mostly finished. Dry weather conditions during this period allowed a good quantity and quality. Round Roman harvest was in progress at the beginning of September. The market was quiet for the September shipments.

USA. 2020/21 crop is expected to end up higher than earlier anticipated and it is now estimated at around 60,000 MT. Quality is superb due to favorable growing conditions and an overall mild summer. Mold and insect injury are forecast to be minimal.

During early September, a strong east wind pushed pre-existing wildfires in the west coast of the US from the mountains down into the valley. Luckily this should not have a negative effect on the harvest other than potentially expediting nut collection, with much of the crop already on the ground due to strong winds.

Hazelnuts榛子 / Avellana / Noisette / Nocciola / Haselnuss / Findik

Sources: Oregon Hazelnut Industry Office and other INC sources.

Estimated World Hazelnut Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


TURKEY 45,000 790,000 835,000 70,000 70,000 640,000 710,000 40,000

ITALY 10,000 65,000 75,000 5,000 5,000 135,000 140,000 10,000

USA 3,000 39,500 42,500 3,800 3,800 60,000 63,800 2,000

AZERBAIJAN 5,000 42,000 47,000 2,000 2,000 50,000 52,000 3,000

GEORGIA 3,000 38,000 41,000 1,000 1,000 60,000 61,000 1,000

CHILE 2,000 35,000 37,000 1,000 1,000 39,000 40,000 0

IRAN 100 25,000 25,100 200 200 20,000 20,200 500

CHINA 100 12,000 12,100 300 300 15,000 15,300 0

FRANCE 0 10,500 10,500 500 500 9,000 9,500 0

SPAIN 600 12,400 13,000 600 600 4,500 5,100 0

OTHERS 0 27,000 27,000 0 0 30,000 30,000 0

WORLD TOTAL 68,800 1,096,400 1,165,200 84,400 84,400 1,062,500 1,146,900 56,500

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T, Supply - End, Stock) 1,080,800 1,090,400

Estimated World Hazelnut Production, Kernel Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


TURKEY 22,500 395,000 417,500 35,000 35,000 320,000 355,000 20,000

ITALY 4,900 30,600 35,500 2,350 2,350 63,450 65,800 4,700

USA 1,200 15,725 16,925 1,520 1,520 24,000 25,520 800

AZERBAIJAN 2,050 16,800 18,850 800 800 21,000 21,800 1,250

GEORGIA 1,000 13,200 14,200 350 350 21,000 21,350 350

CHILE 880 15,400 16,280 440 440 17,200 17,640 0

IRAN 46 11,500 11,546 92 92 9,000 9,092 225

CHINA 45 4,500 4,545 115 115 6,450 6,565 0

FRANCE 0 4,200 4,200 200 200 4,050 4,250 0

SPAIN 280 5,800 6,080 280 280 2,100 2,380 0

OTHERS 0 10,000 10,000 0 0 13,500 13,500 0

WORLD TOTAL 32,901 522,725 555,626 41,147 41,147 501,750 542,897 27,325



Statistical Review


South Africa. As reported by Macadamias South Africa, the crop forecast was updated to 49,503 metric tons of nut in shell (at 1.5 % kernel moisture content); 16% down from 2019. The crop was reduced mainly due to the after-effects of the drought, high temperatures during flowering in some producing regions as well as pests and diseases.

Current predictions are that 2021 might be a better season, as apparently a strong La Niña weather system, which will be associated with above normal rainfall in Africa, is already developing west of South America. This, as well as the big and somewhat early flowering in some producing areas holds the promise for an increased production.

Regarding the COVID-19 aftermath, since the initial lockdown in South Africa, the macadamia industry was not significantly affected as exports were never prohibited.

Australia. As reported by the Australian Macadamia Society, 2020 crop will exceed expectations and is now forecasted at

42,000 MT (in-shell at 3.5% moisture content). Quality is very good despite the drought conditions leading into the season. Harvesting conditions were largely favorable and the growing regions impacted most by unprecedented dry conditions have generally performed better than anticipated. Early indications are that the 2021 season is looking promising with good flowering and continued expansion in new plantings.

The Australian industry remains well positioned despite disruption caused by COVID-19. Demand has remained strong. However, minor disruptions to international shipping occurred and a pattern of buying to shorter horizons emerged.

Kenya. The 2020 crop forecast was updated to 42,660 MT NIS at 10% moisture content (39,800 MT at 3.5% NIS m.c.). Although kernel sales are sluggish owing to COVID-19, they are expected to pick up in the last quarter of 2020.

Macadamias夏威夷果 / Macadamia / Macadamianuss / Makedemia / Cevizi

Estimated World Macadamia Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019 2020


StockBeginning


SOUTH AFRICA n/r 59,050 59,050 n/r n/r 49,503 49,503 n/r

AUSTRALIA n/r 43,500 43,500 n/r n/r 42,000 42,000 n/r

CHINA n/r 23,300 23,300 n/r n/r 30,400 30,400 n/r

KENYA n/r 36,750 36,750 n/r n/r 39,700 39,700 n/r

USA n/r 18,000 18,000 n/r n/r 18,000 18,000 n/r

GUATEMALA n/r 13,500 13,500 n/r n/r 14,400 14,400 n/r

MALAWI n/r 7,944 7,944 n/r n/r 5,171 5,171 n/r

VIETNAM n/r 1,450 1,450 n/r n/r 5,300 5,300 n/r

BRAZIL n/r 7,200 7,200 n/r n/r 6,000 6,000 n/r

COLOMBIA n/r 1,300 1,300 n/r n/r 1,300 1,300 n/r

OTHERS n/r 15,350 15,350 n/r n/r 16,000 16,000 n/r

WORLD TOTAL n/r 227,344 227,344 n/r n/r 227,774 227,774 n/rWORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 227,344 227,774

Estimated World Macadamia Production. Kernel Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019 2020


StockBeginning


SOUTH AFRICA n/r 18,900 18,900 n/r n/r 15,840 15,840 n/r

AUSTRALIA n/r 13,000 13,000 n/r n/r 12,600 12,600 n/r

CHINA n/r 6,615 6,615 n/r n/r 8,800 8,800 n/r

KENYA n/r 7,350 7,350 n/r n/r 7,900 7,900 n/r

USA n/r 4,000 4,000 n/r n/r 4,000 4,000 n/r

GUATEMALA n/r 2,900 2,900 n/r n/r 3,150 3,150 n/r

MALAWI n/r 1,996 1,996 n/r n/r 1,447 1,447 n/r

VIETNAM n/r 435 435 n/r n/r 1,590 1,590 n/r

BRAZIL n/r 1,800 1,800 n/r n/r 1,500 1,500 n/r

COLOMBIA n/r 270 270 n/r n/r 260 260 n/r

OTHERS n/r 3,991 3,991 n/r n/r 4,160 4,160 n/r

WORLD TOTAL n/r 61,257 61,257 n/r n/r 61,247 61,247 n/r


Sources: Macadamia Council, Macadamias South Africa, Australian Macadamia Society, Nut Processors Association of Kenya, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Brazilian Macadamia Association, Vietnam Macadamia Association and other INC sources.n/r: not reported or not relevant.


North America. Total supply and crop size are slightly over in Mexico and remain quite similar to last season in USA. The crop in Georgia is expected to be larger this year and a bit smaller in the western US after a hard freeze during late October 2019.

Overall demand has remained steady in both USA and Mexico. According to the American Pecan Council, total shipments from September 1, 2019, through July 31, 2020, added up to 196 million lbs. (89,000 metric tons). As for international shipments, exports of shelled pecans amounted to around 33 million lbs. kernel basis (15,000 MT)/66 million lbs. (30,000 MT) in-shell basis and in-shell shipments accounted for 24.3 million lbs. (11,000 MT). Main markets for shelled pecans during this period were the European Union + UK, which accounted for 55% of the share, while 76% of the in-shell demand was concentrated by China.

South Africa. The slightly disappointing yields are still a result of the severe drought in the growing regions, which has affected both metric tons per hectare as well as nut size. Inclement weather conditions from hail, late frost and storms also had some effect on reducing expected volumes in certain areas.

Brazil. With the completion of the harvest, 2019/20 crop was updated to 1,300 MT, 35% below the 2,000 MT initially anticipated. Although a decrease was already expected in relation to the previous crop, which was very good, intense rains during flowering and extreme drought over the rest of the production cycle, reduced the harvest even further.

