The objective of this educational program was to learn the basics of the nut and dried fruit industry, main characteristics, applications and information resources. It combined a 10-unit online course of approximately 50 hours, and a final three-day on-site experience (10+ hours of preparatory tasks & reading material) to learn through case studies, network and visits to orchards and factories. The course was presented as a full package, although it was possible to undertake only the online part.
The contents of the online course were created by top experts from the world’s most prestigious institutions and companies. The program consisted of 10 units covering the key aspects of the nut and dried fruit sector, including soil and climate, varieties and uses, nutrition facts, processing, food safety and quality standards, production, trade and consumption trends, arbitration and negotiation.
The on-site course took place on May 17-19, 2018, in Sevilla, Spain, just before the INC Congress. The course allowed students to network, visit orchards and factories and learn through case studies, which were presented by Prof. Dr. Kandarp Mehta and Prof. Dr. Miguel Mediavilla, from the prestigious IESE Business School -the IESE Executive Education and Custom Programmes have been ranked best in the world three years running (2016 and 2017) by The Financial Times.
The first day, La Fortaleza factory kindly opened its doors to show students how its confectionary products are manufactured. La Fortaleza, a family business originated in 1928, makes confectionary almond-based products like mantecados and polvorones (typical soft and crumbly Spanish shortbread) and a wide range of Christmas sweets.
During the second day, students visited walnut, pistachio and almond plantations in El Carquí, a 297.8 ha estate owned by Borges in the province of Granada. They also visited the factory Almendras de Almería, a company specialized in the shelling and processing of almonds. In addition, students had the opportunity to learn about almond processing and machinery thanks to experts from Maseto Technologies.
The last day was dedicated to discuss different case studies presented by Prof. Dr. Kandarp Mehta and Prof. Dr. Miguel Mediavilla. During the morning, the students actively discussed two “Operations” case studies: Porsche and PACECO guided by the Prof. Dr. Miguel Mediavilla. In the afternoon session, Prof. Dr. Kandarp Mehta conducted two “Negotiation” simulations, where students learnt and had fun at the same time.
“One of the best aspects about the INC Academia is the diversity of themes its program offers. It also gives an in-depth overview of the nuts and dried fruits sector.” Mr. Kristoffer Dahlinger, ATCO – August Töpfer, Germany.
“The on-site course was a fantastic three days, both the factory visits and the indoor lessons. Besides this, I also enjoyed was friendly and cooperative feeling I got from the INC team and with all the other attendees. I will definitely recommend the INC Academia to other companies that are interested.” Mr. Guido Contrada, New Factor, Italy.
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