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Edition 70. Nº 1 MARCH 2017 THE ENTIRE AND DRIED INDUSTRY MEETS IN CHENNAI XXXVI INC CONGRESS. MAY 19 – 21, 2017 Page 46

CHENNAI India

HOW BIG DATA COULD INNOVATIONS PRE- AND POST- REVOLUTIONIZE THE IN FOOD HARVEST FACTORS FOOD INDUSTRY PACKAGING AFFECTING QUALITY Page 24 Page 28 OF SUN-DRIED Page 32

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MARCH 2017 Edition 70. Nº 1 INTERNATIONAL NUT AND DRIED FRUIT COUNCIL FOUNDATION BUSINESS NEWS 8 BOARD OF TRUSTEES • Noberasco, new nutrition partner of Juventus FC. Mark Mariani - Chairman Mariani Packing Company, USA • Mondelez sells most of its grocery business in Australia. Pino Calcagni - Vice Chairman • Snyder’s-Lance divests Diamond of California nut business. V. Besana S.P.A., Italy • Kellogg unveils new products incorporating nuts as ingredients. Michael Waring - Vice Chairman • Coalition of 12 organizations launch an online hub for information and solutions to cut food waste. MWT Foods, Australia • Cocoa farmers organizations merge to create a unified voice. Jordi Martí - Treasurer and General Secretary Borges S.A.U., Spain Asadollah Asgaroladi Hassas Export Co. Ltd., Iran GOURMET 16 Karsten Dankert Max Kiene GmbH, Germany • Enrico Crippa: 3 Michelin Star - Executive Chef at Piazza Duomo. Giles Hacking CG Hacking & Sons Limited, UK Cheng Hung Kay CHK Trading Co. Ltd., China, Hong Kong FEATURE ARTICLES 24 Mark Jansen Blue Diamond Growers, USA • How big data could revolutionize the food industry. Zhou Jinkui • Indian consumer: attitudes and behavior towards consumption of nuts and dried fruits. Fenzhou Yuyuan Native Produce, China • Innovations in food packaging. Barry Kriebel Sun-Maid Growers of California, USA • Prospects of the development of the pecan in Italy. Ashok Krishen • Pre- and post-harvest factors affecting quality of sun-dried fruits. Olam International Limited, Singapore Jack Mariani Mariani Nut Company, USA Stephen Meltzer HEALTH NEWS 34 Balcorp Ltd., Canada Pratap Nair • A handful of nuts every day to modulate the activity and function of microRNAs. Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company, India Osman Oz Aegean Exporters Associations, Turkey Antonio Pont - Honorary President INC CONGRESS 48 Borges S.A.U., Spain Sabit Sabir • The entire nut and dried fruit industry meets in Chennai. Sabirlar Findik Ihracat Ltd. Sti., Turkey • A stimulating three-day program to share knowledge and ideas. Berton Steir • INC Awards to highlight the best contributions to the nut and dried fruit industry. The Wonderful Company, USA • Exploring the enticingly vibrant India with INC Tours. Dick Walden The Green Valley Pecan, USA • Enhance your experience with the INC Online Meeting Point and the Congress app. Chen Ying China Chamber of Commerce, China Cuneyd Zapsu Balsu A.S., Turkey INC NEWS 54

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • Nuts for Gifts. Mark Mariani Chairman • GulFood 2017 sees the 1st edition of the INC Pavilion in the Middle East. Pino Calcagni Vice Chairman • INC to grant €350,000 in 2017 to nut and dried fruit research and dissemination. Michael Waring Vice Chairman • 2016 EU RASFF alerts for nuts and dried fruits. Giles Hacking Board Member • INC launches social media campaigns to promote the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. Ashok Krishen Board Member Jack Mariani Board Member Antonio Pont Board Member INDUSTRY NEWS 82 Berton Steir Board Member Cuneyd Zapsu Board Member • Researchers find whole and chopped provide fewer calories than thought when accounting for digestibility. Goretti Guasch Executive Director • California Walnuts reports on advertising, marketing and promotion campaigns. • American Pistachio Growers debuts at SIGEP in Italy. NUTFRUIT MAGAZINE TEAM • Workshop and culinary demonstration keeps pistachios top of mind with supermarket dietitians. Goretti Guasch Executive Director [email protected] • INC-NREF provides comments on labelling to Health Canada and FDA. Xavier Puchades Production Editor • FDA’s produce safety rule training. [email protected] • California Prune Board promotes prunes in Korea. Irene Gironès Technical and Statistical Editor • The global macadamia industry funds research to unearth macadamia health benefits. [email protected] • Italians and dried fruit: a growing passion. Marc Centelles Advertising and Subscription Sales • The role of Nucis Germany’s newsletters in nutrition and medicine. [email protected] • Chilean nut trade unions unite to reorganize the industry.

Global Statistical INC HEADQUARTERS Legal Update 19 Advertisers list 98 Review 65 Carrer de la Fruita Seca, 4 The Nutfruit magazine is published three times a year by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council - INC (Fundació Privada International Nut and Dried Fruit Polígon Tecnoparc, 43204 Reus, Spain CIF G-43738475). This magazine, including all articles and illustrations, is copyright protected. Any utilization beyond the light limits set by the Copyright Act is Tel: +34 977 331 416 subject to publisher’s approval. All the trademarks, brand identities and graphic images shown in this publication are the property of their respective owners. Email: [email protected] While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to press, they can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, photographs or other materials www.nutfruit.org published in the Nutfruit magazine.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 5

INC Foreword CHENNAI AWAITS US ALL

Mark A. Mariani INC Chairman

e are looking forward to seeing you in Chennai, India, for our annual Congress. Our Congress is packed with round tables, seminars, world- class speakers, and social events. It will be held at the world-class ITC Grand Chola hotel, including a comprehensive business program, Wwhile your family can take advantage of tours in Chennai and discover its rich traditions and diversity. Please read the most recent Nutfruit and check our INC website for more details of our exciting panel of speakers, which will include Mr. Gopi Kallayil, The Chief Evangelist, Brand Marketing at Google. Mr. Kallayil will share with us the principles of innovation at Google. Since its founding, Google has amazed us with products that have at least a billion users every month. In addition, Mr. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader, will present to us his vision of a violence-free, stress-free society through the reawakening of human values that has inspired millions. He is engaged in peace negotiations and counselling in conflict zones around the world, and has reached 370 million people worldwide.

The INC will exhibit at the Gulfood Dubai, which is the biggest food show in the Middle East region.

With the uncertainty of trade agreements, the INC will monitor any potential issues that might affect the global nut and dried fruit industry. We are following up closely the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and potential impact on the current duty suspension for cranberry products. Likewise, the INC has taken action against the reclassification of blanched peanuts as processed by the World Customs Organization, in order to avoid severe market disruptions and costly consequences to millions of European consumers.

We are very excited about the INC Academia and the Executive Program on Nuts and Dried Fruits, an education program of basics of the nut and dried fruit industry. The first course will be launched at the end of this year and it will include online programs and videos, combined with visits to factories and orchards.

Finally, the INC will soon launch "Nuts for Gifts", an international dissemination program to position nuts and dried fruits as a top of mind gift. This is a global initiative to encourage, support and inspire people to think about nuts and dried fruits not only as a healthy , but also as a prized gift for special occasions. The program will be promoted via social media. Be sure you're following us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

I wish you good harvests, good selling, and a continuing dedication to improving people’s lives!

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 7 Business News NOBERASCO, NEW NUTRITION PARTNER OF JUVENTUS FC

UVENTUS FOOTBALL CLUB has signed a three-year agreement with Noberasco, one of the Italian industry-leading dried and Jdehydrated fruits brand, who become the club’s official partner. The idea of ‘Healthy body, healthy mind’ lies at the heart of both sporting success and for Noberasco the slogan acts as a benchmark for research and development in the latter. According to the dried and dehydrated fruit brand’s Managing Director, Mattia Noberasco, “becoming Juventus’ nutrition partner was a natural move in line with our strategic goals: our products are in perfect harmony with the sporting world and this agreement allows us to establish ourselves further as a key player in the healthy-eating sector”. Noberasco’s philosophy will be exported to over 130 countries around the world thanks to the global pull of the Bianconeri. The Italian how much importance the club is placing on the collaboration between company’s logo will take pride of place at all club media events as well as leading Italian names in their respective industries, in tandem with those appearing in a range of promotional material and experiences. abroad, with a mutual ambition for growth. The same values can be Juventus Co-Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Global Partnerships found at Noberasco, who share our focus and innovation in wellbeing and and Corporate Revenues, Giorgio Ricci, said “this partnership shows just healthy eating".

MONDELĒZ SELLS MOST OF ITS GROCERY BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA

ONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL has categories and Power Brands, including for use in Australia and New Zealand. The reached an agreement to sell most Dairy Milk and . Philadelphia business is not included in the deal Mof its grocery business in Australia Included in the sale are Mondelez as it is a Mondelez International Power Brand. and New Zealand to Bega Cheese Limited for International owned brands — Vegemite, The Port Melbourne manufacturing site will $460 million AUD (approximately $348 million ZoOsh, Bonox — and other products which use transfer to Bega as part of this agreement and USD). The transaction adds the Vegemite brand the Kraft brand under license, such as peanut approximately 200 colleagues who spend most and other well established grocery brands to butter, nut spreads, processed cheese slices, of their time working on this part of the business Bega's portfolio. The move enables Mondelez ambient cheese spread, mayonnaise, parmesan will be offered roles on comparable terms with International to further focus its portfolio and cheese, KraftEasy Mac and Kraft Mac & Cheese. Bega. drive profitable growth by investing in its core Bega receives a license to the Dairylea brand

SNYDER’S-LANCE DIVESTS DIAMOND OF CALIFORNIA NUT BUSINESS

NYDER'S-LANCE has completed the divestiture of its Diamond When it was announced at the end of November 2016, Carl E. Lee, of California culinary nut business. The sale of Diamond of Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer at Snyder's-Lance, said that this SCalifornia aligns with the company's strategy to focus more strategic transaction would allow the company to concentrate on its core resources on the growth opportunities for its core brands. business of “providing our consumers and retail partners with our premium The transaction also reflects the company's commitment to improving portfolio of snack brands focused on better ingredients, quality and taste". capital efficiency, and is anticipated to be accretive to both returns Snyder's-Lance entered the culinary nuts business as a result of the on invested capital and operating margins. The transaction closed on Company's acquisition of Diamond Foods in February 2016. December 31, 2016.

8 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT

Business News CARGILL OPENS INNOVATION CENTERS TO RESEARCH THE FOOD OF THE FUTURE

ARGILL has opened two major R&D facilities — one in North test kitchens and a pilot production plant. The center is home to around America and one in China — focused on continuous improvement 200 scientists working on projects to transform the marketplace, from Cand investment in the future of food to meet shifting consumer improving food safety to developing new food ingredients which meet expectations. consumer expectations for simple, nutritious options. “Consumers are voting with their values on a wide range of quickly The Cargill ONE Innovation Center, located in Shanghai, is a emerging food issues,” said Ruth Kimmelshue, corporate senior vice 22,000-square-foot facility with a sensory lab, demonstration kitchen president for Business Operations and Supply Chain at Cargill. “We and capabilities for dairy, beverage, , convenience food and have to anticipate what the world wants to eat and what the future of culinary applications. More than 25 scientists on site will create nutrition is going to look like to help our customers succeed and meet innovative menu solutions which combine consumer insights, trend consumer demand. These new R&D facilities will help us do just that.” forecasts and culinary expertise to serve as the incubator for future The Minneapolis Research and Development Center, located in tastes. The location will also be used as a platform to educate the Plymouth, Minn., is a 100,000-square-foot facility featuring molecular public on nutrition and food safety. biology labs, advanced analytical and materials research laboratories,

KELLOGG UNVEILS NEW PRODUCTS INCORPORATING NUTS AS INGREDIENTS

ELLOGG COMPANY is launching Within the snacks category, the new delicious and satisfying flavors: more than 50 new products with products include Special K Nourish Bites. sea salt, and chocolate cashew. Kinnovations from its cereals, ground- These are poppable snack bites with premium "We know that people are looking for a breaking new snacks and gourmet frozen food ingredients including dark chocolate, pistachios, variety of things when they choose food for options. These new products include Special K almonds and blueberries. They are free from themselves and for their families. They want Nourish granola, Kellogg's Cinnamon Frosted artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. food that is fun and exciting, wholesome and Flakes and Pop-Tarts coffee-inspired toaster Special K Bites provide 9 grams of nutritious, convenient and, of course, delicious," . Snack highlights include Cheez-it Duoz protein per serving and come in two varieties: said Paul Norman, president of Kellogg North Bacon & Cheddar crackers and five bold flavors chocolate and caramel nut. Also, America. of Pringles LOUD crisps. the Special K Nourish bars debut two new

GENERAL MILLS DEBUTS NEW SNACKING PRODUCTS

ENERAL MILLS has unveiled a host of new products addressing a range of snacking trends around the world. The latest Gadditions to the General Mills portfolio address this demand for harder-working calories include Yoplait Greek 100 yogurt with at least 14 grams of protein per serving, a super-sized version of Nature Valley Sweet & Salty bars, and Fiber One layered chewy bars. © General Mills Inc. General Mills’ new snacking products include some nuts among their New products also include LÄRABAR Fruit and Greens bar: each bar ingredients. This is the case of Nature Valley Granola Cups. They combine has 1/4 cup of kale or spinach plus delicious fruits and nuts. It is available flavors such as peanut butter chocolate and almond butter with harder- in spinach cashew, pineapple kale cashew, and mango spinach working, wholesome ingredients like oats. cashew varieties. Nature Valley XL Bars. These sweet and salty XL bars from Nature When it comes to Fiber One Layered Chewy Bars, they combine Valley come in pretzel, peanut and chocolate, peanut, chocolate nut, and layers of crisped grains, drizzled caramel, crunchy almond toppings, and seed varieties. Made with satisfying ingredients like almonds, peanuts, chocolate. They are available in double chocolate almond and salted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pretzels, and chocolate chunks. caramel, and dark chocolate flavors.

10 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Business News COALITION OF 12 ORGANIZATIONS LAUNCH AN ONLINE HUB FOR INFORMATION AND SOLUTIONS TO CUT FOOD WASTE

HE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental TProtection Agency (EPA), and a partnership of 10 private sector and nonprofit organizations, have created ‘Further With Food: Center for Food Loss and Waste Solutions’, an online hub for the exchange of information and solutions that can help realize the national goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030. Further With Food (furtherwithfood.org) is an online destination for stakeholders such as businesses, government entities, investors, NGOs, these diverse groups to share and learn from one another. Thanks to academics, and individuals, seeking to learn more about their role in the leadership of this partnership, Further With Food is a timely solution meeting the national food waste reduction target, announced by USDA that will provide the country with a single portal to share information and and EPA in September, 2015. In addition to stimulating the widespread stimulate ideas for new projects." adoption of proven solutions, Further With Food will enable coordination The participants in the Further With Food collaboration include The among stakeholders and will reduce the duplication of efforts. Rockefeller Foundation and a public-private partnership composed of "Curbing the enormous amount of food loss and waste in this USDA, EPA, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Innovation Center country would help put food on the table for people in need, conserve for U.S. Dairy, Feeding America, the Food Marketing Institute, the Grocery natural resources, and make space in families' food budgets for healthier Manufacturers Association, the National Consumers League, the Natural choices," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The good news is that Resources Defense Council, the National Restaurant Association, the partners across the country are joining the effort to reduce food loss and World Resources Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund. Keystone Policy waste. As these efforts expand, there is a need for a common place for Center provided technical assistance to the coalition.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 11 Business News HAIN CELESTIAL ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH FUTURE CONSUMER LIMITED IN INDIA

HE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, a consumer products for the next generation of too," said Kishore Biyani, Group Chief Executive leading organic and natural products Indian consumers. Officer, Future Group. Tcompany with operations in North "We are pleased to expand our presence in The purpose of the joint venture is to America, Europe and India, has announced India with Future Group," commented Irwin D. manufacture, market, and distribute better- the establishment of a strategic joint venture Simon, Founder, President and Chief Executive for-you natural and organic products in various between Future Consumer Limited (FCL) and Officer of Hain Celestial. "Hain Celestial is one categories including snacks and plant-based Hain Tilda India Private Limited. The objective of the most respected companies in the organic beverages as well as toddler and child food to pursue joint interests in food marketing and natural segment, and we are excited to products under various Hain Celestial brands and development in India. FCL is the food and establish this partnership with Hain Tilda in including Terra, Garden of Eatin’, Sensible fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) arm of India. Together, we will be able to provide Portions, Dream, and Earth’s Best. Hain Tilda Future Group, one of India's retail pioneers with Indian consumers with products that set the will continue to market and distribute products multiple retail formats, who aim to build quality standards for good taste and are healthful under the Tilda brand.

HERSHEY APPOINTS MICHELE BUCK AS CEO AND PRESIDENT

ERSHEY has announced that its building brands consumers love while bringing board of directors has appointed out the best in employees amid a rapidly HMichele Buck, former company’s changing business environment,” said Bilbrey. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Since joining the company in 2005, Officer, as Hershey’s President and Chief Buck has spearheaded the development and Executive Officer. She succeeds John P. Bilbrey, execution of many successful growth initiatives who previously announced his intention to and strategic shifts at the company, most retire from the company. Bilbrey will continue notably Hershey’s growth in its core confection as non-Executive Chairman of Hershey’s Board portfolio as it moved from a supply- to demand- of Directors following his retirement. driven business model. She was the architect “Michele is a proven leader who, during 11 of the company’s strategy to expand into years at Hershey and more than 25 years as broader snacking categories and oversaw the an executive in the consumer packaged goods acquisitions of Krave and barkThins brands. industry, has a demonstrated track record of Michele Buck

EUROFINS ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND LEADER OF US FOOD DIVISION

UROFINS announces the appointment of Sean Murray as include R&D at Stryker Instruments and strategy consulting for McKinsey national division leader for U.S. Food and president of Eurofins & Company. Most recently, Murray led a startup business unit at EScientific. As the national division leader, Murray will foster Worthington Industries, which he grew from 1 employee to over 300. growth in the United States food testing market to uphold Eurofins’ status There, he spent time as Managing Director of the business’s European as the global leader in bio-analytical testing services. joint venture while living in Istanbul, later becoming General Manager of Before joining Eurofins, Mr. Murray led numerous organizations in the global business unit. innovation, business development, and as a GM. His various experiences

12 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Business News MUHTAR KENT TO RETIRE AS -COLA CEO AMES QUINCEY, Coca-Cola President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Muhtar Kent as CEO, effective May 1, 2017. Kent will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The JCoca-Cola Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved unanimously the recommendation of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Muhtar Kent for an evolution of the company’s senior leadership structure. “One of our Board’s key priorities is developing the next generation of leaders and James is a perfect example of our talent pipeline in action,” said Muhtar Kent. “Having worked closely with James during the past 10 years of his 20-year career with our company, I know that his vast industry knowledge, expertise with our brands, values and system, coupled with an acute understanding of evolving consumer tastes, make him the ideal candidate to effectively our company and bottling system. James has the James Quincey and Muhtar Kent strategic vision and inspirational leadership to usher in the next phase of growth for our great business. Muhtar Kent joined the INC Congress in Antalya in 2015 as a keynote speaker. He shared his thoughts about consumer insights and the macro trends that are shaping today’s consumers.

PATRICK DE MAESENEIRE ELECTED NEW CHAIRMAN AT BARRY CALLEBAUT S PROPOSED by the Board of which he spent as Chairman, and thanked Directors at the Annual General him warmly for his long and successful tenure. AMeeting 2016 of Barry Callebaut All other Board members, namely Patrick De AG, Patrick De Maeseneire has been elected Maeseneire, Fernando Aguirre, Jakob Baer, Chairman, replacing Andreas Jacobs. The James L. Donald, Nicolas Jacobs, Wai Ling Board of Directors honored the legacy of Liu, Timothy E. Minges, Andreas Schmid and Andreas Jacobs, who had decided to step Juergen B. Steinemann were reelected for

down after 13 years on the Board, 11 of another term of office of one year. Patrick De Maeseneire (left) and Andreas Jacobs

FERRERO NAMES JEROME GREGOIRE AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE NEWLY ACQUIRED DELACRE BISCUITS

ERRERO has appointed Jerome Gregoire as Managing Director It was the Belgium-based Delacre who announced that Ferrero had at Delacre, the maker recently bought by the Italian firm. completed the acquisition of the Delacre and Delichoc biscuit brands from United FGregoire had been working as the head of the company's operations Biscuits. As part of the transaction, Ferrero takes over all production facilities as in Greece, Cyprus and Malta. well as retaining the management and the employees of the businesses.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 13 Business News COCOA FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS MERGE TO CREATE A UNIFIED VOICE

HE WORLD COCOA FARMERS Organization (WCFO) and International Cocoa Farmers Organization (ICCFO) have merged to form a single, unified voice within the cocoa sector. TAn agreement was reached at the last World Cocoa Foundation sustainability partnership meeting, which took place in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). The merged organization adopts the name of the former. The agreement brings together more than 750,000 cocoa farmer members. This operation will allow the two organizations to work to promote sustainability in the sector while assisting farmers in the task of producing better crops. “Through this merger, cocoa farmers globally will become stronger, which will enable them to take necessary steps to solve their many challenges. Cocoa farmers globally will be able to share their experiences and knowledge from one growing region to the other,” said the WCFO. An estimated 95 per cent of the world’s cocoa supply comes from smallholder cocoa farmers, many of them dealing with poor living conditions. The WCFO hope this agreement will serve to raise standards and to have the voices of farmers heard.

BÜHLER’S PET SORTING SOLUTION HELPS PLASTICS RECYCLERS INCREASE YIELDS BY MORE THAN 30%

ASTE PLASTIC is an enormous challenge worldwide. Yet, as production continues to increase, just 5% of waste plastic is recycled effectively. Bühler is addressing this Wglobal challenge with a tailored PET recycling solution, capable of improving yields by more than 30%, according to the firm. A strategic partnership with US-based National Recovery Technologies (NRT) allows the company to offer plastics recyclers a solution for plastic bottle and sorting. Collecting and recycling PET plastic has the potential to reduce millions of tonnes of waste each year. It can be reused to manufacture a wide range of consumer products as well as food and drink packaging. Bühler is already a leader in the PET recycling industry, accounting for 25% of the recycled PET (rPET) recycled stream in Europe and approximately 10% of the global market. Source: buhlergroup.com The company is now helping PET recyclers with an innovative, two-machine process solution that delivers bottle-to-bottle grade rPET flakes at the highest yield currently possible in the market. The process is based on two technologies, offering superior color sorting as well as sorting by chemical signatures, that can identify invisible and same-color polymers. The result is high grade rPET flakes for bottle production, plus a significant increase in yield. Furthermore, Bühler’s partnership with NRT establishes the two companies as first-choice technology partners for plastics recyclers. Together, they offer plastics recyclers a complete solution for plastic bottle and flake sorting, with NRT specialising in bottle sorting, combined with Bühler’s expertise in flake sorting. Bühler’s PET recycling solution also reinforces its sustainability strategy. Bernhard Gabauer, Segment Development Manager for Plastics at Bühler said, “Sustainability is increasingly vital in the food industry. Our new flake sorting technology enables our customers to recycle more plastic, more efficiently and to a higher grade. It is a perfect fit with Bühler’s environmental goal of a 30% reduction in energy, water, and resources in all core processes by 2020.”.

14 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT

GourmetGourmet NUTS AND DRIED FRUITS, are among the ingredients that we use most “ in our kitchen”

Enrico Crippa trained under some was there he learnt to appreciate He takes pride in his personal of the most renowned chefs in the elegance and simplicity relationship with all his suppliers. Europe. Christian Willer, Ghislaine of Japanese . Back in The products used in his cooking Arabian, Antoine Westermann, Europe, in 2003, he began are as local as it gets, everything Michel Bras and Ferran Adrià are working at Ristorante Piazza is sourced from within 50 among the masters who have Duomo, where he displayed and kilometers of the restaurant, inspired his career. He started developed his distinctive and which is why his dishes have in the restaurant business when imaginative style and during the distinctive taste Langhe and he was 16 and, at the age of which time, 2012 to be precise, Piedmont at their heart. ENRICO CRIPPA, 25, left for Japan to work for he added a third Michelin star to EXECUTIVE CHEF three years as Executive Chef in those he was awarded in 2006 AT PIAZZA DUOMO restaurants in Kobe and Osaka. It and 2009.

© Photos by Lido Vannucchi, Stefania Spadoni, Fabrizio Marchesi.

How would you define your style? meat, good wines, good cheese and local How has Piazza Duomo evolved Green: My style of cooking is based around products that are very important to our kitchen. since it was opened in 2005? vegetables, sprouts, salad and flowers. My aim We are really keen on finding new, small local Piazza Duomo is always growing and evolving. I is to make the vegetables the centre of the dish. producers. My cooking is innovative, but it is can feel the evolution day by day; what we did I love to create new dishes and get inspiration improved by local ingredients. yesterday is completely different today, a sort of from our own garden. daily evolution. Most of what you use in the What does perfection mean to you? kitchen comes from within a radius France and Japan have been part of Does a Michelin Star chef need to be of 50 kilometers. What is the your career as a chef. How do these obsessed with perfection? relationship with your suppliers? elements feature in your cooking? I am a very meticulous person and I think my The relationship with our suppliers is very Both cultures have a great respect for dishes should all be well defined and precise. familiar and respectful. We respect the work ingredients, the painstaking attention to detail For me, it’s not about being obsessed, it is the they do for always being of the highest standard and color. These are the elements you can find natural path of my own work. and they respect our dedication to our work. in my cooking.

Working so many hours a week, for Where can we notice the regional Tell us a little bit more about so many customers coming from influence that Langhe and Japan. You describe those 3 years such different places, how do you Piedmont have in your work? as fundamental to your cooking manage to personalize your dishes? There is always a regional signature in my work experience. Why? I work. All the time I spend in the kitchen with and in my dishes. It could be just one ingredient My experience in Japan was fundamental for my team is dedicated to personalizing the or my interpretation of a classic regional dish. me because it was there where I discovered an dishes. Over the years, we’ve learned how to extraordinary cuisine where you can see great better understand our customers and it’s very This region treasures a very rich respect for the taste of the ingredients - full of important to think and to be able to personalize food culture. What is new that tradition. I think that in Europe we’re probably dishes for them. Enrico Crippa and Piazza Duomo only able to sample about 5% of Japanese have brought to a cuisine with such cuisine. How important are local ingredients a long-standing tradition? in your culinary creations? I think that I’ve brought my creativity and my We are in a very lucky region; we have all the experiences from all around the world to create best raw material of Piedmont. We have special a special combination of tradition and innovation.

16 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Gourmet

Antoine Westermann, Michel Ingredients. For the salad: For the dressing: Bras, Ferran Adrià and Gualtiero 160 gr of mixed salad, composed of: Herb flavoured oil Marchesi are among your mentors. Barolo vinegar How have they inspired you? Gentilina lettuce leaves White and black All the chefs that I’ve met in my life have Butterhead lettuce leaves Nori algae finely chopped Katsobushi inspired me, with their creativity and ideas. They Valerian Watercress Candied and its juice are always an example for me. Poppy For the herb flavoured oil (large Dandelion quantity): Primrose leaves How much do nuts and dried fruits Spinach 500 gr tarragon 1 litre Occhipinti olive oil feature in your cooking? Trevisano chicory For the amaranth chips: They are among the ingredients that we use Trusset (insalata dei campi) Red beetroot leaves most in our kitchen, I can’t forget that Piazza 200 gr amaranth seeds Beetroot leaves 13 gr instant dasci Duomo is in the heart of the region! Tarragon 1,200 ml water Salad Burnet Oil to fry Sorrel For cooked bamboo: You like to combine them with…? Summer savory I love to combine hazelnuts with cardoon, as I do Marjoram 2 pieces of bamboo cooked in oven and cut Red mizuna into thin slices. in my signature salad Green mizuna (Salad 21…31…41…) and with chocolate. Chinese mustard Chervil Red chickweed Celery Preparation. For the amaranth: Lovage 1. Cook the amaranth as a risotto with water Good King Henry and instant dashi for about 40 minutes without Green shiso adding salt. Red shiso 2. Once cooked, spread it out between two Dill sheets of paper and let it dry. Raw fennel When dried, break it into irregular parts and Nasturtium fry in hot oil. For the flowers For the herb-flavoured oil: Marigolds: 1. Boil the aromatic herbs in the oil for less Red than a minute, wring them out and whirl them White in a salad dryer. Purple 2. Filter the oil with a colander and paper. Yellow For the salad and the garnish: Violet flowers 1. Clean and wash all the herbs and leaves well. Primrose flowers 2. Combine the salad and the dressing and Borage flowers present it on a plate. Bluebottle 3. Garnish with flowers and bamboo seasoned Salad Chive flowers and garlic flowers with sesame. 21…31…41…

© Picture made by Lido Vannucchi.