There were no major problems in factories, orchards or nurseries related to COVID-19 restriction. The domestic market showed a certain retraction, which was balanced with the smaller crop.

A very good crop is expected for 2020/21, cold hours have been satisfactory. At the time of writing this report, rain forecast for spring was slightly below average due to the cooling of the waters of the Pacific, related to La Niña phenomenon, which brings drought to southern Brazil. A significant number of producers are installing irrigation systems, especially after the severe drought of the previous cycle.

China. At the time of writing this report, the 2020 crop was expected to remain as previously forecasted. However, heavy rains during July and August and a typhoon passing through the growing area might affect the final outcome. As restrictions related to COVID-19 started to relax during the second half of the year, tree nut consumption was picking up.

Pecans / Pacana / Noix de pécan / Noce pecan / Pecanuss / Pekan cevizi

Sources: Brazilian Association of Nuts and Chesnuts (ABNC), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) and other INC sources. Harvest in SA is from May-August seasonally.

Estimated World Pecan Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


MEXICO 6,800 138,345 145,145 8,000 8,000 155,223 163,223 15,000

USA 91,118 122,470 213,588 80,000 80,000 127,000 207,000 75,000

SOUTH AFRICA 100 17,270 17,370 50 50 20,000 20,050 0

BRAZIL 500 1,300 1,800 0 0 3,500 3,500 0

AUSTRALIA 200 2,000 2,200 200 200 2,469 2,669 0

CHINA 0 500 500 0 0 700 700 0

OTHERS 0 1,900 1,900 0 0 1,900 1,900 0

WORLD TOTAL 98,718 283,785 382,503 88,250 88,250 310,792 399,042 90,000WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 294,253 309,042

Estimated World Pecan Production. Kernel Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


MEXICO 3,400 69,173 72,573 4,000 4,000 77,112 81,112 7,500

USA 45,600 60,000 105,600 40,000 40,000 63,500 103,500 37,500

SOUTH AFRICA 55 9,600 9,655 28 28 11,000 11,028 0

BRAZIL 230 620 850 0 0 1,700 1,700 0

AUSTRALIA 104 1,140 1,244 114 114 1,358 1,472 0

CHINA 0 250 250 0 0 280 280 0

OTHERS 0 952 952 0 0 952 952 0

WORLD TOTAL 49,389 141,735 191,124 44,142 44,142 155,902 200,044 45,000WORLD CONSUMPTION (T, Supply - End, Stock) 146,982 155,044


Statistical Review


Far East. According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA), for the 2020/2021 season, pine nut production is expected to amount to 42,000 metric tons (in-shell basis) of red pine nut (Pinus koraiensis) in China and 35,000 MT in North Korea. Russian production is forecasted between 35,000 and 40,000 MT, from which around 10,000 MT are of cedar pine nuts (P. sibirica).

Due to the great impact that the exchange rate has on exports, at the time of writing this report, Chinese exporters were concerned about the US dollar devaluation and the RMB appreciation.

China is being pretty successful in controlling the COVID-19 and, without neglecting the international market, is

now considering to boost efforts to increase sales in its huge domestic market.

Mediterranean. Mainly due to the small crops, prices remain high, at similar ranges as to those of the first half of the year. By mid-September the minimum price is Spain was €66/kg and €62/kg in Turkey and, according to industry sources, premium quality supply was still available.

As per the Aegean Exporters Association between January 1 and July 31, 2020, total pine nut exports from Turkey added up to 239 metric tons (US$16 million), with Italy accounting for 81% of the share, followed by Germany and Spain (9% and 3%, respectively).

Pine Nuts松子 / Piñón / Pignon / Pinoli / Pinienkerne / Çam fistigi

Estimated World Pine Nut Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


FAR EASTRUSSIA 500 17,000 17,500 500 500 40,000 40,500 n/a

CHINA 7,500 14,500 22,000 4,000 4,000 42,000 46,000 1,000

NORTH KOREA 0 12,000 12,000 700 700 35,000 35,700 1,000

AFGHANISTAN 1,000 5,000 6,000 0 0 9,700 9,700 0

PAKISTAN 1,000 5,000 6,000 0 0 9,300 9,300 0

SUBTOTAL 10,000 53,500 63,500 5,200 5,200 136,000 141,200 2,000

MEDITERRANEAN (Pinus pinea)TURKEY 0 3,000 3,000 0 0 1,400 1,400 0

ITALY 0 2,600 2,600 0 0 1,750 1,750 0

SPAIN 500 1,250 1,750 0 0 1,600 1,600 0

PORTUGAL 100 1,500 1,600 0 0 550 550 0

OTHERS 0 160 160 0 0 435 435 0

SUBTOTAL 600 8,510 9,110 0 0 5,735 5,735 0

WORLD TOTAL 10,600 62,010 72,610 5,200 5,200 141,735 146,935 2,000


Estimated World Pine Nut Production, Kernel Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


FAR EASTRUSSIA 150 5,100 5,250 150 150 12,000 12,150 n/a

CHINA 1,900 3,600 5,500 1,000 1,000 10,500 11,500 250

NORTH KOREA 0 3,000 3,000 0 0 8,750 8,750 250

AFGHANISTAN 300 1,500 1,800 0 0 2,900 2,900 0

PAKISTAN 300 1,500 1,800 0 0 2,800 2,800 0

SUBTOTAL 2,650 14,700 17,350 1,150 1,150 36,950 38,100 500MEDITERRANEAN (Pinus pinea)TURKEY 0 800 800 0 0 375 375 0

ITALY 0 650 650 0 0 350 350 0

SPAIN 100 250 350 0 0 300 300 0

PORTUGAL 15 300 315 0 0 100 100 0

OTHERS 0 40 40 0 0 100 100 0

SUBTOTAL 115 2,040 2,155 0 0 1,225 1,225 0

WORLD TOTAL 2,765 16,740 19,505 1,150 1,150 38,175 39,325 500


Sources: China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs and other INC sources.


USA. Season 2020/2021 crop has been positive, with an on-year estimate of roughly 469,000 metric tons (1 billion lbs.). Harvest was delayed by around a week due to cool temperatures, and some areas were negatively impacted by erratic spring bloom and strong winds. In terms of quality, nut size is slightly larger than average, and insect damage is also reflecting on the low side.

2019/20 California shipments finished at 267,000 MT (588 million lbs.), which was a decrease from a record setting prior year of 365,000 metric tons (805 million lbs.). Factors for the decrease from previous year include: lower 2019/2020 supply resulting from the off-year and a relatively low carry-over inventory along with the increase in Iranian supply; the impact of additional tariffs between China and US, and COVID-19, particularly in the export market. Demand for both US and European retail remains strong despite the COVID-19 disruptions, and the export market is expected to increase as the economy reopens.

Iran. Iran Pistachio Association’s pre-harvest forecast for the 2020/21 crop has been estimated at 180,000 MT of dried in-shell pistachios. Season 2020/21 is expected to be an on-year for round varieties, namely, Fandoqi and KalehQuchi (Jumbo).

According to IPA, for the 2019/20 marketing year, export volume stood at around 164,000 MT (in-shell equivalent), an amount similar in volume to crop year 2017/18 shipments (the last on-year crop with a similar starting inventory) in

spite of some recent impediments to exports, such as the government-imposed restrictions on transfer and exchange of foreign currencies and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As expected, exports to the Far East, the Indian Subcontinent and CIS countries gathered pace, given the attractive prices. Pistachio kernel shipments amounted to 20,000 MT through August, showing an upward trend.

Turkey. New crop receipts started at the beginning of September, with sizes relatively smaller than previous seasons. Overall quality and taste were great and prices softened because of the bumper crop. Export expectations were high for the in-shell market, which had already started, and the kernel market was pretty competitive in terms of price compared to last season. Although European orders are likely to depend on the COVID-19 situation, Turkish pistachio is expected to remain very strong at the market. The domestic market started getting postponed orders, but it was still behind previous seasons. However, as time goes by and raw materials keep coming into market, a stronger demand on the snack market is anticipated.

Spain. 2020 crop was updated to 1,800 MT, 28% below the early forecast of 2,500 MT. It is an off-year; pollination of the Kerman cultivar was affected by a very rainy spring, and the new productive hectares will not be enough to make up for the drop in production.

