Edition 81. Nº 3 November 2020
INC ONLINE CONFERENCE Virtually Bringing the Nut & Dried Fruit Sector Together
p. 57
www.nutfruit.org
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Edition 81. Nº 3 November 2020
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.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michael Waring - Chairman Business News 9 INC Congress 54 MWT Foods, Australia Ashok Krishen - 1st Vice Chairman 9 Partnership Besana-Importaco 54 Dubai, INC XXXIX World Nut and Dried Olam International Limited, Singapore Fruit Congress Pino Calcagni - 2nd Vice Chairman 10 PepsiCo Targets 100% Renewable Besana Group, Italy Electricity Globally Riccardo Calcagni Besana Group, Italy 11 Danone’s Alpro Celebrates 40 Years INC News 57 Bill Carriere Carriere Family Farms, USA 12 Creamy, Crunchy, Chewy: Introducing 57 INC Online Conference Karsten Dankert Nature Valley Packed, a New Sustained Max Kiene GmbH, Germany Energy Bar 60 INC Academia: The Best Training Program in Roby Danon the Nut and Dried Fruit Industry Voicevale Ltd, UK Cao Derong 62 INC Webinars China Chamber of Commerce, China Gourmet 14 Joan Fortuny Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (BAIN), Spain 63 Trend Research: International Market Giles Hacking 14 Carme Ruscalleda, Barcelona, Spain Opportunities CG Hacking & Sons Limited, UK Mike Hohmann 64 Real Power for Real People: Boost your The Wonderful Company, USA Attitudinal Immunity Cheng Hung Kay Legal Update 17 CHK Trading Co. Ltd., China, Hong Kong Mark Jansen Blue Diamond Growers, USA Global Jack Mariani Mariani Nut Company, USA Feature Articles 23 Statistical Review 67 Mark Mariani Mariani Packing Company, USA 23 Brazil Nuts and the Amazon Rainforest: 67 Special Report: California Almond Stephen Meltzer A Story of Sustainability, Livelihood, and Shipments Balcorp Ltd., Canada Conservation Russell Mooney Intersnack Procurement B.V., Netherlands 26 Taiwan, The Kingdom of Fruits and Dried Pratap Nair Fruits Industry News 84 Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company, India Osman Oz 28 Almond Growing in the South of Italy 84 Dollars and Sense: Economics and Aegean Exporters Associations, Turkey Almond Quality Propel Gradual Move to Antonio Pont - Honorary President 30 Russian Pine Nuts Commodity Base & Off-Ground Harvesting Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (BAIN), Spain Real Export Potential Antonio Pont Jr. Crisolar Nuts, S.L., Spain 85 Record Crop for the California Walnut 32 Evolution of COVID-19 for the Nut and Industry Opens New Opportunities Chen Qi Dried Fruit Industry Qiaqia Food Co. Ltd., China Jan Vincent Rieckmann 86 Study Shows Pistachios May Be Helpful in August Töpfer and Co. (ATCO Group), Germany a Weight- Loss Plan Michael Rund Country/Product Bösch Boden Spies GmbH and Co. Kg, Germany Hasan Sabir Spotlight 35 88 Environmental Monitoring: 4 Questions Sabirlar Findik Ihracat Ltd. Sti., Turkey from the Industry Dick Walden 35 Pistachios, Iran The Green Valley Pecan, USA 89 California Prunes Doubles Down on Virtual Nutrition Events to Engage a EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Broader Audience Michael Waring Chairman Health News 48 Ashok Krishen 1st Vice Chairman 90 A New Strategic Direction for Nuts for Life Pino Calcagni 2nd Vice Chairman 48 Growth of Plant-Based Protein Bill Carriere Board Member Giles Hacking Board Member 91 New Gen Z Research Reveals Jack Mariani Board Member Macadamias’ Relevance to the Demands Mark Mariani Board Member of Younger Consumers Pratap Nair Board Member A Chat Antonio Pont Board Member with the Industry 52 92 Nucis Italia Triumphs at Nutrimi 2020 Goretti Guasch Secretary General and Executive Director 52 Fraser Scott, Agribusiness Development 93 Chile, a Southern Hemisphere Manager, Ferrero Hazelnut Company, Powerhouse For all editorial and advertising enquiries: Luxembourg Marc Centelles [email protected] Advertisers List 94
INC HEADQUARTERS The Nutfruit magazine is published three times a year by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council - INC (Fundació Privada International Nut Carrer de la Fruita Seca, 4 and Dried Fruit CIF G-43738475). This magazine, including all articles and illustrations, is copyright protected. Any utilization beyond the light Polígon Tecnoparc, 43204 Reus, Spain 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. Tel: +34 977 331 416 While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to press, they can accept no Email: [email protected] liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, www.nutfruit.org photographs or other materials published in the Nutfruit magazine.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 5 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT INC Foreword
INC Online Conference: The Top Virtual Event for the Entire Industry!
MICHAEL WARING INC CHAIRMAN
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and in varying intensity consumers that care about the health benefits of their food. from country to country, I would like to reiterate the continued The third new unit will emphasise cross-cultural negotiations, support and good wishes from the INC to all those affected. and how to understand negotiation across cultural barriers, We remain committed to serving and providing support to the an increasingly important topic in a globalised economy. nut and dried fruit industry. The Executive Committee met Furthermore, we will have two new subunits, one on nut twice during September and October to assess its impact allergies, and a second subunit introducing the INC Short Form on the nut and dried fruit industry and to ensure a relevant Contract for the sale and purchase of nuts and dried fruits. approach is adopted. This year’s dissemination campaign is being launched in Adapting as required, the INC Secretariat under the October and through November and focuses nuts and dried management of Goretti Guasch has continued to add virtual fruits connecting with “attitudinal immunity”. The campaign’s components to projects and services provided by the INC, such video highlights how plant-based power, “Real Power”, from as the first ever international and online platform for the nut nuts and dried fruits gives the consumer. “Real People”, and and dried fruit industry. The INC Online Conference is set to the ability to resist negativity they face throughout each day. take place November 17-19, 2020 and will feature key industry I would like to invite all INC members to join the campaign leaders broadcasting live working groups aimed at providing by taking advantage of the toolkit designed by the INC. As updates for the sector. INC has formed three working groups, a united industry, this message has the potential to reach a representing each of the Americas, Europe, Middle East, global audience and help promote the consumption of nuts and Africa, Asia, & Oceania. The working groups provide specific dried fruits around the world. information on each product under the INC umbrella and As we move to the end of 2020 and having endured the are led by industry experts from each region. We will include disruptive schedules caused by COVID-19, the next INC keynote speakers and knowledge sessions with webinars on Congress remains planned to take place in Dubai, UAE in May sustainability, scientific topics, nutrition research, and industry 2021. We are so eager to meet you all again in person and marketing programs. Attendees will also have access to a we hope that you will be able to join us for the INC World Nut virtual exhibition hall to network and conduct business with and Dried Fruit Congress! Be safe, keep well, and hope to be peers. We look forward to your active participation. together again soon. INC have completed three new units into the Academia online course. The first focusing on insurances, highlighting Yours sincerely, 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
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 7 CLEAR VISION TO MAXIMIZE YIELD
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November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Business News
Partnership Besana-Importaco
Two leading INC members come together in an important international alliance.
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 On the left, Toño Pons and the right, Pino Calcagni 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: objectives and creating value throughout the supply chain." Besana will continue to be led by Pino Calcagni as Honorary "With this operation, we are going to consolidate our President and Riccardo Calcagni as CEO. Importaco’s plan for sustainable growth based on quality and innovation,” President Toño Pons will lead the new Group. said Toño Pons, "We are creating a strong Group with a solid Explaining this company integration, Pino Calcagni competitive position, with high growth potential.” commented: "The globalization towards new markets and Importaco and Besana represent a combined turnover CLEAR VISION the development of synergies to improve economies of scale of €770 million, with 1,950 employees, 17 factories in five are decisive factors in the current landscape. The Importaco countries, 600 suppliers and an annual purchase volume of TO MAXIMIZE YIELD Group is the ideal strategic partner for achieving these 123,000 metric tons.
Want to raise productivity to reduce waste? Key Technology’s cutting-edge optical sorting Nestlé Launched YES! Plant Noberasco Signs Supply Protein Bars Powered by and conveying solutions set the standard for maximizing yield, efficiency and profitability. Chain Agreement for Italian Nuts and Peas Peanuts At the same time, they deliver data-driven intelligence to continually optimize and Nestlé has launched a new range of its YES! snack An agreement between Noberasco, SIS, Società bars, with each bar containing 10 grams of plant Italiana Sementi (Gruppo BF Spa), and Coldiretti improve your operations. Start your progress at Key.net protein from a delicious natural combination of has repaved the Italian peanut supply chain. In nuts and peas. September, the partners came together to make it official. Recent Nestlé research has shown that most people buying protein bars are now looking for more natural Managing Director, Mattia Noberasco mentioned, “What we SORTING | CONVEYING | INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS protein sources with no additives. Plant protein is one of are presenting today is not just the launch of a decidedly the most preferred options to fuel an active lifestyle and revolutionary product for agri-food such as the Italian peanut, get the most out of their busy day. it is a project that combines innovation, quality, transparency The new YES! Bar packs in 10 grams of plant protein and strong commitment to invest in the territory. We want from peas and nuts and gives consumers power on to create a line of made in Italy products and thanks to the go. Like other YES! bars, the new protein bars are these supply chain agreements we pursue our commitment made of wholesome ingredients, are high in fiber, use to educate the consumer in healthy eating styles, who no artificial colors or preservatives, are gluten free and increasingly want to be and are, an integral part of conscious suitable for vegetarians. choices that start from the earth up to shopping, then to the Clear Vision, Clear Progress The new bar comes in two delicious flavors: Almond, table.” Peanut and Double Dark Chocolate; and Cashew, With this agreement, consumers in Italy will now be able to Blueberry and Dark Chocolate. Nuts are the number purchase 100% made in Italy peanuts. one ingredient, and the bars are drizzled with real dark chocolate made with sustainable cocoa certified by the © 2020 Key Technology Rainforest Alliance.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 9 Business News
PepsiCo Targets 100% Renewable Electricity Globally
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.
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 has opened new regional headquarters TOMRA Food Opens New to enhance its support of food processors and packers Regional Headquarters in across Latin America.
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.
10 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Business News
Danone’s Alpro Celebrates FDA Announces Key FSMA 40 years Rule to Advance Traceability
Alpro is celebrating 40 years of Foods, a Major Milestone of plant-based innovation for in the New Era of Smarter consumers. The brand, with Belgian origins and heritage, has expanded Food Safety across Europe and the world with a great variety of plant-based foods The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has and drinks. Alpro joined the Danone announced efforts to bring about farm-to-table family of brands in 2017. traceability in the US food supply.
