- Gen Z was on the top of the agenda for many as the key target audience for the global promotion of nuts and dried fruits
- Snacking was a key category of interest for this audience
- The next INC Congress will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from May 8 to 10, 2024
May 30, 2023
The 40th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, the flagship event of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), took place in London from May 22-24. Nearly 1,300 attendees from 65 countries gathered at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London to share ideas on market development, the latest findings in health and nut allergy research, and the sustainable growth of the industry.
Nut and Dried Fruit Production Prospects
As discussed by industry leaders during the round tables, world tree nut production for 2023/24 has been forecasted at 5.7 million metric tons (kernel basis, except pistachios in-shell), up by 5% from the previous season. Although it is still very early in the season to anticipate the final outcomes, almond, walnut, cashew, hazelnut and pecan crops are expected to remain mostly flat, or just slightly above the previous season. Pistachios and macadamias are projected to increase by 37% and 9% from 2022/23, respectively, whereas Amazonia (Brazil) nuts and pine nuts foresee lower crops this season.
According to early estimations, world peanut production in 2023/24 is expected to amount to 51 million MT (in-shell basis), up 4% from 2022/23.
Global dried fruit production in 2023/24 has been forecasted at 3.2 million MT, up 7% from 2022/23, as production is expected to increase for dates (22%), prunes (21%) and dried figs (14%).
The need to create demand worldwide through innovative new product concepts was a theme throughout the congress with Gen Z being a key driver of market development.
Stimulating Three-Day Program
In keeping with the reoccurring congress theme of Gen Z, keynote speaker Virginia Stagni, Business Development Manager and Talent Director at the Financial Times, discussed ways in which businesses can engage with younger generations both as consumers and industry professionals. Mountaineer Edurne Pasaban, the first woman to summit all 14 eight-thousanders, gave the second keynote speech, which conveyed inspiring messages about achieving goals and building a team with a shared vision.
INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch gave a presentation about hot topics in the nut and dried fruit industry. She also shared the INC’s latest research which looked into the perceptions and consumption habits of Gen Z in India and how they perceive nuts and dried fruits.
The Nutrition Research Seminar featured guest speakers Prof. Gideon Lack, Professor of Pediatric Allergy at King’s College London, who discussed the landmark LEAP study on the prevention of nut allergies, and Dr. Marta Guasch-Ferré, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen, who discussed the scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of nuts.
The Sustainability Seminar featured guest speaker Dr. Rachael Garrett, Moran Professor of Conservation and Development at the University of Cambridge, who argued that the nut and dried fruit industry is uniquely poised to position itself as a sustainable agriculture sector.
At a session entitled Global Campaign Strategies, speakers representing several industry associations presented their initiatives to promote consumption of nuts and dried fruits in different parts of the world.
The INC Congress also featured an exhibition area where 43 companies showcased their wares and made business contacts.
Finally, it was announced that next year’s INC Congress will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from 8 to 10 May, 2024.
INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch commented: “Every year the congress is the flagship event for the nut and dried fruit sector and this year has been no exception. It has been three wonderful days of learning, doing business and networking while discussing how the industry can come together to increase consumption globally.”
INC Awards: Good Work Deserves Recognition
The INC Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the sector, were presented in London to the following winners:
- Golden Nut Award: INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch
- Corporate Golden Nut Award: Voicevale, UK
- Award for Excellence in Research: Prof. Gideon Lack, Professor of Pediatric Allergy at King’s College London
- Award for Excellence in Gastronomy: Michel Albert Roux, chef patron at Le Gavroche
- Award for Excellence in Sustainability: ofi, Singapore
- Innovation Award: Nutraj Bactopure, VKC Nuts, India