Pistachios 心果 / Pistacho / Pistache / Pistacchio / Pistazie / Antep fistigi

Sources: Iran Pistachio Association, Greek Nuts & Fruits Trade Association, Australia Pistachio Growers' Association and other INC sources.

Estimated World Pistachio Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


USA (MM lbs) 95 747 842 95 95 1,034 1,129 95

USA (MT) 43,000 339,000 382,000 43,000 43,000 469,000 512,000 43,000

TURKEY 100,000 75,000 175,000 75,000 75,000 302,000 377,000 120,000

IRAN 22,000 195,000 217,000 22,000 22,000 180,000 202,000 20,000

SYRIA 0 23,000 23,000 0 0 20,700 20,700 0

GREECE 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 7,000 7,000 0

AFGHANISTAN 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 4,500 4,500 0

AUSTRALIA 0 2,900 2,900 0 0 2,100 2,100 0

SPAIN 0 2,000 2,000 0 0 1,800 1,800 0

CHINA 0 3,200 3,200 0 0 1,500 1,500 0

ITALY 0 2,600 2,600 1,000 1,000 1,200 2,200 0

WORLD TOTAL 165,000 652,700 817,700 141,000 141,000 989,800 1,130,800 183,000



Statistical Review


China. At the September 2020 China International Tree Nut Conference, held in Qingdao, the panel of the Walnut Round Table came up with a subjective estimate of 1,050,000 metric tons (in-shell basis), 5% up from 2019/2020.

A big harvest from Xinjiang and Yunnan coupled with increased young trees are expected to offset the shortfall from those frost-stricken provinces like Shanxi, Hebei, Gansu and Shaanxi. Harvest started in August for some early varieties and was at full swing by mid-September. Provided crisp fall weather, better color and texture are expected. However, the big crop has resulted in smaller sized nuts.

USA. According to the August 2020 USDA NASS report, the crop is forecasted at a record 780,000 short tons (707,604 MT), 20% up from 2019. The forecast is based on increases of bearing acreage, up 4% from 2019’s estimate of 365,000 to reach 380,000

acres (148,000 to 154,000 hectares). Sampling of nut sets looked good, with reports of tree limbs heavy with nuts. All of the sizing measurements were either the same or slightly below the previous year’s levels. The industry began harvest in early to mid-September with COVID-19 safety precautions fully in place.

Chile. 2019/20 crop was down 7% compared to 2018/19, but yet close the middle-long-term Chilenut estimation, based on the variety, age and planted area. A cold spring but mainly the 2019 drought affected the production in the northern and central growing regions.

As per Chilenut, exports form March 21 to August 31, 2020 amounted to 85,592 MT in-shell equivalent, 21% down from 2019. However, commitments in September accounted already for about 90% of the season supply, anticipating a good sales rate towards the second half of the season.

Walnuts核桃 / Nuez / Noix / Noce / Walnuss / Ceviz

Sources: California Walnut Board and Commission, Ukrainian Walnut Association and other INC sources. *California Walnut Board and Commission does not measure in kernel basis, kernel equivalent is an INC estimation.

Estimated World Walnut Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


CHINA 30,000 1,000,000 1,030,000 60,000 60,000 1,050,000 1,110,000 60,000USA 56,237 590,332 646,569 58,046 58,046 707,604 765,650 105,230CHILE 2,000 130,000 132,000 1,800 1,800 164,000 165,800 n/aUKRAINE 10,500 117,300 127,800 3,500 3,500 99,700 103,200 n/aFRANCE 2,000 37,000 39,000 2,000 2,000 37,000 39,000 n/aROMANIA 0 34,600 34,600 0 0 36,300 36,300 n/aTURKEY 0 35,000 35,000 0 0 31,000 31,000 0INDIA 3,000 34,000 37,000 3,000 3,000 35,000 38,000 3,000IRAN 0 25,000 25,000 0 0 30,000 30,000 0ARGENTINA 0 20,000 20,000 0 0 22,500 22,500 n/aITALY 0 16,500 16,500 0 0 19,800 19,800 0MOLDOVA 700 23,300 24,000 640 640 16,300 16,940 n/aAUSTRALIA 200 12,000 12,200 0 0 13,000 13,000 200HUNGARY 0 11,200 11,200 0 0 11,700 11,700 n/aGEORGIA 0 7,100 7,100 0 0 7,000 7,000 n/aOTHERS 0 12,000 12,000 0 0 15,000 15,000 n/aWORLD TOTAL 104,637 2,105,332 2,209,969 128,986 145,140 2,295,904 2,424,890 168,430

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T, Supply - End, Stock) 2,080,983 2,256,460

Estimated World Walnut Production, Kernel Basis · Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


CHINA 13,200 440,000 453,200 26,400 26,400 462,000 488,400 26,400USA* 24,744 259,746 284,490 25,540 25,540 311,346 336,886 46,301CHILE 980 65,000 65,980 900 900 82,000 82,900 n/aUKRAINE 4,200 46,930 51,130 1,400 1,400 39,900 41,300 n/aFRANCE 880 16,280 17,160 880 880 16,280 17,160 n/aROMANIA 0 13,500 13,500 0 0 14,500 14,500 n/aTURKEY 0 15,400 15,400 0 0 13,600 13,600 0INDIA 1,110 12,629 13,739 1,114 1,114 13,000 14,114 0IRAN 0 10,000 10,000 0 0 12,000 12,000 0ARGENTINA 0 9,000 9,000 0 0 10,800 10,800 n/aITALY 0 7,260 7,260 0 0 8,700 8,700 0MOLDOVA 270 9,100 9,370 250 250 6,900 7,150 n/aAUSTRALIA 88 5,300 5,388 0 0 5,700 5,700 88HUNGARY 0 4,800 4,800 0 0 4,700 4,700 n/aGEORGIA 0 2,700 2,700 0 0 2,800 2,800 n/aOTHERS 0 4,800 4,800 0 0 6,000 6,000 n/aWORLD TOTAL 45,472 922,445 967,917 56,484 56,484 1,010,226 1,066,710 72,789WORLD CONSUMPTION (T, Supply - End, Stock) 911,433 939,921


Peanuts花生 / Cacahuete / Cacahuète / Arachide / Erdnuss / Yer fistigi

China. According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, in 2020, peanut planted area was expected to be increased significantly, mostly due to expansion in the main producing areas. Furthermore, overall national yield per unit area is anticipated to be better than last year, thus, it is expected that China's total peanut production in 2020/2021 will be increased by 8% compared with 2019/20, reaching 17 million metric tons.

India. As seen in the September 2020 World Agricultural Production report from the USDA FAS, a record 2020/21 peanut harvested area is expected in India. Increased by 21% from 2019/20, the harvested area is estimated at 5.9 million hectares, mainly due to favorable domestic prices and rainfall. Yield per area unit is anticipated to be slightly lower, 1.15 MT/ha compared to the 1.28 MT/ha estimated for 2019/20. All in all, due to the increased harvested area, peanut production is projected at 6.8 million metric tons, 9% up from the previous season.

According to the USDA FAS Global Market Analysis released last September, resulting from the anticipated higher production, 2020/21 exports are also expected to increase up to 850,000 MT, 26% above the earlier forecast of 675,000 MT.

USA. As reported by the USDA NASS September report, based on a forecast of 660,520 harvested hectares, USA total 2020/21 crop is projected to reach 3.081 million metric tons. This represents an increment of 24% over 2019/20 and a raise

of 17% over the previous season harvested area. Forecasted at 4.69 MT/ha, yield per land area is also expected to be increased by 6% compared to 2019/20.

The State of Georgia is forecasted to account for 53% of the harvested area, followed by Alabama (11%), Florida (10%), Texas (8%) and North and South Carolina (7% and 5%, respectively). The remaining 6% is distributed among Arkansas, Virginia, Mississippi and New Mexico.

As per the USDA FAS Global Market Analysis published last September, because of the expected increased supply, US peanut export outlook for the 2020/21 season was updated to 726,000 metric tons, 23% up from the prior forecast of 590,000 MT.

Argentina. On September 1, 2020, the Argentine Peanut Chamber (CAM) presented the consolidated estimates for the 2019/20 marketing year (June 1-May 31), based on the data provided by the peanut industry.

