The nut industry gathered once again in China for the 2026 China International Tree Nuts Conference, one of the leading events in the international nut calendar. Organized by the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA), the conference took place in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, from 5–8 August, bringing together more than 530 participants, 108 exhibitors, and representatives from 18 countries. The event continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening international trade, fostering business partnerships and sharing market intelligence across the tree nut sector.
The program combined high-level conference sessions with business networking and an extensive exhibition area. Discussions covered international trade and customs policy, global market outlooks, production forecasts, consumer trends, product innovation and supply chain developments, alongside dedicated market reports on almonds, cashews, macadamias, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and specialty nuts.
During the event, presentations from leading international industry organisations, government representatives and major companies highlighted developments across key producing and consuming markets. Delegates also participated in one-to-one business matching meetings, networking events and a technical visit to Yiwu’s agricultural and digital trade facilities, creating valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, strengthen commercial relationships and explore new business opportunities.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Cao Derong, President of CFNA, representatives of the Yiwu Government, INC Chairman Ashok Krishen, and Mr. Michael Hohmann, Executive Vice President and CFO of Wonderful Pistachios.
The INC contributed to the program with three presentations highlighting its Strategic Plan 2026–2030. In his opening address, INC Chairman Ashok Krishen reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing collaboration with the China Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese nut industry, while outlining the INC’s three strategic priorities: increasing global consumption and market access, securing a health claim for nuts, and advancing sustainable practices across the industry.
INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch demonstrated how these priorities are being translated into action through a range of global initiatives. She highlighted the INC’s investment in scientific research through the NUTPOOL meta-analysis and PRENUT Clinical Trial, the rollout of the INC Sustainability Certification, and the expansion of the INC’s multi-country consumer dissemination program. She also highlighted the significant opportunities to encourage higher nut consumption presented by China’s rapidly evolving consumer market, particularly among Generation Z.
Completing the INC program, INC Co-founder and Executive Committee Member Pino Calcagni presented an overview of global tree nut production, trade and demand, highlighting China’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of walnuts, macadamias and pine nuts, as well as its growing importance as both a consumer market and trading partner. He also highlighted the continued expansion of global tree nut production and trade, supported by resilient demand and strong international markets.
The conference concluded by reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in supporting the continued growth of the global tree nut industry. Through its participation, the INC reinforced its commitment to working alongside the China Chamber of Commerce and industry stakeholders to advance consumption, health and sustainability across the global nut and dried fruit sector.