To mark the 40th year, Alpro has launched The FDA has proposed a new rule that lays the foundation for a new health and sustainability action plan end-to-end food traceability across the food industry that for 2025 under the banner “Feeding our it will be working toward over the next decade as part of the Future with Plants”. “The diets we have adopted are no New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative. While limited to longer sustainable for the planet, so we have to change certain foods, this proposed rule would create a first-of-its- the way we look at food production and consumption,” kind standardized approach to traceability recordkeeping, explains Sue Garfitt, General Manager at Alpro. “Millions of paving the way for industry to adopt and leverage more digital, people are more aware of the personal and environmental tech-enabled traceability systems both in the near term and benefits of plant-based foods and drinks. Our brand has the future. a mission to promote more flexitarian diets. We want to The FDA also released a draft Food Traceability List keep bringing more choice, variety and taste, and that's that identifies foods to which the additional recordkeeping why innovation lies at the heart of what we do at Alpro.” requirements would apply. For more information on the plan, visit www.fda.gov.
Unilever’s Manufacturing Site in Hefei, China, Joins the WEF’s Renowned Global Lighthouse Network
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.
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.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 11 Business News
Creamy, Crunchy, Chewy: This new addition to the Nature Valley lineup is packed with creamy nut butter, crunchy nuts and seeds such as almonds, Introducing Nature Valley sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or peanuts, and chewy Packed, a New Sustained cranberries or blueberries. “Through Packed, we want to make sustained energy Energy Bar approachable,” said Scott Baldwin, business unit director, Grain Snacks at General Mills. “Time and again, we’ve heard Nature Valley has launched Packed, a sustained from consumers who want a delicious, affordable snack bar energy bar that uniquely features three textures with feel-good ingredients that not only bring together a – creamy, crunchy and chewy. 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.
Ocean Spray Advances Sustainable Packaging Strategy and Launches National Recycling Program with TerraCycle
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.
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.
THE FOOD SAFETY SOLUTION FOR • 5-log reduction • No gases or chemicals NUTS, SEEDS & DRIED FRUITS • Homogeneous treatment • Continuous process • Process within minutes • Applicable for organic food
PASTEURIZATION ROASTING COATING STOCK PROTECTION Food Safety Line: Dosing belt FS-IRD Conveyor belt FS-RC www.kreyenborg.com
12 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Gourmet
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.
Nuts & Dried Fruits Valued in the Catalan Cuisine
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!
14 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Gourmet
A lot of your food combines Catalan and QUICK FIRE ROUND Eastern cuisine. What is so special and unique about this combination? I don’t think it is about combining, but rather professional What do you most love about cooking? growth. It is not a fusion, but an inspiration with solid Feeling the idea, the inspiration, and of course bringing gastronomic arguments. For example, the Japanese broth it to life. Dashi, which is used so much in Japanese cuisine, I can use What is your personal favorite dish? this in Mediterranean food because the components of the Arroz Mar y Montaña (rice dish including both seafood Dashi significantly enhance the flavors of food. Our “Dashi de and meat). Romesco” is proof of this. Or our “Pichón deshuesado”, stuffed with barbecue and with a touch of salted Sakura leaves, it gives What is the next big gastronomical trend an elegant and exceptional gourmet fragrance. in the world? I believe it will be the great melting pot of Latin Over the years, you have been awarded with American cuisine. the numerous Michelin Stars. What has this What nut and dried fruit do you always meant for you and your restaurants? have in your kitchen? I have always considered the Michelin Stars as the best Everything! Hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, business card for the world of gastronomy. A guide like pistachios, walnuts, raisins, dried apricots, prunes, Michelin steers demanding and knowledgeable gourmet chefs dates, etc. 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, “Romesco”, also utilizes hazelnuts and almonds. And one in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. of the most popular Catalan desserts, “Postres de Músic” is usually served with a variation of nuts and dried fruits, such What place do nuts and dried fruits have in as almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, raisins, dried apricots, and Catalan and Eastern cuisine? dried figs (there are those who also serve it with pistachios). In Catalan cuisine, nuts and dried fruits are extremely In Japan, I have been able to appreciate how they also enjoy appreciated! “La Picada” is one Catalan dish that uses nuts: hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, raisins, etc. However, I have almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts, which add flavor and been amazed at how fruits like persimmon and mango are texture to many stews. One of the oldest Catalan sauces, dried in Japan.
Almond Shortbread
Night before: Infuse lard with toasted saffron and pulverize.
Ingredients Ingredients for Shortbread for Aromatics 200 g of extra lard zest of one limon 200 g of powdered sugar 0.5 g of saffron (toasted and pulverized) 250 g of powdered almonds 0.5 g of allspice 500 g of flour 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.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 15 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Legal Update
Pesticides AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND: MRLs Update Food 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 Update Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency notified the following MRLs in nuts and dried fruits. Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Date tree nuts (crop group 14-11) 0.06 Mefentrifluconazole dried prune plums, raisins 4.0 Adopted on June 7, 2020 peanuts 0.01 tree nuts (crop group 14-11) 0.5 Glufosinate-ammonium Deadline for comments: 28-09-2020 stone 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 Update The separate customs territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the and Matsu notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of People's Republic of China notified the WTO of the National the adoption of the Draft Standards for Pesticide Residue Food Safety Standard of the P.R.C.: Maximum Residue Limits Limits in Foods, which include the following MRLs in nuts and for Pesticides in Foods. Regarding nuts and dried fruits, the fruits. following MRLs were listed.
Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Date Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Deadline for Fluopyram peanut 0.02 comments almond 0.6 Chlorantraniliprole plum 0.3* Flutriafol pecan 0.02 dried figs 30 Pyraclostrobin 13-09-2020 Isofetamid grape 5.0 apricot 3 plum 0.1 Adopted on Spirotetramat plum 5* Pyrifluquinazon grape 1.0 May 20, 2020 * The MRL is the temporary limit Pyriofenone grape 2.0 Quinclorac cranberry 1.5 Spiroxamine grape 0.5 Sulfentrazone hazelnut 0.1
EFSA: MRLs Review The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed the MRLs for some pesticides and proposed the following changes.
Existing Proposed Pesticide Product Comments MRL (ppm) MRL (ppm) tree nuts 0.1 0.1 Recommended apricots 1.5 2 Recommended Fubendiamide plums 0.7 2 Recommended grapes 2 2 Recommended Meptyldinocap grapes 1 0.2 Further consideration needed tree nuts (except coconuts and pistachios) 0.06* 0.07 The submitted data are sufficient to derive Flonicamid an import tolerance based on the authorized pistachios 0.06* 0.3 US GAP. Risk for consumers unlikely. tree nuts 0.01* 0.02 The submitted data are sufficient to derive Flupyradifurone grapes 0.8 3 an import tolerance (US/Canadian GAP). peanuts 0.01* 0.04 Risk for consumers unlikely. Amisulbrom grapes 0.5 0.4 Recommended The submitted data are sufficient. Risk for Etofenprox plums 0.01* 0.2 consumers unlikely.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 17 Legal Update
The submitted data are sufficient to derive an import tolerance at the LOQ of Abamectin tree nuts 0.01* 0.01* 0.01 mg/kg for the whole group of tree nuts. US tolerance: 0.01 mg/kg. Risk for consumers unlikely. apricots 0.01* 0.7 The submitted data are sufficient Mefentrifluconazole plums 0.01* 0.5 to derive an MRL proposal. Risk for grapes 0.01* 0.9 consumers unlikely. MRL is derived from a GAP evaluated at almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, EU level, which is fully supported by data Chlorantraniliprole hazelnuts, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, 0.05 0.03 and for which no risk to consumers is pistachios, walnuts identified. * Indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of analytical quantification.
EU: MRLs Update The European Commission established the following MRLs in nuts and fruits. Adoption Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Regulation date tree nuts, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* Myclobutanil apricots 3 grapes 1.5 Regulation (EU) 2020/770 02-01-2021 tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* of 8 June 2020 Napropamide 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* Regulation (EU) 2020/785 06-01-2021 Tau-fluvalinate plums, cranberries, peanuts 0.01* of 9 June 2020 tree nuts, peanuts 0.005* Triazoxide apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs 0.001* Cyantraniliprole cranberries 0.08 apricots 3 Isofetamid plums 0.8 Regulation (EU) 2020/856 09-07-2020 pecans 0.05 of 9 June 2020 Kresoxim-methyl grapes 1.5 Pyriofenone cranberries 0.5 Chlorpyrifos tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* Regulation (EU) 2020/1085 13-11-2020 Chlorpyrifos-methyl tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* of 23 July 2020 * Indicates lower limit of determination.
EU: Pesticide Withdrawals The 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.
INDIA: MRLs Update The 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 comments Difenoconazole peanut 0.01 Mancozeb peanut 0.01 Flubendiamide peanut 0.02 Imidacloprid peanut 0.05 Indoxacarb peanut 0.05* Novaluron peanut 0.01* 08-11-2020 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.
18 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Legal Update
USA: MRLs Update The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the following MRLs in nuts and fruits. Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Adoption date Fenpyroximate peanuts 0.04 18-06-2020 Cyflumetofen plum subgroup 12-12C 0.3 01-07-2020 cranberry 0.4 Oxathiapiprolin 06-07-2020 nut, tree, group 14-12 0.01 Hexythiazoxin date, dried 3 20-07-2020 Contaminants GERMANY: Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons Representatives 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).
THAILAND: Contaminants and Toxins in Food The 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.
Aflatoxin, Product Description total (mg/kg) Whole commodity (ready to eat) 10 Brazil nuts Shelled Brazil nuts intended for further processing 15 Whole commodity (ready to eat) 10 Pistachios 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 Whole commodity after remove shell (ready to eat) 10 Almonds Whole commodity after remove shell (intended for further processing) 15 Whole commodity after removal of shell (ready to eat) 10 Hazelnuts Whole commodity after remove shell (intended for further processing) 15 Other nuts and dried fruits Other than the above lists 20 Food Safety USA: Smarter Food Safety USA: Food Traceability On July 13, 2020, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) On September 23, the FDA published the proposed rule announced the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint. “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain This document sets goals to enhance traceability, improve Foods” to establish additional traceability recordkeeping predictive analytics, respond more rapidly to outbreaks, requirements for persons who manufacture, process, pack, or address new business models, reduce contamination of food, hold foods included on the Food Traceability List. and foster the development of stronger food safety cultures. The Food Traceability Proposed Rule is a key component It outlines a partnership between government, industry of the FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint and and public health advocates. It is centered around four core pursues to identify recipients of foods to prevent or mitigate elements: 1) Tech-enabled Traceability; 2) Smarter Tools and foodborne illness outbreaks in a quick and efficient manner. Approaches for Prevention and Outbreak Response; 3) New The foods identified in the Food Traceability List will require Business Models and Retail Modernization; and 4) Food Safety additional traceability records. Nut butter (includes all types Culture. of tree nut and peanut butters; does not include soy or seed butters) is listed.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 19 Legal Update Organic Production EU: Organic Production Consultation The 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.
EU: Organic Production On 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. Trade 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 shell 0802.92 - Pine nuts, shelled TRADE AGREEMENTS Date Trade agreement The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force. The FTA will eliminate nearly all customs duties August 1, 2020 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.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force, replacing the decades-old NAFTA. July 1, 2020 The USMCA is expected to enable food and agriculture to trade more fairly, and to expand exports of agricultural products.