Due to the prevailing weather conditions during the growing season, the general quality of the crop was very good. With no carry-in from the previous season, total production was estimated at 976,356 MT of peanuts, kernel basis, yielding 2.78 MT/ha. Harvested area amounted to 351,214 hectares, down by 9.5% from 388,000 ha in 2018/19, resulting in a reduced exportable supply of 643,574 MT compared to the previous season. The remaining supply was distributed among oil stock (206,402 MT), domestic market + blanched shrink (73,730 MT) and seeds (52,650 MT).

Sources: China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, USDA, Argentine Chamber of Peanuts (CAM) and other INC sources.

Estimated World Peanut Production. In-shell Basis · 1000 Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


CHINA 88 15,700 15,788 50 50 17,000 17,050 70INDIA 355 6,260 6,615 464 464 6,800 7,264 743NIGERIA 773 3,500 4,273 400 400 3,900 4,300 395USA 1,098 2,493 3,591 961 961 3,081 4,042 1,026ARGENTINA 0 1,395 1,395 0 0 1,320 1,320 564SENEGAL 500 1,420 1,920 33 33 1,300 1,333 250INDONESIA 186 990 1,176 155 155 970 1,125 179GHANA 20 440 460 0 0 650 650 0BRAZIL 1 545 546 1 1 540 541 10VIETNAM 25 434 459 22 22 447 469 22COTE D'IVOIRE 10 210 220 10 10 210 220 9NICARAGUA 4 157 161 2 2 180 182 4MEXICO 53 82 135 33 33 102 135 37SOUTH AFRICA 0 70 70 6 6 60 66 1OTHERS 231 8,230 8,461 3,507 3,507 10,734 14,241 1,400WORLD TOTAL 3,344 41,926 45,270 5,644 5,644 47,294 52,938 4,710WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 39,626 48,228


Statistical Review


During the last quarter of 2019, holiday season sales, in particular exports, had taken place under good conditions. However, the 219/2020 season has been disrupted by COVID-19 at the marketing level since February 2020. In producing countries, the increased carry-over stocks had to be stored in cold rooms due to the pandemic. Some importing countries also have a relatively large stock, such as South-

East Asian countries or Morocco. At the farm level, the 2020 harvest is expected to be

satisfactory in most origins. Although carry-over stocks might affect the purchase of dates from farmers, according to current data, exports of table dates from 2020 production is anticipated to be relatively satisfactory.

Dates / Dátil / Datte / Dattero / Dattel / Hurma

Source: INCThese data concern only dates that have been packaged and presented for sale as such. They account for about 15% of global production of raw dates. Dates consumed in bulk and those destined for processing are not included.

Estimated World Table Date Production. Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021

Beginning Stock Production Total Supply Ending

StockBeginning

Stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock

SAUDI ARABIA 20,000 230,000 250,000 126,000 126,000 210,000 336,000 38,000IRAN 10,000 175,000 185,000 36,000 36,000 160,000 196,000 19,000UAE 10,000 135,000 145,000 45,000 45,000 130,000 175,000 19,000TUNISIA 5,000 120,000 125,000 16,200 16,200 110,000 126,200 9,500EGYPT 5,000 120,000 125,000 21,600 21,600 100,000 121,600 11,400ALGERIA 6,000 100,000 106,000 18,000 18,000 90,000 108,000 9,500IRAQ 3,000 60,000 63,000 14,400 14,400 50,000 64,400 5,700ISRAEL 4,000 35,000 39,000 9,000 9,000 30,000 39,000 5,700PAKISTAN 2,000 32,000 34,000 7,200 7,200 28,000 35,200 3,800USA 4,000 30,000 34,000 12,600 12,600 28,000 40,600 7,600MOROCCO 1,000 25,000 26,000 5,400 5,400 20,000 25,400 1,900OMAN 1,500 25,000 26,500 7,200 7,200 20,000 27,200 2,850SUDAN 500 9,000 9,500 2,700 2,700 7,000 9,700 1,140LIBYA 100 1,000 1,100 360 360 800 1,160 190OTHERS 5,000 35,000 40,000 21,600 21,600 30,000 51,600 9,500WORLD TOTAL 77,100 1,132,000 1,209,100 343,260 343,260 1,013,800 1,357,060 144,780WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 865,840 1,212,280

Sources: Aegean Exporters Association, Iran Dried Fruit Exporters Association and other INC sources.

Turkey: The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture official production estimate was released last August and it amounts to 95,000 metric tons. Harvest finished with good quality but with lower yields due to frosts and rainfall during bloom.

As reported by the Aegean Exporters’ Association, international shipments between August 1 and September

19, 2020, added up to 12,511 MT (US$40.7 million), of which 89% were wholes, 7% for industrial use and 4% diced dried apricots. Top importing markets were the European Union, led by Germany and France, followed by the Americas with Brazil and the USA as the main importers.

Dried Apricots杏 / Orejón / Abricot Sec / Albicocca Secca / Getrocknete Aprikose / Kuru Kayisi

Estimated World Dried Apricot Production. Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


TURKEY 15,000 100,000 115,000 15,000 15,000 95,000 110,000 n/aIRAN 3,300 26,300 29,600 3,000 3,000 25,000 28,000 n/aUZBEKISTAN 1,100 10,300 11,400 1,000 1,000 12,500 13,500 1,200AFGHANISTAN 0 4,500 4,500 0 0 6,000 6,000 0CHINA 0 5,700 5,700 0 0 5,900 5,900 0USA 0 1,400 1,400 0 0 900 900 0SOUTH AFRICA 0 1,650 1,650 0 0 750 750 0OTHERS 3,000 30,000 33,000 3,000 3,000 30,200 33,200 3,000WORLD TOTAL 22,400 179,850 202,250 22,000 22,000 176,250 198,250 4,200WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 180,250 194,050


Dried Cranberries 莓 / Arándano Rojo / Mirtillo Rosso / Keçiyemisi

Sources: Aegean Exporters' Association, Iran Dried Fruits Exporters Association, California Fig Advisory Board, Greek Nuts & Fruits Trade Association and other INC sources.

Turkey: As per the Aegean Exporters’ Association, 2020/2021 production is forecasted at 85,500 metric tons. Shipment reports (September 26, 2019-September 19, 2020) indicate that total exports (including whole, crushed, scrap, roasted and other types of dried figs) added up to 68,787 MT (US$239 million). Whole and crushed dried figs accounted for 74% and 17% of the shipments, respectively. USA, Germany, France, Italy and the UK were the top destinations.

Dried Figs花果 / Higo Seco / Figue Sec / Fico Secco / Getrocknete Feige / Kuru Incir

Estimated World Dried Fig Production. Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


TURKEY 3,000 89,000 92,000 5,000 5,000 85,500 90,500 n/aIRAN 9,000 30,000 39,000 1,000 1,000 25,000 26,000 n/aUSA 1,200 9,500 10,700 1,200 1,200 10,000 11,200 n/aSPAIN 0 7,000 7,000 0 0 7,000 7,000 n/aGREECE 0 5,200 5,200 0 0 6,500 6,500 n/aAFGHANISTAN 0 4,000 4,000 0 0 4,000 4,000 n/aITALY 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 2,000 2,000 n/aOTHERS 0 6,000 6,000 0 0 5,900 5,900 n/aWORLD TOTAL 13,200 155,700 168,900 7,200 7,200 145,900 153,100 n/aWORLD CONSUMPTION (T, Supply - End, Stock) 161,700 153,100

Sources: California Prune Board, Chile Prunes Association and other INC sources.

USA: According to the California Prune Board, the 2020 harvest wrapped up on schedule and growers worked through the challenges of wildfires and market disruptions caused by COVID-19 to harvest premium quality fruit consisting of an optimum range of sizes. With early industry projections of a short crop, growers and handlers estimate production at 45,000

metric tons, down by 44% from the previous year. However, combined with the carry-in from 2019, handlers should have sufficient supply for the new selling season.

At the conclusion of the 2019 crop year (July 31, 2020) international shipments jumped 17% and domestic shipments improved by 12%, as compared to the previous year.