Growers & Exporters

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 17

Legal Update LEGAL UPDATE PESTICIDES

CANADA: MRLs UPDATE CHINA: MRLs UPDATE Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency has adopted the following The Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China proposed maximum residue limits: has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the National Food Safety Standard of the P.R.C.: Maximum Residue Limits Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Adoption date dates 2.0 for Pesticides in Foods. According to an unofficial translation of Hexythiazox dried plums 2.0 24-10-2016 the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, tree nuts (including pistachios) 0.02 the following MRLs in nuts and dried fruits have been proposed. Japanese apricots, jujubes, American plums, Beach plums, Canada plums, cherry plums, Spinosad 0.2 09-11-2016 Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Chickasaw plums, Damson plums, Japanese Flumioxazin peanut kernel 0.02 plums, Klamath plums Zineb peanut kernel 0.1 Sulfuryl tree nuts (except almond, pistachio nuts) 3.0 29-12-2016 fluoride peanuts 0.5 Fludioxonil peanut kernel 0.05 dried prune plums 3.0 Chloropicrin peanut kernel 0.05 Tolfenpyrad 02-01-2017 tree nuts 0.05 Malathion peanut kernel 0.05 Bentazon peanut kernel 0.05 USA: MRLs UPDATE The US Environmental Protection Agency has established the following MRLs CHINA, TAIWAN: MRLs UPDATE in nuts and fruits: The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Adoption date and Matsu has notified the WTO of the Draft Standards for Mandestrobin grape, raisin 7.0 11-10-2016 certain Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods. The draft includes the following MRLs. fruit, stone, group 12-12 3.0 Pyridaben 14-10-2016 nut, tree, group 14-12 0.05 Pesticide Product MRL(ppm) Date fruit, stone, group 12-12 nut, tree, Entered into force on: Flumioxazin 0.02 19-12-2016 Fenpyrazamine raisins 3.0 12-12-2016 group 14-12 Deadline for comments: Acequinocyl nut, tree, group 14-12 0.02 18-01-2017 Spiromesifen prune 2.0 11-02-2017

EU: MRLs UPDATE The European Commission has issued the following regulations amending MRLs of pesticides in nuts and fruits.

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Adoption date Regulation tree nuts, apricots, plums, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* Cymoxanil grapes 0.3 tree nuts (except pistachios) 0.09 pistachios 0.1 Commission Regulation (EU) Phosphane and phosphide salts apricots, plums, grapes, dates, figs 0.01* 28-04-2017 2016/1785 of 7 October 2016 peanuts 0.05 Sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, dates, figs, peanuts 0.03* Sodium o-nitrophenolate tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, dates, figs, peanuts 0.03* Sodium p-nitrophenolate tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, dates, figs, peanuts 0.03* Aclonifen tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* Fluazinam tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* Sulcotrione apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs 0.01* tree nuts, peanuts 0.02* apricots 0.15 Commission Regulation (EU) 7-05-2017 2016/1822 of 13 October Deltamethrin plums 0.07 2016 cranberries 0.6 dates, figs 0.01* Methomyl tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* Thiodicarb tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* Hexachlorobenzene peanuts 0.02* Commission Regulation (EU) 10-05-2017 2016/1866 of 17 October 3-decen-2-one tree nuts, apricots, plums, grapes, cranberries, dates, figs, peanuts 0.01* 2016 Azoxystrobin grapes 3.0 almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts 0.04 Commission Regulation (EU) Fluxapyroxad 23-11-2016 2016/1902 of 27 October grapes 2 2016 Spirodiclofen cranberries 0.8

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 19 Legal Update

JAPAN: MRLs UPDATE

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan has notified the WTO of the “Revision of the Standards and Specifications for Foods and Food Additives under the Food Sanitation Act (revision of agricultural chemical residue standards)”, which includes the following MRLs in nuts and dried fruits.

Pesticide Product MRL (ppm) Date prune, apricot 0.09 Abamectin grape 0.05 pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 prune, apricot 0.5 Chinomethionat grape, pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 prune 1.0 Deadline for comments: Cyflumetofen apricot 10 12-12-2016 pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 apricot, prune, date 0.01 Mepanipyrim grape 15 peanuts 1.0 Prohexadione-calcium prune, apricot, date, grape, pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 Bromacil apricot, plum, cranberry, grape, date, pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 Cymoxanil grape 0.1 apricot 0.1 Etoxazole plum, grape 0.5 pecan, almond, walnuts, other nuts 0.01 peanut, cranberry, date, grape, almond, pecan, walnut, other nuts 0.01 Hexaconazole apricot 0.2 plum 0.3 peanuts 0.01 apricot 0.3 Hexythiazox pecan, almond, walnuts, other nuts 0.05 plums 1 Deadline for comments: grape, date 2 17-12-2017 Isouron peanuts, apricot, plum, grape, date, pecan, almond, walnuts, other nuts 0.01 Prometryn peanuts 0.02 Profenofos peanuts, apricot, plum, grape, date, pecan, almond, walnuts, other nuts 0.01 Prohydrojasmon grape 0.01 plum, grape 0.2 Simeconazole apricot 1 apricot 3 plum 5 Spirotetramat grape 2 pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.05 plum dried, raisin 0.01 Thifensulfuron peanut 0.01 Chlorpropham apricot, cranberry, grape, pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 Dazomet apricot, cranberry, grape, date, pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 Deadline for comments: Metam apricot, cranberry, grape, date, pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01 28-03-2017 Methyl isothiocyanate apricot, cranberry, grape, date, pecan, almond, walnut, other nuts 0.01

20 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Legal Update

CONTAMINANTS

EU: INCREASED LEVEL OF OFFICIAL CONTROLS

On 2 December 2016, the European Union published the Commission reduced (from 20% to 10% for aflatoxins). In addition, EU importers of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2107 of 1 December 2016 amending newly added products such as Bolivian peanuts will have to prior notify Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 669/2009 as regards the list of feed and the estimated date and time of physical arrival of the consignment at the food of non-animal origin subject to an increased level of official controls on designated point of entry, and the nature of the consignment. imports (in force since January 1, 2017). After the modifications, the control frequency for nuts and dried fruits Peanuts from Bolivia (50% of control frequency for aflatoxins) was is the following: added to the list and the control frequency in pistachios from USA was

Country of Frequency of physical Feed and food Hazard origin and identity checks (%) Groundnuts (peanuts), in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter Bolivia Aflatoxins 50 Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter Gambia Aflatoxins 50 Hazelnuts, in shell or shelled Georgia Aflatoxins 20 Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter Madagascar Aflatoxins 50 Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter Sudan Aflatoxins 50 Dried apricots and apricots otherwise prepared or preserved Turkey Sulphites 10 Pistachios in shell or shelled United States Aflatoxins 10 Dried apricots and apricots otherwise prepared or preserved Uzbekistan Sulphites 50

EU: CHANGES ON AFLATOXIN CONTROLS

On 2 December 2016, the European Union issued the Commission Peanuts from Argentina and hazelnuts from Azerbaijan were added Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2106 of 1 December 2016 amending to the list. The sampling frequency for dried figs from Turkey and peanuts Implementing Regulation (EU) No 884/2014, which imposes special form India is reduced from 20% to 10%, while the sampling frequency of conditions on the import of certain feed and food from certain third countries hazelnuts from Turkey is increased from random to 5%. due to contamination risk by aflatoxins (in force since December 22, 2016) After the modifications, the control frequency for nuts and dried fruits is the following:

Country of Frequency of physical Feed and food (intended use) origin and identity checks (%) Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter (Feed and Food) Argentina 5 Hazelnuts (Corylus sp.) in shell, shelled, cut/sliced/broken, /meal/powder, mixtures containing hazelnuts, otherwise prepared Azerbaijan 20 or preserved including mixtures, hazelnut or hazelnut oil (Food) Brazil nuts in shell, mixtures containing Brazil nuts in shell (Food) Brazil Random Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter (Feed and Food) Brazil 10 Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter (Feed and Food) China 20 Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter (Feed and Food) Egypt 20 Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter (Feed and Food) Ghana 50 Groundnuts (peanuts) in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, or peanut butter (Feed and Food) India 10 Pistachios in shell, shelled, flour/meal/powder, mixtures containing pistachios, prepared or preserved including mixtures(Food) Iran 50 Dried figs, mixtures containing figs, prepared or preserved including mixtures and fig paste(Food) Turkey 10 Hazelnuts (Corylus sp.) in shell, shelled, cut/sliced/broken, flour/meal/powder, mixtures containing hazelnuts, otherwise prepared Turkey 5 or preserved including mixtures, hazelnut paste or hazelnut oil (Food) Pistachios in shell, shelled, flour/meal/powder, mixtures containing pistachios, prepared or preserved including mixtures(Food) Turkey 50

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 21 Legal Update

JECFA: MLs OF AFLATOXINS FOR RTE PEANUTS

On November 23, 2016 the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food would be approximately double the proportion rejected at an ML of 15 μg/ Additives (JECFA) issued the Summary Report of its 83rd Meeting. JECFA kg (about 20% versus 10%).” performed an impact assessment of different maximum levels for aflatoxins JECFA’s evaluation will be considered in the next session of the Codex (4, 8, 10 and 15 µg/kg) for ready-to-eat peanuts concluding that “enforcing Committee on Contaminants in Food, in April 2017, to review the Proposed a maximum limit (ML) of 10, 8 or 4 μg/kg for ready to-eat peanuts would Draft Maximum Level for Total Aflatoxins in Ready-To-Eat Peanuts. The have little further impact on dietary exposure to AFT for the general draft recommends considering the level of 10 μg/kg for total aflatoxins in population, compared with setting an ML of 15 μg/kg. At an ML of 4 μg/ ready-to-eat peanuts. kg, the proportion of the world market of ready-to-eat peanuts rejected

EU: MINERAL OIL HYDROCARBONS IN FOOD

On January 17, 2017 the European Commission issued the Recommendation coal, natural gas and biomass. They can be present in food through 2017/84 of 16 January 2017 on the monitoring of mineral oil hydrocarbons environmental contamination, lubricants for machinery used during (MOH) in food and in materials and articles intended to come into contact harvesting and food production, processing aids, food additives and food with food in order to better understand the relative presence of these mineral contact materials. According to the European Food Safety Authority, MOH oils in food commodities. Tree nuts are included among the products covered may act as genotoxic carcinogens while some others may accumulate in by the recommendation. human tissue and may cause adverse effects in the liver. As reported in the Recommendation, MOH are chemical compounds derived mainly from crude oil, but also produced synthetically from

QUALITY STANDARDS

USA: STANDARDS USA: ALMOND QUALITY CONTROL FOR WALNUTS The US Agricultural Marketing Service adopted a final rule relaxing the On November 25, 2016 the Agricultural Marketing Service of the US quality control requirements prescribed under the California almond Department of Agriculture revised the US Standards for Grades of Shelled marketing order. The inedible kernel tolerance increased from 0.50% to Walnuts and Walnuts in the Shell including red colored walnuts and 2%. This rule is effective since January 20, 2017. removing the “Unclassified” section. PUBLI 22 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT PUBLI Feature Articles HOW BIG DATA COULD REVOLUTIONIZE THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Big data has become a potent weapon in the management toolkit of businesses across the globe. But to what extent is the food and beverage sector taking advantage of the opportunities?

ig data is simply an amount of data too Moreover, focusing on the food and Kathleen Wybourn, Director Food & Beverages, DNV GL US & big to be processed by conventional beverage sector only, the survey shows that Canada, is a recognized leader in global food software systems and databases. The food and beverage organizations have a higher safety. Kathleen held a variety of roles in food B practice of big data is about capturing volumes than average propensity to embrace big data, manufacturing before moving into food safety of internal and external data from all parts of the and see it as an opportunity and not a threat. solutions and auditing. supply chain and putting it to work on your behalf. More than 25 per cent of food and beverage Given that we’re now generating 2.5 respondents indicate that a big data application quintillion bytes of data a day (everything from has already boosted their productivity and value social media posts to the data gathered by creation, and the same number already have a sensors in the rapidly expanding Internet of clear big-data strategy. Things) it’s no wonder that the desire to derive Almost half of them think that big data will value from these vast oceans of information has impact their company in the next 2-3 years, emerged. although for many, exactly how still remains The end game should be better insights to be seen. Nevertheless there seems to be and improved decision making which increases optimism about the potential of big data, and efficiency, productivity and profits. But how is food and beverage companies also foresee fewer that playing out in the food and beverage sector barriers to taking advantage of big data than other so far; what are the potential benefits and pitfalls; industries. and is the sector ready to seize the advantage? Uses and Applications in Food Big Data Is with Us Now So how can food and beverage organizations The first thing to say is that big data is already use big data and what are its applications? In the very much with us – DNV GL conducted a survey, actions seems to focus on efficiency and viewpoint survey1 and found that out of 1,200 financial savings, brand reputation and supply interviewees globally, half had already undertaken chain management. This could indicate that the at least one action related to big data. companies surveyed felt that big data could help

How do you foresee that Big Data will affect your business in the next 2-3 years

High/Fairly high degree Market Food & Beverage Companies (1,189) (77)

37,8% 49,4% 1 Are you able to leverage big data to your productivity and value creation? Conducted by DNV GL - Business Assurance and GFK Eurisko on close to 1,200 professionals in different sectors in Europe, the Americas and Asia. For more see: https://www.dnvgl. com/ph/news/companies-are-eyeing-big-data-opportunities-but- few-are-able-to-tap-the-potential-63067 © DNV / GL

24 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles

them address tight margins while managing their brand reputation and an 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 ever growing complex risk picture. Big data can be used for things like internal benchmarking – for 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 example between plants. Perhaps even more valuable is the benchmarking 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 done against other companies or businesses that are similar. Big data also gives you the opportunity to identify continuous improvement areas, threats 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 and opportunities. 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 Of course big data is about insight – giving visibility to help organizations become more efficient and strip out waste. It can provide help with product 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 development, supply chain management and risk management. 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 Maybe even more importantly, it’s about foresight. For example, 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 crunching market data to indicate trends which give organizations a first- mover advantage when they anticipate shifts in the market ahead of the competition. Organizations should also know from the off what they want to Another application of big data is data sharing. The food and beverage get out of big data, focussing on what’s important to them. Taking the industry is recognized for being a collaborative industry, especially on topics organization’s overarching mission and vision as a starting point might help such as food safety. The Global Food Safety Initiative demonstrated what can determine what the big data priorities should be. be done, and everybody wins. Greater transparency along the supply chain Organizations need to be aware of the pitfalls and challenges of will help build supply chain and customer confidence while improvements in big data. They need to take account of issues around data privacy and traceability and better sourcing decisions will decrease food safety risks to confidentiality, and legislation around data protection. They need to consumers. It will be interesting to see, given the progressive nature of food think about data validation and who owns data; about motivations for and beverage companies, if big data can take collaborations into related or sharing data; and about where and how to develop common platforms, new areas which, for instance, tackle food fraud. and with whom. Indeed, opportunities for big data in the sector are probably infinite. Big data is unruly. Systems need to be robust. They need the capacity IBM, for example, has already used big data to create novel recipes.2 In to deal not only with the volume of big data but the speed that it can come an effort to show how computers can be creative, Big Blue programmed in at. Thought needs to be given to capture, curation, search and storage. a supercomputer to analyse vast quantities of data on everything And to how the organization can get real-time or near real-time value from from existing recipes and the molecular and chemical compounds of the information. ingredients, to known human flavour preferences. Ideas such as an apple Remember that big data is pointless if you can’t do anything with it. and pork kebab cooked with mushrooms, and curry powder; Organizations need to think about how to present the findings from big or a made from bacon, porcini mushrooms, walnut meal and dried data – creating the dashboards, scorecards and reporting that make sense figs are the result. On a serious note, it does illustrate that big data even of big data and make it actionable. This should include reporting and alerts has the potential to revolutionize how food manufacturers create recipes. which pick up deviations from the norm as well as patterns and trends. These are often the points at which something can be done – after all, Realizing the Opportunity reacting to change and creating opportunity is the point of big data. To get the most from big data, food and beverage companies first need Finally, food organizations should adopt big data now or risk being left to put a big data strategy in place. This might involve an education piece behind. We are entering a new era of digitization and complexity in which across the organization, alerting everyone to a new frontier and gaining big data will become a strong asset. Early adopters in the food industry will genuine engagement. have a competitive advantage over the organizations that drag their feet.

2See: Cognitive Cooking with Chef Watson: Recipes for Innovation from IBM & the Institute of Culinary Education

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 25 Feature Articles INDIAN CONSUMER: ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR TOWARDS CONSUMPTION OF NUTS AND DRIED FRUITS

Nuts and dried fruits in India offer a unique opportunity to meet the needs of a consumer who is looking to adopt a new wellness lifestyle without having to forego traditional values -a consumer who is increasingly concerned with health but is not willing to compromise on taste.

Lopamudra Roy Current Standing is a market research professional from India, The nut and dried fruit industry in India is specializing in Consumer Behavior. A management currently pegged at INR 15,000 crores (~ USD graduate, she has spent over 10 years studying 2 billion) and is estimated to grow to INR 30,000 the Indian market, understanding key motivators of consumer choice. She works for a qualitative crores (~ USD 4 billion) by 2020, according to research organization named The Third Eye. Prior to the Chairman of Royal Dried Fruits Range, a joining The Third Eye, Lopamudra was employed by city-based dried fruits retailer. (Source: Business Nielsen and Unilever. Standard, October 20161). While the consumption of nuts and dried becoming key, not just to stay active in the short- fruits may be much more widespread today, term but to also build strength for endurance to Heritage of Nuts and Dried Fruits the medieval values of heritage and exclusivity stay ahead in the long run. Lifestyle changes, in India continue to rest with this premium category. Other limited control over diet, the degraded quality of A demure woman, married just hours ago, carries than spices, they are the only other category that basic foods due to the rampant use of pesticides a glass of creamy milk enriched with almonds to reflects the quintessential exoticism of ancient and chemicals and increasing pollution have the chamber of her beloved husband. This is a India. Even until a few decades ago, the use of triggered concern. scene from a traditional Indian household, often nuts and dried fruits was restricted to special To offset the cumulative ill-effects of some seen in regional Hindi movies. The almond in the occasions, where their primary use would be of the aforementioned changes affecting the milk serves to give energy and vitality after a as a food “enricher” – adding richness to the country’s health, some meta trends are being tiring day packed with rituals, while the milk acts taste as well as nutritional value. Dried fruits and seen to surface, such as the moderation as an aphrodisiac. nuts have been a part of celebratory food items of unhealthy foods and bad lifestyle habits, With an eclectic mix of uses, dried fruits such as spicy Indian gravies “enriched” with compensation for bingeing by slowing down for and nuts in India date as far back as the cashew paste or pulav (Indian rice) containing a day or two, and the substitution of less healthy prehistoric times of Hindu wisdom captured roasted almonds, cashews and raisins or kheer, meal options with healthier ones. All this, without in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Indian and payasam (different kinds of Indian dessert) compromising on taste. Sanskrit text on Ayurveda (Indian traditional garnished with various dried fruits and nuts. The occasions that are now becoming medicine). In Ayurveda, the following description While the custom of using dried fruits and more about health and energy are breakfast appears: “Shuska Phal Va Tilahan (Dried Fruits nuts as a “food enricher” continues, the same and evening snacks. The health dialogue has and Oil Seeds): almond, cashew nut, chestnut, category has also made inroads into other meal influenced the strong pre-existing culture of coconut, groundnut, peanut, pistachio, etc. occasions, as a natural consequence to some of snacking in India to introduce ‘healthy snacking’. are very rich in proteins. The oils inside these the larger movements taking place in the country. To this effect, consumers are now cleverly provide natural lubricants and fats necessary adding nuts and dried fruits as a new inclusion for the body’s mechanical and other functions.” The Newly-charted Health Discourse in their eating regime. The availability of the Subsequently, nuts and dried fruits were made in India snack in multiple formats such as salty snacks more popular by the Mughals of medieval India These movements can be better appreciated and dried fruit mixtures (where the nuts and to demonstrate their rich heritage. Hence, against the backdrop of the rapidly changing fruits are sometimes broken and mixed) aid nuts and dried fruits in India have traditionally socio-economic-cultural landscape of India, with variety and make it more palatable for snacking stood for prestige, richness and exclusivity - enhanced opportunities, optimism and ambition. occasions. Cereals such as corn flakes, oats the privilege of a select few. But now we see We see new discourses emerging in the and muesli, themselves making a relatively new these traditional ideas infusing with modernity to consumer lifestyle and parlance, one of which breakfast format, have now introduced new create an exciting space for this popular symbol is the increase in health consciousness. In this flavours such as coated almonds, dried of Indian heritage. conversation, both energy and endurance are fruits and other nuts.

1Business Standard is India’s leading business newspaper: www.business-standard.com.

26 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles

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Wellness experts such as yoga teachers, nuts and dried fruits, however, these tend to be closer to the cash counter. Thus, a category gym instructors, dieticians, doctors and beauty more inconsistent. The Indian consumer today that was once restricted to reflect opulence and consultants act as the catalysts to stimulate is far more information-seeking and tends to exclusivity in may soon be making this health discourse by finding new ways of form opinions on their own in the absence of a inroads into impulse counters and in small introducing this category in consumers’ daily lives. reliable source. pouch formats, thus encouraging the “small In addition to the functional benefits, eats” occasions even further. Consumer Perception on the Benefits nuts and dried fruits also carry rich emotional of Nuts and Dried Fruits associations, making them one of the most Conclusion While nuts and dried fruits carry an overall popular choices for gifting in India. India is a Standing at the crossroads of somewhat healthy image, knowledge of the distinct benefits land of many festivals and each festival usually tumultuous shifts in lifestyles and increasing of individual nuts and dried fruits is sketchy, with involves gifts to friends and relatives as a mark incomes, the Indian consumer today is willing almonds being the only exception. Awareness of auspice. To celebrate the traditional heritage, to go the extra mile to maintain healthy eating around the distinct benefits of almonds as being these festivals act as a pretext to mark cultural habits, even more so if they are rooted in culture good for memory power, energy and skin glow, rootedness. Indian sweets (mithai), nuts and and tradition. Dried fruits and nuts fit the bill. seem to be prevalent almost universally. There are dried fruits are by far the most popular choice With their cultural origins in lavish opulence, entrenched beliefs associated with consumption for gifting during festivals and weddings. the category is fast expanding its ‘foodprint’, practices as well. Many consumers soak almonds This category is mostly sold loose in India making its way into the snacking tiffin box, on- before consuming them as they believe that this and the branded products are mostly imported. the-go small pack in the bag and in breakfast makes them more easily digestible and so the More recently, with the advent of malls and cereals while retaining its dominance in nutrients in the nuts lend themselves more readily retailer brands, there are fragmented players in traditional cooked food and as a garnish in to absorption by the body. There is also a popular the market selling dried fruits and nuts in the sweets and kulfis. All this, while still reflecting perception that unsoaked almonds produce heat packaged format. Interestingly, this is the only the quintessential exotic India. It’s not surprising, in the body, which is not good in summer. category that is seen in both separate dried therefore, to see the consequent steady growth Interestingly, consumers also seem to have fruits and nuts counters where they are sold in in the category. distinct perceptions of the benefits of other bulk as well as in premium, packaged formats

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 27 Feature Articles

Cristina Nerin. INNOVATIONS Full professor at the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Degree in Chemistry, master’s in Science (Analytical IN FOOD PACKAGING Chemistry) and PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Antioxidant packaging is one of the most attractive and innovative Email: [email protected] developments to extend the shelf life of nuts while maintaining their quality. These new materials burst onto the market and can successfully compete with the well known oxygen scavengers. Some examples are hereby described.

n the last 15 years, food packaging Then, the incorporation of active ingredients into To eliminate the risk of mold growth and has changed considerably, from its the packaging material, which depends on the the production of mycotoxins, antimicrobial Ioriginal purpose of simply containing material, the active compounds and the food. packaging material can be applied. Our food to employing the most demanding and Packaging lines, the storage period required research group also investigated this problem. sophisticated materials which are currently before it can be used, the shelf life intended As result of the research carried out, several available. Consumers are looking for better for the food and the cost of the final solution approaches have been developed in which the quality, fresh and convenient food products 7 and are also parameters which must be optimised, antimicrobial incorporated into the packaging the food industry is looking for ways to extend defined and established before launching the material demonstrated the inhibition of molds the shelf life of packaged food while maintaining new material onto the market. The efficiency of and the total inhibition of mycotoxins5, 1. In this case, more tests at the industrial scale would be required before marketing the new material.

Antioxidant Multilayer Based on Green Tea for Nuts Most nuts are packaged in high barrier multilayer flexible materials to avoid the permeation of oxygen. These multilayers are commonly produced by lamination, which Source: goglio.it is the combination of different materials in quality. Among the major innovations, the so- the new material has to be demonstrated not adhesive layers, the most common internal layer called active packaging systems are probably only on a laboratory scale, but also at industrial being low density polyethylene (LDPE). In our the most attractive to the nut sector. levels with real food. approach, green tea as free radical scavenger Active packaging materials are those Fortunately, many researchers from different was anchored in the adhesive layer behind that directly interact with the packaged food, groups have been working on this subject and the LDPE. The major components of green tea affecting its quality and extending its shelf life. some new packaging materials have been are catechins, which are well known as strong These systems are constantly acting on the successfully developed. The two main risks of antioxidants2, 3. It is also well known that free packaged food without requiring a change nut deterioration are oxidation and the growth radicals derived from oxygen are responsible or trigger to occur in the food itself. Some of molds, which can lead to the presence of for the oxidation processes, as they initiate good examples are moisture scavengers, mycotoxins. Oxidation can be prevented by the oxidation. Only a few radicals are required antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging, where removing oxygen or using antioxidants inserted to initiate the oxidation, however, without them the protective agents are incorporated into the in the packaging material. However, a different there is no oxidation and removing free radicals packaging materials instead of being added to concept of antioxidants, in which free radical is much easier than removing the oxygen. the food. This is very important in the nut sector scavengers are inserted into the packaging In this approach, free radicals have to as most of the protecting agents cannot be material, without requiring the removal of cross the LDPE layer and reach the adhesive applied directly to the food. oxygen, has been successfully developed6. I behind it, where catechins from green tea are One might think: what a great idea! Why will explain here two different approaches3, 10 incorporated. The experimental tests carried it is not applied to any packaging material on in which different free radical scavengers were out and the quantitative measurements of both the market? But the answer is not simple. To employed in multilayer packaging materials. In free radicals, oxidation performance and shelf produce an “active” material, several steps are both cases the new materials have been tested life of packaged food, demonstrated that this required. The first one is the correct selection of at an industrial scale with real food and are now approach is successful. Significant extension active agents, which depends on the target food. available on the market. of shelf life was found between the controls,

28 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles

which did not contain green tea, and the active Antioxidant Multilayer Based on • No migration of Se. This was tested by ICP- multilayers. Selenium Nanoparticles MS using Se 77 to produce SeNPs which The new material has been tested with This is another approach developed in our were incorporated into the multilayer. coffee beans, chocolate and nut derivatives research group under a Spanish Research • No migration of nanoparticles as they are at industrial scale for 16 months. The results Project (Project IPT-2012-0261-420000). not in direct contact with the food. obtained demonstrated that the current shelf Selenium nanoparticles have been proposed • Packaging lines are not affected. life of 10 months for non-active increased and measured as good antioxidants. We • Activation is not required. to 15 months when packaged with the active demonstrated that these nanoparticles act • The active material is stable and keeps the material4. 1Kg packages of food with the same as free radical scavengers and we have properties for three months after multilayer multilayer composition as that of the company incorporated them into a multilayer system. production. were tested. Similar technology to that of green tea was Highlighted advantages of this new material used but the formula, composition and final Conclusions are as follows: multilayer were different. Again, oxygen-derived Although many patents have been published, • There is no migration as green tea is free radicals such as oxo, hydroxo and peroxo only a few materials are available, and among chemically anchored in the adhesive behind were able to cross the LDPE layer and reach the them, the two approaches described here are LDPE layer. adhesive, where SeNPs were inserted. The new probably among the most appropriate for the • There are no organoleptic issues either in packaging has been successfully tested with nut sector. Of course, these approaches are the material or in the packaged food. walnuts and hazelnuts packed in transparent produced by industrial companies, who are the • The same packaging lines as for non-active multilayers containing the SeNPs. No modified holders of the patents. GOGLIO and SAMTACK materials can be used. atmosphere or vacuum were applied, only are now producing these solutions for the green • Optical properties are the same as those of standard atmosphere containing oxygen. tea and SeNPs approaches respectively. We non-active materials. Some important features of the new hope that in the near future, other advanced material are as follows: solutions which are able to overtake other decay • No effect on the optical properties of the processes will be proposed. multilayer.

