BARCELONA, Spain, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The flagship event
of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) took place
from May 8–10, 2024. Attendees from 65+ countries gathered to share
ideas on key topics shaping the industry landscape.
During the round tables, world tree nut production for 2024/25
was forecasted at 6.2 million metric tons (kernel basis, except
pistachios in-shell), up by 8% from 2023/24. Although it is still
very early in the season to anticipate the outcomes, most tree nut
crops are expected to increase. Pine nuts, almonds and hazelnuts
are projected up by 76%, 22% and 20%, respectively. Macadamias,
pistachios, Brazil nuts and
walnuts foresee productions between 8% and 2% above the previous
season. According to early estimations, 2024/25 peanut production
is expected to amount to around 50 million MT (in-shell basis) and
dried fruit production 3.4 million MT, up 4% from 2023/24.
Themes that resonated throughout the congress included
resilience, readiness for new challenges, and the need to properly
tailor marketing strategies. INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch spoke about unlocking consumer
potential to drive demand for nuts and dried fruits worldwide.
Keynote speaker Marc Low,
Director of Innovation & Emerging Technology at KPMG Canada,
explored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.
Prof. Janice Gross Stein of the
University of Toronto explored the
ramifications of today's polarized world and what business leaders
can do to contain the damage.
The Nutrition Research Seminar featured talks on how
nut-containing diets may improve cardiometabolic health and the
role of nuts and dried fruits in improving diet quality. The
Sustainability Seminar explored key challenges facing the industry,
ranging from climate change to geopolitical tensions.
The congress also featured an exhibition area, hosting 38
companies from 16 countries.
INC Chairman, Michael
Waring, commented: "Represented by the entire supply
chain, the INC Congress facilitates a collaborative approach across
the sector in identifying industry opportunities and in laying out
strategy. With the release and discussion of key statistics, it's a
must-attend for the industry."
INC Awards: Recognizing Outstanding Contributions to the
Sector
- Corporate Golden Nut Award: PLANTERS®
- Award for Excellence in Research: Prof. Cesarettin
Alasalvar
- Award for Excellence in Gastronomy: Chef Andrea Carlson
- Award for Excellence in Sustainability – Back to the Planet:
Treehouse California Almonds
- Award for Excellence in Sustainability – Back to the People:
LIMBUA
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