February 2022 INC Updates & News Brief

The INC Congress is just around the corner! From May 11-13, 2022, Dubai will play host to the industry’s greatest event! After a successful Gulfood 2022, the INC is more certain than ever that Dubai is ready to welcome the entire nut and dried fruit industry. The INC also remains committed to the safety of its participants and therefore will be implementing proper health protocols to ensure that this Congress is an unforgettable experience! Hurry up and register to save your spot at the sector’s best event!

Over 1000 participants from more than 60 countries are expected to be at the industry’s not-to-be-missed event to take advantage of networking and building business relationships. As of now, nearly 800 participants have already saved their spots! For more information on the program of the event, you can visit the Congress’ website! [Register Now]

The industry’s premier training programs are officially here! Check out how the Basic Program on Nuts & Dried Fruits and the Advanced Program on Nuts & Dried Fruits can help your employees take their industry knowledge to the next level! Moreover, those enrolled in the Advanced Program have the option to get hands-on with the On-site portion of the program. Take a look at which program best suits your needs and if you’re still not convinced, enjoy a free Industry Master Class! [More information]

We are pleased to announce that the INC has launched the 2022 Call for Promotion and Dissemination Projects.

The goal of this grant is to fund promotion and dissemination projects aimed at building consumer demand for nuts or dried fruits, whenever such projects are beyond the scope of the INC, i.e. projects that the INC cannot fit within its regular activity, for instance, due to language or geographic challenges.

Up to €100,000 is available for the 2022 Grant. INC will only accept one project per institution and will fund a maximum of €50,000 per project/institution.

All projects must be submitted using the Application Form and in accordance with the Guidelines –both documents are available online.

Applications are due by March 25, 2022, 12:00 (noon) CET.

The INC has just finished yet another successful Pavilion at Gulfood in Dubai. Beginning on February 13 and ending February 17, the INC Pavilion was turned into the heart and center of the nut and dried fruit industry. In total 18 companies exhibited with the INC and were able to showcase their products, network, and expand their market reach.

Additionally, on Monday, February 14, the INC Cocktail returned, providing a wonderful environment for networking and catching up with old industry colleagues. For some, it was the first time in two years that they were able to meet in person. Check out the video below to see some highlights from the pavilion and stay tuned next week for more insights on Gulfood with testimonials!  [Read more] [Watch Gulfood Highlights]

The shipping situation continues to put a strain on the global supply chain as congestion in many ports around the world is still elevated. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka announced that the month of January was yet another record month for the port. According to the Los Angeles Business Journal, the Port of LA processed 865,595 twenty-foot equivalent units during the first month of 2022, which was 3.6% higher than the same period in 2021. The record was attributed to an early…[Read more]

Despite being an “off-year”, the 2021/2022 California crop finished high at 529,000 metric tons (1.16 billion pounds), with the main driver being the addition of new bearing acres. Good chill and bloom also contributed to the positive gain in crop development. In terms of quality, nut size is smaller than average, with low closed shell and insect damage. As reported by the Iran Pistachio Association, lower than expected volume of the 2021 Iranian crop, in addition to significant currency fluctuations and relatively strong export figures during the first fourth marketing months, have resulted in a rather stagnant equilibrium in the market and export prices. [Read more]

According to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, China’s peanut oil consumption remained weak during 2021, while raw material imports keep growing year on year, resulting in an oversupply and the consequent falling prices. Thus, farmers’ planting intentions might be dampened for the next season. Both exports and imports are being impacted by the sea freight rates. The US is having the best crop ever in terms of quality and production, estimated at 2% up vs. last year. [Read more]

According to the Aegean Exporters’ Association, 2021/22 Turkish dried grape production is estimated at 290,000 metric tons, 7% up from the previous season.  The Chinese 2021/22 crop is estimated at about 220,000 MT, composed of 80% green raisins and 20% Sultanas. Spring Festival sales were about 25% down compared to last year, as affected by the pandemic, less tourism and a slower economy overall. International shipments are also down by 25% from 2021. [Read more]

Recent research has demonstrated that nuts can play an important role in preventing the decline in sperm quality. The regular consumption of nuts has largely demonstrated beneficial effects on human health through different mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, modulating endothelial function or reducing the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Because of these demonstrated positive effects of nuts on health and chronic disease prevention, a novel line of research regarding fertility has recently emerged. [Read more]

Nutrients has recently published a study which set out to analyze the effect of prune consumption on bones in adult men. The study was conducted with thirty-five men aged from 55 to 80 years old. The participants were split up into three groups, one consuming 100 grams of prunes daily, another consuming 50 grams of prunes daily, and lastly, the control group which consumed zero prunes. In total, the study lasted three months. At the end of the trial, the researchers found that those who consumed 100 grams of prunes per day saw a significant…[Read more]

The journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research has recently published an article that examines how two components of peanut stem and leaf extract might be beneficial for sleep. Peanut stem and leaf (PSL) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used as a dietary supplement to improve sleep quality, however, the reason that it is believed to improve sleep is largely unknown. Researchers set out to study PSL and determine what components may be beneficial for sleep quality. Through their analysis, it was discovered…[Read more]

In this month’s sustainability update from the INC, you can read about the latest Global Forum for Food and Agriculture where 68 countries pledged to safeguard agricultural soils and contribute to climate protection. In other news, EU members endorsed four legal acts that will simplify the process of approval and authorization of biological plant protection products containing micro-organisms. Lastly, the USDA has announced they will be accepting applications for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. The new Partnerships will provide up to $1 billion for pilot projects that create market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. [Read more]

The INC continues to track international trade news and this past month the highlight includes the following updates. A recent report by the USDA, Economic Research Service estimated that retaliatory tariffs have caused a reduction of more than $27 billion in US agricultural exports, with the largest decline from exports to China. The update also includes two recent free trade agreements, one which has begun talks, and the other signed. UK and India have launched negotiations recently on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. On February 3, 2022, Ukraine and Turkey signed a new Free Trade Agreement where Ukraine expects to increase trade with Turkey from $7.5 billion to $10 billion in 5 years. [Read more]

Learn about the latest European Commission regulation modifying the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the European Union of certain goods from certain third countries. Moreover, also from the EU, as per a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority has provided opinions on the safety of the use of glucosylated steviol glycosides as a food additive in different food categories. You can also read about an update on glyphosate in the EU as well as regulations modifying maximum residue levels. Lastly, read about the US Food and Drug Administration’s new guidance document on chlorpyrifos. [Food Safety] [Pesticide Updates]