References. 1. Clemente, Isabel; Aznar, Margarita; Nerin, Cristina. Anal. Chem. 2016. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00116. 2. Colón, M. and Nerín, C. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2012, 60 (39), 9842–9849. DOI: 10.1021/jf302477y - 2012. 3. Carrizo, D.;Gullo, G.;Bosetti,O.; Nerin,C. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 2014, 31, 3, 364-373. DOI:10.1080/19440049.2013.869361 – 2014. 4. Carrizo, D., Taborda,G., Nerin,C. and Bosetti,O. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies. 33 (2016) 534–541. DOI:10.1016/j.ifset.2015.10.018. 2015. 5. Manso, S.; Pezo, D.; Gómez-Lus, R; Nerín, C. Food Control 45, 101- 108 - DOI:10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.04.031 – 2014. 6. Nerín, C. Antioxidant active packaging and antioxidant edible films Chapter 31 in the book “Oxidation in foods and beverages and antioxidant applications”, Decker E.A., Elias R.J., McClements D.J. (Eds.) Oxidation in Foods and Beverages and Antioxidant Applications, vol. 2 – Management in Different Industry Sectors, 1st edition, Woodhead Publishing, Cambridge, United Kingdom, pp. 496-515, 2010. 7. Ozdemir, M., and J. D. Floros. 2004. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 44 (3):185-193. doi: 10.1080/10408690490441578. 8. Pezo, D., Salafranca, J., Nerín,C. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 385, 1241-1246. 2006. 9. Pezo, D; Salafranca, J; Nerín, C. J. of Chromatography A, 1178, 1-2, 18, 126-133, 2008. 10. Vera, Paula; Echegoyen, Yolanda; Canellas, Elena; Nerin, Cristina; Palomo-Siguero, Maria; Madrid-Albarrán, Yolanda; Camara, Carmen; Anal & Bioanal. Chem. Aceptado. 2016. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9780-9. Acknowledgement The research here described has been financed by the Projects SAFEMTECH (IAPP, Marie Curie, GA 251382) and Project NANOFLEXIPACK IPT-2012-0261-420000

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 29 Feature Articles PROSPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PECAN IN ITALY

The need to diversify fruit crops and the ongoing issue of climate change are convincing more and more farmers to seek alternatives to traditional crops. In Italy, pecans, which have been tested in central and southern Italy over several decades, are attracting the interest of many farmers, including some from northern Italy where they are, as yet, untried.

Damiano Avanzato Former Researcher at CREA-Centro di Frutticoltura di Roma. Email: [email protected]

he Pecan (Pecan illinoensis L.) has been present in Italy for at later (protogine). There are at least 500 varieties, which provides a huge least 100 years, but it has historically been relegated to a species number of options in order to be able to adapt the cultivation of pecans to Tgrown only in botanical gardens, and later planted as scattered various climate conditions. Depending on the variety, pecans perform well trees propagated from seeds. In Italy, there are few orchards made up of in both dry and humid climates: as a rule, the varieties suitable for arid grafted trees. In 1976, the “Istituto Sperimentale per la Frutticoltura di areas are not recommended in wet areas, while the reverse is possible. For Roma” began a research program and established a varietal collection in example, in Georgia, a US state with a rainfall of about 1,000 mm, some Rome. More recently, in the frame activity of the research project “Tropical recommended varieties are Caddo, Cape Fear, Creek, Desirable, Elliott, and Subtropical Fruit-bearing”, several demonstration field plots were , Forkert, Lakota, Kanza, Kiowa, Mandan, Oconee, Pawnee, Stuart established in southern regions of the peninsula, in Sicily and Sardinia. Sumner, Zinner and Success. In New Mexico, where the rainfall is about That experience occurred at a time when investments were being made 250 mm, recommended varieties are Apache, Burkett, Cheyenne, Mohawk, mainly in stone and apple orchards and table grapes. Only a few farmers were brave enough to try the cultivation of an “unknown” pecan crop, and «Depending on the variety, pecans perform well in one of them, in 1987, created a in the Apulia region. Today, he both dry and humid climates: as a rule, the varieties reaps the fruits of his far-sighted choice by marketing the brand “Pecans suitable for arid areas are not recommended in wet areas, of Sirgole”. A few years earlier in 1985 in the mountains of Tolfa, in the while the reverse is possible». Latium region, which has climatic conditions considered “non-ideal” for growing pecans, a daredevil farmer without any specific experience and Pawnee, Western Schley, Wichita, Shoshoni and Shawnee. In Italy, some with the help of the author of this article, planted about fifty pecan trees of varieties have been tested at CREA (Centro di Ricerca per la Frutticoltura) different varieties imported from abroad. and some of them are propagated by the “Exoticplant” nursery of Cisterna The pecan tree is very vigorous, capable of reaching 15 meters in di Latina. The planting distance is wide: 10x10 m or 12x12 m, although height and, because of its deep root system, capable of exploring the some orchards have been established with closer distances (12x6 m and terrain in depth, finding nutrients and water in different climate conditions. also 10x5 m), with the idea of removing alternate trees on each row when The tree prefers light and deep soils with medium texture but it can also the canopies begin to shadow each other. The species need long summers grow in relatively clayey soils with a pH subacid of up to 7.5. It is sensitive to complete fruit ripening, which occurs from September to December, to a lack of zinc, nickel and boron, but not to salinity. The grafted trees depending on the variety. At maturity, one hectare produces 2-3 tons or come into bearing very early (the third year) and do not need special more of fruits in the shell. pruning. The branches are very elastic and, in some varieties, can break The main pecan orchards are in the USA and Mexico, but the easily in the event of excessive production. Bud sprouting takes place plant grows very well even in some North African countries (Egypt and in late spring, a useful aspect which helps to avoid damage from spring Morocco), as well as in Iran, Turkey and the Caucasus on the Caspian frosts. The pecan tree is a monoecious species, with male and female Sea (rainfall greater than 2,000 mm). World production in shell basis is flowers carried on separate inflorescences. Some varieties (proterandrous) about 250,000 tons, but the marketing is based mainly around the shelled release pollen before female flower receptivity and some release the pollen form, which amounts to around 120,000 tons. Recent data reports a trade

30 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Feature Articles

volume of about 100,000 tons of shelled nuts, out of which more than 60% are produced in the USA, 34% in Mexico, 3% in South Africa and the rest in Australia, Argentina and other countries. Some researchers have defined the pecan as “the queen of nuts” for the peculiar chemical characteristics of the fruit, which is a source of energy (690 calories/100‌ g), nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, essential for the wellbeing of the human body. Regular consumption of pecans helps to reduce so-called “bad” cholesterol and raises levels of “good cholesterol” in the blood. Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, which is an excellent source of phenolic antioxidants. They contain ellagic acid,

«The main pecan orchards are in the USA and Mexico, Fig. 1. Four years old orchard in South Italy (Sicily). Source Vassallo farm. but the plant grows very well even in some North African countries (Egypt and Morocco), as well as in Iran, Turkey and the Caucasus on the Caspian Sea». which has well known antioxidant-function, vitamin E, beta-carotene and lutein, all compounds that help the body to remove free radicals and thus to protect it from diseases, tumors and infections. Pecans are also rich in riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and folate, which function as cofactors for the enzyme metabolism within the human body. Finally, they are also rich in manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium.

Because of the low volumes traded and high selling prices, pecan nuts Fig. 2. One year old orchard in Centre Italy (Lazio region). Source Maule farm. are still not well known in Italy and rarely reach consumers’ tables, but the current production is quickly sold in the market and traders are requesting a larger quantity than that which is harvested. The positive agronomic performance of the previous established orchards and the good response of nut demand in the market seem to suggest a bright future for pecans in Italy. Climate changes in progress also encourage the farmers from North to South (Figs. 1, 2, 3) to plant pecans as an alternative crop.

Fig. 3. One year old orchard in North Italy (Veneto region). Source Zingales farm.

References. 1. Avanzato D. 1987. Il Pecan in Georgia. L’Informatore Agrario, 20: 69-72. 2. Avanzato D., 2015. Vecchie e nuove specie per fronteggiare i cambiamenti climatici nel Meridione. Frutticoltura 12:40-44. 3. Avanzato D. , 2016. La coltivazione del Pecan: prospettive di sviluppo in Italia. Kiwi Informa 19: 62-66. 4. CRA-UCEA, 2005. Progetto CLIMAGRI. Cambiamenti climatici e Agricoltura. Monitoraggio permanente della siccità in agricoltura ed evidenziazione dei processi di desertificazione nel sud Italia. Relazione finale Pp 109.5. De Salvador F.R., Engel P., Proietti G., Puleo P., 2015. La coltivazione del noce pecan presso il CREA di Roma (Centro di ricerca per la frutticoltura). Kiwi informa, 19: 54-60. 6. Tamponi G., 1987. Il programma sul pecan dell’Istituto Sperimentale per la Frutticoltura di Roma. In “Il Pecan in Georgia” L’Informatore Agrario pag. 69. 7. McMinn D., 2005. Pecan: the queen of nuts. The Nimbin Good Times. Pp 5. 8. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pecans.html. Health benefits of Pecans. 9. https://cdn.shopify.com. Pecan varieties: a guide from PlantMeGreen. 10. www.agriturismi.it/it/sicilia/licata/agriturismo_fattoria_vassallo.html. 11. www.nutfruit.org. International Nut Council. Global statistical Review 2007-2012.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 31 Feature Articles

Prof. Dr. Uygun Aksoy PRE- AND POST-HARVEST Worked as a senior researcher at the Department of Horticulture, Ege FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY University, Izmir, Turkey until April 2016. She is now retired and works OF SUN-DRIED FRUITS as a short-term consultant.

The worldwide trade of dried fruits is increasing as their health benefits are revealed through scientific studies, driving the industry towards a common understanding of quality throughout the value chain.

un-drying is one of the oldest methods practically free of any visible foreign matter; of preservation that mankind learned sufficiently developed; free from living pests Sby mimicking nature. Today, almost and damage caused by pests, whatever their all fruit can be dried by being placed directly stage of development; free from blemishes; under the sun or by using different drying areas of discoloration or spread stains; free systems and methods powered by renewable from mold and fermentation; and free of or non-renewable energy sources. In parallel abnormal external moisture, foreign smell and/ to the increasing worldwide trade, the quality or taste6. These basic quality aspects depend of sun-dried fruit has become a mark of on how the fruit is handled throughout the value competitiveness. Quality is defined as the “degree chain. Major pre-harvest factors are the variety, of excellence of a product or its suitability for a adaptation to soil and climate, soil fertility and particular use”1. That is to say, a set of criteria cultural practices. The physical and chemical established by the person of interest, a trader, properties of the fruit determined by genetics researcher or a consumer required in order to (variety), cultural practices or environmental A fig crop composing of mixed quality and dried stages. fulfill their expectations. However, it is not that factors affect the drying process and the final simple. Due to new import and export markets, dried fruit quality. The significant aspects of or between the cells. The two remaining layers physical fruit-quality are: fruit size (smaller fruit display two different attitudes. The multiple «Major pre-harvest factors are the dries faster due to larger surface area), shape, layer is more flexible and a minute change in variety, adaptation to soil and climate, skin properties (number of stomata or lenticels, its concentration may affect the water activity soil fertility and cultural practices». wax composition and thickness, natural skin levels of the dried fruit. The remaining bound cracks, presence and density of hairs), skin, water is a monolayer of water molecules that more complex supply chains dictating specific flesh and inner cavity color, and pit properties surround the surface and do not have any quality schemes and consumer concerns about (flesh to pit ratio, size, free or cling stone). The solubility. The water molecules are strongly the origin, safety, quality and waste of the main chemical or compositional properties bound to hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides, product, assessing quality has become more that play a crucial role are: the water (or total carbonyl and amino groups of proteins through complex than ever2. Consumers are increasingly dry matter) content; soluble solids and their hydrogen or ionic dipolar bonds4. Major fruit attracted to sun-dried fruits because of their molecular sizes i.e. and organic acid varieties for commercial drying have high dry minimal processing and energy requirements, content, composition and their ratios; and the matter and sugar contents and in most cases health benefits and reduced mass, which makes location and content of phenolic compounds. considerably lower acidity levels, giving the them suitable for long-distance transportation in Fruit with higher dry matter and lower moisture sweet taste. Other factors, such as the age ambient conditions. content shorten the drying period under and vigor of the tree, rootstock used, cultural The quality of dried fruit is evaluated on suitable drying conditions and result in higher practices implemented and the prevailing many characteristics including its organoleptic, quality. Fruit with high soluble solid contents orchard conditions, exert a substantial effect physical-chemical, and microbiological composed of smaller molecules, like , on these properties. The varietal properties properties and defects, which may be common require longer drying period compared to those also determine the pre-treatments applied to many or specific to a certain species or with lower solute concentrations. If the fruit to quicken drying or increase produce variety. The basic common features (subject composition is high in or , which quality (e.g. suppressing enzymatic and non- to the special provisions for each quality class absorb water molecules, water loss becomes enzymatic browning) or safety. The decision and the tolerances allowed) of dried produce harder. The water molecules lost first during on the fruit variety should take into account are described as being: intact; sound; clean; drying are those of the free water present in the optimum soil and climate requirements

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prevailing in the location, specifically, chilling requirements and heat summation during fruit development and maturation. For sun-drying in the open air, ripening time and harvest period need to be studied to prevent damage from the rain and minimize high moisture risks. The main practices that affect fruit size (e.g. irrigation, fertilization, pruning, thinning), shape (e.g. pollination and pest management), color (e.g. pruning, fertilization, disease and pest management), composition (e.g. irrigation, fertilization), physiological disorders such as cracks, sunscald (e.g. trellising, pruning, fertilization, irrigation) and insect infestation and damage should be applied in a timely fashion and be based upon expert recommendation in Seedless grape vineyard; sun-drying of grapes on racks. order to prevent adverse effects. Harvest and post-harvest practices exert boxes, bins, drying trays and surfaces in year. In some cases, allowed additives such as an additional impact on dried fruit quality. the yard should receive special attention. sorbate or sulphur may contribute to extended Harvest maturity is the most important In the open air, drying conditions such as storage. The ideal storage conditions for sun- parameter and varies from one crop to another. temperature, relative humidity, wind speed dried fruit are 4-5 oC and 55-65 % relative It affects the drying ratio as well as the final (especially during the early phases of drying) humidity5. Due to the hygroscopic nature of quality of the product. In apricot drying (cv. and their diurnal variation influence the drying sun-dried fruit, the water content of the product, Sekerpare), a fully ripe fruit yields 30 % more rate and the quality of the final product. If the water vapor permeability of the packaging dried weight compared to a sample with less initial temperatures are high then the water material and the storage conditions should be soluble solids. During Sulphur treatment, the loss at the outer layer may be so fast that closely monitored to prevent fermentation and instead of shriveling, a hard layer that hinders microbial growth. Good storage, transportation «Harvest maturity is the most further water loss may form. In overripe fruit, and display practices under controlled important parameter and varies from the fluids can flow out leaving a drier flesh, conditions, hindering any external storage pest one crop to another. It affects the drying which exerts pressure on the lower layers infestation (most species are polyphagous), ratio as well as the final quality of the where cell fluids flow out. Pre-treatments will prevent insect infestation and damage. product». with water, acids, bases or blanching all aim Good management of the value chain based on to remove the physical barriers and enhance local knowledge will help to reduce waste and intake rates also vary according to the maturity water loss from the fruit. Once the water enhance market quality and quantity. including between the mature and immature content of the dried fruit is within the limits, parts of the same apricot fruit3. Similarly, drying and the conditions allow a water activity level overripe fruit will cause lower quality and more below 0.65, the microbial contamination and waste. There are exceptional cases where the toxin formation risks are minimized. fruit overripens on the tree (figs) or dries on Post-harvest practices that affect quality the trellis (grapes). Care at harvest is of the include storage, transportation, processing and utmost importance to reduce physical damage retail stages. Even if the significance varies and microbial contamination. The training of from one dried fruit to the other, storage pests, all workers on the quality management plan fermentation and mycotoxins may pose a threat. is crucial in order to avoid possible sources Most dried fruit such as dates, apricots, grapes of contamination and bruising. Harvest bags, and prunes have stock surpluses from year to

References. 1. Abbott, J.A. 1999. Quality measurement of fruits and vegetables Postharvest Biology and Technology 15: 207–225. 2. Annovazzi-Jakab, L. 2014. UNECE: Commercial quality standards and more; OECD Heads of Inspection Services Meeting Warsaw, Poland May 2014. 3. Asma, B. 2000. Apricot Production, Inönü University, Malatya, Turkey. 4. Özkan, M. and Cemeroglu, B. 2004. Drying technology in Fruit and Vegetable Processing Technology. Ed. by B. Cemeroglu, Vol. 2, pp. 479-550. 5. Sen, F., Karaçalı I. and Turantas, F. Effect of cold and fluctuating storage conditions on quality of dried apricot, Hort. Environ. Biotechnol. 50(3):1-6. 2009. 6. UN/ECE, 2011. Standard layout for UNECE Standards on dry and dried produce. http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trade/agr/standard/dry/StandardLayout/DDP_e.pdf.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 33 Health News

A HANDFUL OF NUTS EVERY DAY TO MODULATE THE ACTIVITY AND FUNCTION OF microRNAs

Some of the health effects of nuts may be explained by the modulation of the activity of miRNAs, small regulatory RNA molecules which control several molecular processes at the cellular level.

Simona Giardina (PhD student), Dr. Mònica Bulló and Prof. Jordi Salas- Salvadó

Human Nutrition Unit from the he discovery in 1993 of small regulatory developing coronary heart disease, type 2 Department of Biochemistry and RNA molecules, called microRNAs (miRNAs), diabetes, cancer and, more generally, with Biotechnology, Hospital Universitari represented a break with the central dogma of reduced risk of mortality3. de Sant Joan de Reus, Faculty of T molecular biology. From that moment on, RNA would not be Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV (Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere considered simply a messenger between DNA and protein, The beneficial effects of nuts are Virgili), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, but an active regulator of gene expression. ascribed to their unique nutrient profile, Reus (Spain). CIBERobn (Centro de which is high in unsaturated fatty acids, Investigación Biomédica en Red MiRNAs are a conserved family of 18-25 nucleotide especially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y small RNA molecules which are involved in posttranscriptional acids, high-quality vegetable proteins, Nutrición), Institute of Health Carlos III, gene repression. There is evidence to suggest miRNAs play vitamins, minerals, fibers, plant sterols and Madrid (Spain). a key role in almost every cellular process, such as cell cycle phytochemicals. This profile makes nuts a control, development, immune response and metabolism. source of bioactive molecules. Due to their pivotal role in cell biology, miRNA deficiencies and excesses have been linked to a number of clinically important Owing to their complex matrices of fats diseases and chronic conditions. In fact, miRNA profiling and non-fatty constituents, recent scientific studies have demonstrated that aberrant miRNA expression evidence has demonstrated that, behind patterns, detected in biofluids and/or tissues, were specific to the control of gene expression observed various types of cancers, cardiometabolic diseases, obesity related to nut consumption, the regulation of and diabetes1. miRNAs plays an important role.

Changes in miRNA expression and/or in their There is evidence to suggest miRNAs mechanisms of action show a great plasticity and play a key role in almost every cellular respond to environmental signals, including dietary process, such as cell cycle control, factors. The description of the interplay between genes development, immune response and and diets has its roots in the last century, however it has metabolism. recently been discovered that nutrients can exert their beneficial effects by acting on the biogenesis, processing In this context, the recently published and action of miRNAs2. study of Tsoukas et al. found that a diet enriched with walnut significantly changed The scientific community has come to a global the miRNA expression profile in localized consensus regarding the health properties of nuts. A colorectal cancer tissue in a mouse model4. growing body of scientific evidence, from epidemiological As for human beings, in the frame of the observations to several clinical trials, both in animal PREDIMED study, we found an association models and in humans, has established the inverse between an miRNA target site variant in the associations between nut consumption and the risk of miR-410 and stroke incidence, observing

34 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Health News

that the association was modulated by monounsaturated fatty acids miRNAs which have been linked to diabetes as well as and and polyunsaturated fat intake, nutrients which are found in high insulin metabolism7. quantities in extra-virgin olive oil and nuts5. In 2015, Ortega et al. reported for the first time the modulation of 11 plasma miRNAs Taken together, the results of the few studies published so far in healthy subjects following 8 weeks of a 30 g nut-enriched settle the critical issue of understanding the molecular mechanisms normocaloric diet. Furthermore, the changes observed mirrored the behind the beneficial health effects of nut consumption. Walnuts, improvement of the lipid and inflammatory profile6. pistachios, almonds and other tree nuts can control biogenesis, processing and activity of the miRNAs which play a pivotal role in the Even more specific is the study published in 2016 by Hernández- definition of the physiological nature of the cell. Alonso of our research group. Following the results obtained in the EPIRDEM study where we demonstrated how in pre-diabetic patients chronic pistachio consumption led to improved glucose and insulin metabolism as well as cardiovascular risk markers, we also demonstrated a shift towards a healthier profile in circulating

References 1. Li Y, Kowdley KV. MicroRNAs in common human diseases. Genomics Proteomics Bioinformatics. 2012 Oct;10(5):246-53. 2. Ross SA, Davis CD. The emerging role of microRNAs and nutrition in modulating health and disease. Annu Rev Nutr. 2014;34:305-36. 3. Aune D, Keum N, Giovannucci E, Fadnes LT, Boffetta P, Greenwood DC, Tonstad S, Vatten LJ, Riboli E, Norat T. Nut consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMC Med. 2016 Dec 5;14(1):207.4. Tsoukas MA, Ko BJ, Witte TR, Dincer F, Hardman WE, Mantzoros CS. Dietary walnut suppression of colorectal cancer in mice: Mediation by miRNA patterns and fatty acid incorporation. J Nutr Biochem. 2015 Jul;26(7):776-83. 5. Corella D, Sorlí JV, Estruch R, Coltell O, Ortega-Azorín C, Portolés O, Martínez-González MÁ, Bulló M, Fitó M, Arós F, Lapetra J, Asensio EM, Sáez GT, Serra-Majem L, Muñoz-Bravo C, Ruiz-Gutiérrez V, Fiol M, Vinyoles E, Pintó X, Richardson K, Ros E, Ordovás JM. MicroRNA-410 regulated lipoprotein lipase variant rs13702 is associated with stroke incidence and modulated by diet in the randomized controlled PREDIMED trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Aug;100(2):719-31. 6. Ortega FJ, Cardona-Alvarado MI, Mercader JM, Moreno-Navarrete JM, Moreno M, Sabater M, Fuentes-Batllevell N, Ramírez-Chávez E, Ricart W, Molina-Torres J, Pérez-Luque EL, Fernández-Real JM. Circulating profiling reveals the effect of a polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched diet on common microRNAs. J Nutr Biochem. 2015 Oct;26(10):1095-101.7. Hernández-Alonso P, Giardina S, Salas-Salvadó J, Arcelin P, Bulló M. Chronic pistachio intake modulates circulating microRNAs related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in prediabetic subjects. Eur J Nutr. 2016 Jul 6.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 35 Health News NEW SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

Aune, D., Keum, N., BACKGROUND. Although nut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease Giovannucci, E., Fadnes, L. T., and all-cause mortality, data on less common causes of death has not been systematically assessed. Previous Boffetta, P., Greenwood, D. C., ... reviews missed several studies and additional studies have since been published. We therefore conducted a & Norat, T. (2016). systematic review and meta-analysis of nut consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and Nut consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, all-cause and cause-specific mortality.METHODS. PubMed and Embase were searched for prospective studies all-cause and cause-specific of nut consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality mortality: a systematic review in adult populations published up to July 19, 2016. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals and dose-response meta- (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. The burden of mortality attributable to low nut consumption analysis of prospective studies. was calculated for selected regions. RESULTS. Twenty studies (29 publications) were included in the meta- BMC Medicine. analysis. The summary RRs per 28 grams/day increase in nut intake was for coronary heart disease, 0.71 (95% CI: 0.63–0.80, I2 = 47%, n = 11), stroke, 0.93 (95% CI: 0.83–1.05, I2 = 14%, n = 11), cardiovascular disease, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70–0.88, I2 = 60%, n = 12), total cancer, 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76–0.94, I2 = 42%, n = 8), all-cause mortality, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72–0.84, I2 = 66%, n = 15), and for mortality from respiratory disease, 0.48 (95% CI: 0.26–0.89, I2 = 61%, n = 3), diabetes, 0.61 (95% CI: 0.43–0.88, I2 = 0%, n = 4), neurodegenerative disease, 0.65 (95% CI: 0.40–1.08, I2 = 5.9%, n = 3), infectious disease, 0.25 (95% CI: 0.07–0.85, I2 = 54%, n = 2), and kidney disease, 0.27 (95% CI: 0.04–1.91, I2 = 61%, n = 2). The results were similar for tree nuts and peanuts. If the associations are causal, an estimated 4.4 million premature deaths in the America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific would be attributable to a nut intake below 20 grams per day in 2013.CONCLUSIONS. Higher nut intake is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality, and mortality from respiratory disease, diabetes, and infections.

We hypothesized that dietary walnut would prevent high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced hepatic apoptosis based on its Choi, Y., Abdelmegeed, M. A., & Song, B. J. (2016). antioxidant properties. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a rodent chow or HFD (45% energy-derived)±walnuts Preventive effects of dietary (21.5% energy-derived) for 6 weeks. Liver histological and biochemical analyses revealed significantly elevated walnuts on high-fat-induced fat accumulation in mice fed HFD compared to mice fed the chow or HFD±walnuts. Walnut supplementation hepatic fat accumulation, oxidative stress and apoptosis prevented HFD-mediated alteration of the levels of key proteins in lipid homeostasis such as Sirt1, AMPK and in mice. FAS, leading to decreased fat accumulation. In addition, walnut supplementation to HFD significantly decreased The Journal of Nutritional the hepatic levels of cytochrome P450-2E1, nitrated proteins and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, walnut Biochemistry, 38, 70-80. supplementation decreased the activated cell-death-associated p-JNK and p-p38K accompanied with increased hepatocyte apoptosis in HFD group. The beneficial effects of dietary walnut likely result, at least partially, from its antioxidant ingredients and attenuating HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, nitroxidative stress and apoptosis.

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March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 37 Health News

Dhillon, J., Tan, S. Y., & BACKGROUND: Inclusion of almonds in an energy-restricted diet has been reported both to enhance or to have Mattes, R. D. (2016). no effect on weight loss. Their effects specifically on visceral body fat stores during energy restriction have not Almond Consumption been widely examined. In addition, almond consumption has been associated with reduced blood pressure (BP), during Energy Restriction Lowers Truncal Fat and but whether this is linked to or independent of changes in body composition has to our knowledge not been Blood Pressure in Compliant examined. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of consuming almonds as part of an energy-restricted diet on Overweight or Obese Adults. body composition, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and BP, compared to a nut-free energy-restricted diet. The Journal of Nutrition, METHODS: A randomized controlled 12-wk clinical trial of 86 healthy adults [body mass index (in kg/m2): 25-40] jn238444. was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 energy-restricted (500-kcal deficit/d) diets: an almond-enriched diet (AED) (15% energy from almonds) or a nut-free diet (NFD). A linear mixed-model analysis on primary outcomes such as body weight, body fat, VAT, and BP was performed on all participants [intention-to- treat (ITT) analysis] and compliant participants (complier analysis).RESULTS: Body weight, truncal and total fat percentage, VAT, and systolic BP decreased after 12 wk of energy restriction in both the ITT and complier analyses (P < 0.05). The complier analysis (but not the ITT analysis) indicated a greater mean ± SEM reduction in truncal fat (AED: -1.21% ± 0.26%; NFD: -0.48% ± 0.24%; P = 0.025), total fat (AED: -1.79% ± 0.36%; NFD: -0.74% ± 0.33%; P = 0.035), and diastolic BP (AED: -2.71 ± 1.2 mm Hg; NFD: 0.815 ± 1.1 mm Hg; P = 0.029), and a greater tendency for VAT loss (AED: -8.19 ± 1.8 cm2; NFD: -3.99 ± 1.7 cm2; P = 0.09) over time in the AED group than the NFD group. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate almond consumption by compliant overweight and obese individuals during energy restriction results in greater proportional reductions of truncal and total body fat as well as diastolic BP and hence may help to reduce metabolic disease risk in obesity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02360787.

BACKGROUND: The prebiotic effects of a cashew apple ( L.) agro-industrial byproduct Duarte, F. N. D., Rodrigues, J. Anacardium occidentale B., da Costa Lima, M., Lima, M. powder (CAP) on different potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains, namely L. acidophilus LA-05, L. casei L-26 D. S., Pacheco, M. T. B., Pintado, and L. paracasei L-10, was assessed using in vitro experimental models. For this, the growth of the Lactobacillus M. M. E., ... & de Souza, E. L. strains when cultivated in a broth containing CAP (20 or 30 g L-1 ), glucose (20 g L-1 ) or fructooligosaccharides (2017). Potential prebiotic properties (FOS) (20 g L-1 ) were monitored during 48 h; the prebiotic activity scores of CAP were determined; and the of cashew apple (Anacardium changes in pH values, production of organic acids and consumption of sugars in growth media were verified. occidentale L.) agro-industrial RESULTS: During the 48 h-cultivation, similar viable cell counts were observed for the Lactobacillus strains grown byproduct on Lactobacillus in the different tested media. The CAP presented positive prebiotic activity scores toward all the tested Lactobacillus species. strains, indicating a desirable selective fermentable activity relative to enteric organisms. The cultivation of the Journal of the Science of Food Lactobacillus strains in broth containing glucose, FOS or CAP resulted in high viable cell counts, decreased pH, and Agriculture. production of organic acids and consumption of sugars over time, revealing intense bacterial metabolic activity. CONCLUSION: The CAP exert potential prebiotic effects on different potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains, and should be an added-value ingredient for food industry.

