The event brought together more than 100,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors in Hefei, China
From April 17-20, the INC participated at the 17th Food Exhibition for China Nuts and Dried Fruits in Hefei, China. The event opened with a conference on April 17 that brought together around 300 industry professionals for a full day of sessions. The event was hosted by the Specialized Committee for Nuts and Dried Fruits of the China National Food Industry Association, represented by Mr. Zhang Liaoyuan, CNA Executive Chairman and founder and CEO of Three Squirrels, Ms. Christina Chen, CNA Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman of ChaCha Food Co. Ltd., and Ms. Weng Yangyang, CNA Executive Vice Chairman.
Mr. Zhang Liaoyuan opened the conference with a brief speech in which he underscored the importance of China’s nut and dried fruit industry. Mr. Michael Waring, INC Chairman, participated remotely via a video address, in which he highlighted the INC’s global reach and activities to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry paying attention to China’s role in this expansion. Also representing the INC, Mr. Mike Hohmann, member of the INC Board of Trustees and Executive Vice President and CFO of Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds, gave a global statistical review reflecting on the size of the industry and its future. During the sessions, participants reflected on the promising outlook for many products, including pistachios, pecans and macadamias. Echoing the INC’s dissemination campaign in China, participants also highlighted the health benefits of products that are less well known in the country.
The conference closed with a formal dinner where all international guests gathered for an exquisite Chinese banquet. Ms. Weng Yangyang gave an insightful speech on the economic value of the industry in which she shared her strategic vision for industry growth and highlighted the key role of Asia and China in the globalization of the industry.
On April 18 and 19, the exhibition brought together over 2,000 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors to showcase the latest innovations in product development and machine technology. Throughout the exhibition, activity abounded at the INC stand, as ties were forged in the Chinese market and contacts were made with potential members. The INC also held meetings with both Three Squirrels and ChaCha to further our online collaboration and explore new ways to spread the health benefits of nut and dried fruit consumption in China.