Prunes / Ciruela Seca / Pruneau / Prugna Secca / Backpflaume / Kuru Erik

Estimated World Prune Production. Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


CHILE 9,538 63,300 72,838 8,000 8,000 55,194 63,194 n/aUSA 75,680 79,882 155,562 77,080 77,080 45,000 122,080 n/aFRANCE 46,926 42,462 89,388 61,388 61,388 40,000 101,388 n/aARGENTINA 10,000 18,000 28,000 5,000 5,000 25,000 30,000 n/aSERBIA 0 5,000 5,000 1,000 1,000 3,500 4,500 n/aAUSTRALIA 826 3,028 3,854 2,200 2,200 2,000 4,200 n/aITALY 480 1,830 2,310 900 900 1,200 2,100 n/aSOUTH AFRICA 0 800 800 280 280 600 880 n/aWORLD TOTAL 143,450 214,302 357,752 155,848 155,848 172,494 328,342 n/aWORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 201,904 328,342

Source: INC. The cranberry crop is harvested in the fall. End of year statistics are measured as of August, 31. 2020/2021 represents the estimate of production and supply through August 31, 2021.

Estimated World Sweetened Dried Cranberry Production. Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


USA 5,740 161,745 167,485 5,267 5,267 154,975 160,242 5,372CANADA 1,890 33,212 35,102 2,410 2,410 34,243 36,653 1,560CHILE 450 10,030 10,480 310 310 10,645 10,955 246WORLD TOTAL 8,080 204,987 213,067 7,987 7,987 199,863 207,850 7,178WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 205,080 200,672

The 2020 crop is estimated at 12.6 million barrels (571,000 metric tons), although increased over 2019, it is still below average. Carry-in at August 31, 2020 –including frozen fruit, cranberry concentrate and finished goods– was 4.6 M barrels (208,000 MT) down 22% from last year. Frozen fruit for dried cranberries is significantly down compared to last year and will put pressure on supply during the fall.

Demand remains high globally. Dried cranberry sales to food service were down due to COVID-19, but were compensated by an increase in retail sales for home consumption.

Statistical Review


Turkey. As reported by the Aegean Exporters’ Association, Sultana raisin production for 2020/2021 is estimated at 271,000 metric tons.

According to the Association’s reports, shipments year to date (September 1-19, 2020) amounted to 14,960 MT (US$28.5 million), down by 15% from the same period the previous season. During the reported weeks, the European Union + UK remained as the major market for Turkish Sultana raisins, accounting for 12,739 MT. The top destinations within the region were the UK (83,594 MT), Italy (2,817 MT), Germany (2,000 MT) and the Netherlands (1,547 MT).

USA. The raisin growing region in California experienced good weather during the growing season. The wildfires burning in the surrounding mountains should not have any effect on raisin production, processing or quality. The 2020 crop is expected to be smaller compared to the 2019 crop due to a reduction in producing acres and less crop per acre.

COVID-19 resulted in increased shipments during the spring and early summer due to higher demand from consumers and manufacturers alike. Shipments have since normalized and are back to 2019 levels. Iran. According to the Iran Dried Fruit Exporters Association, harvesting of the new crop started by mid-September, with no recorded damages. As previously forecasted earlier in the season, production is expected to reach 170,000 MT.

Because of the good price last year, farmers were more inclined to produce more Golden this year, which crop is anticipated to reach 50,000 MT. Domestic consumption is forecasted at 40,000 MT.

China. Chinese raisin production for 2020/21 was updated to 100,000 MT, 26% below the previous forecast of 135,000 MT.

Firstly, the production was negatively affected by frost damage during winter. Secondly, the Xinjiang region was under lockdown for 45 days starting last August due to COVID-19, resulting in a partial quantity loss as some fresh grapes dried on the vine or ended up falling to the ground.

By mid-September price was about US$0.8/kg, higher than last year. Carry-in inventory stock was already sold out.

South Africa. The final marketable product delivered to conclude the 2019/20 production season was 78,200 MT, from which 39% were Thompsons (2% organic), 34% Goldens, 9% Flame, 6% WP, 5% Currants, 3% OR Sultanas and 4% others. As for 2020/21 production outlook, a good cold winter was experienced, also with good rainfall in the Western Cape (winter rainfall region). Dam levels look very good for the next season. At the time of writing this report, spring was in full swing with daily maximum temperatures on the increase, moving towards 30 ºC, and vineyards have reacted to the higher temperatures.

The industry is working closely with growers and processors to further improve product quality aspects, through the implementation of measures to standardize the current grading system of raw material, for implementation in 2021.

Full capacity at the Cape Town harbor has been reinstated, hence supporting shipments to markets during Q2 and Q3. Although during July some difficulties were experienced due to COVID-19 related implications and also poor weather conditions, the logistical situation of shipments to markets improved over August and September. Demand (exports) for raisins from South African origin keeps increasing sharply year-on-year, although this year, at lower market prices compared to the previous marketing season. The market outlook remains optimistic for the remainder of the year despite the negative implications of COVID-19.

Raisins, Sultanas & Currants葡萄干 / Uva Pasa / Raisin Sec / Uvetta / Rosine / Kuru Üzüm

Sources: Aegean Exporters Association, Iran Dried Fruit Exporters Association, Raisins South Africa, Greek Nuts & Fruits Trade Association, USDA, Dried Fruits Australia, 2019 International Seedless Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference and other INC sources.

Estimated World Raisin / Sultana / Currant Production. Metric Tons

Country2019/2020 2020/2021


StockBeginning


TURKEY 10,000 305,000 315,000 35,000 35,000 271,000 306,000 n/aUSA 127,000 232,000 359,000 123,000 123,000 209,000 332,000 n/aIRAN 0 150,000 150,000 34,000 34,000 170,000 204,000 n/aINDIA 0 145,000 145,000 7,000 7,000 150,000 157,000 0CHINA 10,000 150,000 160,000 10,000 10,000 100,000 110,000 n/aSOUTH AFRICA 12,500 78,200 90,700 10,000 10,000 79,200 89,200 11,500UZBEKISTAN 0 85,000 85,000 0 0 70,000 70,000 0CHILE 3,000 65,000 68,000 3,000 3,000 64,300 67,300 n/aARGENTINA 0 42,000 42,000 1,800 1,800 43,000 44,800 n/aAFGHANISTAN 0 15,000 15,000 0 0 28,000 28,000 0GREECE 0 25,000 25,000 0 0 22,000 22,000 0AUSTRALIA 5,700 15,250 20,950 2,380 2,380 15,000 17,380 2,500OTHERS 0 20,000 20,000 0 0 20,000 20,000 0WORLD TOTAL 168,200 1,327,450 1,495,650 226,180 226,180 1,241,500 1,467,680 14,000WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 1,269,470 1,453,680

Statistical Review


Special Report

California Almond Shipments Source: Almond Board of California Monthly Position Reports. ABC reports are in pounds (lbs.), metric tons equivalents were calculated by INC.

2017/182018/192019/20

Monthly Domestic Shipments (Metric Tons, Kernel Weight Basis)

40,000

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

AugustMarch

OctoberMay

January

SeptemberApril

DecemberJuly

NovemberJune

February

Monthly Export Shipments (Metric Tons, Kernel Weight Basis)

2017/182018/192019/20

100,000

90,000

80,000

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

AugustMarch

OctoberMay

January

SeptemberApril

DecemberJuly

NovemberJune

February

2017/18 YTD2018/19 YTD2019/20 YTD

Year to Date Domestic Shipments (Metric Tons, Kernel Weight Basis)

400,000

350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

AugustMarch

OctoberMay

January

SeptemberApril

DecemberJuly

NovemberJune

February

2017/18 YTD2018/19 YTD2019/20 YTD

Year to Date Export Shipments (Metric Tons, Kernel Weight Basis)

800,000

700,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

0

AugustMarch

OctoberMay

January

SeptemberApril

DecemberJuly

NovemberJune

February

Statistical Review


Latin America/Caribbean9,100 MT

Domestic376,000 MT

North America37,500 MT Western Eur.

264,300 MT

Central/Eastern Eur.16,900 MT

North Africa12,000 MT

Sub-Saharan Africa2,600 MT

Middle East69,200 MT

South/Central Asia9,400 MT

Southeast Asia19,700 MT

Australasia/Oceania3,500 MT

Northeast Asia97,400 MT

Export Shipments, Shelled (3-year Average, 2017/18-2019/20)

Metric Tons88,839

88

Latin America/Caribbean37 MT

Domestic2,000 MT

North America15 MT Western Eur.