A walnut supplement for a Western-style diet in men was shown to improve sperm motility, vitality, and morphology. Coffua, L. S., & Martin- DeLeon, P. A. (2017). To gain further insights into factors underlying this improvement, we administered a parallel walnut-enriched diet Effectiveness of a walnut- to mice [including those with a defect in sperm motility due to deletion of Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase 4 enriched diet on murine (Pmca4-/- )] to determine if there is a similar improvement that is accompanied by reduced sperm membrane sperm: involvement of reduced peroxidative damage. Although sperm vitality and acrosome reaction rate were unaffected, the diet led to a peroxidative damage. significant improvement in motility (P < 0.05) and morphology (P < 0.04) in wild-type sperm and in morphology (P Heliyon, 3(2), e00250. < 0.01) in Pmca4-/- , confirming the diet's efficacy, which appeared to be more modest in mice than in humans. In both strains of mice, the diet resulted in a significant decrease in sperm lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress) levels, but did not rescue the significantly increased apoptotic levels seen in the testis and epididymis of Pmca4 nulls. Our findings support the effectiveness of walnuts on sperm quality, associated with reduced peroxidative damage; and suggest that oxidative stress is involved in the mechanism(s) underlying male reproductive defects in Pmca4-/-.

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Gulati Seema, Misra Anoop, BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) statistics have reached menacing proportions in India. Appropriate dietary and Pandey Ravindra M. intervention, as part of healthy lifestyle, is imperative to curb further spread of this disease. OBJECTIVES: This pre- (2017). post intervention study was conducted in New Delhi, India, to investigate the effects of daily consumption of almonds Effect of Almond for 24 weeks in T2D subjects, specifically on measures of glycemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Supplementation on Glycemia and Cardiovascular Risk METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: In this study, the 24-week intervention period was preceded by a control diet and Factors in Asian Indians exercise run-in period of 3 weeks. Raw almonds (20% of energy intake) were provided to the patients for consumption in North India with Type 2 along with diet and physical activity counseling. Patients were assessed for anthropometry, blood pressure, measures Diabetes Mellitus: A 24-Week of glycemia (fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin), lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density Study. lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a)], surrogate marker of atherosclerosis (Pulse Metabolic Syndrome and wave velocity), and marker of inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) at baseline and after the Related Disorders, January intervention period. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in mean values for various parameters post 2017, ahead of print. intervention was as follows: waist circumference (P < 0.03), waist-to-height ratio (P < 0.005), TC (P < 0.002), serum triglycerides (P < 0.004), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01), glycosylated hemoglobin (P < 0.04), and hs- CRP (P < 0.01). A trend toward improvement in pulse wave velocity (P < 0.06) was also observed. CONCLUSION: The study findings illustrate that incorporation of almonds in a well-balanced healthy diet to multiple beneficial effects on glycemic and CVDs risk factors in Asian Indian patients with T2D.

Hu, Y., McIntosh, G. H., Le Leu, Se and green tea have been shown in epidemiological, observational and preclinical studies to be inversely R. K., Somashekar, R., Meng, X. related to the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there are limited studies to evaluate their Q., Gopalsamy, G., ... & Young, regulatory effects on genes/proteins that relate to CRC oncogenesis in human subjects, such as selenoproteins,

G. P. (2016). WNT signalling pathway, inflammation and methylation. This study examined the effects of supplementation of Supplementation with Brazil nuts and green tea extract Se using Brazil nuts and green tea extract (GTE) capsules, alone and in combination, on targeted biomarkers. regulates targeted biomarkers In total, thirty-two volunteers (>50 years of age) with plasma Se≤1·36 µmol/l were randomised to one of three related to colorectal cancer risk treatment groups: nine to Se (approximately 48 µg/d) as six Brazil nuts, eleven to four GTE capsules (800 mg in humans. (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate) and twelve to a combination of Brazil nuts and GTE. Blood and rectal biopsies British Journal of Nutrition, were obtained before and after each intervention. Plasma Se levels, rectal selenoprotein P (SePP) and β-catenin 116(11), 1901-1911. mRNA increased significantly in subjects consuming Brazil nuts alone or in combination, whereas rectal DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) and NF-κB mRNA were reduced significantly in subjects consuming GTE alone or in combination. None of the interventions significantly affected rectal acetylated histone H3 or Ki-67 expression at the protein level or plasma C-reactive protein. Effects of the combination of Brazil nuts and GTE did not differ from what would be expected from either agent alone. In conclusion, supplementation of Brazil nuts and/or GTE regulates targeted biomarkers related to CRC oncogenesis, specifically genes associated with selenoproteins (SePP), WNT signalling (β-catenin), inflammation (NF-κB) and methylation (DNMT1). Their combination does not appear to provide additional effects compared with either agent alone.

Aiming at investigating the potential effect of minimal dietary changes in NAFLD patients with non-significant fibrosis, Kaliora, A. C., Kokkinos, A., Diolintzi, A., Stoupaki, M., 55 patients with NAFLD were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were assigned into two Gioxari, A., Kanellos, P. T., ... isocaloric dietary treatment groups for 24 weeks: (a) nutritional counseling (Control arm, N = 27), (b) nutritional

& Karathanos, V. T. (2016). counseling with currants included (two fruit servings, 36 g per day), substituting snacks of similar caloric content The effect of minimal dietary changes with raisins in NAFLD (Currant arm, N = 28). Clinical tests, anthropometrics, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were conducted patients with non-significant pre- and post-intervention. A total of 50 patients completed the trial. Significant differences between the two arms fibrosis: a randomized controlled post-intervention were observed in fasting glucose and in IL-6 levels, these being significantly decreased only intervention. in Currant patients. Body weight, BMI, HbA1c, CRP and EUS values decreased in both arms, differences being Food & Function. insignificant between the two arms post-intervention. Participants in the Currant arm had significantly reduced total body fat, WC and trunk fat. Ultrasound scanning improved significantly in patients snacking currants daily. Also, volunteers enrolled in the Currant arm showed a reduced intake of saturated fatty acids. Because BW regulation has been officially recognised as a treatment approach in NAFLD an additional analysis was repeated in patients adhering to this. Post-intervention, the decrease in IL-6 and in fasting glucose was significantly higher in Currant patients who lost BW compared to their counterparts in the Control arm. Conclusively, minimal modifications in snacking choices, such as the inclusion of dried grapes in diet, are beneficial in NAFLD patients with non-significant fibrosis.

40 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT

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Mazidi, M., Rezaie, P., Ferns, G. BACKGROUND: The effects of different types of tree nut, peanut, and soy nut consumption on serum C - reactive A., & Gao, H. K. (2016). protein (CRP) are not well established. We aimed to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective Impact of different types of studies to determine the effect of nut consumption (tree nuts, peanuts, and soy nuts) on serum CRP. METHOD: tree nut, peanut, and soy PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar databases were searched (up until nut consumption on serum April 20 2016) to identify prospective studies evaluating the impact of tree nut, peanut, and soy nut consumption C-reactive protein (CRP): on serum CRP. Random effects models meta-analysis was used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized was conducted using the leave-one-out method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I index. controlled clinical trials. Systematic review registration: CRD42016038044. RESULTS: From a total of 844 entries identified via searches, Medicine, 95(44), e5165. 20 studies were included in the final selection. The meta-analysis indicated a nonsignificant increase in serum CRP concentrations following nut consumption (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.17 mg/L, (95% CI -0.67 to 0.33, I 52.1%). The WMDs for IL6 was -0.06(ng/dL), (95% CI -0.69 to 0.56, I 9.6%), -0.71(mg/dL), (95% CI -1.11 to -0.30, I 6.3%), for leptin, and -0.60(mg/dL), (95% CI -1.88 to 0.68, I 5.6%) for adiponectin, and -0.18(mg/ dL), (95% CI -1.24 to 0.88, I 9.3%) for IL10 and -0.37 (pg/mL), (95% CI -0.90 to 0.16, I 7.9%) for TNF-α. These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that nut consumption significantly decrease leptin while have no significant effect on CRP, IL6, adiponectin, IL10, and TNF-α.

BACKGROUND: In our recently published study, including walnuts in the diets of adults with prediabetes led to Njike, V. Y., Yarandi, N., Petraro, P., Ayettey, R. G., Treu, J. A., & Katz, overall improvement in diet quality. This report adds to those study findings by examining the food groups displaced D. L. (2016). during walnut inclusion in the diets of those adults with prediabetes. METHODS: Randomized, controlled, modified Inclusion of walnut in the Latin square parallel design with 2 treatment arms. The 112 participants (31 men, 81 women) were randomly diets of adults at risk for type assigned to a diet with or without dietary counseling to regulate calorie intake in a 1:1 ratio. Within each treatment 2 diabetes and their dietary arm, participants were further randomized to 1 of 2 sequence permutations to receive a walnut-included diet pattern changes: a randomized, controlled, cross-over trial. with 56 g (366 kcal) of walnuts per day and a walnut-excluded diet. Participants in the calorie-regulated arm received advice from a dietitian to preserve an isocaloric condition while including walnuts. We analyzed the 12 BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, 4(1), e000293. components of the 2010 Healthy Eating Index to examine dietary pattern changes of study participants. RESULTS: Seafood and plant protein foods intake significantly increased with walnut inclusion, compared with their exclusion (2.14±2.06 vs -0.49±2.33; p=0.003). The ingestion of healthful fatty acids also significantly increased with walnut inclusion, compared with their exclusion (1.43±4.53 vs -1.76±4.80; p=0.02). Dairy ingestion increased with walnut inclusion in the calorie-regulated phase, compared with walnut inclusion without calorie regulation (1.06±4.42 vs -2.15±3.64; p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that walnut inclusion in the diets of adults at risk for diabetes led to an increase in intake of other healthful foods.

Walnuts contain a number of potentially neuroprotective compounds like vitamin E, folate, melatonin, several Pribis, P. (2016). Effects of Walnut Consumption antioxidative polyphenols and significant amounts ofω -3 fatty acids. The present study sought to determine on Mood in Young Adults-A the effect of walnuts on mood in healthy volunteers. Sixty-four college students were randomly assigned to two Randomized Controlled Trial. treatment sequences in a crossover fashion: walnut-placebo or placebo-walnut. At baseline mood was assessed Nutrients, 8(11), 668. using Profiles of Mood States (POMS). Data was collected again after eight weeks of intervention. After six-weeks of washout, the intervention groups followed the diets in reverse order. Data was collected once more at the end of the eight-week intervention period. No significant changes in mood were observed in the analyses with both genders combined and in females. However, we have observed a significant medium effect size improvement in the Total Mood Disturbance score (-27.49%, p = 0.043, Cohen's d = 0.708) in males. In non-depressed healthy young males, walnuts seem to have the ability to improve mood.

Palmer, D. J., & Prescott, S. L. Over the past two decades we have been debating the question of whether the age of commencement of (2016). complementary feeding affects the risk of developing food allergy. We ate up the notion that delayed introduction Early introduction of food of more allergenic foods in early childhood, would help overcome the increasing rates of food allergy, then we reduces food allergy–Pro. promptly spat it out again despite limited evidence. Recently high-quality randomised controlled trial evidence Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. has given us the confidence to swallow the concept that allergenic foods, like egg and peanut, should be given to infants. We now need to recommend that when an infant is developmentally ready, a variety of nutritious foods should be introduced to ensure high diet diversity, including the 'more allergenic' foods during infancy.

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Rajaram, S., Valls-Pedret, C., INTRODUCTION: An unwanted consequence of population aging is the growing number of elderly at risk of Cofan, M., Sabaté, J., Serra-Mir, neurodegenerative disorders, including dementia and macular degeneration. As nutritional and behavioral M., Pérez-Heras, A. M., ... & changes can delay disease progression, we designed the Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) study, a two- Doménech, M. (2016). center, randomized, 2-year clinical trial conducted in free-living, cognitively healthy elderly men and women. Our The Walnuts and Healthy Aging study (WAHA): Protocol for a interest in exploring the role of walnuts in maintaining cognitive and retinal health is based on extensive evidence Nutritional Intervention Trial with supporting their cardio-protective and vascular health effects, which are linked to bioactive components, such Walnuts on Brain Aging. as n-3 fatty acids and polyphenols. METHODS: The primary aim of WAHA is to examine the effects of ingesting Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, walnuts daily for 2 years on cognitive function and retinal health, assessed with a battery of neuropsychological 8, 333. tests and optical coherence tomography, respectively. All participants followed their habitual diet, adding walnuts at 15% of energy (≈30-60 g/day) (walnut group) or abstaining from walnuts (control group). Secondary outcomes include changes in adiposity, blood pressure, and serum and urinary biomarkers in all participants and brain magnetic resonance imaging in a subset. RESULTS: From May 2012 to May 2014, 708 participants (mean age 69 years, 68% women) were randomized. The study ended in May 2016 with a 90% retention rate. DISCUSSION: The results of WAHA might provide high-level evidence of the benefit of regular walnut consumption in delaying the onset of age-related cognitive impairment and retinal pathology. The findings should translate into public health policy and sound recommendations to the general population (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01634841).

Yang, R., Li, X., Lin, S., Zhang, In the present study, two novel peptides Lys-Trp-Phe-Cys-Thr (KWFCT) and Gln-Trp-Phe-Cys-Thr (QWFCT) were Z., & Chen, F. (2017). purified and identified from 3 to 10kDa pine nutPinus ( koraiensis) meal protein. Their cytotoxicity and antioxidant Identification of novel peptides activities in vitro were determined. Additionally, pulsed electric field technology, antioxidant activities, and circular from 3 to 10kDa pine nut (Pinus dichroism were used together to investigate the relationship between antioxidant activities and secondary koraiensis) meal protein, with an exploration of the relationship structure. The results showed that neither peptide demonstrated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. KWFCT had higher between their antioxidant values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (67.43%±1.33%) and ferric-reducing antioxidant activities and secondary power (67.86±1.03mM Fe2+/mg), and Ac-QWFCT had higher values for 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- structure. sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) inhibition (74.9%±1.19%) and cellular antioxidant activity (916.32μmol Food Chemistry, 219, 311-320. of QE/100g) (P<0.05). The antioxidant activities reached their highest values when parameters of PEF were 5kV/ cm and 2400Hz. An increase in antioxidant activities of Ac-QWFCT was correlated with a decrease in random coil content.

The number of children with peanut allergy has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Parents may Moreno, M. A. (2017). Guidelines for Children With be particularly concerned about peanut allergy because most food-related serious allergic reactions, such as Peanut Allergy. anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that includes breathing difficulties as well as fatal allergic reactions, are JAMA pediatrics, 171(1), 100-100. associated with peanuts. Because peanut allergy is common and can be quite serious, many parents want guidelines for how to best prevent allergies to peanuts. Many research studies over the past 20 years have focused on peanut allergy and how best to prevent it. This research has been translated into guidelines for families that are mostly focused on what time in a child’s life is safest to introduce peanuts into the diet. With new research emerging, these guidelines have been updated to represent the best available evidence from research. An article in this month’s JAMA Pediatrics reviews these guidelines and the research studies that informed the guidelines.

Bowen, P. E. (2017). Food and agriculture commodity boards have become important funders of nutrition research. There are benefits Role of Commodity Boards in and cautions (biases toward health benefits, failure to publish negative results, and aggressive promotion of single Advancing the Understanding studies) for this activity. The California Dried Plum Board, along with other commodity boards, have developed of the Health Benefits of Whole independent Scientific Nutrition Advisory Panels to guide and evaluate the research they fund. In the case of the Foods: California Dried Plums. California Dried Plum Board, this has resulted in research that has distinguished the nature and dose of dried plum Nutrition Today, 52(1), 19. and juice to maintain bowel health and opened up a surprising new function for dried plum in the prevention of age-related bone loss.

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From 19-21 May 2017, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai will provide a unique environment for participants to learn, network and share knowledge and experiences. All meetings and social events will take place in top-class air-conditioned facilities.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Wednesday 17 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Congress Registration > Hibiscus Lounge Thursday 18 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Congress Registration > Hibiscus Lounge Friday 19 Saturday 20 Sunday 21 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Congress Registration 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Congress Registration 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM Congress Registration > Hibiscus Lounge > Hibiscus Lounge > Hibiscus Lounge 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Booth Exhibition 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Booth Exhibition 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM Booth Exhibition > Prefunction Area > Prefunction Area > Prefunction Area 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Morning Coffee Morning Coffee Morning Coffee Sponsored by Besana Group Sponsored by Setton Pistachio Sponsored by > Prefunction Area of Terra Bella Inc The Richard Franco Agency > Prefunction Area > Prefunction Area 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM CONGRESS OPENING 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM ALMONDS 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM ANNUAL REPORT > Rajendra Ballroom Round Table > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CASHEWS 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM HAZELNUTS Round Table Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Round Table > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom 10:00 AM-10:45 AM KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM WALNUTS 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MACADAMIAS Gopi Kallayil Round Table Round Table > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM PEANUTS 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM PINE NUTS Round Table Round Table > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM DRIED FRUIT 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM PISTACHIOS 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM BRAZIL NUTS Round Table Round Table Round Table > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM NUTRITION 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM SCIENTIFIC SEMINAR 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM PECANS RESEARCH UPDATE Chaired by Pino Calcagni, Chairman of the INC Round Table Chaired by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Scientific and Government Affairs Committee > Rajendra Ballroom Chairman of the INC World Forum for Nutrition Research > Rajendra Ballroom and Dissemination Guest Speakers: Dr. Richard D. Mattes, Purdue University, USA and Dr. V. Mohan, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, India > Rajendra Ballroom 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Buffet Working Lunch Buffet Working Lunch Buffet Working Lunch Sponsored by GI Technologies Sponsored by Almond Board Sponsored by Sun-Maid Growers > Rajendra Ballroom of California of California > Rajendra Ballroom > Rajendra Ballroom 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Private Meeting Sessions 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Private Meeting Sessions 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Private Meeting Sessions > Lotus Lounge > Lotus Lounge > Lotus Lounge 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM MACADAMIA WORKING GROUP MEETING AND PANEL DISCUSSION > Rajendra Ballroom 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM GLOBAL INTER-BOARD COOPERATION SUMMIT > Rajendra Ballroom 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM WELCOME COCKTAIL BUFFET CASUAL DINNER GALA COCKTAIL Sponsored by Rajkumar Sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios > Hibiscus Lounge, Lotus Lounge and Prefunction Area Impex Pvt Ltd. & Almonds > Rajendra Ballroom > Leela Palace Hotel 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM GALA DINNER AND BALL Sponsored by Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company > Prefunction Area & Rajendra Ballroom *Morning coffee will be served continuosly from 8:30 am to 12 pm. Buffet Working Lunch from 12 pm to 2 pm.

48 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT INC Congress

INC AWARDS TO The INC Awards are aimed at recognizing those HIGHLIGHT THE BEST individuals, companies and organizations which have made significant achievements to the progress of the CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE nut and dried fruit business. Over the years, the INC NUT AND DRIED FRUIT Awards have become a classic celebration to share and INDUSTRY show the most jovial spirit of the industry.

The Individual Golden Nut Award will be given to Mr. K. Ravindranathan Nair, Ravi, for his indefatigable dedication to the cashew business for more than 40 years and his pivotal role in accelerating the distribution of nuts worldwide. It was in 1957 when Mr. K. Ravindranathan Nair, Ravi, founded the Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company (VLC). What started as a family business has turned into a premier trading house in the cashew industry, having earned an international reputation for quality products. Besides his key role in the nut industry, Mr. Ravi has always been at the forefront of undertaking activities for the benefit of society. Mr. Ravi has constructed and donated the building, furniture and books for the Quilon Public Library and Research Centre, one of the largest and most popular libraries in Kerala. He has also donated and constructed a building to house the Pediatric Ward at Kollam District Hospital. While improving the lives of those around him, Mr. Ravi has also bestowed many school libraries, kindergartens and sports clubs on the community.

The Award for Excellence in Research will be presented to Dr. Richard Mattes for his active role as a researcher in nuts and health. He is a Distinguished Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University, Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Affiliated Scientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center. At Purdue University, Dr. Mattes is the Director of the University Public Health Program and the Ingestive Behavior Research Center. He has been an active researcher in the area of nuts and health for over 20 years. Most notably, he has helped to characterize the mechanisms which account for the neutrality of nut consumption with respect to energy balance and body weight. He has also conducted work documenting the beneficial effects of nut consumption on cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors.

The Award for Excellence in Gastronomy will go to Bukhara Restaurant for its contribution to the preservation, improvement and dissemination of Indian cuisine worldwide. Bukhara is ITC Maurya's most well- known specialty restaurant. A unique concept, Bukhara offers a sophisticated yet totally ethnic experience, in which the kitchen is part of the restaurant. The food is cooked entirely in clay tandoors in the traditional style of the North West Frontier region. This style of cooking requires great expertise on the part of the chefs, since the meat is not accompanied by sauces or gravies, but only marinated and cooked before serving. It takes a chef years to get his hand "set" before he masters the art of making the that are such an integral Bukhara’s chef, JP Singh. part of the cuisine, or to acquire the ability to gauge spices, mix marinades, and the most vital of all, to judge the heat and the time necessary for each dish to be perfectly cooked in the special ovens. Bukhara has been rated Best Restaurant in India and No. 27 in Asia by S.Pellegrino’s Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2014 and, more recently, Favourite Restaurant in an Indian hotel 2016 by Condé Nast.

INNOVATION AWARD The INC Innovation Award celebrates the creative spirit of the nut and dried fruit industry by focusing attention on the most significant new product/service introduced in the market. Open only to INC members attending the Congress, this is a unique opportunity to:

• Reach 1000+ participants from 60+ countries. • Highlight your new products or services. • Enhance your company’s reputation for innovation.

The deadline to submit the information is April 10, 2017 (only one product or service per applicant). Entrants should e-mail [email protected], enclosing high-quality product shots Mark Jansen, CEO and President of Blue Diamond Growers, and the company logo. receives the Innovation Award 2016

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 49 INC Congress KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Renowned experts in different fields of knowledge will show their expertise in the INC Congress

May 19, 2017. 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM. Rajendra Ballroom

Gopi Kallayil, Chief Evangelist, Brand Marketing at Google, will feature a master session focused on the ‘9 principles of innovation at Google’. Gopi Kallayil works with Google’s sales teams and customers to help grow customer brands through digital marketing. In his prior roles, he led the marketing team for the Company's flagship advertising product, AdWords, in the Americas and Asia Pacific, and the marketing team for AdSense, Google's publisher-facing product. He is an avid yoga practitioner, triathlete, public speaker, global traveler and Burning Man devotee. He has spoken at TEDx, Renaissance Weekend, The World Peace Festival and Wisdom 2.0. He hosts a TV program on cable and YouTube called Change Makers. He is the author of The Internet to the Inner-net, recently published by Hay House.

May 20, 2017. 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM. Rajendra Ballroom

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader. His vision of a violence- free and stress-free society through the reawakening of human values has inspired millions to broaden their spheres of responsibility and work towards the betterment of the world. Gurudev is a multi-faceted social activist whose initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all and campaigns against female foeticide and child labor. He is engaged in peace negotiations and counselling in conflict zones around the world. His expertise in bringing opposing parties to the negotiating table in areas such as Colombia, Sri Lanka, Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Kashmir and Bihar is widely acknowledged.

ACCOMPANYING PERSONS TOURS

Chennai sets an excellent example of how several religions have coexisted for centuries. The following city tours will provide accompanying persons with an opportunity to visit the most emblematic temples and city landmarks through an enriching sensorial experience.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Bollywood dance

CITY TOUR 1 (May 20, 2017): San Thome Basilica, CITY TOUR 2 (May 21, 2017): Workshops to discover the Kapaleeswarar Temple and shopping at T-Nagar. traditions of India.

Visit to San Thome Basilica, a relic from the martyr, followed by a tour Talk on Yoga with a short demonstration session, flower Rangoli old art to Kapaleeswarar Temple, the most beloved Hindu shrine from the 16th of decorating the floors with flowers, saree traditional dress in India and century. The tour will end with a visit to Kumaran Stores for silks and Bollywood dance. Lunch at an Indian restaurant in Crowne Plaza. jewellery shopping. Lunch at a local vegetarian restaurant.

50 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT INC Congress EXPLORING THE ENTICINGLY VIBRANT INDIA WITH INC TOURS

Pre- and post-Congress Tours offer participants an opportunity to discover new scenarios while learning and sharing new vital experiences. From Delhi to Kerala, from Bhutan to Sri Lanka, the INC Congress Tour program promises to unveil a culturally rich and often hidden perspective.

TOUR 1: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE Day 1: from Delhi to Agra (by road). Visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Day 2: from Agra to Jaipur (by road). Visit City Palace & Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Day 3: sightseeing in Jaipur. Visit Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Visit to a local bazaar / shopping. Day 4: from Jaipur to Delhi (by road). Visit Qutub Minar.

TOUR 2: KERALA BACKWATERS AND AYURVEDA Day 1: arrive in Kochi (by plane). Kochi - Alleppey. Check into the houseboat. Day 2: on the houseboat. Day 3: alleppey - Kochi. Visit on a half-day city tour of Kochi: Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry, Chinese fishing nets operating. Local theatre to see Kerala’s dance performances. Day 4: early departure.

TOUR 3: GOA Day 1: Chennai - Goa (by plane). Day 2: Goa. Visit to the Church of Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo, Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral. Day 3: Goa. Visit the Chapora fort, shopping on a famous beach and visit to Hindu Temples. Day 4: Goa to destination.

TOUR 4: SRI LANKA Day 1: arrive in Negombo (by plane). Visit old churches, Dutch Canals, fishing port and fishing market. See the sunset on the Indian ocean. Day 2: Negombo / Pinnawala / Kandy. Visit the Elephant orphanage on the way to Pinnawala. In Kandy, visit the city and the Tooth Relic Temple (evening rituals). Day 3: Kandy / Bentota. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden and drive to Bentota. Day 4: Bentota / Colombo / Bandaranaike Int. Airport. Boat safari on Bentota Ganga. Drive to Colombo and short sightseeing tour. After dinner transfer to the Int. Airport.

TOUR 5: BHUTAN Day 1: arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu. Stop at Chuzom and Tschogang Lhakhang. Evening walk around Thimphu Main Street and visit Local Crafts Bazaar. Day 2: Thimphu - Paro. The National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile Museum and Simply Bhutan museum. After lunch visit Simtokha Dzong and Ta Dzong. Day 3: Paro. Visit Taktsang or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery (5 hours walk) and drive to Drukgyel Dzong. Evening visit to Kyichu Lhakhang temple. Day 4: depart Paro by air.

TOUR 6. ONE DAY TOUR: MAHABALIPURAM Drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram and visit the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. Drive to the Shore Temple and visit the Temple Complex. Lunch in Radisson Blu Temple Bay. Drive back to ITC Grand Chola via Dakshinachitra.

All tours are offered on the dates prior to the Congress (May 15-18, 2017) and on the dates after the Congress (May 22-25, 2017) except the one-day tour: Mahabalipuram, which is scheduled only on May 18, 2017.

TECHNICAL TOUR CASHEW PLANT VISIT NEAR VISAKHAPATNAM (MAY 22, 2017)

Visakhapatnam is on the east coast of India and is about 75 minutes from Chennai by air. The cashew plant visit includes picking up participants in Visakhapatnam Airport and driving them to a cashew nut processing plant in Narasingapalli. Then attendants will tour the facilities to study the way cashew nuts are received and processed in the plant. After an early lunch at the plant, depart by coach to Visakhapatnam Airport.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 51 INC Congress

NETWORK WITH 1,000+ INDUSTRY LEADERS THROUGH THE ONLINE MEETING POINT

INC provides you with a digital tool to connect participants before, during and after the event ttending the World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress provides participants with additional opportunities to interact with other industry members Asuch as manufacturers, importers, exporters, processors and suppliers. Networking with the industry’s best results is a pivotal benefit for those participating in the event. The Online Meeting Point is not only a useful but also a precise digital tool to connect with other attendees and exhibitors before, during and after the event. Participants can enhance their experience by looking for specific companies by product, country or activity. Features have been activated to allow participants to exchange internal messages and to hold private conversations. In addition, attendees can create a personalized schedule including conference sessions and meetings.

Sponsored by Crain Walnut Shelling, Inc. and Crisol de Frutos Secos, SAT.

DOWNLOAD THE CONGRESS PRESENTATIONS WITH THE OFFICIAL CONGRESS APP

Take the INC Congress in Chennai with you on your smartphone

he INC Congress is mobile. The official app contains a complete set of information including the business program, evening social events, Tspeakers, awards, list of participants, exhibitors and sponsors. New features have been implemented which will allow attendees to download the presentations delivered at the round tables, seminars and keynote speaker sessions as a live stream. In addition, the Online Meeting Point will also be available through the official app providing delegates with a better experience in terms of usability and sociability. The INC Congress app is available from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for Apple).