The UK and Japan reached a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement is expected to September 11, give UK companies exporting to Japan a competitive 2020 advantage in a number of areas: tariff free access for more goods, improved mobility for business people, and digital and data provisions, among others.
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Innovations for a better world. November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles
Brazil Nuts and the Amazon Rainforest: A Story of Sustainability, Livelihood, and Conservation
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 The Brazil nut and the Amazon rainforest tough, delicious, and nutritional Amazonia (Brazil) nut. Over are inseparable and as deforestation, the past decades, the Brazil nut has grown to become one of the most important economic products of the Amazon1. wildfires, and land grabbers destroy the rainforest, the negative chain effect Brazil Nut Origins begins. Therefore, the conservation of Brazil nuts are harvested in the wild of the Amazon rainforest. the Brazil nut and the Amazon rainforest Their trees are massive and often times rise above the canopy of the rainforest. Each tree produces a fruit that depend on each other, thus affecting the encases anywhere from 10 to 20 individual Brazil nuts. Once millions of people who call the Amazon these fruits ripen, they fall to the forest floor, waiting to be region home. 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 Picture courtesy of Tahuamanu SA. selenium than any other food on the planet.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 23 Feature Articles
Sustainability, Livelihood, and Conservation Throughout 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 Threats Against the Amazon Rainforest Amazon as it enjoys an ample world market. Additionally, Home to the Brazil nut, the Amazon rainforest currently the harvesters usually come from some of the most faces some of the highest rates of deforestation as well underprivileged sections of society, thus putting their lives on as wildfires. In June 2020, Reuters reported that the the harvest of the Brazil nut. deforestation of the rainforest could be at its worst levels in over a decade2. Regarding wildfires, the situation does The Interconnected Story not look any better. In July 2020, there were almost 7,000 All in all, the connection between the Brazil nut and the Amazon wildfires in the rainforest, amounting to an increase of 28% rainforest is undeniable. One cannot survive without the other compared to July 20193. and this is why serious efforts to conserve the rainforest and Furthermore, the rainforest is also threatened by “land to make Brazil nuts sustainable must be considered a priority. grabbers”, which are individuals who clear paths in the As the efforts to conserve the Amazon rainforest make Amazon for cattle pastures. Just from April 27 to September headway, the role of Brazil nuts only grows. The sustainability 9, 2019 alone, 2.8 thousand hectares of forest were illegally of harvesting Brazil nuts will continue to pay a pivotal role in cut down4. Unfortunately, the expansion of cattle pasture conserving the Amazon and supporting the livelihood of the usually takes away from Brazil nut harvesters. residents in the region.
References 1. 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.
24 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles
Taiwan, the Kingdom of Fruits and Dried Fruits
DR. CHAOYUN LIANG Dr. 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.
Figure 1. Illustrated by Liv Wan, https://livwanillustration.com
Taiwan enjoys a positive global reputation for its electronics production. Taiwan has a range of terrains, marine ecologies, but it is seldom recognized as a major dried fruit producer. forests, mountains reaching up to 3,952 m, and diverse Known by many as the ‘Kingdom of Fruit’, it excels at growing ethnic cultures, each with their own charming traditions and a diverse array of delicious fruit. Such fruit is available year- practices. round thanks to Taiwan’s suitable climate, geographical Because of these natural and human conditions, location, skillful farmers, and creative use of agricultural remarkable diversities of fruits can be grown here at different technology. levels of humidity and temperature. Taiwan is also highly Taiwan and its surrounding islands are blessed with gifts praised for its dedicated farmers and ingenious ways of from nature; they are situated in East Asia at the northwestern engineering agricultural technology to maintain a high edge of the Pacific, between tropical and subtropical climate standard of fruit quality and flavor. Every month, more than zones. This allows them to withstand formidable summer one kind of fruit is in season. A partial list of fruits seldom seen typhoons and dry winters and enjoy yearlong agricultural outside of Taiwan is as follows:
26 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles
• Litchi is unique in its red, bumpy skin and opaque white Various fresh fruits are commonly available to Taiwanese interior. It is naturally sweet and juicy with floral notes, people, reducing consumer needs for dried fruit, although contributing to its pleasant aroma. Litchi has a delicate dried fruit production techniques are advanced. Recent flavor with high nutritional value, and it is a perfect summer research indicates that dried fruits are perceived as a snack treat. among Taiwanese people. Local people appreciate these dried • Green mango is the most unique species among many fruits as a gastronomic delight; they offer delectable flavors, mango varieties. Smaller and sweeter than red mango, convenient transport and storage, and ease of sharing while green mango possesses a soft texture and a slightly tart socializing with families and friends. Hence, dried fruits are juice, making it the perfect summer fruit. popular snacks at festivals and parties in Taiwan. • Wax apple has a dense, bell-shaped body and a bright, To satisfy increased demand, some dried fruit thin skin. It is juicy, crunchy, delicious, and fragrant. ‘Black manufacturers in Taiwan have increased production, but they pearls’ are the most sought-after type of wax apple. have done so by forgoing traditional methods and misleading • Custard apple, also known as a ‘Buddha’s head’, has a consumers. Although additional ingredients are not required in fragrant, sweet taste, a soft texture, and a creamy, seed- drying processes, some manufacturers infuse dried fruit with filled interior. sugar syrup prior to drying. • Longan, also known as ‘dragon eyes’, has a brown shell and In Taiwan, dried fruit consumption is a hedonistic pleasure juicy, white-fleshed interior. Longan has a mildly sweet, that has become an essential part of everyday life. Taiwanese musky flavor and is commonly sold fresh, dried, or canned people offer fruit slices to their houseguests, gift fruit baskets in syrup. Dried longan is also used in soups and hot teas. to their clients, exchange assortments of quality fruit with • Taiwanese papaya has a creamy, buttery texture with close friends and family, and even make entertaining group a flesh that melts in the mouth when ripe. It has been activities out of picking seasonal fruit while on vacation or associated with digestion and improving blood glucose during festivals and celebrations. sensitivity. Although fresh and dried fruit production may now be Though, banana, guava, star fruit, and pineapple are targeted to specific consumer markets _either toward those obtainable year-round, some fruits are best eaten when in looking for fruit grown and dried in more environmentally season. Spring to summer is the best time to savor fruit such friendly and health-conscious manners or those in search of as loquat, plum, sapodilla, watermelon, and mango. Between exceptional flavor at a reasonable price_ fresh and dried fruit summer and autumn, pear, dragon fruit, passion fruit, and lime are generally perceived as healthy choices for those craving are all widely found. Autumn to winter is the prime season something sweet and are also valued as humble offerings for for citrus, pomelo, tomato, persimmon, strawberry, jujube, gods and cultural symbols. and melon. Furthermore, Taiwan’s creative farmers have In line with an emerging geopolitical and global economic developed approaches to genetically modified fruit, yielding shift, Taiwan, the Kingdom of Fruit, is ready to welcome all delectable results. Genetically modified fruits often have visitors and share its remarkable culinary gifts (Figure 1). 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 References: fruits with unique flavors and superior quality compared with EZGO. Retrieved from: https://ezgo.coa.gov.tw/zh-EN/Front Quick Facts about Taiwan. Retrieved from: https://www.studyintaiwan.org/ others. discover/quick Taiwan has a diverse selection of quality fruits, and its Sun, Y., & Laing, C. (2020). Factors determining consumers’ purchase intentions towards dried fruits. International Journal of Fruit Science. doi: fruits and dried fruits meet EU standards. 10.1080/15538362.2020.1774477
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November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 27 Feature Articles
Almond Growing in the South of Italy
FRANCESCO SOTTILE In Italy, the cultivation of nuts maintains a strategic role PROFESSOR AT UNIVERSITY OF in the economy of the agri-food sector, consolidating PALERMO, ITALY important market slices with different species. Almonds
Francesco Sottile is an associate professor keep playing a key role mostly in the south where at the University of Palermo in Italy. He it has always represented a link to the culture and is the Director of the Interdepartmental gastronomic tradition. Research Center Bio-based reuse of waste from agri-food matrices (RIVIVE). Sicily and Apulia remain the two areas with the greatest crop diffusion accounting [email protected] 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.
28 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles
Table 1 and 2. Data on almond orchard profitability and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)
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
First Harvest Full Production Last Year of Production Yield t ha -1 2.0 Yield t ha -1 4.8 Yield t ha -1 3.0
-1 -1 Modern planting Operational costs € ha 329,209 Operational costs € ha 5113.00 Operational costs € ha -1 5113.00 typology 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 Yield t ha -1 0.8 Yield t ha -1 2.3 Yield t ha -1 1.5
-1 -1 Traditional planting Operational costs € ha 1876.02 Operational costs € ha 3207.72 Operational costs € ha -1 3207.72 typology 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
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.
One of the effects of this new interest in the almond tree All of this development takes concrete form in an activity sector is the resumption of research activities and prospects that considers the essential choices towards sustainable for aggregation. In the center of Sicily, the first Italian Almond agricultural models found in the Agenda 2030 and the Producers' Organization (La Mandorla soc. coop.) has been UN Sustainable Development Goals. They also take into developed, involving hundreds of mostly organic companies, consideration the indications of the Farm to Fork Strategy of with over 1500 ha of orchards processed and transformed, the European Commission. The production areas of Southern thanks to the presence of structures for the processing of the Italy allow for high quality levels of production without product starting from Bongiovanni Almonds Ltd. aflatoxins and it provides almonds that are suitable for food The University of Palermo supports scientific research processing, cosmetics and the pharmaceutical industry. The also through the establishment of the Interdepartmental time of obsolete and traditional almond farming is over and Research Center for the ‘Bio-Based Re-use of waste from today we are working towards an organic, competitive and agri-food matrices’ that brings together researchers from the qualitatively excellent almond farming. 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 1. Sottile, F., Massaglia, S., & Peano, C. (2020). Ecological and Economic Indicators for the Evaluation of Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) Orchard Renewal in Sicily. research projects and experimental development. Agriculture, 10(7), 301.
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November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 29 Feature Articles
Russian Pine Nuts Commodity Base & Real Export Potential
ANDREI 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. Morning in a Pine Forest (1889) by Ivan Shishkin & Konstantin Savitsky Also, in 2020, Andrei was elected as Managing Partner of the Noncommercial Partnership “Russian Union of Wild Crop Pine nut is one of the brightest representatives of the Collectors and Processors”. 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 The Russian Union of Wild Crop Stone Pine (Pinus Sibirica), Korean Pine (Pinus Koraiensis) and Collectors and Processors is a non-profit Japanese Stone Pine (Pinus Pumila): organization founded in 2007 by leading • The area of growth of the Siberian Stone Pine is 29 million hectares in western and eastern Siberia, and central Altai; Russian producers and processors of the potential volume of harvesting is 80,000 tons per year. food forest resources, which currently • The growing area of the Korean Pine is 3 million hectares in unites companies involved in harvesting Primorsky Krai and Khabarovsk Krai, Jewish Autonomous and processing of wild products Region; the possible harvesting volume is 15,000 tons per year. throughout the Russian Federation. • The growing area of Japanese Stone Pine is 33 million The Union includes organizations that hectares in Eastern Siberia and Far East, possible specialize in developing production for harvesting volume per year is 5,000 tons. processing nuts, berries, mushrooms, There are four leading countries in the world in terms of pine nuts raw material base: Russia, China, North Korea and medicinal plants, etc. Currently there are Mongolia, and Russia possesses one of the largest pine nuts 40 members. raw material base.