1,500 MT

Central/Eastern Eur.51 MT

North Africa130 MT

Sub-Saharan Africa40MT

Middle East13,000 MT

South/Central Asia104,300 MT

Southeast Asia10,400 MT

Australasia/Oceania135 MT

Northeast Asia28,700 MT

Export Shipments, In-shell (Kernel Weight Basis) (3-year Average, 2017/18-2019/20)

Metric Tons101,755

1

Source: Almond Board of California Monthly Position Reports. ABC reports are in pounds (lbs.), metric tons equivalents were calculated by INC.

Industry News


The possibility for almonds to never touch the ground during mechanical harvesting is getting closer to reality for California growers. California almond harvesting has been mechanized since the 1970’s, with most central valley orchards on nearly level terrain, which facilitates mechanical harvesting.

Dollars and Sense: Economics and Almond Quality Propel Gradual Move to Off-Ground Harvesting

Almond Board of California

Inherent in this process, almonds are shaken to the ground where they dry naturally before being swept up and collected, which creates dust. Growers fine tune existing equipment settings to best match field conditions or they purchase specially designed low-dust equipment. One of the key goals for the California Almond Orchard 2025 Goals is to improve local air quality during harvest. Outside of further refinements to existing harvesting systems, the almond industry and key equipment manufacturers are exploring the concept of off-ground harvesting. Researchers and growers are experimenting by testing equipment and drying options already used by different crops and farming regions globally.

Brian Walbrink, Co-Owner of Sperry Farms, and an ABC Board member and Chair of the Harvest Work Group, has experimented with off-ground harvesting

in his orchards and traveled to Israel to see how they currently harvest this way. In the short term he is examining ways to catch the almonds, then condition and still dry them in field, while trying to eliminate sweeping with this semi-off-ground approach. At the same time for new orchards, modifying their configuration is a consideration. In addition to possible labor and dust saving benefits, since the almonds would never touch the ground, less orchard floor maintenance is required, which could result in food safety and environmental benefits. He said at the end of the day, an evolution to full off-ground harvesting systems would be extremely beneficial for California growers both economically and sustainably.

The newest off-ground almond harvesting system that has been successfully introduced to California’s almond 2020 harvest is the TOL Incorporated, Tulare California TWIN D T4 shakers. The unique design of these machines allows them to efficiently shake almond trees of all sizes and planting dimensions. The nuts are captured onto the machine frame and then laid out onto a windrow. The use of these machines helps to eliminate the need for sweeping, thereby significantly reducing the amount of dust generated during harvest. This equipment was customized for California almond orchards in collaboration with AFRON Machinery Limited of Israel. AFRON have been well known globally for over 50 years for unique designs and engineering skills to manufacture varied equipment for tree crops. The TWIN D shakers were first introduced in 2014 for almond growers in Israel. We have since made specific changes in design to accommodate the almond orchards in California.

Industry News


Record Crop for the California Walnut Industry Opens New Opportunities

Harvest is almost complete for what’s been forecast as a record walnut crop, and market prospects look good as global demand continues to rise.

On August 28, 2020, the USDA NASS released the Objective Measurement of the 2020 California walnut crop, estimating production at 780,000 short tons (707,604 metric tons), an increase of 19% over the prior year. “The industry has been expecting increases given continued growth in new acreage, more densely planted orchards, orchard management improvements and heavier yielding varieties and has planned accordingly,” states grower Robert Driver, California Walnut Commission (CWC) Chairperson.

Recent months have seen an increase in walnut sales in the U.S. retail segment with consumers both cooking and baking more often as well as looking for foods that support overall wellness. The same holds true for many international markets as consumers have been cooking and baking more at home. February 24 through September 6, overall walnut retail sales volumes were up 15.4% over 2019. According to IRI data, grocery alone performed even better, with volume increases of 24.4% during that time. The industry has stepped up to meet consumer demand with multiple national retail programs in 2021, including the fourth year supporting promotions during American Heart Month and a new snacking promotion. To take full advantage of the large crop, California Walnuts is supporting the national domestic retail programs with a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign. Retailers and consumers are also increasingly embracing e-commerce which has opened new avenues for retail promotion. In response to the changing shopping habits of consumers, we have shifted more resources towards innovative digital programs reaching online shoppers and other target consumers through influencer campaigns.

“While tremendous growth opportunity exists in the U.S. market, there’s also opportunity overseas as the same consumer trends are expanding for healthy, clean, nutritious foods,” said Michelle Connelly, Executive Director of the California Walnut Board (CWB) and CEO of the California Walnut Commission (CWC). “We will also amplify our messaging around storing walnuts in the refrigerator and/or freezer to maximize shelf life as shoppers look to reduce waste while stocking their homes with nutritious foods.” The industry has continued to adapt to tariff market challenges, while pursuing new markets for walnuts and creating opportunities for diversification across retail, food manufacturing/industrial and foodservice. Educational and

outreach programs are in place across key markets to provide inspiration on new and exciting ways to use and consume walnuts in order to keep consumer momentum moving forward. Multi-media campaigns are planned for Germany and India utilizing a combination of traditional and digital media. Export retail programs will encompass activities online as well as in modern and traditional retail channels to increase awareness and provide valuable health messaging.

Walnuts are a versatile ingredient that should not be overlooked. They are a powerhouse of nutrition offering essential ALA omega-3 (2.5g/oz.), and plant-based protein (4g/oz.) with benefits that are critical to consumers with shoppers’ growing interest in consuming foods with both great taste and functional benefits. The industry’s investment in nutrition research continues to identify how walnuts may play a role in consumer public health issues like gut health, sleep quality, mental health and obesity. With more walnuts available, product developers can expand use of walnuts as a key ingredient to meet growing consumer demand for plant-based foods that also deliver proven health benefits.

Industry News


1. Rock, C. L., Zunshine, E., Nguyen, H. T., Perez, A. O., Zoumas, C., Pakiz, B., & White, M. M. (2020). Effects of Pistachio Consumption in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention on Weight Change, Cardiometabolic Factors, and Dietary Intake. Nutrients, 12(7), 2155.

Study Shows Pistachios May Be Helpful in a Weight-Loss Plan

Regular pistachio consumption may promote favorable changes in the diet, lower blood pressure, and contribute to weight loss in a behavioral weight-loss program.

Nut-loving consumers looking to lose a few pounds can feel better about keeping pistachios at hand as a result of a new study. The study published in the July issue of Nutrients, shows adding US pistachios to the diet may contribute to weight loss, in the context of a calorie-restricted diet in a behavioral intervention, and may contribute additional health benefits such as lowering blood pressure. While several scientific studies have shown that pistachios may help maintain a healthy weight and not cause weight gain, this study is the first one to examine the role of pistachios as part of a weight-loss plan in a real-world setting.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego investigated whether US pistachios could be used as part of a weight-loss program in a study with 100 healthy, overweight and obese individuals. All participants received general dietary and behavioral weight-loss advice, and instruction on ways to increase their physical activity. Half of the participants included 1.5 ounces of pistachios in their daily diet (Pistachio group) and the other half did not (Control group). Researchers measured the participants’ health information, diet and lab tests for cardiovascular disease risk at the beginning and end of the 4-month study.

According to the researchers, both groups lost about 5 percent of their body weight and significantly decreased their waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). Waist circumference and BMI are indicators of not only obesity, but whether or not there could be a risk for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition to these measurements, there were added benefits to the Pistachio group, including lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased fiber intake and lower consumption of sweets than the Control group. The Pistachio group also had higher blood levels of the antioxidant carotenoids of lutein, alpha- and beta-carotene, and a healthier ratio of poly- and mono-unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids.

According to the lead researcher, Cheryl Rock PhD, RD, “This study adds to the body of evidence that US pistachios can be a component of a weight-loss diet, can increase intake of key nutrients, and can promote a healthy dietary pattern”.

Studies have shown US pistachios have a unique set of nutrients that have multiple health benefits. They are a complete protein, containing all 9 of the essential amino acids required to sustain health for those 5 years and older. They have mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids which are beneficial for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, contain the phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin which have protective properties for the eyes from blue light and ultraviolet light, and are a high in fiber, phosphorus and vitamin B6. US pistachios can fit into a weight-loss and weight maintenance plan and with the variety of nutrients in them, can improve the quality of the diet.