Sponsored by C.G Hacking & Sons

52 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT INC Congress

SPONSORS

Enhance your brand, increase 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.

SSWI S

MAN NUT UFAC W HE R S ER A S C A IA S S D O N I C

I H A

T T

I

U O

O

N S

PREMIUM TREE NUTS SICMA

ESTD 1940

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

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 53 INC News INC News NUTS FOR GIFTS

INC launches a global dissemination program to promote nuts and dried fruits worldwide under a new concept

ife is full of opportunities to show that beloved person how much they mean to you: a family celebration, a meeting with friends, a Lspecial anniversary or a birthday marked in the calendar. These events often mark important milestones and are usually celebrated by the giving of a present. Leaving aside of the debate around materialism, giving presents is a question of finding something which is both fitting and original. In short, it means matching the right present with the right person. Have you ever thought of giving your partner nuts and dried fruits for their birthday? Widely esteemed for their health benefits, they are also a premium product able to be positioned as a top-of-mind gift. Just as have historically been considered a symbol of distinction, why can we not elevate nuts and dried fruits to top-of-mind status, a category they definitely deserve to be in considering their health benefits, elegance in presentation and deep-rooted tradition in society’s eating habits?

The answer to this question encapsulates the concept inspiring Nuts Data reveal that social media networks showing higher levels of for Gifts, a global dissemination program launched by INC to promote nuts engagement are those supported by the seductive power of images. As a and dried fruits worldwide. This is a global initiative to encourage, support matter of fact, Instagram exceeds 500 million active users worldwide while and inspire people to think about nuts and dried fruits not only as a healthy Pinterest has well over 100 million. snack, but also as a prized gift. Besides this inspiring concept, Nuts for Gifts is fully aligned with some Nuts for Gifts Backbone trends driving the digital environment. One of these trends has given rise The Nuts for Gifts dissemination program mainly focuses its strategy to the ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) movement, a concept aiming at encouraging on final consumers, although other targets such as bloggers, national people to make their own creations. This is an original and imaginative associations and health professionals have also been considered. All of idea and the end result can be shown and shared through social media these are considered effective channels and opinion leaders to convey the channels. health message of nuts and dried fruits.

54 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT INC News

A website to present consumers some ideas on how to give nuts and dried fruits as a gift plays a pivotal role within the dissemination program. In a set of short videos, nutsforgifts.org will offer users suggestions on how to create ‘Do it Yourself’ pieces. These handmade products containing nuts and dried fruits (decorated glasses, packaging, fabric, artistic boxes etc.) will boost potential new ideas for consumers on special dates. The website will be available in 4 languages: Spanish, English, Hindi and Arabic. In addition, there will be specific pages to promote nuts and dried fruits based on their nutritional composition, health benefits, a piece of their history and origins, tips, myths and so on.

Bloggers Plan nutsforgifts.org will be disseminated by making content viral and shareable by using INC social media channels. Furthermore, a bloggers dissemination plan has been carefully devised to increase the reach of the program while This plan will work as follows: bloggers will receive a ‘Do it Yourself’ targeting new audiences. 100 bloggers from food, lifestyle, fashion and pack, a brochure with easy-to-make nuts and dried fruits gift ideas, and trends, home and family, gift and toys, and photography will participate in also an invitation to find out more at the websitenutsforgifts.org . Relevant this initiative. In order to broaden the reach of the plan, a wide variety of nutritional information will also be included. Bloggers will be invited to categories has been compiled. Not only are food fans specified asNuts create a handmade gift using nuts and dried fruits. They will produce a for Gift’s targets, but there are also other audiences dabbling in territories making-of video summarizing the creative process and the video will be such as photography, home-style or fashion who might be interested in the uploaded to their website. Bloggers’ relevance and digital reputation will health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. serve to attract the attention of new users and to disseminate the content.

Health Professionals Apart from the dissemination through digital channels, the Nuts for Gifts program will also be promoted by means of offline actions resulting in INC’s participation in international congresses on nutrition to present nuts and dried fruits not only as a healthy snack but also as a top-of-mind gift. INC’s participation will feature a corner where promotional actions will be displayed while samples of nuts and dried fruits, under the umbrella of the Nuts for Gifts program, are offered to visitors. INC has confirmed its participation in the following congresses on nutrition: EB Experimental Biology Chicago, USA (April 22-26, 2017) and International Congress of Nutrition IUNS Buenos Aires, Argentina (October 15-20, 2017). The Nuts for Gifts program will be also presented at the World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress in Chennai.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 55 INC News GULFOOD 2017 SEES THE 1ST EDITION OF THE INC PAVILION IN THE MIDDLE EAST 12 companies from 10 countries joined the INC at the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show

Sponsorship Opportunities for Anuga 2017 INC will participate in Anuga 2017 (Cologne, 07 -11 October) with the 6th edition of the INC Pavilion in Europe. Aimed at offering companies an exclusive platform to enhance their brand and promote their products/services in front of specific and well-targeted audiences, three levels of sponsorship opportunities are available to INC members:

Cocktail Sponsor: • Sign at the Pavilion entrance while the cocktail reception is being held. NC attended GulFood 2017 (February 26 – March 2) with a new edition of the • Corporate handouts to be placed at the INC welcome desk and Nuts and Dried Fruits Pavilion, the first ever in the Middle East. By replicating the meeting rooms. concept exhibited at Anuga and SIAL-Paris in past editions, the INC Pavilion hosted • Company logo published on INC publications (mention in the I Nutfruit magazine, listing on INC website, newsletter and post- 12 co-exhibitors over 108 m2. Once again, the Pavilion became a trading hub for the Pavilion video), Pavilion main-front banner and TV screens nut and dried fruit business, with hundreds of commercial and informal meetings placed in the hospitality area. being held at the co-exhibitors’ booths and the hospitality area. A heavy and continuous flow of visitors through ZA’ABEEL Hall 3 Stand Z3-A20 Special Sponsor: • Corporate handouts to be placed at the INC welcome desk and turned the INC Pavilion into a vivid and lively space to do business and network with top meeting rooms. industry leaders. As an innovation at the 2017 edition, there were two ‘happy hours’ • Company logo published on INC publications, Pavilion main- held on February 26 and March 1. Both events drew a great number of attendees, front banner and TV screens placed at the hospitality area. launching an original concept to network in a different and relaxed atmosphere. Pavilion Sponsor: Besides its premium position, the INC Pavilion enjoyed a remarkable international • Company logo published on INC publications, Pavilion main- presence, as 10 different nationalities (USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Netherlands, France, front banner and TV screens placed in the hospitality area. Turkey, Chile, China and Iran) were represented among its co-exhibitors. Several languages, cultures and religions coexisted for 5 days, reinforcing the global umbrella represented by INC for the entire nut and dried fruit industry across the globe.

GulFood’s 22nd Edition GulFood celebrated its 22nd edition in 2017. Launched as a biennial trade fair in 1987, GulFood has grown dramatically to reach more than 120 countries annually, embracing 5,000 local, regional and international exhibitors to showcase those food trends and innovations shaping the future worldwide. Around 95,000 visitors passed through the eight food sectors including, among others, pulses, grains and cereals, beverages, dairy and world food.

We thank our exhibitors for joining us in the world's biggest food and hospitality show

56 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT INC News BEST MOMENTS OF GULFOOD 2017

Highlights from the INC Pavilion are published in the official album - the lively atmosphere in the hospitality area, the hectic pace at co-exhibitors’ booths and the nut and dried fruit industry working together. All these special moments were captured by our cameras.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 57 INC News INC TO GRANT €350,000 IN 2017 TO NUT AND DRIED FRUIT RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION

On December 15, 2016, INC launched its Annual Research Grant and Annual Grant for Promotion and Dissemination Projects to better understand the health effects of nuts and dried fruits and spread the message around the globe. NC will fund research and dissemination projects through two different endothelial function, and the relationship between nuts and fat cells. As calls for project proposals with a total of €300,000 allocated to for promotion and dissemination projects, INC issued a total of €50,000 in Iresearch and €50,000 to dissemination. grants. The goal is to build consumer demand for nuts and dried fruits and provide information on their properties. 2016 Grant Awardees In addition, INC is allocating nearly €200,000 to a Global Dissemination In 2016, INC selected six projects to receive €187,000, reinforcing its Program to promote nuts and dried fruits as a top-of-mind gift. commitment to promote research which helps improve our understanding Since INC began offering these grants, it has awarded more than one of the benefits of eating nuts and dried fruits, as well as dissemination million euros to the dissemination of and research on the health effects of projects. nut and dried fruit consumption. INC awarded grants to three research projects on the relationship of dried fruit to glycemic response, the effects of nut consumption and

2013-2016 Awards Recipients Project Applicant

Research Long-term nut consumption and cognitive function with ageing (epidemiological study). Dr. Francine Grodstein, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA Long-term effects of an energy-restricted on mortality and cardiovascular Dr. Miguel A. Martínez-González, University of Navarra, Spain disease (clinical study). Nut consumption and changes in weight and body fat distribution in adults from 10 European Dr. Joan Sabaté, Loma Linda University, USA countries (epidemiological study). Association between dietary nuts exposure and cognitive decline over three-year period in Prof. Cristina Andrés Lacueva, University of Barcelona, Spain older adults: the InCHIANTI study (clinical study). Effect of dried plums, figs, dates, and raisins versus fruit drinks/punch on cardiometabolic Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, Penn State University, USA disease risk factors (clinical study). Effect of nut consumption on semen quality and functionality in a cohort of healthy males Dr. Mònica Bulló, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain (clinical study). Dried fruit as a means for lowering the glycemic response to high-glycemic-index Dr. Cyril Kendall, Glycemia Consulting Inc., Canada foods (clinical study). Exploration of the effects of nut consumption on markers of inflammation and endothelial Prof. Linda Tapsell, University of Wollongong, Australia function (systematic review and meta-analysis). Effects of nut-derived miRNAs on inflammatory and metabolic profile of fat cells (animal and Dr. Daniele Lettieri-Barbato, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy cell study). Promotion and Dissemination Nuts & Diabetes Symposium, 33rd International Symposium on Diabetes & Nutrition. Toronto 3D Knowledge Synthesis & Clinical Trials Foundation, Canada Nut growers social media education project. Nuts for Life, Australia Nuts about good health, The Mediterranean Diet & Nuts: unbeatably healthy! Nucis Italia Nuts, Obesity & Diabetes Symposium, 34th International Symposium on Diabetes & Nutrition. Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Czech Republic Nuts & Fit, Frutta Secca & Sport, il mix ideale per tenersi in forma. Nucis Italia Update Ernährungsmedizin, Nutritional Medicine Congress Update. Nucis Germany

58 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT

INC News 2016 EU RASFF ALERTS FOR NUTS AND DRIED FRUITS European RASFF notifications for nuts and dried fruits are up slightly (3.7% and 8.2% respectively) from 2015. The presence of aflatoxins remains the main reason for notifications referring to nuts. Sulphites became the main reason for notifications referring to dried fruits.

n 2016, the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed By category, the number of RASFF notifications related to edible nuts (RASFF) issued a total of 514 notifications with reference to edible nuts increased slightly by 3.7% compared with 2015; notifications related to I(364 not.), dried fruits (131 not.), mixtures of nuts and dried fruits (11 dried fruits rose by 8.2% (Figure 1). not.) and peanuts for feed (8 not.). This result represents an increase of 5.8% compared with 2015, when a total of 486 notifications were registered.

Total RASFF Notifications for Total RASFF Notifications for Edible Nuts Dried Fruits

179 453 383 351 364 121 131 110 115 121 92 241 251 249

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Figure 1. 2010-2016 Total RASFF Notifications for Edible Nuts and Dried Fruits.

The edible nuts with most notifications were peanuts, with 178, followed As for dried fruits, dried figs (57 not.), dried grapes (38 not.) and dried by pistachios (102 not.) and hazelnuts (49 not.). As in previous years, the apricots (34 not.) were still the most reported. As in 2015, the main reasons main reason for notifications related to edible nuts was the presence of for notifications were sulphites (36%), aflatoxins (34%) and ochratoxin A aflatoxins (86%). By country of origin, the most frequently notified edible (19%). Dried figs and dried apricots from Turkey were still the most notified, nuts were peanuts from China (16%), pistachios from Iran (15%) and representing 41% and 23%, respectively, of the total notifications. The pistachios from Turkey (9%). In 2015, pistachios from the USA were the number of notifications for dried grapes from Uzbekistan (13%) and from third most reported product/country (30 not.), however, in 2016, the Iran (7%) increased notably compared with previous years (Figure 3). number of notifications dropped to 13. The number of notifications related to peanuts from China decreased by 46% compared to 2015 whereas the For the first time in the past 6 years, sulphites became the number of notifications related to peanuts from the USA (30 not.) and from main reason for notifications on dried fruits. Egypt (30 not.) increased in 2016 (Figure 2).

2016 Most Notified NUMBER OF RASFF NOTIFICATIONS Edible Nuts 2010-2016

106

87

67 68 66 57 57 54 46 52 45 41 38 36 28 31 30 30 22 15 20 19 16 15 17 7 6 9 4 9 11 3 11 3 4 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Peanuts (China) Pistachios (Iran) Pistachios (Turkey) Peanuts (Egypt) Peanuts (USA)

Figure 2. 2016 Most Notified Edible Nuts and Country of Origin.

60 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 2016 Most Notified Dried Fruits

134

87

61 58 53 49 54 29 30 6 5 21 9 6 9 7 8 5 0 3 2 4 5 1 17 4 4 3 3 0 3 3 1 3 4 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Dried figs (Turkey) Dried apricots (Turkey) Dried grapes (Uzbekistan) Dried grapes (Iran) Dried grapes (Turkey) 2016 Most Notified Edible Nuts

106

87

67 68 66 57 57 54 46 52 45 41 38 36 28 31 30 30 22 15 20 19 16 15 17 7 6 9 4 9 11 3 11INC3 News4 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Peanuts (China) Pistachios (Iran) Pistachios (Turkey) Peanuts (Egypt) Peanuts (USA)

2016 Most Notified NUMBER OF RASFF NOTIFICATIONS Dried Fruits 2010-2016

134

87

61 58 53 49 54 29 30 6 5 21 9 6 9 7 8 5 0 3 2 4 5 1 17 4 4 3 3 0 3 3 1 3 4 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Dried figs (Turkey) Dried apricots (Turkey) Dried grapes (Uzbekistan) Dried grapes (Iran) Dried grapes (Turkey)

Figure 3. 2016 Most Notified Dried Fruits and Country of Origin.

The RASFF exchanges information within EU Member States about measures taken in response to serious risks detected in relation to food or feed. INC collects and classifies the RASFF notifications for nuts (including peanuts for feed) and dried fruits intended for food published on the RASFF web page, by product, country of origin, notifying country and type of notification. Some caution is advised when drawing conclusions from this report. For example, we cannot say that because a member state has a relatively high number of notifications that the situation regarding food safety there is disastrous. On the contrary, it could indicate that a greater number of checks are carried out.

INC BUSINESS INTEGRITY COMMITTEE

t the 2016 San Diego Congress, the INC formed the new In October the Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to the Business Integrity Committee (BIC). The committee consists amendment of INC By law Article 3: “Founding Aims of the Foundation” Aof INC Board Members Michael Waring (Committee Chair), inserting new item 8 -“To promote integrity and good business practices in Stephen Meltzer (Chairman of the INC Ambassadors Committee), Karsten the nut and dried fruit sector”. Dankert (Board), Pratap Nair (Board), Giles Hacking (Board), Mark Mariani Industry participants that wish to be or remain members need conform (INC Chairman) and Goretti Guasch (INC Executive Director). to a base standard of integrity, especially in regards compliance with Recently a significant number of INC members were affected by directions of arbitration and judiciary acknowledged in their contracts. INC business defaults. Although not a new phenomenon to participants in is within its rights to expel and/or not accept companies and/or individuals particular nut and dried fruit sectors, the recent impact on USA Walnut and that do not comply with these decisions. Almond exporters combined with a highly attended USA hosted Congress BIC will advise INC on defaults, industry integrity issues and review the brought the discussion of the integrity of members to the fore. impact on members. BIC will specifically recognise The Nut Association INC reviewed its policy in regards membership and considered what (UK), Association of Food Industries AFI (USA), Waren-Verein (Germany), actions might best support our members. A member forum was held in and will consider other jurisdictions. San Diego. The session and discussions were a highly anticipated event INC and BIC encourage all Members to seek advice in regard to contract and forum attendance was at capacity. The discussions covered all nut and formation, enforceability and relevant dispute settlement mechanisms. dried fruit and from all origins. Correct and basic contract structure will assist in enforceability between The forum included panel members Giles Hacking, Argo Dermenjian, buyer and seller. and Michael Waring as Chair. INC engaged renowned USA Lawyer Andrew The old adage of “Know your Customer” or “Know your Supplier” has Wanger to assist with the panel. The question and answer session was never rung truer than in the current fast moving world of international blunt and message clear: INC members expect a base code of conduct be trade. The INC will continue to provide an exceptional opportunity to grow followed by fellow members. Defaulting businesses and their Directors are your contacts and relationships within an environment conducive to and not welcome as members or at the INC Congress. under a membership code of conduct that will make you proud to be a member, and sought after as a partner in business.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 61 INC News INC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 2017

he INC Executive Committee met in Reus, Spain, on March 21- Chennai 2017 and Seville 2018 preparations, and evaluated candidatures 22, 2017 to discuss new strategic actions and to review the for future Congresses. Tstatus of on-going activities. On March 21, the group discussed Finally, the Committee reviewed and discussed the activities of the new initiatives for the next Strategic Plan 2019-2023. On March 22, the different committees and ad-hoc working groups, namely the Statistics group reviewed current projects such as the INC Academia, the Global Committee, the Scientific and Government Affairs Committee, the INC Dissemination Project, INC Exhibitions and Pavilions, and annual statistical World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination, the Ambassadors reports. An update of the Annual Communication Plan was also presented to Committee, the Business Integrity Committee and the two ad-hoc working the Committee. In addition, the group reviewed the latest developments for groups: the Global Cashew Council and the Macadamias Committee.

INC LAUNCHES SOCIAL 100,000+ MEDIA CAMPAIGNS TO FANS PROMOTE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTS AND DRIED FRUITS

Since October 2015, the number of followers on Facebook has risen steadily from 2,000 to 100,000

NC followers on Facebook have been invited to participate in several These campaigns are having an outstanding impact on the growth of social media competitions. Aimed at increasing user's knowledge on the social media community on Facebook. Since October 2015, the number Inuts and dried fruits while disseminating its health benefits, they are of fans has risen steadily from 2,000 to 100,000. Our data reveal that nuts intended to engage INC’s social community in conversation. and dried fruits generate a great deal of interest among Facebook users. On some occasions, users have been asked to identify the colour Besides Facebook and Twitter, INC has also reinforced its presence on of nuts and dried fruits. Other times the objective has been to teach Instagram through new actions and campaigns. Surpassing 500 million consumers how to differentiate between them, matching the form and color active users, Instagram has become the dominant social network in the with the correct name. Through these actions, some basic information is digital world. Pictures of nuts and dried fruits have entered this visual being disseminated so as to enhance the users’ knowledge on this subject. showcase where beauty, charm and appeal are essential to becoming The latest social media competition reached more than 35,000 people, shareable and grabbing the user’s attention. garnering over 6,000 interactions. The winner was awarded a monthly assortment of nuts and dried fruits and, judging by the pictures shared with us, she is already enjoying them!

Nuts and Dried Fruits - Analytical Competence Worldwide

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62 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT INC News

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 63

Statistical Review WORLD CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION TRENDS Global Statistical Review March 2017

Statistics are also available at our website www.nutfruit.org

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

Brazil Almonds Nuts Cashews Hazelnuts Macadamias Pecans Pine Nuts Pistachios

USA Greece Bolivia India Tanzania Turkey Spain South Africa Brazil USA China Russia USA China Australia Chile Peru Cote d’Ivoire Benin Italy France Australia China Mexico DPR Korea Spain Iran Greece Spain Morocco Brazil Vietnam Nigeria USA China Kenya Colombia South Africa Pakistan Turkey Turkey Italy Iran Italy Guinea·Bissau Indonesia Georgia Iran USA New Zealand Australia Afghanistan Portugal Syria Australia Turkey Syria Brazil Cambodia Azerbaijan Chile Guatemala Swaziland Mongolia Italy Afghanistan Tunisia Malawi

Raisins Walnuts Peanuts Dates Dried Dried Dried Figs Prunes Sultanas Apricots Cranberries Currants China Moldava China Senegal Saudi Arabia Sudan Turkey USA Turkey Greece USA Serbia USA Uzbekistan USA India India Vietnam Egypt Oman Iran Canada Egypt Spain Chile Australia Turkey Greece Iran Romania USA Ghana Iran Tunisia China Chile Iran Italy France Italy Iran Australia Turkey Hungary Nigeria Brazil UAE Morocco USA USA Argentina South Africa China Argentina Ukraine Italy Indonesia Nicaragua Pakistan Libya South Africa India South Africa Chile Georgia Argentina Algeria Israel Australia Chile France Australia Iraq USA Listed by global production as per FAO but not necessarily meaning quantities going through commercial channels.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 65 Statistical Review ALMONDS 杏仁 / ALMENDRA / AMANDE / MANDORLE / MANDEL / BADEM

USA. According to the Almond Board of exploring opportunities in new markets around 2017/18 crop is forecast to amount California, the 2016/2017 crop has been the world. The second, and equally significant 85,000 MT (kernel basis). The Australian estimated at 916,700 metric tons (2.021 billion area of investment, is to advance the industry’s almond industry is expecting another strong pounds) kernel basis, slightly down from the agricultural excellence and sustainability through crop of the Non Pareil variety and an above 929,900 MT (2.050 billion lbs.) previously investment in new technologies and adoption of average harvest of the pollinators, especially forecasted. best practices. Carmel. In 2016 (August-December), total shipments stood at 34% ahead of the AUSTRALIA. As reported by the Almond SPAIN. In Spain, the 2016/17 almond previous season while total supply exceeded Board of Australia, the 2017/18 crop has harvest concluded with a final figure close by only 9%. Crop receipts slightly exceeded experienced a more temperate summer this to expectations, except for the traditional the NASS objective estimate of 1 million MT year than the two previous seasons. Therefore, Spanish varieties: Larguetas and Marconas that (2.050 billion pounds). With a 25% increase harvest is forecast to start in a more traditional unfortunately confirmed the expected shortage. in production forecast over the next three March timeline rather than the earlier than Reports on quality are very positive with crop years, the California Almond industry is normal February period of the past couple of larger than average size availability. Domestic investing in the expansion of global market years. As a whole, the growing conditions for consumption and export figures from the development programs. This is a key priority Australian almonds have been favorable with the Spanish industry remain strong. to drive demand ahead of supply. Investments above average rainfall during the period leading will focus on existing markets, as well as last Christmas.

Estimated World Almond Production. Kernel Basis · Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock

USA* (MM lbs) 377 1,847 2,223 412 412 2,021 2,433 421

USA* (MT) 170,825 837,612 1,008,437 186,882 186,882 916,720 1,103,602 190,964

AUSTRALIA 1,000 82,509 83,509 1,000 1,000 80,140 81,140 1,000

SPAIN 500 65,957 66,457 1,000 1,000 47,000 48,000 1,000

IRAN 0 15,000 15,000 0 0 15,000 15,000 0

TUNISIA 0 15,000 15,000 0 0 15,000 15,000 0

TURKEY 0 13,000 13,000 0 0 13,000 13,000 0

CHILE 0 13,000 13,000 0 0 12,000 12,000 0

MOROCCO 0 11,000 11,000 0 0 11,000 11,000 0

ITALY 0 7,500 7,500 0 0 7,500 7,500 0

GREECE 0 4,000 4,000 0 0 7,500 7,500 0

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

WORLD TOTAL 172,325 1,094,578 1,266,903 188,882 188,882 1,154,860 1,343,742 192,964

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 1,078,021 1,150,777

*USA current crop year (YTD) reflects the estimated 2% Loss & Exempt (L&E) forecast for the year. 2015/2016 crop year reflects the actual L&E for the crop year. Source: Almond Board of California, Almond Board of Australia, Greek Nut Association and other INC sources.

66 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review AMAZONIA (BRAZIL) NUTS 巴西果 / COQUITO DE BRASIL / NOIX DE VRESIL / NOCE DE BRASILE / PARANUSS / BREZILYA FINGIGI

The perfect scenario for Brazil nut would be that export prices in the fourth quarter of the year came down in line with the new crop approaching. However, this year the opposite occurred: as a result of a large carry over from 2015 prices of Brazil nuts at the start of 2016 traded at or below factories production cost. As demand picked up and the total availability of Brazil nuts was down on 2015 (by 4%) prices increased to the highest point at the end of the year. This high price occurred at the same time as collectors started to negotiate the 2017 crop. As factories in 2016 shut early many were keen to get started and entered the raw material market well financed and at the same time. The strong demand for the first available raw material and the high ending export price for the 2016 crop meant that raw material prices started at a high, translating to an export price last seen in the third quarter. After the first month of collection, a short crop is being forecast and factories began to heavily compete for product. During January, raw material was being traded 30% higher than the starting price, and shippers stopped offering as they paused to check they have bought enough material to cover their early shipments.

Estimated World Amazonia (Brazil) Nut Production · In-shell Basis · Metric Tons 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock BOLIVIA 4,500 69,000 73,500 900 900 69,000 69,900 4,500 PERU 450 12,450 12,900 450 450 12,000 12,450 450 BRAZIL 300 1,500 1,800 0 0 1,800 1,800 240 WORLD TOTAL 5,250 82,950 88,200 1,350 1,350 82,800 84,150 5,190

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 86,850 78,960

Kernel Basis · Metric Tons 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock BOLIVIA 1,500 23,000 24,500 300 300 23,000 23,300 1,500 PERU 150 4,350 4,500 150 150 4,000 4,150 150 BRAZIL 100 500 600 0 0 600 600 80 WORLD TOTAL 1,750 27,850 29,600 450 450 27,600 28,050 1,730 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 29,150 26,320

Source: INC.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 67 Statistical Review CASHEWS 腰果 / ANACARDO / NOIX DE CAJU / ANACARDIO / CASHWKERNE / CASHEW CEVIZI

AFRICA. According to the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), West VIETNAM. According to Vietnam National Center of African production reached over 1.5 million metric tons in 2015/16. Hydrometeorology & Forecasts, due to ENSO phenomenon, the rainy Countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana produced 15% below season 2016-2017 is expected to end late. A preliminary report by the previous season. Not only the cashew trees were experiencing a low the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) forecasts the cashew nut yield cycle, but also the Harmattan wind negatively impacted flowering. production at 120,000 MT (kernel basis) in 2017/18 thanks to newly At the time of writing these lines, there were no adverse reports mature growing areas. However, this figure may change depending on the and, with signs of an early crop in some areas, the industry expects a weather conditions during the first quarter of 2017. better 2017/18 production. For this upcoming season, ACA foresees an increase of at least 15-30% in production, based on an estimation BRAZIL. Preliminary estimates suggest that the 2017/18 crop might of early fruiting in some West African countries, i.e. Nigeria, Togo and reach up to 150,000 MT in-shell basis. Northeast Brazil is now in its fifth Ghana. year of drought conditions; and the current rainy season, which started in The yield in East Africa seems to be higher for this recently January, is not forecast to be exceptional (which is what is needed). completed 2016/17 harvest season and the re-engagement of the As a result of this decline in the harvest, there were fewer companies governments in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique is expected to exporting in January 2017. What increased was the proportion of the crop reinforce the sector. going to the local market, both from the major factories and small local roasters. The factories are importing from West Africa in small quantities INDIA. The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) to maintain production in the off season. The proportion of exports going expects a good 2017/18 crop given the favorable weather conditions. As to the North American market increased to 62%, reversing the trend for per the advanced estimates by the Directorate of Cashew Nut and Cocoa more diversification seen over several years. Development (DCCD), the crop is expected to reach 780,000 MT (RCN), an increase of about 16%. CAMBODIA. According to VINACAS, Cambodia seems to be Since the area under cultivation has been expanding on a year to expanding the cashew cropping areas quickly and it is currently becoming year basis, the Indian production is foreseen to boost in the coming years. an important RNC supplier for Vietnam.