Pine Nuts Raw Material Base* Country (Crop 2020/2021, Metric Tons) Russia 42,000 China 42,000 North Korea 35,000 * Pinus Sibirica & Pinus koraiensis, in-shell basis.
30 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles
The key feature of the current state of organic wild crop collection to national raw material base – of the Russian pine nut market is that & production principles into the the largest in the world, with the about 85% of the crop exports to China Russian legislation. cheapest raw material prices and the in-shell. For example, of the 17 thousand Russian Wild Crop Union is a partner lowest export quote rates; tons of pine nuts collected in Russia in of the World Wide Fund for Nature and • financial guaranties & references 2019, 14 thousand tons or about 82% is aiming to become a partner of the by Russian federal bodies and were exported to China in-shell and FairWild Foundation in the near future. government corporations, such as 3 thousand tons or about 18% were Our plans include: the Ministry of Agriculture of the processed in Russia only. • to implement protection of pine Russian Federation, Russian Export Noncommercial Partnership forests from fires destruction & Centre, etc.; «Russian Wild Crop Union» was logging; • Union’s pine nuts processors are established in Russia in 2007. The main • to ensure rational use and harvesting able to cover raw material collection goals of the Union are: of pine nuts by tenants without totally and have highly modernized • revealing the resource potential of bureaucratic delays; production facilities, capable to renewable natural resources; • to ensure involvement of all forest process the entire volume of Russian • participation in the regulation of management entities into the raw material; the turnover of wild plants from process of using non-timber forest • organic feature of Russian origin pine harvesting to their deep processing; resources on a legal basis; nuts as a basis option, environmental • regulation of the trade turnover of • to return part of the value added protection, sustainable development wild plant products in the domestic from the use of pine trees resources & zero-waste processing are our and foreign markets; of Russia in the environmental and core values. • participation in lawmaking aimed social activities of the taiga regions. at the development of sustainable, The Russian Wild Crop Union aims
socially and environmentally to be a reliable partner for companies in 1. Палагина, М. В., & Приходько, Ю. В. (2010). responsible forest management; Europe. Competitive advantages of the Обоснование использования дальневосточных растений в качестве функциональных • also, Russian Wild Crop Union is Union's partners are: ингредиентов в технологии пищевых продуктов. Известия высших учебных заведений. Пищевая involved in the implementation • Union’s members have direct access технология, (4).
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November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 31 Feature Articles
Evolution of COVID-19 for the Nut and Dried Fruit Industry
The 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 event, together with the interviews, 1. With lockdowns in place and determine with certainty, however, gave way to a clearer picture on just “panic” shopping from consumers, a throughout January, February, and the how COVID-19 had affected the nut significant rise in demand for nuts and beginning of March, the virus spread and dried fruit industry. dried fruits was observed across most mostly undetected and by the middle It was evident that the virus had countries. of March, the virus began to cripple the strained supply chains and threatened 2. With such an unprecedented global economy. Governments began employee safety throughout all levels global health crisis, consumers’ minds to take almost draconian measures to of the supply chain. Many companies have become more focused on healthy, fight back against the virus and with had to reevaluate how they conducted natural, and plant-based options. these actions, the world as we knew it business on-site, their production This shift in consumers’ preferences began to fade away. It is important to methods, and their ability to transition has catapulted the nut and dried fruit note that this overview does not reflect to a digital format of working. Global industry into the consumers’ baskets. the development in every region of the trading came to almost a complete halt Through the INC Webinar Series and world, but rather a generalized outline of and many businesses in the industry the interviews with the INC Leadership how the pandemic has evolved. had to adapt and find ways to navigate team (available in Nutfruit July 2020), the ever-evolving situation. there seemed to be a common thought: First Wave of COVID-19 Although the tension of COVID-19 the nut and dried fruit industry could The first wave of coronavirus was not was clearly seen in the sector, there and would prevail during this crisis. evenly spread throughout the globe, were a couple of points that acted as a with Asia getting hit hard early in 2020, light at the end of the tunnel: 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
32 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles
Recent Months and Evolution of the Pandemic Returning 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 The nut and dried health crisis continues to disrupt many parts of our lives, fruit industry will the sector as a whole has shown its capability to adapt, position itself to implement health protocols, navigate troubling supply chain issues, and most of all, push nuts and dried fruits to the succeed forefront of consumers’ minds and promote the products as the healthy product they are. COVID-19 Summer Slowdown As part of this effort, the INC has launched a new With the arrival of summer months in the northern dissemination campaign, "Real Power for Real People" which hemisphere, many regions of the world had drastically connects the "Real Power" gained from consuming nuts and reduced or were in a downward trend of coronavirus cases. dried fruits, to attitudinal immunity, an individuals capability By this time, there was also a clearer picture on what some to resist negativity. You can find more information on the of the effects would be. According to the OECD in late June, campaign at www.nutfruit.org/consumers/powerchallenge. the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered the most severe economic recession in nearly a century. A Look at What’s to Come for the Industry The severe economic recession coupled with steady While the future remains mostly unclear and difficult to infection rates prompted a slow and gradual reopening of predict, some things are evident, the industry must continue economies. By the June 25, 2020 INC COVID-19 Update, most to adapt, navigate, and persist during this unprecedented international borders had begun the process of reopening. public health crisis. Furthering these efforts, the INC has Although some regions and countries still faced rising organized the first ever online and international conference infections, late June, all of July, and most of August gave the for the entire industry. With a strong product lending itself world a much need breather in fighting the pandemic. towards healthy demand, applied safety measures during With some people returning to the workplace, factories harvesting, and cooperation, the nut and dried fruit industry and production sites began to operate in the most will position itself to succeed. 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 Stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic by following the INC’s biweekly updates, which are available at was just that, brief. www.nutfruit.org/news.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 33
Country/Product Spotlight Pistachios & Iran
Industry Highlight An overview of production, trade, and consumption
Iran's Pistachio Industry in Perspective This country product spotlight is the third in a Behrooz Agah discusses the series of industry and market highlights in the Iranian Pistachio industry Nutfruit magazine. This report provides a snapshot of the pistachio industry in Iran with data, analysis, Pistachios and Health and trends. Additionally, there is an article on the Understanding pistachios and their industry in perspective, health findings, and new impact on health product launches. New Product Launches We would like to thank the Iranian Pistachio Association and Insights into new products that Behrooz Agah for their contribution in this edition. utilize pistachios
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 35 Country/Product Spotlight
Industry Highlight
Iranian Pistachio Industry in Numbers
+150,000 70 % 400,000 ha Growers Produced in small scale Under planting (estimated number) orchards (2 or less ha) (bearing & non-bearing)
Up to 7,000 MT/day 180,000 MT 80 % Processing capacity 10-year average production Supply exported (raw basis) (in-shell basis) (10-year average)
43 % 35,000 MT of world exports Annual domestic (in-shell equivalent, 10-year average) consumption (10-year average)
Production Pistacia vera L. is the only commercially- Figure 1. Iranian Pistachio Production (In-shell basis, Metric tons) important species within the genus Pistacia Sources: Iran Pistachio Association L. (Anacardiaceae family) with nuts large 250,000 enough to be consumed. Northern Iran, along with southern Turkmenistan and parts of Afghanistan, are the center of diversity of 200,000 1 230,000
pistachios . 225,000 216,000
Although pistachios have been cultivated 210,000 150,000 in Iran for thousands of years, commercial 195,000 180,000 183,000
production started to significantly increase 170,000 160,000
around a hundred years ago and has 100,000 153,000 been growing ever since. As of the 1970s pistachio commercial crop reached other 50,000 Mediterranean climatic regions around the world: California, Chile, South Africa and 52,000 Australia. 0 Iranian pistachios are characterized by 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2019/20 a high kernel to in-shell ratio, and a rich and 2018/19* 2020/21** unique flavor highly appreciated among *Exceptionally low crop in Iran due to extreme weather conditions **Forecast. consumers around the world. Besides, their polyunsaturated oil content gives pistachios According to Iran Pistachio Association (IPA), the demographics of great roasting capacity: nuts can be roasted at production structure in Iran is largely composed of small-scale producers, between 160 and 180°C . managing orchards of two hectares or less with manual harvest. Overall, there Currently, Iran along with California (USA) are over 400,000 hectares planted with pistachios, of which around 300,000 lead the marketable world supply of pistachios ha are bearing. Kerman Province, in Southern Iran accounts for 42% of total (Figure 1). Turkey, Syria, Greece, Afghanistan, acreage, equivalent to 185,000 ha. Great Khorasan and Yazd provinces add up to Spain, Australia, China and Italy are other 27% and 10% of the planted area, respectively. The rest of the growing areas are significant producing origins3. 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.
36 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Figure 2. Iranian Pistachio Growing Regions (Bearing and Non-bearing hectares) Source: Iran Pistachio Association
Qom 10,000 ha Tehran 8,000 ha
Ravazi Pistachio Iranian industry has grown Semman Khorasan 18,000 ha 95,000 ha spectacularly over the last 90 years: Production grew from 2,000 MT in 1930s Isfahan to 25,000 MT in 1970s, reaching 150,000 7,000 ha South Qazvin Khorasan MT by the end of the millennium. Current Yazd 18,000 ha 4,000 ha crop levels range between 150,000 MT in 43,000 ha off years and 230,000 MT in on years.
Kerman 185,000 ha Fars Commercial varieties in Iran are classified by Markazi 25,000 ha 11,000 ha shape: round and long. When the length to diameter ratio is greater than 1.5, then that variety is classified Sistan and as long, a ratio below 1.5 is called round. Baluchestan 8,000 ha Currently, there are four different commercial varieties of pistachios cultivated in Iran, as listed below4.
