The trip bolstered the INC’s ongoing initiatives in China
The INC participated in the 2024 China International Tree Nuts Conference on August 6-9 in Hangzhou, China. Now in its 17th year, this well-known industry event is organized by the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA). The event brought together more than 800 registered participants and 130 exhibitors —growers, shellers, exporters, importers, factory operators and members of related service industries— representing all tree nuts and some dried fruits. This year’s attendees hailed from 17 different countries and included top executives from some of the biggest names in the business.
The INC was represented at the conference by two members of the Executive Committee: Mr. Ashok Krishen, 1st Vice Chairman, and Mr. Pino Calcagni, 2nd Vice Chairman and INC co-founder.
During the opening session on August 7, Mr. Krishen gave a presentation in which he presented the INC’s strategic objectives and main activities, with a particular focus on China as a key market for demand creation. He highlighted the INC’s ongoing dissemination campaign aimed at boosting consumption of nuts and dried fruits among Chinese consumers, particularly Generation Z.
Mr. Calcagni provided a global statistical review of tree nut production, demand and supply, with a particular focus on the Chinese market. He highlighted China’s status as a leading producer of tree nuts, particularly walnuts, and noted that Chinese tree nut production is projected to grow by 45% from 2020/21 to 2024/25.
Throughout the China International Tree Nuts Conference, the INC exhibited with a booth designed to promote the INC’s Congress, membership and promotional activities to a Chinese audience. The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity for the INC to reinforce its connection with valued Chinese members as well as make new ties with key companies from across the country. The INC’s presence at the event was well received, with numerous visitors stopping by the booth for information.
On August 9, a group of registered participants went on a site visit of the Lin’an Province Nut Processing Plant Compound, a large industrial park comprising the main nut processing facilities of the region where participants gained valuable insights into the latest processing techniques. Later the group also visited the Museum of the Chinese Hickory Nut, a product unique to this area.