Estimated World Cashew Production. Kernel Basis · Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock COTE D'IVOIRE nil 162,222 162,222 nil nil 167,000 167,000 nil INDIA nil 172,700 172,700 nil nil 159,600 159,600 nil VIETNAM nil 113,000 113,000 nil nil 96,000 96,000 nil GUINEA-BISSAU nil 55,556 55,556 nil nil 56,000 56,000 nil TANZANIA nil 26,667 26,667 nil nil 54,000 54,000 nil BENIN nil 17,778 17,778 nil nil 34,000 34,000 nil NIGERIA nil 38,889 38,889 nil nil 32,000 32,000 nil BRAZIL nil 33,000 33,000 nil nil 27,200 27,200 nil CAMBODIA nil 19,000 19,000 nil nil 23,800 23,800 nil MOZAMBIQUE nil 19,433 19,433 nil nil 21,100 21,100 nil INDONESIA nil 12,000 12,000 nil nil 19,000 19,000 nil BURKINA FASO nil 17,778 17,778 nil nil 17,800 17,800 nil GHANA nil 14,444 14,444 nil nil 16,600 16,600 nil SENEGAL nil 8,889 8,889 nil nil 10,000 10,000 nil GAMBIA nil 3,400 3,400 nil nil 3,400 3,400 nil KENYA nil 1,800 1,800 nil nil 2,200 2,200 nil OTHERS nil 8,000 8,000 nil nil 15,000 15,000 nil WORLD TOTAL nil 724,556 724,556 nil nil 754,700 754,700 nil WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 724,556 754,700 Source: Global Cashew Council and INC.

68 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review HAZELNUTS 榛子 / AVELLANA / NOISETTE / NOCCIOLA / HASELNUSS / FINDIK

TURKEY. As reported in the last issue, This brought the delayed demand into the least 36,000 MT in-shell. Although growing hazelnut prices (Turkish Lira based) continued consideration, where the buyers were operating conditions were good in 2016, the harvesting to slide in October and November, but stabilized with lower re-order levels by expecting further ones were very wet. Even though, the quality in December and started to climb again in decrease in prices. This situation brought the was quite good. January. Market commented that quality question how well the industry was covered. Last November, Oregon shipped or shelled challenges in both producing regions in Turkey At the time of writing this report, new crop approx. 60% of the crop, which was a bit discouraged the farmers to hold the nuts, thus indicators were expected to be closely followed light. China remained the largest market, physical flow resulted either in earlier than starting mid-February and market to be receiving about 40% of the crop or 70% of expected sales or consignee behavior. Lower adjusted itself accordingly. the shipments. China typically takes 60-70% TL prices coupled with strong devaluation of of the total crop. Domestic demand for shelled the TL in the fourth quarter of 2016 resulted in ITALY. The Italian hazelnut crop for 2016/17 hazelnuts was slower than expected. more than 30% lower prices in USD compared season was confirmed; reaching 130,000 Weather conditions were quite extreme last to the previous year. However, these better MT and 58,500 MT in-shell and kernel basis winter, with ice damage affecting many older prices have not triggered buyer demand yet. respectively; 4% up from the previous season. orchards. At the time of writing this report, it Export figures were registered as 93,000 MT was too early to know how the younger trees kernels (September-December 2016), one of USA. The 2016/17 crop official estimate would handle the stress from the winter. the lowest in decades including frost years. was 34,500 MT; however, it might reach at

Estimated World Hazelnut Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons . 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock TURKEY 25,000 710,000 735,000 135,000 135,000 500,000 635,000 25,000 ITALY 1,000 125,000 126,000 15,000 15,000 130,000 145,000 10,000 AZERBAIJAN 500 40,000 40,500 1,000 1,000 50,000 51,000 500 GEORGIA 1,000 50,000 51,000 1,000 1,000 60,000 61,000 1,000 USA 1,000 27,850 28,850 0 0 37,800 37,800 0 SPAIN 300 22,000 22,300 300 300 18,000 18,300 1,000 CHILE 0 12,000 12,000 0 0 18,000 18,000 0 FRANCE 500 10,000 10,500 0 0 10,000 10,000 0 IRAN 0 10,000 10,000 500 500 10,000 10,500 500 CHINA 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 5,500 5,500 0 OTHERS 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 15,000 15,000 0 WORLD TOTAL 29,300 1,016,850 1,046,150 152,800 152,800 854,300 1,007,100 38,000 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 893,350 969,100

Kernel Basis· Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock TURKEY 12,500 355,000 367,500 67,500 67,500 250,000 317,500 12,500 ITALY 450 56,250 56,700 6,750 6,750 58,500 65,250 4,500 AZERBAIJAN 250 20,000 20,250 500 500 20,000 20,500 250 GEORGIA 500 25,000 25,500 500 500 19,000 19,500 500 USA 400 11,140 11,540 0 0 15,120 15,120 0 SPAIN 144 10,560 10,704 144 144 8,640 8,784 480 CHILE 0 5,400 5,400 0 0 8,100 8,100 0 FRANCE 240 4,800 5,040 0 0 4,800 4,800 0 IRAN 0 4,500 4,500 225 225 4,500 4,725 225 CHINA 0 2,250 2,250 0 0 2,500 2,500 0 OTHERS 0 2,250 2,250 0 0 6,000 6,000 0 WORLD TOTAL 14,484 497,150 511,634 75,619 75,619 397,160 472,779 18,455 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 436,015 454,324

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

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 69 Statistical Review MACADAMIAS 夏威夷果 / MACADAMIA / MACADAMIANUSS / MAKEDEMIA / CEVIZI

AUSTRALIA. According to the Australian 2017 is shaping up to be another good is 17% down on the 2015 crop of 46,000 Macadamia Society, following the 2015 trend, season with favorable weather conditions MT. There are indications that more NIS was 2016 was a record crop, due to favorable across all growing regions and a continued processed to kernel than in previous years, weather conditions throughout the season. focus on best practice orchard management. despite the lower crop. This is a positive It accounted for 52,000 metric tons in-shell Quality is expected to be good. indication that the kernel market remains at 10% moisture content (48,600 MT at 3.5 strong and is in fact growing. % moisture content). Slightly higher than SOUTH AFRICA. The 2016 season Although it is too early to make accurate the originally forecasted, the in-shell crop was a challenging one for the South African predictions about the size of the 2017 crop, increased 8% compared to the previous macadamia industry. The crop was hit by indications are that it could be a slightly better year. Production-wise, the Bundaberg region the worst drought in many years and as a year than the previous season due to plantings accounted for more than 40% of the Australian result suffered major losses. Although many established after 2009 coming into production, macadamia share. areas received good rains eventually, many however an immediate return to pre-2016 Regarding trade, global demand remained dam levels have remained low and have not volumes would be unlikely. The demand for strong. The free trade agreements with South recovered yet. As reported by the Southern in-shell macadamias is on the rise but there Korea, Japan and China had a very positive African Macadamia Growers Association, are concerns that nut sizes might be smaller impact on exports. In fact, exports of Australian final production figures for 2016 have been than usual, but similar to those observed in macadamias have significantly increased to estimated approx. at 38,000 MT dry nut in 2016. A more accurate crop forecast will be Korea and, in a lesser extent to Japan as well. shell (1.5% kernel moisture content), which available closer to the harvesting season which commences in March. Estimated World Macadamia Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons. 2016 2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock AUSTRALIA 0 48,600 48,600 0 0 50,500 50,500 n/a SOUTH AFRICA 3,831 38,000 41,831 1,880 1,880 42,000 43,880 n/a KENYA 0 27,500 27,500 0 0 32,000 32,000 n/a USA 0 16,800 16,800 0 0 17,900 17,900 n/a GUATEMALA 0 9,050 9,050 0 0 9,450 9,450 n/a MALAWI 0 5,452 5,452 0 0 6,297 6,297 n/a CHINA 0 6,000 6,000 300 300 6,500 6,800 340 BRAZIL 0 5,596 5,596 0 0 4,500 4,500 n/a COLOMBIA 0 1,000 1,000 0 0 1,000 1,000 n/a NEW ZEALAND 0 600 600 0 0 229 229 n/a SWAZILAND 0 110 110 0 0 110 110 n/a OTHERS 0 16,398 16,398 0 0 19,946 19,946 n/a WORLD TOTAL 3,831 175,106 178,937 2,180 2,180 190,432 192,612 n/a WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 178,937

Kernel Basis · Metric Tons. 2016 2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock AUSTRALIA 0 15,600 15,600 0 0 16,200 16,200 n/a SOUTH AFRICA 1,073 10,640 11,713 526 526 11,760 12,286 n/a KENYA 0 7,372 7,372 0 0 8,012 8,012 n/a USA 0 4,300 4,300 0 0 4,700 4,700 n/a GUATEMALA 0 1,800 1,800 0 0 1,990 1,990 n/a MALAWI 0 1,443 1,443 0 0 1,659 1,659 n/a CHINA 0 1,363 1,363 75 75 1,625 1,700 85 BRAZIL 0 1,500 1,500 0 0 1,100 1,100 n/a COLOMBIA 0 250 250 0 0 250 250 n/a NEW ZEALAND 0 150 150 0 0 57 57 n/a SWAZILAND 0 26 26 0 0 26 26 n/a OTHERS 0 4,100 4,100 0 0 4,987 4,987 n/a WORLD TOTAL 1,073 48,544 49,617 601 601 52,367 52,968 n/a WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 49,617

*Estimate only. Australia reported at 3.5% NIS moisture content. South Africa estimated at 1.5% kernel moisture content. USA estimated at 3.5% NIS m.c.; 1.5% kernel m.c. Brazil estimated at 1.5% NIS m.c.; 1.5% kernel m.c. Source: Australian Macadamia Society, Southern African Macadamia Growers Association, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Tree Nut Growers Association of Malawi and other INC sources.

70 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review PECANS / PECANA / NOIX DE PÉCAN / NOCE PECAN / PECANUSS / PEKAN CEVIZI

MEXICO. It appears that the Mexican due to the relative short quantity of the crop severely hampered the crop, which again crop size will be shorter than the previous two which usually translates to large and high came in well below expectations. Furthermore, years, due mostly to lack of rainfall during quality in-shell. an unseasonably warm winter meant that the key filling months for pecans. While some Exports of both kernel and in-shell were the harvest was also delayed. Both factors quality issues have been reported early in the strong for the last quarter of 2016, particularly resulted in shipments later than usual. Due harvest, it appears that these quality issues in shipments bound for both China and the EU. to the small crop and strong demand no affected only 10-12% of the entire crop. Compared to 2015, shipments for carryover is expected into the new season. New crop shipments, August 1-January 1, China from USA were up over 40% for the of both kernel and in-shell to the USA were well first two months of the crop year, October AUSTRALIA. Although 2016 was an above 2015, with in-shell up 31% and kernels and November. These were the strongest “off-year” for the Australian pecan crop, the up 12%. shipments since 2012 despite record prices. quality was relatively good. Solid domestic The demand from this region continues to be demand along with a strong international USA. The USA crop size has been a solid part of worldwide demand for pecans. market saw the crop committed early. 2017 estimated to be 119,160 metric tons by Retail sales in the USA were strong for the last harvesting is expected to commence in April. the USDA’s October 2016 estimate. This Christmas season as well. At the time of writing this report, the signs represents an increase of about 3% over the were good for the new crop in most regions. prior year’s crop. Quality seems to be good SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa Interest from China remains keen but overall despite a few challenges in Texas and experienced one of the worst droughts kernel demand from Europe and Asia, including isolated parts of the Southeast. There were ever recorded in 2016 and the resultant emerging markets are also being observed. a lot of large sized pecans harvested. This is restrictions on irrigation and lack of rain

Estimated World Pecan Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock

MEXICO 2,500 122,700 125,200 4,535 4,535 117,935 122,470 4,500

USA 55,025 115,344 170,369 58,533 58,533 119,160 177,693 65,775

SOUTH AFRICA 0 10,150 10,150 0 0 10,080 10,080 0

AUSTRALIA 0 3,300 3,300 200 200 2,550 2,750 200

OTHERS 0 1,800 1,800 0 0 1,000 1,000 0

WORLD TOTAL 55,025 130,594 185,619 58,733 58,733 132,790 191,523 65,975

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 126,886 125,548

Kernel Basis · Metric Tons, 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock

MEXICO 1,250 61,350 62,600 2,268 2,268 58,968 61,236 2,250

USA 24,211 50,751 74,962 25,755 25,755 52,430 78,185 28,941

SOUTH AFRICA 0 5,075 5,075 0 0 5,040 5,040 0

AUSTRALIA 0 1,650 1,650 100 100 1,275 1,375 100

OTHERS 0 900 900 0 0 500 500 0

WORLD TOTAL 25,461 119,726 145,187 28,123 28,123 118,213 146,336 31,291

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T, Supply - End, Stock) 117,064 115,045

Source: USDA, SIAP Mexico and other INC sources.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 71 Statistical Review PINE NUTS 松子 / PIÑÓN / PIGNON / PINOLI / PINIENKERNE / ÇAM FISTIGI

Globally, 2016/2017 pine nut production increased by 20% compared to On the other hand, the output of Korean pine nut was normal in China for the the previous season. This was due mainly to the Northern Korea crop, up 2016/17 season. Most of the Korean pine nuts, the price of which is higher 100% from the previous season. As reported by the China Chamber of compared to other varieties, were destined to the domestic market. Only a Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuff, surprisingly, the Siberian small number is used for export. Korean pine nut production accounted for far more than previously According to customs statistics, from January to October 2016, China expected and, therefore, prices dropped. Siberian Korean pine nut surplus exported 10,945 MT of pine nuts, being the top export destinations Germany mainly comes from Mongolia. (3,038 MT), the USA (2,866 MT) and the Netherlands (1,203 MT).

Estimated World Pine Nut Production. Kernel Basis · Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock FAR EAST

NORTH KOREA 200 3,000 3,200 200 200 6,000 6,200 150

RUSSIA 50 4,050 4,100 50 50 4,900 4,950 60

CHINA 12,000 5,000 17,000 2,650 2,650 4,000 6,650 500

AFGHANISTAN 100 3,000 3,100 100 100 3,000 3,100 100

PAKISTAN 100 3,000 3,100 100 100 3,000 3,100 100

SUBTOTAL 12,450 18,050 30,500 3,100 3,100 20,900 24,000 910

MEDITERRANEAN (Pinus pinea)

PORTUGAL 40 370 410 40 40 700 740 40

TURKEY 100 410 510 100 100 650 750 100

ITALY 150 360 510 100 100 600 700 100

SPAIN 0 310 310 0 0 600 600 0

OTHERS 0 50 50 0 0 100 100 0

SUBTOTAL 290 1,500 1,790 240 240 2,650 2,890 240

WORLD TOTAL 12,740 19,550 32,290 3,340 3,340 23,550 26,890 1,150

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 28,950 25,740

Source: China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Aegean Exporters Association and other INC sources.

China. Pine Nut Exports. Metric Tons 13,444 11,579 11,428 10,683 10,945 9,948 9,633 7,873 7,862 7,026

4,194

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Jan-Oct Source: China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs.

72 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review PISTACHIOS 心果 / PISTACHO / PISTACHE / PISTACCHIO / PISTAZIE / ANTEP FISTIGI

USA. The California pistachio harvest for The industry is expecting to carry over TURKEY. As usual, Turkey’s domestic 2016/2017 finished at 409,000 metric tons sufficient supply to mitigate the smaller expected demand remained high. This, along with the fact (903 million pounds). Crop Year 2016 industry CY2017 harvest and maintain consistent supply that this seasons’ green type pistachios (early sales were off to a strong start and ahead of into CY2017. Given the alternate bearing nature pick) were very scarce, caused prices to increase the overall CY2016 plan. September, October of pistachios and the record 2016 crop, 2017 is noticeably. and November all set record shipments. Lower expected to be a normal “off-year”. On the other hand, export market was active pistachio pricing and strong promotions helped as well. Turkish lira devaluation against US dollar to drive increased global demand. IRAN. As reported by the Iran Pistachio and Euro have contributed to competitive prices China’s pistachio market has been very Association (IPA) the post-harvest estimate for for the Turkish pistachio in the market. strong for the new crop year, driven by demand for the 2016/17 crop year was updated to 153,000 Although it is very early to predict the the Chinese New Year. Early indications showed MT (in-shell basis), 10% down from the previous 2017/18 crop, the second half of December 2016 strong sells through in the Chinese retail market. forecast. Production figures do not include was very rainy and cold, and January brought big Given the strong sell-through, the strength in the an unregistered volume of pistachios that are snows which favors pistachio production. Thus, a Chinese market is expected to continue for the produced and consumed fresh. good crop development is expected for next April. remainder of the crop year. According to IPA, approximately 80% of The US market is being driven by the strong the Iranian production is destined to exports. promotions including a new television advertising Therefore, it is estimated that 136,000 MT of campaign. Crop-to-date shipments increased pistachios (in-shell basis) are available for export significantly over last season and are in line with during the current marketing crop year. expectations. The rest of the global markets are all continuing increased sales, along with strong spot demand for the new crop year.

Estimated World Pistachio Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock

USA 74,803 124,645 199,448 46,528 46,528 409,429 455,957 101,714

IRAN 4,000 210,000 214,000 17,000 17,000 153,000 170,000 n/a

TURKEY 10,000 145,000 155,000 40,000 40,000 135,000 175,000 50,000

SYRIA 0 25,000 25,000 0 0 20,000 20,000 0

AFGHANISTAN 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 5,000 5,000 0

CHINA 0 4,200 4,200 210 210 4,200 4,410 220

GREECE 0 4,000 4,000 0 0 4,000 4,000 0

ITALY 0 2,500 2,500 0 0 2,500 2,500 0

AUSTRALIA 0 1,150 1,150 0 0 2,000 2,000 0

TOTAL 88,803 521,495 610,298 103,738 103,738 735,129 838,867 151,934

CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 506,560 686,933

Source: Iran Pistachio Association, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Australian Pistachio Growers Association and other INC sources.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 73 Statistical Review WALNUTS 核桃 / NUEZ / NOIX / NOCE / WALNUSS / CEVIZ

CHINA. There was no much change in the size USA. As reported by the California Walnut Board, occur, at the time of writing this lines it was not of the 2016/17 crop (900,000 MT) between the 2016/2017 crop color, yield and overall quality expected to affect the crop in a large proportion. On early forecast and final receipt. However, the color were excellent. Shipments through December the other hand, the development of the crop was was not so encouraging in some origins due to plenty 31, 2016 indicated a very strong market overall, quite advanced and growers were more concerned of rainfall prior to the harvest. domestically and abroad. In-shell exports were up about the care of the trees. Due to this particular Towards January, the market had strengthened 41% to 140,160 MT (309 million pounds) and weather conditions, the season was expected to with a 10% price increase compared to the start shelled exports were up nearly 22% at 44,452 start 10-15 days earlier. of the season. This was mainly due to a strong MT (98 million pounds). In the domestic market, demand from the local walnut juice industry, which shelled walnuts (the primary form of consumption) EASTERN EUROPE. In Eastern sometimes dominates the pricing. The newly had increased 25% to reach 34,019 MT (75 million Europe, the walnut harvest started two weeks later launched Chinese red dates mixed with walnut pounds). China continues to be a strong buyer than usual and the crops were 20-30% below kernels product has got more and more popular, and for California walnuts with 29,484 MT (65 million the previous year due to unfavorable weather has absorbed a good volume of premium walnut pounds) shipped to China, Vietnam and Thailand. conditions; frost during blooming and poor rainfall. halves. Imports and exports were comparatively The quality of the kernels was better than the slow due to a good local crop, moderate pricing and CHILE. The climate during springtime was previous crop. competition from other origins. normal. However, during January, a heat wave (the Strong demand for Eastern European walnuts worst in many years) affected the production areas. increased shipments before Christmas by 10-15% According to ChileNut, although some sunburn could vs. 2015.

Estimated World Walnut Production. In-shell Basis · Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock CHINA 20,000 580,000 600,000 40,000 40,000 900,000 940,000 40,000 USA 73,531 547,032 620,563 65,669 65,669 607,813 673,482 76,089 CHILE 2,000 75,000 77,000 3,000 3,000 90,000 93,000 2,000 IRAN 0 97,000 97,000 0 0 90,000 90,000 0 UKRAINE 0 116,000 116,000 5,000 5,000 80,000 85,000 0 FRANCE 1,000 40,000 41,000 0 0 36,000 36,000 0 INDIA 0 34,000 34,000 0 0 36,000 36,000 0 MOLDOVA 0 46,000 46,000 0 0 34,000 34,000 0 ROMANIA 0 29,000 29,000 0 0 30,000 30,000 0 TURKEY 4,000 20,000 24,000 3,000 3,000 20,000 23,000 3,000 ITALY 0 17,000 17,000 0 0 15,000 15,000 0 HUNGARY 0 19,000 19,000 0 0 11,000 11,000 0 AUSTRALIA 0 10,000 10,000 0 0 6,500 6,500 0 GEORGIA 0 7,500 7,500 0 0 5,500 5,500 0 TOTAL 100,531 1,637,532 1,738,063 116,669 116,669 1,961,813 2,078,482 121,089 CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 1.621.394 1.957.393 Kernel Basis · Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock CHINA 8,800 255,200 264,000 17,600 17,600 396,000 413,600 17,600 USA 32,393 240,983 273,376 28,929 28,929 267,759 296,688 33,519 CHILE 1,000 33,000 34,000 1,500 1,500 39,600 41,100 2,000 IRAN 0 42,680 42,680 0 0 39,600 39,600 0 UKRAINE 0 44,600 44,600 1,000 1,000 27,000 28,000 0 FRANCE 440 17,600 18,040 0 0 16,000 16,000 0 INDIA 0 15,062 15,062 0 0 16,000 16,000 0 MOLDOVA 0 17,000 17,000 0 0 12,000 12,000 0 ROMANIA 0 11,600 11,600 0 0 10,500 10,500 0 TURKEY 4,000 8,800 12,800 3,000 3,000 8,800 11,800 2,000 ITALY 0 7,310 7,310 0 0 7,000 7,000 0 HUNGARY 0 7,600 7,600 0 0 3,900 3,900 0 AUSTRALIA 0 4,500 4,500 0 0 2,900 2,900 0 GEORGIA 0 2,763 2,763 0 0 2,000 2,000 0 TOTAL 46,633 708,698 755,331 52,029 52,029 849,059 901,088 55,119 CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 703,302 845,969 Source: China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, California Walnut Board and Commission, ChileNut, Ukrainian Nut Growers Association and other INC sources.

74 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review PEANUTS 花生 / CACAHUETE / CACAHUÈTE / ARACHIDE / ERDNUSS / YER FISTIGI

CHINA. Although 2016/2017 peanut expected to be up from 2015/16. USA. The production in the Unites States production in the main exporting regions The acreage significantly increased in 2016 in dropped 5% over 2015/16. The situation has (Shandong and Jilin) was slightly down, Henan, Jilin and Lioning, and it is expected to been on account of the extremely dry weather China’s overall peanut production increased continue growing slightly in 2017. during the months of September and October. compared to the previous season, as reported Overall domestic consumption in China Georgia, which accounts for 45% of the US by the China Chamber of Commerce for remains strong, particularly for peanut oil crop, was particularly severely affected. Import and Export of Foodstuff. which is growing at a rapid rate. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas Early harvest prices were on the low side. season in the USA, peanut consumption However, due to the Chinese New Year, both INDIA. India’s 2016/17 peanut crop added increased by 1.4% according to IRI data. the domestic and foreign merchants increased up to 5,400 metric tons in-shell basis, 20% Retail consumption for October-December purchases, and consequently so did prices. higher than the previous season. On the trade 2015 was 35,152 MT vs. 35,650 MT in At the time of writing this report, the Chinese front, both the domestic and export demand October-December 2016. peanut purchase prices were not high with remained strong. a good quality level. Exports in 2016/17 are

Estimated World Peanut Production. In-shell Basis · 1000 Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Crop Total Supply Ending Stock CHINA 700 16,860 17,560 843 843 17,366 18,209 868 INDIA 230 4,470 4,700 80 80 5,400 5,480 200 NIGERIA n/a 3,000 3,000 n/a n/a 3,000 3,000 n/a USA 953 2,722 3,675 812 812 2,579 3,391 761 INDONESIA 100 1,130 1,230 80 80 1,125 1,205 80 SENEGAL 13 1,067 1,080 23 23 1,000 1,023 35 ARGENTINA 670 1,000 1,670 5 5 1,000 1,005 n/a VIETNAM 38 485 523 52 52 490 542 50 GHANA n/a 440 440 n/a n/a 440 440 n/a BRAZIL 83 406 489 44 44 425 469 54 NICARAGUA 22 175 197 14 14 200 214 20 MEXICO 23 105 128 28 28 105 133 23 COTE D'IVOIRE n/a 90 90 n/a n/a 90 90 n/a SOUTH AFRICA 28 25 53 4 4 55 59 1 OTHERS 97 8,852 8,949 98 98 8,200 8,298 120 WORLD TOTAL 2,957 40,827 43,784 2,083 2,083 41,475 43,558 2,212 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 41,701 41,346

Source: China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, United States Department of Agriculture and other INC sources. US Peanut Supply and Disappearance. 1000 Metric Tons Year Beg. Supply Disappearance Aug. 1 Beg Stocks Production Imports Total Domestic Food Crush Seed & Residual Exports Total Ending Stock 2014/15* 843 2,354 41 3,237 1,363 306 125 490 2,284 953 2015/16** 953 2,722 43 3,718 1,426 322 458 701 2,906 812 2016/17** 812 2,579 50 3,441 1,454 366 247 612 2,680 761

3.718 3.577 3.441 3.190 3.237 2.848 2.715 2.722 2.582 2.673 2.463 2.388 2.354 2.579 3.068 1.893 2.341 1.675 1.886 1.571 1.666 1.660

Total Supply Production

2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15* 2015/16** 2016/17**

(*) Estimated (**) Forecast. Last update: January 17, 2017. Source: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crop Production and Peanut Stocks and Processing, and US Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Statistics.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 75 Statistical Review DATES / DÁTIL / DATTE / DATTERO / DATTEL / HURMA

World production of table dates increased by 4% compared to 2015/2016. About 400,000 metric tons, i.e. 48%, of the table dates were and In some producing countries, weather conditions have caused some will be exported during the 2016/17 season. Consumption of dates adverse effects on the quality of dates. Actually, this phenomenon is chronic during Christmas was important, especially in Europe and particularly but the continuous effort of the interveners and specially of the packers in Southern Europe countries. In fact, about 80% of Italian imports took has limited its impact on the table dates quality. Selection techniques and place before Christmas. treatments have made possible to improve the quality. Estimated World Table Date Production. Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock SAUDI ARABIA 18,000 190,000 208,000 17,000 17,000 200,000 217,000 18,000 UAE 8,000 120,000 128,000 8,500 8,500 120,000 128,500 6,000 TUNISIA 7,000 95,000 102,000 6,500 6,500 100,000 106,500 5,000 IRAN 4,000 85,000 89,000 4,500 4,500 94,000 98,500 7,000 EGYPT 2,500 65,000 67,500 2,000 2,000 82,000 84,000 5,500 ALGERIA 5,000 80,000 85,000 5,500 5,500 80,000 85,500 6,000 IRAQ 2,000 60,000 62,000 1,500 1,500 45,000 46,500 1,500 PAKISTAN 1,000 28,000 29,000 1,500 1,500 30,000 31,500 1,500 OTHERS 4,000 35,000 39,000 4,000 4,000 30,000 34,000 4,000 ISRAEL 2,500 25,000 27,500 2,500 2,500 29,000 31,500 4,000 OMAN 1,000 15,000 16,000 1,500 1,500 20,000 21,500 1,500 USA 3,000 16,000 19,000 3,500 3,500 18,000 21,500 4,000 MOROCCO 1,000 12,000 13,000 1,000 1,000 15,000 16,000 1,000 SUDAN 1,000 10,000 11,000 1,000 1,000 9,000 10,000 500 LIBYA 50 500 550 100 100 1,000 1,100 100 WORLD TOTAL 60,050 836,500 896,550 60,600 60,600 873,000 933,600 65,600 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 835,950 868,000

Source: INC. These data concern only dates that have undergone a conditioning and are presented for sale as such. Dates for industrial use or presented for sale in bulk are excluded. Therefore, these data represent only about 12% of world gross production. DRIED APRICOTS 杏 / OREJÓN / ABRICOT SEC / ALBICOCCA SECCA / GETROCKNETE APRIKOSE / KURU KAYISI

TURKEY. As stated by the Aegean Exporters Association, due to 14 January 2017, up 7% from the same period of the previous strong hails before harvest and heavy rains during the drying period year. Top export markets were USA, France, Germany, UK and the in some areas, approx. 25% of the crop was damaged. However, the Russian Federation. China is one of the target potential markets; quality of the undamaged apricot was good. when compared to the previous year, exports to China increased Demand increased slightly before Christmas. In season 2016/17, significantly in 2016. Turkish dried apricot exports reached 45,575 metric tons as of

Estimated World Dried Apricot Production. Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock TURKEY 5,000 84,500 89,500 5,000 5,000 103,250 108,250 15,000 IRAN 0 15,000 15,000 1,000 1,000 15,000 16,000 1,000 UZBEKISTAN 0 8,500 8,500 0 0 9,000 9,000 0 CHINA 300 5,000 5,300 200 200 6,000 6,200 250 AFGHANISTAN 0 4,000 4,000 0 0 3,500 3,500 0 SOUTH AFRICA 0 1,446 1,446 0 0 1,500 1,500 0 USA 0 2,000 2,000 0 0 1,200 1,200 0 OTHERS 0 30,300 30,300 2,000 2,000 30,000 32,000 1,500 WORLD TOTAL 5,300 150,746 156,046 8,200 8,200 169,450 177,650 17,750 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 147,846 159,900 Source: Aegean Exporters Association and other INC sources.