Figure 3. Main Commercial Varieties of Iranian Pistachio Nuts Source: Iran Pistachio Association. Pictures courtesy of IPA
Fandoghi Kalleh Ghouchi (Jumbo) Akbari Ahmad Aghaei
• 26/28-32/34 nut counts per • 18/20-24/26 nut counts per • 18/20-24/26 nut counts per • 22/24-28/30 nut counts per ounce ounce ounce ounce • Round-shaped • Round-shaped • Long-shaped and large nut size • Long-shaped • The most widely available • Sensitive to weather • High yield • Exceptional taste and • Limited yield fluctuations • Largest kernel to in-shell appearance weight ratio
Trade Among round cultivars, Fandoghi is the most widely available variety and is There are around a hundred pistachio still cultivated in traditional-producing regions of Iran. At present, it accounts export houses in Iran, from which, some are for around 50% of Iranian production. However, due to its limited yield, new dedicated pistachio exporters, while others orchards are rarely planted with this variety. trade other dried agricultural commodities Kalleh Ghouchi (Jumbo) was a commercially successful variety, but because in addition to pistachios. These established its production is highly affected by water shortage, water salinity and weather exporters, as a group, command about 95% fluctuations, Jumbo is no longer being budded and current production comes of total Iranian pistachio exports. Growers from existing trees. of pistachios, especially the medium to large As for long cultivars, Akbari acreage is expanding due to its higher yields sized ones, usually sell their products directly and large nut size. Besides, this variety presents the largest kernel to in-shell to the established export houses. weight ratio. As per the IPA data, over the last decade, Ahmad Aghaei is an increasingly in-demand commercial long variety. total Iranian pistachio annual exports Resembling the Kerman variety from the US, its production is growing as it has (marketing years, September 23-September become very popular in export markets like India due to its exceptional taste 22) ranged between 128,000 and 184,000 and appearance. MT in-shell equivalent, on average. As for the current marketing year, shipments from September 2019 through July 2020 have 4. Iran Pistachio Association (2020) been 152,000 MT (Fig. 4).
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 37 Country/Product Spotlight
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 Figure 4. Iranian Pistachio Exports and Domestic Consumption (In-shell equivalent, metric tons) following forms: open or closed dried in-shell, Source: Iran Pistachio Association kernels, and green peeled pistachio kernels Domestic International (Fig. 5). IPA data show that 75% of international 200,000
shipments were naturally open in-shell 175,000 pistachios (10-year average) while the 150,000 remaining 25% was distributed among closed 185,000 180,000 shells (11%), kernels (9%), Green Peeled 125,000 156,000 155,000
Pistachio Kernels (2%) and other forms (3%) 152,000 148,000
(Fig. 6). 100,000 139,000 134,000 Average global annual shipments during 128,000 75,000 the last 5-year period (marketing years 55,000 2014/15-2018/19) amounted to 120,700 50,000 MT. The main markets were the Far East, with 41% of the total share, followed by 25,000 36,000 33,000 32,500 34,000 46,100 42,000 33,000 37,000 10,000 30,000 the European Union (12%), the Middle East 0 (11%), the Indian Subcontinent (11%) and
the CIS countries (9%). The UAE and Turkey 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19* 2019/20** (re-export markets) accounted for 14% of the share (Fig. 7). *Exceptionally low supply due to extreme weather conditions ** September 2019-May 2020
Figure 5. Iranian Pistachio Exportable Products Source: Iran Pistachio Association. Pictures courtesy of IPA
Green Peeled Open In-shell Closed Shell Natural Kernel Pistachio Kernels Pistachio Oil Pistachio Paste (GPPK)
• Naturally open • Not naturally • Obtained mainly by • Obtained by • Obtained by cold- • Obtained by milling • Kernel yield 52- opened shelling closed-shell harvesting pistachios pressing pistachio roasted pistachio 57% • Mechanically pistachios before full ripening kernels kernels, weather or • Exported mostly as opened to produce • Mostly used as • Used as premium • For culinary and not sweetened raw dried, in bulk open pistachios ingredient in bakery, ingredient in pastries, cosmetic use • For culinary and • Also exported • or shelled to chocolate industry chocolates, ice cosmetic use roasted produce kernels and cooking creams and gourmet • Very long shelf life • Also used as a processed meat • For snack snack products consumption
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.
38 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Figure 6. Iranian Pistachio Exports by Product Type (%) Source: Iran Pistachio Association
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30% Open In-shell 20% Closed Shell Kernel 10% Green Peeled Pistachio Kernels and Split Kernels 0 Others
2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 Sept-May
Figure 7: Iranian Pistachio Exports, Top Destinations. (In-shell equivalent, Metric tons, average 2014/15-2018/19) Source: Iran Pistachio Association CIS Countries 11,000 MT Kazakhstan 5,200 MT
EU 15 14,322 MT
Domestic Russia 2,600 MT 31,000 MT Germany 9,200 MT Far East 53,329 MT Turkey 5,200 MT China 31,800 MT Iraq 6,400 MT Lebanon 2,600 MT Vietnam 20,500 MT Pakistan 4,800 MT Middle East UAE 14,200 MT 11,400 MT Re-Export Markets India (UAE & Turkey) 6,200 MT 16,600 MT Indian Subcontinent 13,200 MT
Consumption Trends Worldwide, 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). 5. Iran Pistachio Association (2020)
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 39 Country/Product Spotlight Iran's Pistachio Industry in Perspective
BEHROOZ AGAH Pistachios have been valued by the aristocracy from Rome to AGAH GROUP & IRAN PISTACHIO ASSOCIATION 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 Behrooz Agah is the grandson of the originator of the modern the shell facilitates the thorough flavoring of the kernel with international pistachio industry. His family’s involvement with salt and/or other spices, while the presence of the hard shell pistachios started about a 100 years ago. Behrooz is a third- around the kernel permits roasting at high temperatures so generation pistachio farmer/trader. He currently leads the Agah as to accentuate the exquisite aroma of the nut. The shelling Group, which has been producing and exporting pistachios from of open in-shell pistachio nuts by hand can be an engaging Iran to customers worldwide. Behrooz is a founding member of pastime. These features make pistachios unique and an Iran Pistachio Association and the INC Ambassador to Iran. exceptional snack. Significantly, raw dried in-shell pistachio nuts have an exceedingly long shelf life. Pistachios are also an exceptional Pistachio cultivation and trade source of healthy nutrients in the human diet. The unique date back to thousands of years flavor and color of the kernel makes pistachios an excellent choice of a topping or ingredient as a condiment. All these in Iran, with about a century of attributes have resulted in a rapid expansion of pistachio industrial production and export consumption throughout the world during the past 100 as an agricultural commodity. The years. Nevertheless, there remains a large portion of the global population that is not familiar with this nut and the unique organoleptic characteristics many different ways it can be consumed. Thus, there exists a of Iranian pistachio nuts make substantial untapped global market for the world's pistachio them versatile and universally industry. Iranian pistachios have unique attributes that make appreciated both as a snack and as them desirable for their international customers. The many an ingredient. 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.
There is a substantial untapped global market for the world’s pistachio industry.
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
40 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT decline. As a result, Iran's pistachio production is predicted to countries with different regulatory MLs and different qualities stand at an average of around 200,000 metric tons on a dried of their purchased raw materials. There is also a recent trend in-shell basis. Furthermore, increasing geographical diversity towards vertical integration among numerous players in all of production areas in Iran will result in less severe fluctuations three sectors of Iranian pistachio industry, namely: farming, of production volume from one year to the next. At the processing and trade, in order to guarantee quality and present, pistachios are cultivated in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces. traceability from the farm to destination markets. The trend in new plantings, along with rejuvenation and Most pistachio exports from Iran are raw, in bulk, as dried
re-grafting of existing orchards, is shifting the composition in-shell, natural kernels or green peeled pistachio kernels. of Iranian pistachio production from dominance of round to In-shell pistachios are consumed as a snack. However, natural
long varieties, specifically, Akbari and Ahmad-Aghayi. Hence, pistachio kernels can be consumed both as a snack or as an a continuing trend toward increasing availability and price ingredient in the food industry. Owing to a gradual decline of competitiveness of long varieties is expected in the near global pistachio prices from its peak in 2016, natural kernel future. “ 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 A continuing trend products, where a small quantity of the green kernel gives an aura of luxury and distinction to the product. Moreover, toward increasing availability pistachio oil which has found popular appeal as a natural and price competitiveness of ingredient in gourmet salad dressings and hypoallergenic cosmetics seems to have the potential for promotion in an long varieties is expected in expanding niche market for pistachio products. the near future. 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, There has been significant progress on aflatoxin and in addition to disrupting the flow of pistachios through pesticide residue control in different sectors of Iran's pistachio sales channels in different markets. Although pistachio industry. At the grower level, numerous improvements such as consumption in most countries was not drastically affected conversion from flood to drip irrigation, exponential increase by the coronavirus pandemic, the unprecedented nature in the technical know-how of small farmers with the advent of of the issue and the uncertainty of longer-term general social-media conduits, application of residue-free pesticides, economic outlook seems to be the main concern. Iranian improvements in agricultural practices, plus timely and speedy pistachio exporters are also facing foreign trade and banking harvest have been major contributors. Improved awareness restrictions resulting from the unilateral US sanctions against of pistachio processors has resulted in much better control the country. Furthermore, in the absence of the country’s oil of aflatoxin contamination during the fresh processing phase. and gas revenue due to sanctions, the government of Iran has On another front, currently a number of Iranian processing imposed regulations on the handling and return of all foreign companies possess the most globally-advanced know-how currency proceeds from exports, which has created several for reducing aflatoxin contamination in commercial pistachio challenges for Iranian pistachio exporters. However, it is hoped nut consignments. Furthermore, Iranian pistachio exporters that these latter challenges will be resolved soon with a shift in have become more experienced in matching the different the political atmosphere. needs and product specifications of importers in various
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 41 Country/Product Spotlight
Health Benefits of Pistachios
Pistachio nuts have a delicious flavor
and a high nutritional value, being high In one study, results indicated that polyphenols from in monounsaturated fats, fiber, thiamin pistachios are effective against herpes simplex virus and vitamin B6, and minerals such as type 1. This study concluded that the antiviral effects of pistachio extracts are the result of a balance of the individual phosphorus, potassium, copper and polyphenolic components (antioxidants) that in combination manganese. They are also a source of exert the anti-viral activity10. protein, riboflavin, vitamins A, E and This research was also funded by the American Pistachio Growers. K, as well as other minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium1,2. Melatonin and Sleep Quality Throughout the world, problems with sleeplessness are a concern for many and melatonin, a natural hormone, can be Nutrition Research beneficial for the sleep quality of an individual. Furthermore, Research on the health benefits of pistachios is quite melatonin can exhibit many other health benefits such as extensive. Within the past couple of years, there has been an antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties, which abundance of research explaining how pistachios can have help boost immunity. Melatonin also displays anti-cancer positive health effects in areas such as: weight loss3, herpes activity, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetic, anti-obese, virus4, sleep quality5, protein6, diabetes7, and cellular ageing8. neuroprotective and anti-aging activity. In a study from 2017, pistachios were found to contain Weight Loss melatonin. The results showed that pistachios contained Obesity is a growing issue in many parts of the world. As about 660 ng melatonin per gram of pistachio11. These results obesity continues to increase, individuals are faced with are positive for an individual who is looking to increase their increased health risks and diseases. Therefore, consumption levels of melatonin through a natural supplement. and pistachio intake has been of interest for researchers. In a recent behavioral intervention study with a hundred Quality Protein subjects, researchers aimed to identify what effect on weight As gastronomical trends shift, plant-based protein is poised to loss in overweight or obese adults, increased pistachio be one of the largest growing trends among consumers. Along consumption may have. The study concluded that pistachio with an increased focus on sustainability and the ecosystem, intake at 42 g/day equivalent to 1.5 oz/day may contribute to the plant-based protein movement has been advanced further a healthy dietary pattern and weight reduction in the context by increased interest in vegan and vegetarian diets. of an energy-restricted diet, and may confer additional health A study published in the Journal of The Science of Food and benefits such as reduced blood pressure3. Agriculture in 2020 found that pistachios contained “good” Moreover, in another publication, researchers concluded quality protein. The protein quality of a food is determined by that the daily intake of pistachios (44 g) may help improve the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), nutrient intake without affecting body weight or body and the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS). composition in healthy women. In the report, both raw and roasted pistachios scored The additional calories provided by the pistachios induced above the threshold of 75, indicating that they are both satiety and sufficient adjustment of intake to prevent body sources of “good” quality protein12. weight changes9. Both studies were funded by the American Pistachio Diabetes Growers association. Pistachios have a glucose- and insulin-lowering effect, so they may help reduce blood sugar levels13. Eating pistachios every Antiviral Properties day may also improve some cardiometabolic risk factors in Aside from weight loss, researchers have also observed the adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes14. relation between pistachios and herpes simplex virus type 1. A 2017 study showed that an early dietary intervention Herpes is a viral infection that is quite common among adults in pregnant women with a Mediterranean diet supplemented and although it is uncurable, there are polyphenols that can with extra virgin olive oil and pistachios reduced the incidence have antiviral effects. of Gestational diabetes mellitus15.