Industry News


Environmental Monitoring: 4 Questions from the Industry

Is it an FDA requirement or a strong recommendation for environmental monitoring for rte foods? In areas where your company is handling product that is 1) considered a ready-to-eat food, and 2) is exposed to the environment (not entirely contained in a package), the FDA expects you to conduct environmental monitoring. They do not tell you precisely what or how to monitor. It’s up to each food company to determine whether to monitor for specific pathogens, indicator organisms, or both. You are also responsible for developing a sampling schedule for this monitoring (locations, types of samples, frequency). The FDA will also expect to see some associated product testing when you meet the above two conditions. Remember, the greater the risk, the greater the frequency for swabbing.

It is also important to point out the FDA’s definition of ready-to-eat may differ from what you’re thinking. Ready-to-eat is defined as “any food that is normally eaten in its raw state or any other food, including processed food, for which it is reasonably foreseeable that the food will be eaten without further processing that would significantly minimize biological hazards.” Under this definition, foods like cookie dough are considered ready-to-eat! We all remember tragic instances when recalls and consumer illnesses took place by consuming raw cookie dough.

For non-rte products that require a customer kill step and do not have a historical pathogen issue, what would

you test for? It seems there is not an obvious concern for any specific pathogen.If your product is not ready to eat, and similar products have not historically had any recalls or pathogen issues, typically the purpose for swabbing is to determine “Is the processing environment clean in general?” In these cases, it’s common to test for indicator organisms to ensure the cleaning and sanitation activities are productive. You may also check the ambient air at strategic times to see if it’s contaminated. One of the key benefits of testing for indicator organisms is the results are quantitative, not just a positive/negative result, but instead a numerical value. Having this type of result allows you to trend them over time, to better determine the effectiveness of your sanitation program. It’s also important to consider the moisture level of your product, the type of processing conducted onsite, and past results from monitoring. Based on these factors, you can better determine which pathogens present the most considerable risk to your product. Typically for low moisture foods produced in a dry facility, you would want to swab for Salmonella, E. coli, and coliform. For wet environments, Listeria is a must, along with other appropriate organisms.

What is vector swabbing?Vector swabbing is a crucial way to ensure that your facility has not been contaminated after finding a positive result. Here’s an example: Let’s say we are talking about a foot frame on a piece of processing equipment. You’re running the line; people are sweeping and putting everything into the trash. In this instance,

you need to think about how an organism can travel. It can travel on shoes, on brooms, on forklifts. If your foot frame or your floor (traffic areas) are positive for a pathogen, that pathogen can potentially spread throughout your entire facility. Best practices for vector swabbing are to test the area that you got the positive for or presumptive positive, depending on how you do your vector swabbing.

What are the best practices when there is a positive hit on a pathogen on the input line but not on the finished product?If there is a positive pathogen result on the input line, you should assume it’s getting into the product. It is not safe to conclude that if you did not find it in the finished product, it’s not present somewhere in the product or process. A negative test is not enough to tell you the same organism is not present in the finished product. Pathogens are usually distributed sporadically and can be easily missed in sampling.

If you think about how much product you run across that line or through that input and output, and only sample potentially 375 grams (or less) of a 45,000-pound load, statistically, you might miss contamination. You want your actions to be based on scientific information and be data-driven, not based on samples taken. You want to prevent anything from getting into your product before it puts consumers and your company at risk.

JON KIMBLE and KYLA IHDEJon Kimble, Senior Food Safety ManagerKyla Ihde, Laboratory ManagerSafe Food Alliance

For more information, visit our website safefoodalliance.com or email us at [email protected].

Environmental monitoring is incredibly important for companies in the food industry, and we are here to answer four of the industry’s most pressing questions about environmental monitoring!

Industry News


“While the pandemic has ignited consumers’ focus on healthy foods, the California Prune industry has always invested in nutrition research to learn more about and elevate the health benefits of prunes,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director of the California Prune Board. “Nutrition professionals have always been a critical part of our communications. They remain a trusted, credible resource of nutrition information with consumers, and we remain committed to educating them about the benefits of prunes, as they educate the world on how to nourish themselves in a healthful way."

Produce for Better Health In July, California Prunes RD Ambassador Leslie Bonci and PBH Fruit and Vegetable Ambassador presented “From You to Yum!” a webinar designed to showcase how nutrition professionals can leverage nutrition communications, trends, and perceptions to become relevant to consumers today and in the future. Leslie shared tips for communicating in an effective, targeted, and memorable way while breaking through the noise of today’s environment of information overload. You can watch the webinar here: https://californiaprunes.org/leveraging-nutrition-communications-webinar/.

Today's Dietitian PartnershipEarlier this summer in conjunction with Today’s Dietitian, a leading organization for nutrition professionals, the California Prunes team fielded a survey to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on

the dietetics profession, as well as consumer interests and behaviors during the pandemic. The survey findings revealed interesting insights into the type of information consumers seek from dietitians showing that 60% of consumers are interested in shelf-stable fruits and veggies, and 35% of RDs are recommending more shelf-stable produce. In a September webinar to Today’s Dietitian members, nutrition expert, Leslie Bonci, RD, MPH, CSSD, LDN presented these findings and elaborated on the numerous benefits of shelf-stable foods like California Prunes, underscoring the importance of dietitians’ role in communicating to clients and providing sound and relevant advice about how to eat healthfully.

California Prunes Wellness HubThe California Prunes Wellness Hub –launched earlier this year– continue to serve as a resource for those reached via the virtual nutrition events and digital activations, providing California Prune nutrition research, recipe and usage inspiration, and an opportunity to stay connected with California Prunes via their nutrition professional’s newsletter. You can find the California Prunes Wellness Hub at https://californiaprunes.org/wellnesshub.

New circumstances have shifted consumer behavior, fueled the focus on healthy eating habits, and prioritized digital optimization for California Prunes. As in-person events like Produce for Better Health’s (PBH) annual Consumer Connection Conference and Today’s Dietitian Annual Spring Symposium went digital, it brought about more opportunities for California Prunes to reach a wider range of nutrition professionals via a multi-channel virtual environment. Digital activations such as newsletters, social media integration and webinar-based educational seminars allowed California Prunes to grow their network of nutrition professionals while sharing the benefits of enjoying California Prunes.

California Prunes Doubles Down on Virtual Nutrition Events to Engage a Broader Audience

The California Prune Acai Bowl recipe was shared on PBH social posts and ranked among the top 10 highest-performing partner posts.

60% of consumers are interested in shelf-stable fruits and veggies, and 35% of RDs are recommending more shelf-stable produce.

Shelf-stable produce is experiencing greater demand during pandemic and offers numerous benefits including no food waste, easy to source, cost-effective given low spoilage potential, and a wonderful nutrition profile.

Greater Interest in Fruit and Veggies...

Increase in overall fruit and veggie consumption...

41.9% in fresh fruits and veggies59.3% in frozen fruits and veggies60.6% in shelf-stable (dried, cups and cans) fruits and veggies35.4% recommending more shelf-stable fruits and veggies

32.8%

Industry News


A New Strategic Direction for Nuts For Life

Earlier this year we drew a close to our previous funding contract with Hort Innovation –finishing the program with many great achievements. After successfully securing another three years of funding from Hort, we’ve started the next phase –with three key objectives to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the industry and to making a real contribution to increasing nut consumption in Australia.

Australian Dietary GuidelinesIn the current 2013 edition of the Australian Dietary Guidelines, nuts are featured in the core food group ‘Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes.’ Whilst they are acknowledged as being nutritious alternatives to meat, fish and eggs, and playing an important role in plant-based, vegetarian and vegan meals and diets, the Guidelines also suggest that a 30g serve of nuts should “only to be used occasionally as a substitute for other foods in the group”.

In a timely announcement, the Australian Government recently committed to a review of the Guidelines.

At the time of preparing this report, Nuts for Life was drafting a plan of how to increase nuts’ prominence in the updated Guidelines. This may include a recommendation that nuts be considered in a separate ‘plant protein’ group (together with legumes, seeds, etc) for nuts to be considered as an essential daily food, and for an increase in the recommended serve size.

Reduce Reported Energy on NIPsThe metabolisable energy available from nuts is proposed to be 5-30% lower than that estimated by Atwater factors. In line with these findings, the US food manufacturer, KIND, has recently updated nutrition information panels on nut bars to align with the reduced dietary energy available from nuts.

Nuts for Life will partner with the University of Wollongong to conduct research activities, aimed at exploring how the recalculation of energy from nuts may redefine the relationship between nut consumption and body weight. The activities may include a systematic review of the literature, a dietary modelling study, and qualitative research exploring the perceptions in this area among a range of stakeholders.