76 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review DRIED CRANBERRIES 莓 / ARÁNDANO / MIRTILLO ROSSO / KEÇIYEMISI The 2016/2017 fresh fruit cranberry crop has been estimated to be 11% larger than the 2015/16 crop and it is expected to deliver approx. 590,000 metric tons. Significant growth of the crop in Wisconsin year on year is due to increased yields and a better than average growing season. Manufacturers of Sweetened Dried Cranberries continue to experience good global demand, especially in Asia, Europe and South America. The 2017/18 fresh fruit cranberry crop in Chile is expected to be slightly smaller than last season at 19,000 MT. Estimated World Sweetened Dried Cranberries Production. Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock USA 11,000 134,000 145,000 14,000 14,000 145,000 159,000 13,000 CANADA 2,000 25,000 27,000 2,500 2,500 28,000 30,500 2,200 CHILE 0 6,000 6,000 800 800 10,000 10,800 500 WORLD TOTAL 13,000 165,000 178,000 17,300 17,300 183,000 200,300 15,700 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 160,700 184,600 The cranberry crop is harvested in the fall. End of year statistics are measured as of August, 31. 2016/17 represents the estimate of production and supply through August 31, 2017. Source: INC.

DRIED FIGS 花果 / HIGO SECO / FIGUE SEC / FICO SECCO / GETROCKNETE FEIGE / KURU INCIR TURKEY. Although strong rains in some production areas before from the same period of the previous year. Besides, diced (2,327 MT), harvesting affected a small proportion of the 2016/2017 production, overall industrial (200 MT), roasted figs (118 MT) and fig paste (2,719 MT) were the crop was good. exported, totaling 37,355 MT. Top export markets of Turkish dried figs Conforming to the Aegean Exporters Association, Turkish whole dried figs were Germany, France, Italy and USA, accounting for 46% of total exports. exports reached 31,991 metric tons as of January 14, 2017, down 6% Estimated World Dried Fig Production. Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock TURKEY 0 74,505 74,505 0 0 72,000 72,000 0 IRAN 5,000 30,000 35,000 3,000 3,000 30,000 33,000 2,000 USA 0 9,000 9,000 0 0 9,000 9,000 0 GREECE 0 8,000 8,000 0 0 7,500 7,500 0 AFGHANISTAN 0 6,000 6,000 0 0 7,000 7,000 0 SPAIN 0 6,000 6,000 0 0 5,500 5,500 0 ITALY 0 4,000 4,000 0 0 3,500 3,500 0 OTHERS 0 5,000 5,000 0 0 5,000 5,000 0 WORLD TOTAL 5,000 142,505 147,505 3,000 3,000 139,500 142,500 2,000 WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 144,505 140,500 Source: Aegean Exporters Association and other INC sources.

PRUNES / CIRUELA SECA / PRUNEAU / PRUGNA SECCA / BACKPFLAUME / KURU ERIK / PRUNA SECA

World production of prunes was reduced significantly in 2016/17 to about 180 metric tons, mainly due to a 76% and a 59% decline in Argentinian and US crop respectively. As a result of early spring frosts, Argentinian production was severely affected. In the Southern Hemisphere, large crops yielded smaller fruits with lower sugars/brix and mixed quality. On the contrary, in the Northern Hemisphere, crops were smaller, yielding larger fruits with higher sugar/brix and excellent quality. Overall, there was a reduced availability of sweeter and larger sized fruits due to the scarcity from the Southern Hemisphere crops along with the crop drop in California. Estimated World Prune Production. Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock CHILE 10,690 76,945 87,635 16,338 16,338 70,000 86,338 17,000 FRANCE 14,989 36,325 51,314 19,700 19,700 45,000 64,700 11,900 USA 41,576 98,841 140,417 64,830 64,830 41,000 105,830 42,000 ARGENTINA 18,163 41,786 59,949 6,000 6,000 10,000 16,000 n/a SERBIA 600 7,000 7,600 1,200 1,200 9,000 10,200 420 AUSTRALIA 850 3,475 4,325 300 300 2,600 2,900 210 ITALY 480 1,200 1,680 430 430 1,580 2,010 315 SOUTH AFRICA 80 1,000 1,080 0 0 1,000 1,000 0 TOTAL 87,428 266,572 354,000 108,798 108,798 180,180 288,978 71,845 CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 245,202 217,133 Source: International Prune Association, California Dried Plum Board and Chile Prunes Association.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 77 Statistical Review RAISINS, SULTANA & CURRANTS 葡萄干 / UVA PASA / RAISIN SEC / UVETTA / ROSINE / KURU ÜZÜM

TURKEY. In season 2016/17, Turkish dried USA. Ideal weather conditions during the IRAN. Conforming to the Iran Dried Fruit grape exports reached 120,716 metric tons as growing and drying seasons combined with Exporters Association, the Iranian crop increased of 14 January 2017, up 43% from the same adequate water resulted in the 2016/2017 by 13% in the 2016/17 season compared to the period of the previous year. Top export markets raisin crop to be of very good quality. California previous one. for Turkish dried grapes were UK, Germany, is still in a drought situation impacted by several Iran had exported 49,000 MT as of December Netherlands, Italy and France, accounting for years of less than average rainfall. California 31, 2016, being the top destination markets 62% of total exports. has been experiencing above average rainfall Iraq and Russia. On the contrary, demand from Exports of Turkish seedless dried grapes and snowfall this winter. Growers can expect Europe went down. Domestic consumption is increased before Christmas compared to the to receive surface water irrigation deliveries for expected to add up to 45,000 MT. previous year. The Aegean Exporters Association their 2017/18 crop should this weather pattern expects that total exports will be around continue. 275,000 MT and a carryover of 13,000 MT for Easter continues to be an important selling the next season. season for the California raisin industry. Raisins are used in the making of Easter treats with ingredient shipments starting in January. California raisin exports have declined as a result of a number of international events including the softening of certain country economies and the strength of the US dollar.

Estimated World Raisin/Sultana/Currant Production. Metric Tons. 2015/2016 2016/2017 Country Beginning Stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock Beginning stock Production Total Supply Ending Stock TURKEY 45,000 196,000 241,000 15,000 15,000 313,000 328,000 13,000 USA 97,000 294,000 391,000 145,000 145,000 243,000 388,000 111,000 IRAN 15,000 160,000 175,000 25,000 25,000 180,000 205,000 25,000 INDIA 0 135,000 135,000 0 0 135,000 135,000 0 CHINA 10,000 165,000 175,000 8,000 8,000 130,000 138,000 5,000 CHILE 8,000 55,000 63,000 6,000 6,000 60,000 66,000 6,000 UZBEKISTAN 0 50,000 50,000 0 0 50,000 50,000 0 AFGHANISTAN 0 32,000 32,000 3,000 3,000 45,000 48,000 3,000 SOUTH AFRICA 3,500 56,000 59,500 0 0 45,000 45,000 0 GREECE 0 27,000 27,000 0 0 27,000 27,000 0 ARGENTINA 2,000 35,000 37,000 0 0 18,000 18,000 0 AUSTRALIA 0 12,000 12,000 0 0 12,000 12,000 0 TOTAL 180,500 1,217,000 1,397,500 202,000 202,000 1,258,000 1,460,000 163,000

CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 1,195,500 1,297,000

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

78 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Statistical Review SPECIAL REPORT WORLD PISTACHIO OUTLOOK 心果 / PISTACHO / PISTACHE / PISTACCHIO / PISTAZIE / ANTEP FISTIGI

Estimated World Pistachio Production.Estimated W orld Pistachio Production. In-shellSource: Basis.Iran Pistachio Metric Association, Tons China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of In-shell Basis. MetricSource: Tons Iran Pistachio Association, China Chamber of Commerce for Import andFoodstuffs, Export ofAustralian Foodstu Pistachioffs, Australian Growers Association and other INC sources. Pistachio Growers Association and other INC sources.

800,000

700,000 37,700 135,000 600,000 122,800 85,300 56,200 42,850 25,000 500,000 112,000 112,000 60,000 41,850 153,000 OTHERS 54,500 42,150 TURKEY 400,000 105,500 85,000 57,600 50,000 145,000 230,000 20,000 310,000 40,000 195,000 180,000 IRAN 300,000 93,000 160,000 160,000 USA 190,000 47,300 160,000 210,000 200,000 409,429 85,000 240,200 251,935 235,000 100,000 185,000 203,600 215,005 130,000 125,000 161,141 124,645 0 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Est. 2016/17

Estimated World Pistachio Consumption. In-shell Basis. Metric Tons Estimated World Pistachio Consumption. In-shell Basis. Metric Tons Source: The World Bank and INC. Source: The World Bank and INC.

350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000 High-Income Economies Low-Income Economies 150,000 Middle-Income Economies

100,000

50,000

0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

World Pistachio Exports. Sources: DESA/UNSD United Nations Comtrade Database In-shell Basis. Metric Tons and Iran Pistachio Association. World Pistachio Exports. In-shell Basis. Metric Tons Sources: DESA/UNSD United Nations Comtrade Database and Iran Pistachio Association

354,398 352,100 346,718 328,493 332,908 314,548 315,517 306,554 300,244 294,273 267,872

235,054

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 79 Statistical Review

SPECIAL REPORT WORLD PISTACHIO IMPORTS IN-SHELL. METRIC TONS

TOP IMPORTING COUNTRIES Country 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2015 World Pistachio Exports. In-shell.2015 World Metric Pistachio Tons Exports. In-shell. Metric Tons. AMERICAS NORTH AMERICA 4.081 3.440 2.948 1.987 1.922 Canada 3,699 2,894 2,847 1,871 1,693 Sources: DESA/UNSD United nations Comtrade Database and Iran Pistachio Association Others 382 546 101 116 229 LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN 2,909 2,206 1,842 2,800 2,300 33,635

Mexico 1,275 954 847 1,420 1,447 10,327 Others 1,634 1,252 995 1,380 853 Iran 43% ASIA-PACIFIC NORTH-EASTERN ASIA 77,251 123,167 89,952 104,371 69,772 125,089 USA 26% China 72,912 119,647 86,550 100,851 67,198 China 17% 49,261 Japan 3,085 2,530 2,381 2,619 1,832 Germany 4% Korea Rep. 1,235 9902015 W1,022orld Pistachio880 Exports.740 In-shell. Metric Tons. Others 10% Others 19 Sources:0 DESA/UNSD0 20 United nations2 Comtrade Database SOUTH-EASTERN ASIA 31,477 45,970 38,577 and73,885 Iran Pistachio62,290 Association Vietnam 28,021 43,724 36,174 71,281 59,935 75,961 33,635 Malaysia 897 746 836 881 777 Thailand 674 703 10,327710 926 677 Iran 43% Singapore 671 490 682 538 688 USA 26% Others 1,214 307 176 259 214 125,089 China 17% CENTRAL/SOUTHERN ASIA 15,847 10,86649,26124,142 18,651 19,344 India 6,564 7,437 12,055 3,925 6,241 Germany 4% Kazakhstan 1,167 2,688 7,917 6,772 5,498 Others 10% Pakistan 3,977 377 3,347 3,328 3,830 Afghanistan 1,207 3 1,958 2,045 Others 2,932 361 823 75,9612,667 1,730 Sources: DESA/UNSD United nations Comtrade Database OCEANIA 5,013 3,797 2,278 2,042 1,570 and Iran Pistachio Association. Australia 4,806 3,468 2,148 1,731 1,410 Others 207 329 131 311 160 EUROPE WESTERN EUROPE 99,031 109,250 101,639 81,889 85,768 Germany 28,529 38,608 44,586 26,168 28,237 Belgium 13,116 14,044 12,318 16,911 17,826 Netherlands 11,851 15,554 10,118 12,347 10,077 Italy 10,399 8,107 6,746 6,445 7,567 Spain 10,381 9,362 8,670 6,935 7,133 France 14,088 13,166 8,813 6,878 6,956 UK 4,094 3,879 2,547 3,248 3,796 Luxembourg 4,220 3,850 6,205 1,627 2,577 Switzerland 432 438 579 347 509 Others 1,921 2,242 1,055 983 1,090 2015 World Pistachio Imports. EASTERN EUROPE 28,830 29,641 25,276 12,966 8,702 Russian Fed. 17,811 18,132 15,663 6,099 1,906 2015In-shell. World Pistachio Metric Tons Imports. In-shell. Metric Tons. Sources: DESA/UNSD United Nations Comtrade Database, Poland 1,465 2,420 1,874 1,933 1,697 FAOSTAT and Iran Pistachio Association Greece 1,633 1,114 849 744 1,660 Slovakia 1,707 1,955 1,209 931 988 4,222 Lithuania 961 819 1,173 973 894 42,411 Others 5,253 5,201 4,508 2,286 1,556 WESTERN ASIA/AFRICA WESTERN ASIA 46,438 18,091 31,328 44,243 39,636 UAE 16,875 5,844 13,808 16,523 13,910 Saudi Arabia 1,573 1,549 3,866 2,766 6,752 Turkey 6,921 1,359 1,457 10,158 4,929 Israel 3,918 3,694 2,923 4,141 2,401 94,469 Jordan 1,459 1,665 2,226 1,449 1,784 Lebanon 2,965 2,729 4,870 1,803 1,529 152,976 Qatar 233 375 337 302 481 Others 12,494 876 1,841 7,101 7,850 ASIA-PACIFIC 52% AFRICA 4,300 4,206 3,234 2,759 2,775 EUROPE 32% Egypt 1,286 1,711 1,279 928 1,301 WESTERN ASIA/AFRICA 14% Algeria 1,291 1,252 632 860 679 Others 1,723 1,243 1,323 971 795 AMERICAS 2% WORLD TOTAL 315,177 350,634 321,217 345,592 294,079

Sources: DESA/UNSD United Nations Comtrade Database, FAOSTAT and Iran Pistachio Association. Sources: DESA/UNSD United Nations Comtrade Database, FAOSTAT and Iran Pistachio Association.

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March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 81

15051_Nuts_Cracker_FP_Feb04.indd 1 2/4/16 2:20 PM Industry News ALMONDS: WHEN IS A CALORIE NOT A CALORIE?

Researchers find Whole and Chopped Almonds Provide Fewer Calories than Thought when Accounting for Digestibility

ew research data from the US USDA Clinical Studies at a Glance: unroasted almonds provided 25% fewer Department of Agriculture (USDA) These studies were conducted at the calories than expected, while whole roasted Nand a comprehensive literature USDA Food Components and Health Laboratory almonds provided 19% fewer calories. review from Kings College London (KCL), UK human studies facility in Beltsville Maryland. Chopped roasted almonds provided 17% fewer both show that roasted and unroasted almonds Their state of the art research unit includes calories, though the difference between the provide fewer calories than thought—and that labs to measure body composition, energy calories absorbed from chopped and whole the number of calories is largely dependent on metabolism and qualified staff to take all clinical roasted almonds was not statistically different. form. The UK researchers reviewed all available samples required. For dietary interventions the Measured calories in almond butter did not research on the impact of processing on nutrient subjects are provided with a controlled and differ from calories estimated using Atwater bioaccessibility and digestion of almonds and defined diet. These research volunteers are free factors. Traditionally, calories are determined concluded that the amount of lipids released living and follow their normal daily routines of using what are known as the Atwater factors, from the almond tissue varies significantly based work, exercise and leisure. Breakfast and dinner which assign an estimated number of calories on the amount of processing and the almond were consumed onsite at the centre, whereas per gram of fat, protein and carbohydrate in a form. The human clinical study, conducted by lunch and weekend meals were packed onsite food. “We expanded upon the Atwater method scientists from USDA’s Agricultural Research and provided to participants to consume offsite. in our study, so we could tease out the caloric Service (ARS) and jointly funded by Almond Almond products were added to the typlical value of a single target food,” explains Janet Board of California and USDA ARS, showed that American diet. To calculate the measured Novotny, PhD, a physiologist and mathematician compared to the number of calories listed on energy value of almonds, eighteen healthy with the research team. “Then using the study nutrition labels, participants actually absorbed adults consumed one of five diets for 18 days participants’ energy intake and energy output, 25% fewer calories from whole unroasted each. The five treatments were administered to we were able to measure the number of calories almonds and 19% fewer calories from whole subjects in a crossover design where the diets actually digested and absorbed from a single roasted almonds. David Baer, PhD, and his contained 1 of 5 forms in a serving of 42 g of food – in this case, almonds.” research team conducted controlled human almonds each day: whole unroasted, whole clinical trials using a new method to measure roasted, chopped roasted, almond butter, and Why the Discrepancy Between the calories absorbed from treenuts, included control (0g/day). After 9 days of adaptation to Methods of Determining Calories? two studies on almonds, taking bioavailability each diet, volunteers collected all urine and The Atwater method of estimating the into account. The new method allows the feces for 9 days, and samples of diets, urine, calorie content of foods was first developed researchers to determine the number of calories and feces were analyzed for macronutrient and jointly by American and German physiologists actually digested and absorbed from almonds. energy contents. From this, the “measured” in the 1870’s; as they recognized that when (metabolizable) energy content of the almonds a food is eaten, it is broken down, digested, was determined. Fracture force and properties absorbed and metabolized. This process is not of whole and chopped almonds were also 100% efficient, and unabsorbed energy is lost measured; to determine the almond firmness in the feces. In 1896 Wilbur Atwater completed and to relate this to ease of chewing. a room sized human calorimeter in his USDA Connecticut laboratory and enticed men of In 2012, these researchers had conducted varying sizes and occupations to live in the lab their first study using whole roasted almonds, for periods of a few days to a few weeks. Once which showed that the almonds provided there, Atwater’s team measured the subject’s fewer calories than thought. 2014-2016 the calorie input and respiration associated with research team broadened their investigation tasks such as riding a bicycle, paperwork and to examine the calorie availability of additional lifting heavy objects and reported the thermal almond forms, and also replicated the testing energy needed. Atwater then took an economic with roasted almonds. They found that whole approach to calories, and urged lawmakers that

82 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Industry News

Fig. 1 Structure of the almond kernel – from in shell to cellular level

calories should be the foundation for policies to that would feed workers as reverse is also true: the smaller the particle size, the more almond cells cheaply as possible. He was NOT thinking of caloric food labelling!! but, to are exposed to digestive enzymes and the more calories are absorbed. this day, over 100 years later, the calories on the food label are estimated In addition to chewing and digestion, mechanical processes, such as from the macronutrient composition (using Atwater factors) and are not chopping, grinding and roasting almonds can also impact particle size. The measured. These estimations are based on data collected from these very KCL researchers have clearly outlined how the almond cellular structure small studies, over 100 years ago, that were not randomized controlled and types of processing will impact lipid release from almond tissues (see trials, and were for very short feeding periods with simple mixed diets, figure 1). that are not representative of what people eat today. In the mid 1950’s the USDA updated the original Atwater data, and they acknowledged that nuts In Conclusion presented problems related to complete digestibility; but until Dr Baer’s Researchers agree that most food composition tables may overstate recent research on almonds, pistachios and walnuts energy values USDA the calories from almonds because they simply doesn’t account for the fact had not re-examined this data. that not all calories from almonds are available to the body. The chewing process does not completely break down almond cell walls, and almond How Does Almond Cell Structure and Processing Affect lipids are therefore not completely absorbed during digestion. USDA staff the Caloric Values for Various Forms? are exploring options for modifications of the caloric data in the USDA Much of the USDA findings have to do with particle size after chewing nutrient database. As well, it is generally agreed in the scientific world that and digestion. The larger the particle size, after chewing for example, the further research is needed to better understand the results of this study less of the almond tissue is able to be broken down by digestive enzymes and how this method of measuring calories could potentially affect the and more of the almond is excreted, so fewer calories are absorbed. The calorie count of other foods.

References Gebauer SK, Novotny JA, Bornhorst GM and Baer DJ. Food processing and structure impact the metabolizable energy of almonds. Food & Function 2016; 7(10):4231-4238. Grundy M, Lapsley K and Ellis PR. A review of the impact of processing on nutrient bioaccessibility and digestion of almonds. Int. J. Food Sci & Tech. 2016; 51:1937-1946. Novotny JA, Gebauer SK and Baer DJ. Discrepancy between the Atwater factors predicted and empirically measured energy values of almonds in human diets. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2012; 96:296-301. Carpenter, KJ. The life and times of W. J. Atwater (1844-1907). Am. L. Clin. Nutr. 1994; 1707S-1713S.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 83 Industry News

CALIFORNIA WALNUT INDUSTRY MARKETING

U.S. ADVERTISING

he California Walnut Board’s (CWB) 2016/17 advertising ‘Home and Family’ television program. During the 12 minute segment, Dr. campaign is now under way. The campaign is designed to reach Bazilian demonstrated to viewers how to make a holiday side dish featuring T93% of adults in the U.S. aged 25-54. With this year’s schedule, walnuts and also mentioned walnuts’ heart-healthy benefits. During the Dr. Oz the CWB was able to increase the television campaign from four months, as show, four different one minute vignettes are airing, featuring Dr. Oz himself ran in 2015/16, to seven months, with the same budget. The print campaign explaining how to make various dishes with heart-healthy walnuts. And finally, includes over 70 insertions across women’s and lifestyle publications. the California Walnut Commission (CWC) was able to secure placements for As part of the national cable and print media buy, the CWB was able to the TV commercial during two key football games leading up to the Super garner some additional added-value coverage for California walnuts, which Bowl and one during the pre-game Super Bowl show. These divisional games means additional coverage or exposure for no additional cost. In December, can garner over 24 million viewers, not to mention the Super Bowl which has Dr. Wendy Bazilian made a guest appearance on the Hallmark channel’s over 100 million viewers.

CELEBRATING HOLIDAY BAKING WITH WALNUTS

ublic relations efforts during November and December focused on showing consumers delicious ways to incorporate walnuts into Ptheir holiday baking. One of the key initiatives was a partnership with popular website Brit + Co., considered a ‘Martha Stewart’ for the millennial generation. The website has 13 million unique monthly visitors and a social reach of 88 million. Brit + Co. created a recipe and video for a Maple Bourbon Walnut Mini Bundt , perfect for holiday gifting. Social channels promoted a ‘12 Days of Holiday Baking’ campaign featuring delicious holiday baking recipes leading up to the Christmas holiday. Other media coverage included The Daily Meal, Food & Wine magazine, The Today Show’s food newsletter, Food Network magazine, Relish, and more.

EXPORT MARKETING

Product Development

alifornia Walnuts are an excellent ingredient for an unlimited four-day show attracted a total of 145,900 local and overseas visitors from number of product applications; one of which is butter. The CWC 70 countries. At this exhibition, the CWC introduced easy and trendy menu Chas recently produced formularies for walnut butter such as suggestions for cafés using California Walnuts. basic walnut butter, walnut parsley pesto, and apple pie spice, just to name The butter was displayed in several different forms: large containers; a few. The butter was produced and debuted in the fall of 2016 at the Seoul small jars; and spread on biscuits for sample tasting. Also, printed materials Café Show - the first and largest coffee focused exhibition in Korea. The on how to make walnut butter were distributed to the attendees. With

84 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Industry News over 2,250 visitors to the booth, the event sparked multiple meetings with over 20 product variations were discovered and documented to include companies interested in developing walnut butter for their outlets. not only the formula but also the description of processing, specifications, The CWC is also working with students to inspire a new generation sensory testing, and cost. of product developers. A student seminar was recently conducted at the New product development is essential for growing the demand for University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg Germany. Their goal was to California Walnuts. Companies are not only looking for new products, but introduce the students of this department to the versatility and value of they also want ready made products that are inclusive of industry recipes. California Walnuts and to create new innovations with walnuts. As a result, This will remain a priority for the CWC in 2017.

CWC Booth at Seoul Café Show Small jars of walnut butter

Online Shopping o maximize the momentum of the harvest season, the CWC A landing page was created on the site to promote 34 available walnut executed a B2B & B2C promotion on Interpark. Interpark is South products from 28+ vendors. All products were verified to contain California TKorea’s major online shopping mall with more than 20 million Walnuts and included such items as packaged walnuts in various forms and registered members and 47 million products listed on the platform. sizes and bakery products. Along with product to purchase, consumers could also get nutritional information and view video recipes. To promote the site, Interpark sent emails and text messages targeting small-sized foodservice New product development is essential for growing the customers who have a history of purchasing food ingredients of significant demand for California Walnuts. Companies are not only quantities repeatedly, especially bakery ingredients and B2C packaged looking for new products, but they also want ready made ingredients. The page was also promoted on Interpark and CWC’s SNS products that are inclusive of industry recipes. This will channels. The promotion gained valuable exposure for California Walnuts, remain a priority for the CWC in 2017. and sales over this promotional period increased by 132%.

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March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 85 Industry News AMERICAN PISTACHIO GROWERS DEBUTS AT SIGEP TRADE SHOW IN ITALY

merican Pistachio Growers (APG) participated in the SIGEP Expo American-grown pistachios are becoming a valued ingredient amongst in Rimini, Italy to introduce American pistachios, the American top chefs around the world. There is a growing usage of American Apistachio industry and pistachio usage to the world’s gelato, Ice pistachios across various culinary business platforms due to their taste, cream, and patisserie businesses. safety, yearlong availability and customer service from APG member As a platform and showcase for technology, raw materials, ingredients processors. The introduction of American pistachios to these new sectors and decorations it was the perfect fit for the American pistachio industry will allow both pistachio producers and the food industry the opportunity to to showcase all the products that are available using American-grown reach new discerning consumers with very high quality pistachio products. pistachios. Miss California, Jessa Carmack, who is a global ambassador for the U.S. Crop Update U.S. pistachio industry, participated in the event, welcoming the nearly The final crop production numbers are in, and the United States 200,000 visitors to the show. has produced a record crop of 903,138,501 million pounds (409.657 The APG team sampled visitors with roasted, unsalted pistachio metric tons). This shatters the previous record of 555 million pounds kernels and demonstrated other forms of pistachio available. On display (251.933 metric tons) produced in 2012. California produced 99 percent were samples of chopped and sugared pistachio inclusions and pistachio of the total U.S. crop, while the states of Arizona and New Mexico grew for patisserie . APG offers an origin mark designed for the remainder. It has certainly taken a few years to get back to record packaging or menu boards in and gelato shops. production levels. With many new pistachio acres coming into production APG received visitors and enquiries from family businesses and over the next several years, the U.S. pistachio industry is getting ever independent gelato, ice cream and patisserie shops along with large closer to reaching its first billion-pound crop. With the typical alternate corporate operators in China, India, Middle East, Europe, USA, Canada, bearing that pistachio trees experience, the expectation for the 2017 Kazakhstan and Ukraine. crop is that it will be much smaller. Historical numbers indicate that The expo welcomed students and schools through the door in great pistachio trees will typically produce somewhere between 65-75 percent numbers with APG spending time with the future customers and educating of the previous years’ large total. them in the production, quality, safety, usage and business benefits of American-grown pistachios. The recent growth in production of pistachios in the American West enables producers to expand into these new and exciting markets, offering the sectors the opportunity to use pure natural ingredients instead of artificial flavors and ingredients.