42 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Pistachios
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" KEY FACTS 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., CHOLESTEROL ... & Izquierdo, N. (2017). A Mediterranean diet with additional extra virgin olive oil and pistachios reduces the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): Several scientific studies have observed A randomized controlled trial: The St. Carlos GDM prevention study. PloS one, an association between the intake of 12(10), e0185873. 8. Canudas, S., Hernández-Alonso, P., Galié, S., Muralidharan, pistachios and the reduction of blood J., Morell-Azanza, L., Zalba, G., ... & Bulló, M. (2019). Pistachio consumption levels of cholesterol, specifically LDL “bad” modulates DNA oxidation and genes related to telomere maintenance: a crossover randomized clinical trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, cholesterol. 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. DIABETES Appetite, 144, 104483. 10. Musarra-Pizzo, M., Pennisi, R., Ben-Amor, I., Smeriglio, Further research has shown that daily A., Mandalari, G., & Sciortino, M. T. (2020). In Vitro Anti-HSV-1 Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts and Pure Polyphenol Compounds Derived from pistachio consumption can also improve Pistachios Kernels (Pistacia vera L.). Plants, 9(2), 267. 11. Meng, W. et al. Dietary some cardiometabolic risk factors in adults Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients, 2017. 12. Bailey, H. M., & Stein, with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. 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 HIGH IN: Pistachios are high in monounsaturated fat, fiber, thiamin intake alone or in combination with high-carbohydrate foods on post-prandial and vitamin B6, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, 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 copper and manganese. pistachios on the lipid/lipoprotein profile, glycemic control, inflammation, and endothelial function in type 2 diabetes: A randomized trial. Metabolism, 64(11), SOURCE OF: Pistachios are a source of protein, riboflavin, vitamins 1521-1529. 15. Assaf-Balut, C., de la Torre, N. G., Durán, A., Fuentes, M., Bordiú, A, E and K, as well as other minerals as iron, magnesium, zinc and E., del Valle, L., ... & Izquierdo, N. (2017). A Mediterranean diet with additional selenium. 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.
Toast with Pistachio Mascarpone and Dried Figs
Ingredients Preparation • 2 whole-wheat toasts First, in a blender, add the mascarpone and one handful of pistachios and • 125 g mascarpone mix until the cream is homogeneous. Then toast the bread and spread • Pistachios (1.5 handfuls) the pistachio mascarpone on it. Finally, cut the dried figs into four pieces, • 4 dried figs place them on the bread and sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 43 Country/Product Spotlight
New Product Launches
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 Pistachio oil: have been launched from various parts of the world. Pistachio oil, which is extracted from the nut, has been used in various products ranging from spreads to skincare.
Nooha Pistachio Chef’s Choice Angel Specialty’s Van der Linden’s Butter (Iran): Natural Pistachio Flavor Delights! Pistachio Cream Nooha Pistachio Butter Extract (Australia): Pistachio Powder (Netherlands) is a pleasant product Chef’s Choice Natural (USA) A delicate spread in which which contains 65% Pistachio Extract is all This pistachio powder will the distinctive flavor of the pure Iranian pistachio. natural and excellent in increase the variety of nuts is smooth and balanced. In addition to the baked goods, beverages your baking creations with Perfect as an alternative to unique properties of and ice cream. It is a authentic, tasty, high quality conventional spreads and pistachio, this product versatile extract with sweet flavors. Simple and easy way also ideal to garnish desserts has a pleasant flavor too. nutty tones that add a to add the nutty and sweet with a touch of original flavor. https://nooha.ir/en/ variety of flavors. Simply flavor of pistachios to your https:// add a splash to your favorite choice of dry bakery mixes vanderlindenproducts.com/ recipes. or custom recipes. https:// https:// premiumgourmetfood. angelspecialtyproducts. com.au/ com/
44 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 45 Why does the world come to REASON NO. 4 California News An established product needs up-to-date news to make new sales. Only California Prunes regularly brings something new to the for prunes? 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.
CaliforniaPrunes.org | @ CAforPrunes Why does the world come to REASON NO. 4 California News An established product needs up-to-date news to make new sales. Only California Prunes regularly brings something new to the for prunes? 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.
CaliforniaPrunes.org | @ CAforPrunes Health News Growth of Plant-based Protein
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). Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó
A growing public health and “ environmental concern has led to a shift towards a more plant-based diet. Within this movement, protein has The future will be been a key target for change. plant-based.
The majority of protein intake comes from animal sources Plant-based protein sources such as nuts, legumes, and including meat, eggs, and dairy, all of which also contribute to soy have all shown anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering higher greenhouse gas emissions and an environmental impact. properties(4). Lysine and arginine, two amino acids from animal Data has shown that vegetarian alternatives of cheese, meat and plant protein sources, have also shown the potential to and fish may impact the environment less(1). “play a role in the regulation of blood lipids. However, there are Health concerns are another key reason for shifting towards several hypothesized negative impacts of consuming animal plant-based protein sources. Different types of proteins, from protein(5). Lysine, which is more prevalent in animal proteins various sources each have different effects on health. Studies has been shown to increase cholesterol levels in animal trials. report that the slope of protein consumption in the Western In contrast, arginine, which is found more commonly in plant population is as the following: meat-eaters > fish-eaters > proteins, has been shown to have the opposite effect(5,6) and lacto-ovo-vegetarians > vegans(2). Contrary to the common has beneficial effects on endothelium. Similarly, carnitine, misconception of not having a complete set of essential amino commonly obtained from meat and dairy, has also been acids from plant-based proteins, it has been emphasized that associated with the development of metabolic diseases including protein from diverse plant sources such as grains, through the formation of acylcarnitine(7). Another potential nuts, legumes, and soy could help reach the necessary amino mechanism by which protein could have different effects acid requirements(3). Including diverse plant-based foods depending on the source is via gut microbiota modulation which not only gives consumers amino acids, but it provides other has shown to affect metabolism. nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals (3). Legumes and pulses are also interesting plant-based In the case of animal protein, nutrients such as saturated fatty protein sources that provide up to 15-30% of their energy acids and cholesterol are also provided and these have been to protein(8). Moreover, legumes with their rich nutritional proven to have negative health effects. composition of bioactive compounds, have been shown to have
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Health News
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 prevention of cardiovascular disease, opportunity to the food industry to and cancer(9). On the other hand, meat showed that increased frequency of nut explore the versatility of nuts, legumes, consumption has been associated with consumption is significantly associated soy and pulses as plant-based substitutes increased risks of cardiovascular and with reduced mortality in populations for animal-based products. Since 2015, cancer mortality(10,11). In an 11-year long with high cardiovascular risks. A meta- and up to 2019, over 4,400 products Melbourne Collaborative Cohort, it was analysis looking at 25 observational have been launched worldwide as seen that red meat, or chicken intake studies and two trials, including 14,449 alternatives to animal-based products(16). was positively associated with metabolic diabetic incidents, reported that 4-weeks Furthermore, it is important for the syndrome (a constellation of metabolic of consuming 28.4 g of nuts is associated regulatory bodies to stay up-to-date with disorders associated to abdominal with 12% decrease in risk for diabetes(13). the growth of plant-based proteins so obesity) incidence, whereas legumes and This effect is observed through its dose- they can to provide the consumers with nuts had an inverse association with the dependent and lipid lowering potential clear information and allow them to make incidence of this syndrome(12). They also for people with higher LDL-c level (14). Nut an informed decision. Overall, in addition observed that a 5% increase in animal consumption is also associated with a to the growing alternative protein market protein intake, was associated with a 0.97 lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes replacing meat and dairy products, cm increase in waist circumference and in some, but not all observational studies, consuming natural plant-protein sources a 0.97 mmHg increase in systolic blood and a decrease in insulin resistance such as legumes, nuts and pulses would pressure. through clinical trials. High fiber and be a convenient choice for consumers. Nuts are nutrient dense plant protein magnesium composition in nuts is a Even though a complete change towards sources that have shown consistent possible cause of decreased insulin a plant-based diet might be a personal benefits in reducing coronary heart resistance(15). choice, moving towards a less animal- disease. The PREDIMED study, a large The growing interest in plant- based diet would be an ethical and randomized control trial for the primary based proteins has given a significant nutritional recommended option.
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.
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New Scientific Studies
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 Snacking Almonds Mental Stress in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial” published recently in the journal Nutrients. May Help Reduce the Low heart rate variability, which can be induced by mental stress, is a predictor of risk of sudden cardiac death. Risk of Cardiovascular Researchers form the King’s College London investigated the impact of almond consumption on heart rate variability. Disease Results showed that snacking on whole almonds instead of muffins may improve heart rate variability parameters, Dikariyanto, V., Smith, L., Chowienczyk, P. J., Berry, S. E., & and therefore improve cardiac function. Researchers also Hall, W. L. (2020). conclude that incorporating tree nuts as daily snacks is Snacking on Whole Almonds for Six Weeks Increases encouraged as a positive lifestyle change that may enhance Heart Rate Variability during Mental Stress in Healthy cardiovascular health. Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. This research was funded by the Almond Board of Nutrients, 12(6), 1828. California and Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education.
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 Dietary polyunsaturated) fatty acids are known for their favorable immune-modulatory action. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty Recommendations acids, present in walnuts, seafood, algal oil, marine fish and during COVID-19 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 de Faria Coelho-Ravagnani, C., Corgosinho, F. C., Sanches, antiviral effects. F. L. F. Z., Prado, C. M. M., Laviano, A., & Mota, J. F. (2020). In their discussion of nutritional recommendations during Dietary recommendations during the COVID-19 COVID-19 quarantine, the role of tryptophan was highlighted in pandemic. the regulation of satiety and caloric intake, suggesting protein- Nutrition Reviews. rich foods such as dairy, seeds and nuts as good sources.