For further information on these activities contact:Belinda Neville, Program Manager, [email protected] Hall, Digital and Communications Manager, [email protected]

Heart Health High-level Health ClaimNuts for Life supported the research to substantiate a nuts and heart health ‘general level health claim (GLHC) in 2015, which now features in nut products in supermarkets across Australia. To help bring this claim to life, and to reinforce the heart healthiness of nuts, a new logo was developed and launched in early 2020. A number of Nuts for Life contributors are already exploring adding this logo to their packs, and there is interest from major retail brands. Heart health is one of the strongest and most successful health messages for nuts.

The development of a high-level health claim (HLHC) that nuts ‘reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease’ will serve to solidify and amplify the general level health claim. It will also compliment global health claim initiatives, will incentivise other markets to act, and drive export demand. The process for having a HLHC accepted and gazetted by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) requires significant investment into the research and the application.

Nuts for Life has entered into a new phase of the program with one of our most ambitious plans to date.

1. Develop a high-level health claim for nuts and cardiovascular disease.

2. Increase the prominence of nuts in the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

3. Reduce the reported energy content of nuts on pack (NIP).

Nuts for Life’s key objectives:

Industry News


New Gen Z Research Reveals Macadamias’ Relevance to the Demands of Younger Consumers

The Australian macadamia industry has just released the findings from its latest consumer insights research. Exploring the world of Gen Z (consumers aged 15-25) and their attitudes and behaviours when it comes to food, the study provides a taste of what the future of food may look like, and where macadamias can play a role.

The insights in this article are from “Macadamias, Gen Z and the Future of Food” carried out by research agency FiftyFive5 for Australian Macadamias in August 2020.

JACQUI PRICEAustralian Macadamias Market Development Manager

The Key Food Narratives of Gen Z What Gen Z expect from food is markedly different to the expectations of previous generations. Gen Z has grown up in a time of flux, fluidity and mass disruption, and are no strangers to innovation. With a heightened sense of health and environmental awareness, Gen Z’s expectations around food are high but they also demand ‘different’. A number of Gen Z food narratives emerged from the research.

- The ‘Dalgona’ effect. Food is a form of social currency, feeding Gen Z’s appetite for creativity and technical perfection in what they eat. Food must look as good as it tastes.- Pimp my snack. Traditional mealtimes and sizes are blurring for Gen Z, as small but mighty snacking takes centre stage.- Cultural rediscovery. Younger consumers are embracing tradition and the celebration of nostalgic foods that connect to roots and heritage.- Feel good food. They are actively looking for greater control and transparency on food and its origins.- Healthy delicious. Gen Z rejects the traditional view that ‘healthy’ food must be bland and boring.

The Macadamia Innovation Hotspots for Food Brands Targeting Gen Z The research revealed that macadamias are an appealing, exciting and relevant ingredient for Gen Z in both Western and Asian markets. It identified five key innovation opportunities for food manufacturers to engage and excite Gen Z with macadamias.1. Experimentation Stations: Macadamias suit bold and brilliant food innovations –unique flavours, cross-cultural fusion and contrasting textures. No combination is off limits.2. Feel Good Factor: Macadamias naturally play in the plant-based space, enhancing existing alternative products or adding a layer of goodness to a broad range of foods. They’re a foundational part of the plant based movement.3. Complexity Currency: Treating macadamias in a way that is complex injects uniqueness to the consumption experience, encouraging Gen Zs to share their macadamia experiences. Macadamias can make it complex but fun.4. Supercharged: Macadamias’ protein and healthy fats tap into a desire for wholesome, supercharged products. They can help create strong and powerful food that packs a punch.5. Aesthetic Amplification: Macadamias can transform products visually, adding multi-faceted layers that create intrigue to a generation demanding food to impress. They can help create products that look as good as they taste.

Industry News


Scientific know-how and ability to innovate were the key words of the XIV edition of the Congress on Practical Nutrition. These qualities have always characterized Nucis Italia and allowed the organization to win the award.

Nucis Italia Triumphs at Nutrimi 2020

Nutrimi is a congress on Practical Nutrition that has brought together Milan health professionals, researchers, media and companies operating in the food and beverage industry for 14 years. For the first time this year, the event was held online July 6-7. This edition, containing more than 40 hours of online training, more than 1,200 attendees connected from all over Italy and thousands of virtual visits to the partners’ stands, reached an unprecedented level.

As a main partner for the event, Nucis Italia thoroughly shared this success, making major contributions and by supporting the scientific program as well as the virtual exhibition area. Moreover, Alessandra Bordoni, President of Nucis Italia's Scientific Committee, gave a speech, in which she conveyed the importance of enhancing and promoting an adequate consumption of nuts and dried fruits among athletes. The speech was well received by numerous nutritionists, dietitians, doctors and health professionals. The platform registered over 500 connections on Tuesday, July 7, during her speech “Dried fruit and physical activity: which, how much and

when? Review of Nutritional Benefits”. The topic was also highlighted by an article on the Nutrimi website1, that was also shared on Nutrimi social pages and sent to the large community of Nutrimi nutritionists through the weekly newsletter.

The virtual and interactive stand, by Nucis, registered more than 1,500 visits in two days. All visitors had the opportunity to download free information material, learn more about the Association, interact via chat with company representatives and nutritionists, and request the 2021 information kit for their clinic.

The Association was also at the center of attention during one of the most anticipated moments of the Congress. During the ceremony on July 7, Nucis was awarded the NutriGold 2020 prize for “Best Nutritional Innovation”, for the merits of its nutrition campaign, “Frutta secca è benessere” (Dried fruit is healthy). The campaign successfully showed on social media the most beautiful, gourmet and innovative aspects of nuts and dried fruit, while also emphasizing its nutritional qualities, thanks to the use of new and trendy language and the

support of some of the most popular nutrition influencers in Italy. Captivating photos by food stylists and delicious recipes capable of satisfying all tastes, helped nuts and dried fruits to become more and more popular and a part of everyone’s diet, using modern and credible messaging through Instagram and Facebook.

The brand promotion and the related messages, conveyed to Nutrimi among health professionals will also continue in September, October, November and December 2020 with the activation of the online ECM FAD (online training for health professionals recognized by the Italian Ministry of Health), along with the publication of the Nucis logo and the access to the speech of Professor Bordoni.

All in all, it was a very positive response, and further proof of the continuous success of Nutrimi, that also demonstrates the intention of never wanting to stop, not even in these particularly difficult times for the world and the global economy.

1. https://www.nutrimi.it/frutta-secca-perche-e-adatta-anche-alla-dieta-di-chi-fa-sport/

Industry News


Chile, a Southern Hemisphere Powerhouse

Chile is the undisputed fruit production leader of the Southern Hemisphere, with a wide range of species and varieties that allows the country to supply over 70 markets around the globe. Why? Because it has exceptional natural conditions for the development of fruit recognized by the world for its health benefits.

Walnut orchards have shown explosive growth, averaging 2,800 planted hectares over the past few years, with a peak of 4,000 hectares in 2012. Today, the cultivated surface area has surpassed 47,000 hectares according to estimates from Chilenut.

This coverage not only makes Chile the number one walnut grower in the Southern Hemisphere, but a world-class powerhouse, and number two exporter behind California. By the year 2021, Chilenut is projecting a record-breaking production of 163 thousand metric tons, thanks to a winter with normal rainfall, good snowpack and favorable weather conditions. By 2024, the trade association is estimating that production will top 200 thousand metric tons.

This information was constructed based on a production model that takes into account the average yields of Chile’s fields and the newly planted surface area, data that was obtained through a fruit survey carried out by the Chilean government, plus information regarding the number of walnut trees sold annually provided by the Chilean Plant Nursery Association (Asociación de Viveros de Chile), see Graph 1.

Regarding production in 2020, which added up to 129,000 metric tons, although it hasn’t been an easy season due to the pandemic, the Chilean industry has reacted well in terms of fulfilling its shipments, and as of September 15, the industry has shipped or committed 90% of its production. This information and the data generated by Chilenut can be downloaded from www.chilenut.cl.

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Graph 1. Chilean Walnut Production and Projection for the Next 10 Years. Metric tons.

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Virtually Bringing the Nut & Dried Fruit Sector Together

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