86 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Industry News TRAINING THE TRAINER: WORKSHOP AND CULINARY DEMONSTRATION KEEPS PISTACHIOS TOP OF MIND WITH SUPERMARKET DIETITIANS

ore and more supermarkets are hiring registered dietitians have a corporate dietitian on staff, and 62% have them in their stores . to create health and wellness programming, with a focus on These dietitians are available to educate consumers at the point of sale Mnutrition. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the U.S.-based and help them make food and beverage choices to live a healthier lifestyle. Food Marketing Institute found that, on average, 95% of supermarkets

H-E-B Logo (Source: H-E-B).

his December, Pistachio Health Institute (PHI) hosted a culinary workshop with the registered dietitian team at H-E-B, a regional Tgrocery chain with approximately 370 stores across the state of Texas in the United States. The workshop built and nurtured relationships with these influential dietitians who work closer to the point of sale and in their communities, and positioned Pistachio Health Institute as a nutrition resource for their client consults and customer events. Attendees learned about the history and nutritional benefits inside every pistachio, and how the beloved nut has evolved from a simple culinary ingredient into a consumer snacking staple. A favorite recipe featured pistachios in an avocado-tomato soup with Pistachios 101: History, Research, and Resources local regional flavors including lime, green chilies, and cilantro. Attendees PHI has a deep commitment to understanding the health benefits of remarked at the aroma and flavors in the soup and noted how much their pistachios and communicating nutrition research to both consumers and customers would enjoy making the recipe in their own homes. Other health professionals. The first part of the workshop focused on a review of dishes included a pistachio pesto for crostini, pistachio and strawberry the literature to date including the pistachio science in the areas of heart yogurt parfait, and a pistachio red pepper sauce that would work great health, weight management and eating right with diabetes, as well as the with whole grain pasta. Pistachio Principle. Attendees learned about the unique nutrient profile of the pistachio, its history, and journey from the orchard to the plate. “I never thought to use pistachios in a pesto. It adds such a The Institute also shared key resources that supermarket dietitians beautiful bright green color and is surprisingly creamy.” could use in their practice including a healthy eating toolkit complete with H-E-B Registered Dietitian, Corpus Christi Region nutritious (and delicious) recipes, key messages, and tip sheets. Attendees expressed their desire for turnkey resources such as this, and were thrilled “Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Pistachios would to have access to these materials. be a perfect fit for our events during Heart Health Month, especially with the FDA Qualified Health Claim for nuts.” From the Classroom to the Kitchen H-E-B Corporate Dietitian and Nutrition Services Program Manager Culinary instructor and registered dietitian Christy Wilson, RDN developed four unique recipes for the workshop featuring the pistachios’ unique flavor profile and versatility. Following a brief demonstration, attendees As the role of the supermarket dietitian evolves, PHI is thrilled to be had hands-on time to test recipes at culinary work stations with portable able to share pistachio science and resources that are valuable to their cooking equipment, mimicking how they would work in their own stores customers. These health professionals are now engaged allies, equipped to and communities. The recipes were simple, requiring minimal tools and help communicate the joy of healthy eating with pistachios on the plate. ingredients so they would be appropriate to recreate during their events.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 87 Industry News NEWS FROM THE INC NUTRITION RESEARCH By Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D. & EDUCATION FOUNDATION (INC NREF) INC NREF Executive Director

ecently, there have been a number of proposed food labeling changes in the United States and Maureen Ternus, M.S., elsewhere. Health Canada, for example, requested comments on its Front-of-Package (FOP) R.D., Executive Director RLabelling Consultation regarding the nutrient levels (thresholds) used to identify if a product is high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat. With respect to snack nuts, many nut packages would be required to bear the saturated fat FOP label, despite the fact that most nuts have a beneficial fatty acid profile makeup of predominantly mono and polyunsaturated fats.

INC NREF submitted comments (see the following information) requesting that Health Canada give nuts a threshold exemption for saturated fat. After all, Canada’s own Food Guide recommends consuming nuts for their health benefits.

Abridged INC NREF Comments to Health Canada

January 13, 2017 Attention: Front-of-Package Labelling Consultation

The International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education a beneficial fatty acid profile makeup of predominantly mono and Foundation (INC NREF), a non-profit organization located in Davis, polyunsaturated fats. California, represents nine tree nut industries worldwide. The mission of INC NREF is to build awareness of the nutritional benefits of tree Health Canada's Evidence Review for Dietary Guidance nuts through relevant research and targeted educational programs. concluded that lower intakes of saturated fat, through replacement with unsaturated fat, help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. INC NREF appreciates the opportunity to provide written Similarly, the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans comments in response to the Front-of-Package (FOP) Labelling no longer characterize ‘healthy’ dietary patterns as “low in fat” or Consultation requesting comments regarding the nutrient levels recommend that Americans limit their overall fat intake. Instead the (thresholds) used to identify if a product is high in sodium, sugars focus is on choosing foods with more unsaturated fats, such as nuts. and/or saturated fat. Indeed, as stated in the consultation document, “an appropriate threshold should trigger the FOP label on foods that In addition, the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend a contain relatively high levels of one (or more) nutrient of concern, but “shift to increase variety in protein food choices and to make more not on foods that would be recommended as part of a healthy diet.” nutrient-dense choices.” For example, “strategies to increase the This perspective is supported by the relevant scientific literature. variety of protein foods include incorporating seafood as the protein foods choice in meals twice per week in place of meat, poultry, or The consultation document also states that foods to choose eggs, and using legumes or nuts and seeds in mixed dishes instead more often (such as fruits and vegetables), would not be required of some meat or poultry.” to display a FOP symbol, whereas many foods to limit (such as soft drinks, , ice cream and sausages) would likely display one Canada’s Food Guide also recommends using meat alternatives, (or more) symbols. In this regard, we recommend that nuts should stating: “Choose nuts, nut butters and seeds in small amounts. One be given a threshold exemption for saturated fat, similar to the one Food Guide Serving is 60 mL (¼ cup) nuts and seeds and 30 mL (2 given to certain milk and egg products which are consistent with Tbsp) for nut butters.” dietary guidance, and certain “healthy” oils and dressings. The 3g saturated fat threshold is established per reference amount and per Nut Consumption and Health serving of stated size. With respect to snack nuts, which have a When it comes to nuts and health, there has been a dramatic reference amount of 50g, many nut packages would be required to increase in the last decade in the number of studies demonstrating bear the saturated fat FOP label, despite the fact that most nuts have not only the positive role of nuts in reducing the risk of cardiovascular

88 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Industry News

disease (CVD), but also the benefits of nut consumption on diabetes, to nutrient adequacy for most nutrients, tree nut consumers fared metabolic syndrome and a healthy body weight. better than non-consumers. The data showed that, compared to non-consumers, tree nut consumers’ diet quality was more nutrient- In a study by O’Neil et al., researchers compared risk factors for dense. Tree nut consumers had a lower percentage of the population heart disease and metabolic syndrome of tree nut consumers versus consuming usual intakes of nutrients below the recommended levels those who did not consume tree nuts. Tree nut (almonds, Brazil nuts, of vitamins A, E and C; folate; calcium; iron; magnesium; and zinc. cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and Tree nut consumers had a higher percentage of the population walnuts) consumption was associated with lower body mass index, consuming over the recommendation for adequate intake for systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance and higher levels of high- nutrients of concern: dietary fiber and potassium. The Healthy Eating density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, tree nut consumers were Index-2005, an objective measure of diet quality, was significantly 25% less likely to be obese and 21% less likely to have an elevated higher in tree nut consumers than non-consumers. waist circumference than those who did not consume tree nuts. The study looked at 14,386 men and women (19+ years) participating In Conclusion… in the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination All of the evidence to date continues to support the recommendation Surveys (NHANES). Intake was from 24-hour recall data and tree that nuts 1) can and should play an important role in the Western nut consumers were defined as those who consumed ¼ ounce or diet; 2) help to improve overall health; and 3) reduce the risk for more per day. various chronic diseases. INC NREF believes that any labeling on food products should reflect current nutrition science and should agree In another study, the same researchers compared the nutrient with other federal recommendations and policies (i.e., Canada’s adequacy and diet quality of those who consume tree nuts and Food Guide and health claims). non-tree nut consumers in the same NHANES population. Tree nut consumption was associated with better nutrient adequacy for most As mentioned earlier, we feel strongly that Health Canada should nutrients that are lacking in the diets of many Americans, and with give nuts a threshold exemption for saturated fat similar to the one better diet quality. Tree nut consumers accounted for approximately given to certain dairy and egg products and certain “healthy” oils 6% of the population and their mean usual intake was 44 grams and dressings. (or approximately 1.5 ounces) per day. Compare this to the per capita intake of just 3.3 grams of tree nuts per day. When it comes Thank you for considering these comments.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (CVD), but the benefits of nut consumption on diabetes, metabolic has requested comments on the use of the term ‘healthy’ in the syndrome and a healthy body weight. labeling of human food products. INC NREF is providing written comments stating that any labeling on food products should reflect All of the evidence to date continues to support the current nutrition science and should agree with other federal recommendation that nuts 1) can and should play an important role recommendations, policies, and regulations (i.e., the U.S. Dietary in the diet; 2) help to improve overall health; and 3) reduce the risk Guidelines and FDA regulated health claims). INC NREF is requesting for various chronic diseases. INC NREF believes that current FDA that FDA exercise enforcement discretion immediately to permit regulations governing “healthy” claims are outdated and do not those tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios align with the current U.S. Dietary Guidelines or the latest scientific and walnuts) included in the qualified health claim for nuts and heart research supporting the contributions made by nuts in achieving an disease, to bear healthy claims in product labeling; and is requesting overall healthy dietary pattern. consideration of enforcement discretion for Brazil nuts, cashews and macadamias as well. Both Health Canada and FDA should be coming out with their final rulings later this year. For more information on any INC When it comes to nuts and health, there has been a dramatic NREF project please contact Maureen Ternus at Maureen.ternus@ increase in the last decade in the number of studies showing not only nuthealth.org. the positive role of nuts in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 89 Industry News FDA’S PRODUCE SAFETY RULE TRAINING

afe Food Alliance continues to stay current on the Food Safety SModernization Acts implementation of the various rules under this act. Once the Produce Safety Rule was finalized and the official training released, Safe Food Alliance staff attended the official train-the-trainer course for the Produce Safety rule. Some key takeaways from the train-the-trainer course included: growers will need to understand the requirements of the rule and how it applies to their specific operation; many useful resources are available on the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/fsma which will help the industry implement this rule, such as the “Produce Safety Rule Fact Sheet” and the Produce Safety Coverage “Flow Chart”.

First Impressions In order to maintain continued support of Compliance Exemptions One noteworthy item from the training was the food industry, Safe Food Alliance trainers In reviewing the requirements of the rule you growers who currently comply with a Good plan to offer this training starting in the spring will note that FDA has defined a specific list Agricultural Practices (GAP) program may not of 2017. The PCQI training for the Preventive of commodities which are considered “rarely find the requirements difficult for compliance. Controls rule, which applies to processors, will consumed raw” and therefore are exempt from There will just be a few specific requirements also continue to be offered. the requirements laid out. This list includes to meet, such as water testing. However for (among other items) cashews, sour cherries, those growers who do not currently have a Overall, the regulation is relatively generic in cranberries, dates, figs, hazelnuts, peanuts, and GAP program in place, there may be more work nature as compared to existing GAP programs. pecans. Growers of commodities which are not ahead to implement a program that complies For example, there is a requirement that growers exempt are required to follow the rule. with the regulation. provide for appropriate disposal of waste; this can be achieved by the simple practice of using That being said, growers qualifying for an What’s Required? garbage cans or other containers, as is common exemption should consider several things before Overall, rule requirements address minimizing under existing GAP programs. But the regulation making a decision to not implement programs. risks of food contamination through controls for does not specifically require their use. First, any exemptions given may be revoked in water, soil amendments, animals, employees, the future by FDA, if they perceive a risk to the and equipment. Although the regulation does Trainers recommended that growers look public. Second, many customers are looking not require having a written food safety program, to existing GAP programs for industry best for compliance with these new regulations it is highly recommended that growers develop practices which can be applied in order to even where compliance is not required. at least a basic written program to reflect the comply with the regulation. It is expected that Therefore, Safe Food Alliance believes that not complying may potentially become a competitive controls they have in place. The regulation FDA will release guidance documents to assist disadvantage. So it may be in growers’ best does require some records, including employee industry with methods of compliance, sometime interest to begin implementing at least some of training records, water testing records, and in the future, but it’s unclear at this point when these programs even where not legally required. other records, to demonstrate that an operation such guidance will be released or how detailed is in compliance. This includes records to it will be. As new developments arise and new demonstrate that a member of the operation has guidance is released Safe Food Alliance will attended the official one-day training recognized One notable aspect of the regulation is the continue to keep the industry up to date. by FDA, as noted in § 112.22(c): water controls section, which requires most growers to conduct testing of their water source Please feel free to contact Safe Food (c) at least on supervisor or responsible party and establish a baseline of coliform bacteria Alliance with any questions. As plans for for your farm must have successfully completed in the water, in terms of both average coliform training dates are finalized they will be posted food safety training, at least equivalent to levels and variability of those levels. Additionally on the website at safefoodalliance.com/events/ that received under standardized curriculum there are requirements in place for testing and To contact Safe Food Alliance or to sign up for recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug management of process water used in packing newsletter visit https://safefoodalliance.com or Administration. sheds and other similar operations. email [email protected]

90 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Industry News CALIFORNIA PRUNES ARE WIDELY USED AS INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY FOOD ITEMS IN KOREA

ew product development and launches using California prunes are Nprogressing in diverse ways in Korea. The nutritional benefit of California prunes is gaining recognition and as a result, snack and health supplement manufacturers are launching new prune products. Chung Jung One, one of Korea’s major food manufacturers launched Chew&, a new healthy snack brand with the concept of a round base, with California walnut pieces years-grown Korean red ginseng extract and Chew& products being a natural snack made inlaid. With its unique texture and natural 95% California prune extract. The products with dried fruits and vegetables and nothing sweetness, it is quickly becoming a popular are well received by Korean consumers as added. Under this brand, Chung Jung One product among consumers, especially with premium healthy supplement items, with launched Prunes & Walnuts at major online health-conscious women. strong selling power. It is exciting that Jung and offline stores nationwide. This snack item Another manufacturer, Jung Gwan Jang, Gwan Jang launched a new product using used California prunes and further removed a Korean ginseng producer, also introduced a California prunes which is getting positive moisture from the prunes with low temperature new product that contains California prunes. responses from Korean consumers for its to get a crispy yet chewy texture, formed into This product is made of 5% concentrated six- sweet taste and health benefits.

CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD KOREA PROMOTES CALIFORNIA PRUNES ON A MAJOR BROADCAST NETWORK

alifornia Prune Board Korea presented California prunes on MBC, a major broadcast network in Korea. California prunes Cwere featured on the network’s leading morning show, Good Day, which is broadcasted Monday through Friday with a viewership of 1.6 million. The program usually covers living tips and health information. The California prune episode featured the bone health benefits of prunes presented by the program’s medical panel. In addition, healthy recipes using California prunes were introduced by the famous nutritionist chef, Lee-Bo-Eun. The segment aired on January 10, 2017.

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 91 Industry News RESEARCH TO UNEARTH MACADAMIA HEALTH SECRETS

Lynne Ziehlke Market Development Manager Australian Macadamias

he global macadamia industry charged into 2017 with the announcement of a €200,000 grant for health research. Designed Tto enhance the understanding of the health benefits of macadamias, it’s the largest collective initiative ever undertaken by the global macadamia community, with the investment co-funded by the macadamia producers of Australia, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya and Brazil. Image: Australian Macadamias This landmark collaboration marks the first time multiple macadamia growing origins have contributed to such an endeavor, and will deliver long- However a significant opportunity exists to bolster the body of evidence term benefits to macadamia producers around the world. available to support the health positioning for macadamias and compete with the weight of research that currently exists to support the nutritional and health Consumers are Nuts about Health benefits of almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios. Current consumer behaviour trends, positive nut health study outcomes and The time has come for the global macadamia industry to unite to take health authority support have emerged as key drivers of the sizeable increase advantage of this opportunity by building a compelling body of evidence that in tree nut consumption that has occurred over the past decade. will educate consumers, health professionals and regulators on the array of Consumer research and category trends show that health and wellbeing health benefits that macadamias can deliver. are playing an increasingly significant role in purchase decisions globally with the trend towards ‘mindful consumption’ growing stronger, and people paying Measuring the Effects of a Macadamia-Rich Diet closer attention to the health benefits of the food they are eating. The research will compare the effect of a diet enriched with macadamia nuts Meanwhile, the growing body of research that is emerging around nut versus a control diet on a host of biological variables: consumption is showing that eating tree nuts regularly as part of a healthy diet can protect against coronary heart diseases, decreases the risk of • Insulin resistance and secretion in people with insulin resistance developing type-2 diabetes, and helps • Total cholesterol with weight management. • LDL cholesterol Health authorities around the world • HDL cholesterol are recognising the importance of nuts • Triglycerides as part of a healthy diet. Governments • Other emergent cardiovascular risk factors including inflammation and across Asia are setting daily nut oxidative stress markers consumption recommendations and • Central obesity and body composition the Australian Government recently recommended that Australian adults Global Industry Benefits increase their nut intake by 350% in The project’s benefits will flow through the macadamia industry globally by order to meet the new recommendation providing strong evidence to support the role of macadamias in a healthy of a 30 gram serve per day. In the United diet, and helping to guide powerful health messaging to consumers, health States, a qualified health claim for some professionals and regulators in all markets. The findings are expected to tree nuts in relation to heart disease has deliver the hard data needed to support macadamias’ long-term premium Image: Nuts for Life (ww.nutsforlife.com.au) received government approval. positioning, opening up new opportunities for the product. Potential areas for further study are also hotly anticipated and this will Diving Deeper into the Macadamia Health Story help to guide investment in future macadamia health research. Macadamias have a potential cardio-protective role to play in a healthy, Applications for the grant closed at the end of February, with public balanced diet and are a significant source of nutrients. These benefits are and private institutions, as well as not-for-profit organizations invited to verified by research, including seven epidemiology studies on the relationship apply. Submissions are now being evaluated, and research is expected to between generic nuts and heart disease and 20 macadamia specific short- commence in July 2017, with initial findings slated for release in late 2018. term research studies. The industry looks forward to sharing developments as they unfold.

92 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT Industry News ITALIANS AND DRIED FRUIT: A GROWING PASSION

dried- to replenish post-sport energy levels or as a replaced with a profusion of products including red berries, pears and pick-me-up on a work break, a moist ingredient for cakes apricots. All these natural sweets are now perceived as being both tasty Aor pastries and an unusual culinary twist for fish or meat dishes. and healthy (and sometimes even harvested on organic farms). In Italy today, the image - and use - of dried fruit has “come of age” and Nucis Italy’s slogan of ‘30 grams of dried fruit combined with a is increasingly associated with the immense nutritional and health benefits balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle contributes to your wellbeing’ has it inevitably brings. This change in consciousness can be traced to the driven the message home and seems to have actually brought about efforts of Nucis Italy over the past few years and its determined quest to a shift in Italian eating habits. For instance, dried fruit is becoming raise national awareness. One of the major players in the sector, Nucis increasingly popular as a daily “grazing” choice for sports enthusiasts and Italy, came into being to promote the benefits and boost consumption of students (who munch on it instead of the usual elevenses) because it is this natural food source. packed with goodness and allows them to include vitamins, unsaturated So, let’s have a look at some figures. The first interesting insight is fatty acids and fibres in their diet. Generally speaking, dried fruit is an regarding the average consumption of the end user in Italy, who eats an excellent alternative to animal proteins and it fits the bill for anyone approximate per-capita amount of 1.5 kg of dried fruit per annum. This who needs or wants to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet (peanuts, for consumption level is lower than that of countries like the United States, example, are packed with protein). Germany or France, which would indicate there is plenty of room for market growth. In 2015, Italian sales stood at 50,300 tonnes, an increase Nucis Italy’s Pledge of 6.1% compared to 2012 (see figure 1. Source: IRI, the data relates As touched on previously, Nucis Italy is the driving force behind the to consumption levels extracted from the modern distribution channel, campaign to promote and foster dried fruit consumption in the country of Hypermarkets, Supermarkets and Superette food stores accounting for the traditional Mediterranean diet. Determined to champion the benefits 80% of overall consumption patterns). Over the last few months, there has of this product, it worked on several fronts and strived constantly to been another upsurge: The growth rate rose by 10% between January and raise awareness amongst doctors (and therefore their patients), but also September 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. amongst the public and end consumers at large. The ‘Dried Fruit Equals Not all dried fruit exerts the same attraction over the Italian consumer, Wellbeing’ project came into existence in 2008 and today it can count who tends to prefer some types over others. Some fascinating figures can on a community of 1,500 doctors (nutritionists, food-science practitioners be seen in the consumption of peanuts and roasted peanuts (with sales and sports-medicine doctors) who are supplied with information on the of 10,600 tonnes) pointing to major indulgence of the taste buds. On the properties of each different fruit category and guidelines on how to eat other hand, walnuts (with sales reaching 10,600 tonnes) and almonds them. An identical approach has been taken with the final consumer by (3,500 tonnes) are in a class of their own, much like the whole sector distributing information at the sales outlets of the large distribution network of dehydrated exotic fruit and dried fruit (with staggering sales increases and making it available on their site www.nucisitalia.it. Over the past few of 41.6% and 29.4%). Nowadays, consumers are highly knowledgeable months, youngsters and sportspeople have been particularly targeted. about the health benefits of these products and often eat them on a daily Something is also stirring in terms of Italian produce. The increase in basis. This is not all that has changed: Today there is a wide range of consumption and domestic demand has triggered new production areas in fruits available and the old associations of packets of dried prunes have various regions from the North to the South of Italy: walnuts in Emilia Romagna given way to a plethora of more exciting items from the more traditional and Veneto and hazelnuts in Piedmont, Tuscany, Apulia and Sicily. to the highly exotic. The one-time image of a wizened prune has been

Dried Fruit 2012 2013 2014 2015 % variance in 2015 vs 2012 Total sales volume (kg) 47,439,813 47,909,587 49,479,793 50,315,952 6.1 Total sales value (€) 474,995,789 502,708,879 546,292,063 590,481,513 24.3

Figure 1: comparison between retail purchases, Italy 2012/2015

Sales volume January Variance in the Sales volume January - September 2016 (kg) % September 2015 (kg) period (kg) 31,903,656 29,043,510 2,860,146 9.85

Figure 2: comparison between year’s purchases, period January-September

Source: SGMARKETING – IRI data (extracted from the modern distribution channel)

March 2017 | NUTFRUIT 93 Industry News EXPLAINING INSTEAD OF DOGMATIC PREACHING: HOW THE NEWSLETTER SERVICE INFORMS ABOUT NUTS AND THEIR ROLE IN NUTRITION AND MEDICINE

here are many rumors and half truths about nutrition which turn The result: the olive-oil-group produced 23 percent more body out to be very persistent. Although the situation has improved heat than the butter- and cheese-eaters, which clearly demonstrates Tduring recent years in regard to nuts, nutritionists still report the metabolic effects of monounsaturated fats. But walnuts were even on this problem: people tend to continue their own nutritional thinking better: they increased body heat by 30 percent1. In other words: Eating instead of accepting scientific facts. Maybe they simply accept what they walnuts warms your heart! learned from their parents; maybe they never question the conventional But what really counts: more body heat means more calorie ‘wisdom’ of their social environment. Whatever the reason, it is not enough consumption. When you eat nuts, you provide your body with an efficient to confront them with some abstract scientific studies. The human brain calorie burner. But this is not the end of the story. People want to know wants to be convinced by logical and comprehensible stories – and to why nuts can increase body heat and calorie burning. They do not only offer these stories again and again is one of the main aims of the Nucis want the facts, they want an explanation. For this reason, the Nucis Newsletter. Newsletter is written by experienced scientific journalists who connect For example, there is widespread agreement that high-fat food the singular data to a complete story. Nutritionists that are fond of nuts causes obesity, hence most proposals for weight loss are based on a will recommend them to their clients and get the story behind the facts fat-reduced diet. At first view, nuts cannot play a role in this strategy, from Nucis. because they contain a lot of fatty acids. Many people therefore believe The mechanism behind the increase in body heat is: Mono- and that nuts and weight reduction are incompatible. But they are wrong. polyunsaturated fats activate special receptors and the sympathetic And our newsletter continues to succeed in convincing more and more nervous system in the body, and this in turn stimulates, like sports, people of the fact that nuts are not only unproblematic for weight loss the metabolism. The biological purpose behind this is unknown but the strategies but that they can even support it. organism probably perceives the complex nut-fats as a challenge which Fats provide twice as many calories as and proteins. require a particular metabolic answer. But that’s only a theory, which isn’t This is a fact nobody can deny. On the other hand, some fats are important a problem because it belongs in the Newsletter’s concept, where the aim for some human physiological processes. Mono- and polyunsaturated is not to provide final solutions, as the educational effect is often greater fatty acids especially are far more than simple suppliers of calories. They when the reader has to form their own theory. are functional substances with a wide effect profile – and they are the The newsletters are always distributed at the congresses Nucis main components of nuts. Nucis stresses this. participates in and a direct approach to the addressee is made before Spanish Scientists at Rovira i Virgili university subjected 29 healthy listing them in order to have a personal touch. men and women to three different meals of equal caloric value: the first All newsletters are available online at www.nucis.de meal contained a lot of walnut oil (with mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids), the second based on olive oil (with monounsaturated fatty acid), and the third was dominated by the saturated fats of butter and cheese. Afterwards the scientists measured the subjects’ body temperature.

1.Casas-Agustench, P., López-Uriarte, P., Bulló, M., Ros, E., Gómez-Flores, A., & Salas-Salvadó, J. (2009). Acute effects of three high-fat meals with different fat saturations on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation and satiety. Clinical nutrition, 28(1), 39-45.

94 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT

Industry News CHILEAN NUT TRADE UNIONS UNITE TO REORGANIZE THE INDUSTRY

Chilenut, main representative of the producers, and the Chilean Walnut Commission, top syndicate for exporters, sealed an agreement to face an industry going through an all-out expansion.

ntil last year, two trade unions were production volume of counter-seasonal walnuts regarding how to face each season taking into fighting over representation of the nut (with production occurring twice a year) means account the complexities presented by the market Uindustry. On the one hand, there was that international clients will no longer have to year after year, thus aligning the industry around Chilenut, which although it included producers concentrate their sales. Instead, they’ll have top common, attainable, realistic goals that benefit and exporters, most of its members were the quality fresh walnuts available all year to supply all stakeholders and subsectors operating in the former. The same was true of the Chilean Walnut every market. Without a doubt, this will expand industry, along with continuing the public-private Commission, which included mostly the latter. consumption, because the end user experience work that has been done to find new destinations Naturally, there were conflicting interests, each will be much better, not just thanks to color and and consolidate the ones that already exist. group emphasizing its own strengths, which taste, but also due to the freshness of the essential did not contribute positively to the industry as a oils contained within walnuts, not to mention the Exponut 2017 Will Be the New Entity’s whole. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed. associated financial advantages and storage costs”. First Public Showcase The Chilean nut industry is going through an Chile is predominantly a free market. For this all-out expansion, especially the walnut sector. The very reason, there have been times when other The traditional annual gathering of the nut industry planted area moved up to number two in the country tree fruit that have experienced a boom in growth, organized by Chilenut in conjunction with the at over 40,000 hectares (98,000 acres), second both in terms of surface area and in production Chilean Exports Promotion Commission (Dirección only to table grapes. And that’s not all. Over half volume, adding new stakeholders who fight over de Promoción de Exportaciones de Chile) – ProChile of these are not even in full production practically the same markets. This leads to a total (April 25, Santiago, Chile) will be the first time the yet. In fact, each year nearly three thousand new lack of control, where everyone looks to gain ground industry has faced the public united, leading to hectares (7,400 acres) are planted. As a result of at the expense of their competition, and serious high expectations about the definitions reached this, the estimates from the nut industry’s new trade consequences for the industry as a whole. by the sector to reach their goals both nationally union are anticipating more than 150,000 tons of This is precisely the motivation that led both and internationally. The rising Indian market will production by the year 2021 (see figure 1). Chilean trade unions to seek convergence and surely be a subject of analysis, as well as important If these projections prove to be true, Chile avoid what they call “a sure debacle unless a presentations on technical and trade matters, all will become the world’s third largest producer comprehensive reorganization of the industry takes crowned by the greatest exhibition of products and second main exporter, far above their closest place”. The idea behind sitting exporters (80% of and services for the industry in what promises to competitor. According to Chilenut chairman, Álvaro whom are now represented after the merger) and be a memorable Exponut (www.exponut.cl) and Jiménez, “this would mean a major victory for the producers (90% of whom are now represented) one which will mark a before and after for South global walnut market. Being able to have a large at the same table, is to reach a consensus American trade representatives.

Figure 1.- Projection of Chilean 217,970 walnut exports (tons) 201,824 186,874 169,885 154,441 137,894 123,120 108,000 95,000 75,000 57,000 72,000

2014 2015 2016 2017e 2018e 2019e 2020e 2021e 2022e 2023e 2024e 2025e

Source: Chilenut

96 March 2017 | NUTFRUIT WE ARE PRUNES WALNUTS FROM CALIFORNIA

GROWER OWNED COMPANIES

SINCE 1991 SINCE 1886 Sacramento Packing, Inc. Valley View Packing 833 Tudor Road, Yuba City, CA 95991, USA 7547 Sawtelle Ave, Yuba City, CA 95991, USA (530) 671-4488 P | (530) 671-7841 F (530) 673-7356 P | (530) 673-9432 F www.sacramentopacking.com www.valleyviewpacking.com Advertisers in this Issue

BELGIUM TOMRA SORTING NV 39

CHILE EXPORTADORA NATURAL CHILE S.A. 17 SINO JET INTERNATIONAL LTD. CHINA Front inside Cover FRANCE EUROBROKER S.A. 97

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GERMANY EUROFINS ANALYTIK GMBH 62

PALM NUTS & MORE KG 36

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JAPAN TANTO CORPORATION 29

PHILIPPINES THE RISING PILI NUTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 43

SPAIN BORGES S.A.U. 41

CRISOL DE FRUTOS SECOS, SAT 63

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TURKEY HAZELNUT PROMOTION GROUP 4

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KENKKO CORPORATION LIMITED 27

U.S.A. CABLEVEY CONVEYORS 98

CAMPOS BROTHERS FARMS 9

CHICO NUT COMPANY 64

CRAIN WALNUT SHELLING, INC. 35

FISHER NUT COMPANY 23

HUGHSON NUT, INC. 6

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