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Efficacy and Safety of Walnut Consumption New Oral Immunotherapy and Cognitive Function Drug on Peanut Allergies in Older Adults
Hourihane, J. O. B., Beyer, K., Abbas, A., Fernández-Rivas, M., Bishop, N. J., & Zuniga, K. E. (2020). Turner, P. J., Blumchen, K., ... & Sharma, V. (2020). Investigating walnut consumption and cognitive trajectories Efficacy and safety of oral immunotherapy with AR101 in in a representative sample of older US adults. European children with a peanut allergy (ARTEMIS): Public Health Nutrition, 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo- S1368980020001287 controlled phase 3 trial. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. A new study published in Public Health Nutrition explored the relationship between walnut consumption and the cognitive Researchers have published a study in the journal The function, focusing on an older population. Past research has Lancet Child & Adolescent Health that examined the efficacy shown that walnut consumption may be associated with and safety of a new oral biologic drug called AR101 against better overall cognitive function, however, few studies have peanut allergies. The trial was conducted in several countries utilized longitudinal data from observational studies of ageing across Europe with a focus on children with peanut allergies populations. aged 4 to 17 years. The results of the study found that those individuals who At the end of the trial, the researchers found that 58% consumed walnuts showed higher cognitive scores at the of the individuals in the control group tolerated 1000mg of baseline compared to those who did not consume walnuts. peanut protein versus 2% of the individuals in the placebo However, although there was an association between group. Although adverse events were report by almost all walnut consumption and better cognitive scores, it was not of the individuals, the severity level for most participants in associated with cognitive change over a 4-year observational both groups were mild or moderate. In conclusion, AR101 period. oral immunotherapy treatment led to a desensitization to peanut protein and provided a predictable safety profile.
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. Effects of Pistachio Researchers observed that regular pistachio consumption was associated with weight loss, and similar reductions in body Consumption in a mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, in overweight/ obese adults compared to the control group, and favorable Behavioral Weight Loss changes in the diet were observed. In conclusion, pistachios may contribute to a healthy Intervention dietary pattern and weight reduction in the context of an energy-restricted diet in a behavioral intervention, and may Rock, C. L., Zunshine, E., Nguyen, H. T., Perez, A. O., confer additional health benefits such as a reduction of blood Zoumas, C., Pakiz, B., & White, M. M. (2020). pressure. Additionally, regular pistachio consumption has Effects of Pistachio Consumption in a Behavioral Weight been associated with healthful shifts in dietary intake and food Loss Intervention on Weight Change, Cardiometabolic choices. Factors, and Dietary Intake. This research was funded by the American Pistachio Nutrients, 12(7), 2155. Growers.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 51 A Chat with the Industry
FRASER SCOTT Agribusiness Development Manager, Ferrero Hazelnut Company, Luxembourg
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.
As the Agribusiness is focused on the monitoring and hazelnuts without the use of inorganic Development Manager for implementation of Integrated Pest inputs. We are also collaborating with Ferrero Hazelnut Company, Management strategies against a number of universities to enable are there any new innovative the brown marmorated stink bug research into the understanding of the projects or plans that you (Halyomorpha halys), and we are development of new varieties that are would like to mention or engaging with other stakeholders more resistant to climatic conditions. highlight? to share our knowledge and discuss One of my responsibilities, as Head of options to address this topic, including Sustainability is a continuously the Ferrero Agri Competence Center biological controls. Another example is growing important topic through which we deploy our knowledge in Australia, where, in partnership with a in agriculture. What steps and experience in hazelnut cultivation, national research agency, we have just are Ferrero Hazelnut is to improve quality, productivity begun a project that aims to develop our Company taking to increase and enhance sustainability in all the understanding of how to optimize water sustainability in their geographies in which we operate. Our usage and its impact on hazelnuts trees operations and the existing Agri Competence Center is organised in different conditions with the objective value chains? under six streams of research, each led of continuing to enhance Good Our own farms located in Argentina, by a subject matter expert, and within Agricultural Practices through this new Chile, Georgia, Serbia, South Africa and each stream are a number of projects. knowledge. Furthermore, in our farm in Australia, are key to reaching farmers For example, one of our projects Chile, we are trialing a method to grow and sharing with them Good Agricultural
52 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 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 together with good growing conditions can enable a universities. The project is based on a system of drones and successful harvest. The foremost and most significant priority ground robots to collect data and perform farming operations in these continually evolving circumstances is protecting tree by tree, with the aim of improving quality while minimizing people throughout the value chain. the environmental impact. In our pursuit of having our own farms be the illustration of best practice, our aim going Do you foresee any long-term changes or forward is to work towards demonstrating the benefits of challenges for the hazelnut industry caused by Regenerative Agriculture in developing our sustainable COVID-19? approaches to hazelnut cultivation. The key for everyone involved in hazelnuts is having a business that allows long-term economic and sustainable production Regarding the AgriBusiness Development of that enables the whole value chain to deliver quality hazelnuts hazelnuts, what steps are being taken to increase to consumers. There will no doubt be the need for greater the quality or quality standards of hazelnuts? flexibility to be able to adapt actions accordingly and this Through our Agri Competence Center, a lot of our work may change the way some businesses operate in order to is focused on quality. Two of the main factors that affect ensure the health and safety of people. However, consumer the quality of our nuts are rot and pest damage (known as expectations are increasing and our challenge from an “cimiciato”). To understand how such problems manifest agricultural point of view will be to research and develop themselves in the hazelnuts requires extensive collaboration sustainable programs that continue to ensure the potential of with our partners in universities and institutions, to help us to the hazelnut tree for the future. firstly understand how these problems occur, and then aim to put programs in place to reduce the risk. A good example is the What value do hazelnuts bring to the work we are involved with in relation to the brown marmorated confectionary industry and what makes stink bug to monitor in country populations of this most hazelnuts so incredibly popular with chocolate? damaging of pests for many agricultural crops, with programs Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient available in many that focus on the correct timings of any applications, enabling forms from raw, roasted or ground into a paste. They offer farmers to reduce their use of inputs. We have also been a rich, premium and distinctive taste, as well as providing supporting the work of public authorities in Italy and Turkey as a positive nutritional role thanks to their antioxidants and they explore methods for biological control with the samurai micronutrients. When blended with chocolate, the hazelnut wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) to address this issue. accentuates the experience whilst still retaining its unique characteristics. Our products require hazelnuts with a very In your opinion, how has the COVID-19 precise quality to ensure excellence in taste, aroma and pandemic affected production, international texture for our consumers. trade, or any other aspect of the hazelnut industry? Where do you see the worldwide hazelnut Covid-19 has naturally impacted everyone to some extent. marketing in the next 10 years? Despite this unprecedented situation it seems that farmers It is likely that the demand for nuts in general will follow current have on the whole been able to manage their crops well and positive trends and that the popularity of hazelnuts will remain the impacts on hazelnuts have been minimal. Thankfully, consistent. However, the unforeseen circumstances brought farmers throughout the world have a great capacity to adapt about by Covid-19 and its unpredictable evolution of course and to ensure the health of their crops, and this experience makes any forecasts more difficult than normal.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 53 INC Congress
Come Together Once Again with the Nut & Dried Fruit Industry for the Must-Not Miss Event of the Sector!
54 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT INC Congress
Sponsors 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
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 55 56 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT INC News
INC Online Conference 2020
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM This signature event, taking place November 17 November 17-19, 2020, provides Chaired by Mark Jansen, Blue Diamond Growers, USA • Almonds: Laura Gerhard, Blue Diamond Growers, USA participants with the latest • Walnuts: John Aguiar, Mariani Nut Company, USA industry updates, the opportunity • Cashews: Scott Easterwood, Flagstone Foods, USA AMERICAS WORKING • Pistachios: Mike Hohmann, The Wonderful Company, USA to network among international GROUP • Hazelnuts: Sean Denfeld, Denfeld Packing Inc., USA peers, and the ability to discover 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (CET) • Pecans: Dick Walden, The Green Valley Pecan, USA • Brazil nuts: David Rosenblatt, The Richard Franco Agency, USA new business opportunities. • Peanuts: Jamie Brown, Olam Peanut Shelling Co., USA The conference features leading • Dried fruits: Mark Mariani, Mariani Packing, USA industry experts, respected Chaired by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination keynote speakers, a virtual 3D • Dr. Cyril Kendall, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, exhibition hall, and much more! University of Toronto, Canada. “Nuts and dried fruits in the prevention and NUTRITION & treatment of diabetes: What we know?” RESEARCH WEBINAR • Dr. Hana Kahleova, Director, Clinical Research, Physicians Committee for 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CET) Responsible Medicine, USA With three working groups representing • Dr. Pablo Hernández-Alonso, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga IBIMA- all regions of the world, led by 27 FIMABIS, Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology, Spain. “Nuts, Mediterranean industry experts and speeches from diet and aging” international respected Keynote November 18 Speakers such as Javier Solana, Alan Chaired by Vincent Rieckmann, ATCO, Germany Oster and Haim Israel, this conference • Almonds: Josep Arques, Borges, Spain • Walnuts: Alessandro Annibali, New Factor S.P.A., Italy is the must-not-miss event for the nut EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST • Cashews: Vincent Rieckmann, ATCO, Germany and dried fruit industry! The working & AFRICA WORKING • Pistachios: Behrooz Agah, Iran Pistachio Association, Iran GROUP • Hazelnuts: Hasan Sabir, Sabirlar Findik Ltd. Sti., Turkey groups highlight and give updates on 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (CET) • Macadamias: Alan Sutton, Sabie Valley Macadamia, South Africa production, consumption, and general • Pine nuts: Riccardo Calcagni, Besana Nut Company, Italy market information for each product • Peanuts: Guillermo Feo, Importaco, Spain • Dried fruits: Osman Oz, Anatolia AS, Turkey under the INC umbrella for each region, Chaired by Pino Calcagni, INC Sustainability, Scientific and Government the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Affairs Committee Africa, Asia, and Oceania. • Maciej Golubiewski, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Agriculture, SCIENTIFIC & European Commission. “Towards a more sustainable EU: The European Green Moreover, the event features REGULATORY WEBINAR Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy” insightful seminars and knowledge 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CET) • John Carter, Area Europe Quality Director, Ferrero, Luxembourg sessions, such as the Nutrition • Diane Holdorf, Managing Director, Food & Nature, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Switzerland & Research Webinar, Scientific & JAVIER SOLANA, Regulatory Webinar, and an Industry KEYNOTE SPEAKER Secretary General of NATO (1995-1999) and High Representative for the Marketing Programs Update. The 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CET) Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU (1999-2009) knowledge session chairs, Prof. Jordi November 19 Salas-Salvadó and Pino Calcagni are Chaired by Brenton Woolston, Almondco Australia Limited, Australia joined by respected Guest Speakers to • Almonds: Brenton Woolston, Almondco Australia Limited, Australia • Walnuts: Jinkui Zhou, Fen Yang Reell Food Co., Ltd., China further add more expert opinions on ASIA & OCEANIA • Cashews: Hari Nair, Western India Cashews, India each topic. WORKING GROUP • Hazelnuts: Cheng Hung Kay, CHK Trading, China-Hong Kong 7:00 am - 9:00 am (CET) It is guaranteed to be the best online • Macadamias: Larry McHugh, Macadamia Marketing International, Australia • Pine nuts: Chen Ying, CFNA, China gathering for the entire nut and dried • Peanuts: Sandeep Bhura, Om India Trading Co. Ltd., India fruit industry! • Dried fruits: Charles Ma, Sunshine (Tianjin) Produce Ltd., China ALAN OSTER, Group Chief Economist, Australia National Bank, “Global Overview & Australia – KEYNOTE SPEAKER 9:00 am - 10:00 am (CET) Impact of COVID-19 in near and medium term” 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 INDUSTRY MARKETING PROGRAMS (Europe) 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (CET) • 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 Global Strategist, Managing Director of Research, Bank of America, SPEAKER 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm (CET) “Transforming World! The World After COVID”
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 57 INC News
Keynote Speakers
JAVIER SOLANA, Secretary General of NATO (1995-1999) and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU (1999-2009)
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, Global Strategist, Managing Director of Research, Bank of America
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, Group Chief Economist, National Australia Bank
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.
Thank you to all of our sponsors who continuously support our wonderful industry!
58 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT TOMRA 3C - A REVOLUTIONARY NEW PRODUCT FOR THE NUT & SEED INDUSTRY THAT WILL DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES OF YOUR HULLING, SHELLING AND INSHELL OPERATIONS.
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] www.tomra.com/food November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT INC News
INC Academia: The Best Training Program in the Nut and Dried Fruit Industry
Despite of the special circumstances arising from 2021 Updates for the INC Academia COVID-19, the Third Edition of the Executive Program Next year, students will have the possibility to choose on Nuts and Dried Fruits increases the number of between two self-paced training tracks: participants. - General Industry Track. The Executive Program offers a basic overview of the nut and dried fruit industry. The Program The Third Edition of the Executive Program on Nuts and Dried consists of 12 units (10 required units + 2 specialized elective Fruits has been inevitably marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. courses), covering different topics: soil and climate, varieties, The on-site course had to be re-scheduled (May 23-25, 2021) nutrition facts, processing, food safety, and quality standards, and the date to complete the online course was adjusted to industry statistics and essential strategies for successful November 31, 2020, with the aim of allowing students to have negotiations, among other subjects. more time to finish the online material. - Specialized Elective Track. Students will have the The 2020 Edition is about to finish with a total of 64 opportunity to choose their courses from a list of four student from 26 countries, expanding the figures of the specialized courses. 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 In addition, experience. three new courses are incorporated:
Insurances: by insurance risk 1 international specialist firm Aon.
International Market Opportunities: by 2 world leading advertising, marketing and public relations agency, Ogilvy.
Cross Cultural Negotiations: by Prof. Dr. 3 Kandarp Mehta, from prestigious IESE Business School, Barcelona, ranked 1st in the world for Executive Education by Financial Times.
Moreover, two new subunits:
Nut Allergies: by Dr. Vicki McWilliam, 1 clinical allergy dietitian and researcher at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
INC Short Form Contract: explaining the 2 new short form contract for the sale and purchase of nuts and dried fruits for all INC members.
60 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT INC News
Online Program's Required Units Specialized Elective Courses Unit 1. Origin and description: Arbitration rules. Overview of arbitration rules, procedures Introduction to the long history of nuts and dried fruits, their and tribunals, as well as defaults and contract related issues. description and physiology. This course includes a review of the INC Short Form Contract. Unit 2. Soil and climate: International market opportunities. Communicating the Which climates nuts and dried fruits are adapted to, soils, health benefits of nuts and dried fruits to a contemporary water demand and how climate conditions may affect the consumer. crops. Cross-cultural negotiations. Understanding how to negotiate Unit 3. Varieties and uses: across cultural barriers. An overview of the main varieties and geographical Insurances. Key risks facing the Food & Beverage Industry, distribution of species, as well as traditional and recent such as product contamination, property protection, cyber products and uses. attacks, credit, etc. Unit 4. Nutrition facts: A review of the nutritional value and evidence-based health On-Site Course benefits of nut and dried fruit consumption. Thanks to the on-site part of the course, students will get Unit 5. Harvesting & Processing: the chance to be hands-on and see the nut and dried fruit Main processing operations that can take place during industry up close. 2021 on-site course includes an on-site and after harvest, including shelling, drying, sorting, experience of three days in Italy, May 23-25, 2021, (10+ hours pasteurization, frying, flavoring and storage. of preparatory tasks & reading material) to go on technical 5.1 Harvest visits (orchards, processing plants and a distribution center), 5.2. Shelling learn through case studies and network. 5.3. Blanching The INC would like to remind all, that in order to attend 5.4. Drying the on-site course, the Executive Program on Nuts and Dried 5.5. Sorting technologies Fruits online course must be completed first. 5.6. Pasteurization 5.7. Fumigation with phosphine Testimonials 5.8. Storage 5.9. Frying and dry roasting 5.10. Flavoring OZKAN MERT Unit 6. Retail packing and allergen management: CABITKAN ATIK Essential knowledge of the packaging process and packaging Business Developer, Export Manager, Yavuzkan, Turkey Dost Fındık, Turkey materials, including contaminant detection and allergen management. 6.1. Multihead weighing and bag forming I would recommend Being in the food 6.2. Modified Atmosphere Packaging this course for the industry for several thorough and global years and taking roles in 6.3. Vacuum packing overview of nuts & dried quality, purchasing and 6.4. Packaging fruits from the origins export departments, 6.5. Contaminant detection and removal and production to I find the variety and nutritional benefits. I also thoroughness of the 6.6. Allergen management appreciated the outlining course topics essential 6.7. Nut allergies – an update on current evidence and of international trade. for an over-all qualified practice food industry executive. Unit 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: MARY ALI Global review of industry statistics, including production, ADZANYO SHAYESTEH
trade and consumption volumes. Director Private Sector President, Unit 9. Consumption trends: Development, Competitive Tootsi Impex, Canada Understanding purchase behavior and capturing Cashew initiative, Burkina Faso opportunities from emerging trends. There is a diversity of I recommend this Unit 10. Negotiation: programs on nuts and dried course for the large amount of information Essential strategies and skills for successful negotiations. fruits from production, to origins, research, that can be learned processing, consumption, with each session. global trends and yet the program also gives the fine details of every nut and dried fruit.
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 61 INC News
INC Webinars
INC Hosted a Successful Negotiation Webinar
With over 150 participants from 28 countries around Prof. Dr. Kandarp Mehta, who is a senior lecturer in the the world, the INC’s free webinar on negotiation was Entrepreneurship Department and the Negotiation Unit at undoubtably a success! On July 22, 2020, Prof. Dr. IESE Business School, Barcelona, ranked 1st in the world for Kandarp Mehta presented the Negotiation in Times Executive Education by Financial Times for a record 6th year, of Crisis Webinar and explored the main principles delivered the webinar presentation to over 150 participants from 28 countries! of crisis negotiation and how they relate to the His presentation explained that as COVID-19 continues, COVID-19 pandemic. 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!
INC Prepares a Contract Webinar for December 2020
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.
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!
62 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT INC News
Trend Research: International Market Opportunities
Conducting a trend research Based on the results of the analysis, consumer trends show that within the next provides valuable information to five years, energy boosting and digestive health will be all the more important to an industry as the results provide consumers and immune support has growth potential due to COVID-19. a glimpse into the current market Consuming foods that boost energy, and support digestive health are among and allow trends to be analyzed. 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 That is why, the INC partnered category, which includes a wide array of health benefits that are used to market food with Ogilvy and organized a products to consumers. By 2024, the market size for products boosting energy is trend research looking at the forecasted to grow 50% and products supporting digestive health are forecasted to international market opportunities grow 32%. The study also showed that weight management was still the largest area for the health benefits of nuts of concern for consumers, however, it is not forecasted to grow as quickly as those and dried fruits. This project gave previously mentioned. a clear understanding of which Furthermore, one interesting trend to keep on the radar is immune support. health benefits have market growth With many people concerned over the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer focus on a potential and demonstrated how to healthy diet will likely deepen. Already the trend research showed that companies communicate nuts and dried fruits are increasingly expanding into this market and this trend is expected to only grow in to a contemporary consumer. 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 Figure 1. immune supportive claim. Europe 41 % Figure 1 shows the percentage of food, drink, healthcare launches featuring Asia Pacific 34 % immunity-enhancing functional claims by region, from April 2015 to March 2020. North America 10 % Latin America 9 % Middle East & Africa 6 %
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
12.0
10.0 Energy Boosting Digestive Health 8.0 Endurance 6.0 Vision Health
Weight Management 4.0 Immune Support All Categories Total: 2.0 Oral and Respiratoy Health 2014-2019 CAGR: 2.1% Bone and Joint Health Cardiovascular Health 2019-2024 CAGR: 4.6% 2019-2024 Forecasted CAGR % CAGR 2019-2024 Forecasted 0.0 -10.0 -5.0 0.0 Brain Health and Memory 5.0 10.0 15.0 -2.0 Urinary Tract Health -4.0 2014-2019 CAGR %
Source: Euromonitor, 2019
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 63 INC News
Real Power for Real People: Boost your Attitudinal Immunity
It’s true some products can be a This October, the INC launched a new dissemination plan that aims to promote source of power, but maybe they’re the consumption of nuts and dried fruits globally. After conducting a market trend not all natural! Luckily there’s a research and identifying the areas with the most growth potential, the INC elected product that is a real source of to pursue a campaign that connected nuts and dried fruits with attitudinal immunity, power and it comes from nature simply described as one’s ability to resist negativity that is constantly presented in front of us. itself #RealPowerforRealPeople The main video created for the campaign is an impactful look into how nuts and #PlantBasedPower 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!
64 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT INC News
Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Real Power for Real People Video
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 The making of the video for the Real Power for Real People of the video itself just goes to show that Real Power for campaign during a pandemic was certainly a challenge, with us, Real People, can make a video come to life even in the members having to maintain social distancing and masks. midst of a global pandemic!
A Worldwide Message from Real Power from Influencers to Real People Social 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!
@nicoleosinga_rd: 54.7K followers @afinkadiy: 1.1 Million followers @nicnutrition: 34.2K followers
@healthyfitnessmeals: 3.5 Million followers
@carlosriosq: 1.3 Million followers @realfooding: 951K followers @miguelcamarenasalud: 163K followers
@ximena_saenz: 273K followers @nourish_naturally: 150K followers
November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT 65 November 2020 | NUTFRUIT November 2020 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review Global Statistical Review Crop Forecast Update
November 2020
Statistics are also available at our website www.nutfruit.org
Map shows 5 top producing countries. Other major producers listed below. Main Producing Countries