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Trade & Tariff Update
INC Issues Global Position Statement on Tariffs to Champion Free Trade for Nuts and Dried Fruits
The statement outlines the economic, environmental, health, and ethical drawbacks of tariffs, showing how they disrupt global supply chains, harm employment and small businesses, and undermine the role of nuts and dried fruits as sustainable, nutrient-dense foods. It also explains how limited production regions make alternative sourcing difficult, meaning tariffs disproportionately affect the industry and consumers. [View statement]
INC Tariff Report: Latest Insights and Policy Updates
This month, the INC’s tariff roundup highlights several major developments, including Donald Trump’s Greenland-related tariff threats against European countries and subsequent reversal, his tariff threats against Iran’s trading partners, the landmark trade deal negotiated by India and the EU, Trump’s announcement of reduced tariffs on goods from India, the European Parliament’s vote to seek legal review of the MERCOSUR-EU trade deal, and more. [Read more] [Tariffs Timeline]
Industry News and Outlook
INC Engages in Key Industry Working Groups
The INC is taking part in a Codex Alimentarius electronic working group tasked with developing a code of practice aimed at preventing and reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in dried fruits, a Codex Alimentarius electronic working group tasked with reviewing the Code of Practice for the Reduction of Acrylamide in Foods, and a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) electronic working group tasked with revising the UNECE Agricultural Quality Standard for Dates.
Food Safety Developments
The latest food safety news includes information about the EU’s proposed food and feed safety simplification package, guidance published by the European Commission on the implementation of the upcoming ban on the use of bisphenol A in food contact materials, France’s ministerial order banning plant protection products deemed dangerous to health, various proposed pesticide tolerances in the US, and more. [Read more]
Labeling Updates
This month’s labeling news focuses on the European Commission’s recent proposal to amend the EU Regulation on organic production and labeling of organic products, which includes clearer distinctions between fully EU-compliant products and equivalent imported organic products, conditions for using the EU organic logo on processed products, and more. [Read more]
Marketing Orders
In this month’s news on marketing orders, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a proposed rule and referendum order proposing amendments to Marketing Order No. 989, which regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California. [Read more]
Health & Nutrition Highlights
New US Dietary Guidelines Highlight the Importance of Protein
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled the latest version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which will apply until 2030. The new guidelines urge people to prioritize protein foods at every meal. Among other sources of protein, the guidelines recommend consuming “a variety of plant-sourced protein foods,” including nuts and legumes. Intake recommendations vary depending on individual caloric requirements, as set out in the daily servings guide released alongside the new guidelines. People following a 2,000 calorie/day diet… [Read more]
Early Introduction Guidelines Linked to Decline in Peanut Allergies
A recent study published in Pediatrics suggests that rates of peanut allergy in young children in the United States declined significantly following the publication of guidelines encouraging early peanut consumption in infancy. The study set out to examine changes in peanut allergy incidence following the 2015 publication of a consensus statement backed by nearly a dozen medical associations that recommended early peanut introduction for high-risk infants. The publication of the consensus statement marked a key milestone in the shift away from the previous medical guidance instructing parents to delay introduction of peanut. [Read more]
Almond Supplementation Improves Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Pregnant Women
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, daily almond supplementation, especially at a higher dose, may significantly improve certain cardiovascular risk markers in pregnant women with hypertension and dyslipidemia—conditions associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In this 12-week randomized controlled trial, researchers assessed the effects of almond supplementation at two different doses (10 grams/day and 25 grams/day) on blood pressure, lipid profile, and heart rate in 103 pregnant women with confirmed hypertension and/or dyslipidemia. Participants were randomly assigned to… [Read more]
INC Events & Initiatives
INC Congress & China Immersive Industry Experience: Early-Bird Registration Ends February 15!
Congress registration is well underway! Lock in your early-bird rate before February 15 and join 1,200+ industry leaders from 65+ countries at the INC World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress in Macao, May 12–14, 2026. The only spot to meet the entire global industry! [Register now]. Maximize your experience with the China Immersive Industry Experience, May 9–11, visiting ChaCha Food, Three Squirrels, and the Port of Hong Kong. Gain exclusive insights into product innovation, supply chain efficiency, and trends. Network with global decision-makers and strengthen industry connections. [Enroll now]
INC Sustainability & Innovation Awards: Open for Entries!
The INC Sustainability & Innovation Awards are now open, recognizing outstanding initiatives and forward-thinking solutions across the nut and dried fruit industry. The award winners will be honored during the 2026 INC World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress in Macao, celebrating those who are actively shaping the future of our industry. Applications are open exclusively to INC members attending the Congress. This is a unique opportunity to present your sustainability or innovation project to a global audience of industry leaders and decision-makers. Projects will also be promoted through INC’s vibrant social media channels and other publications! Submit your application and make your mark on the future of the nut and dried fruit industry. The application form and submission guidelines are available on our website. [Submit your entry]
INC Pavilions: Gulfood 2026 Biggest Ever; SIAL Paris Application Open
Gulfood Dubai 2026 edition was our biggest and most successful INC Pavilion to date. Throughout the week, members, exhibitors, and visitors came together to network, share insights, and explore new ways to collaborate across the nut and dried fruit industry. One of the standout moments was the INC Networking Reception—an evening filled with relaxed conversations, new introductions, and familiar faces reconnecting. [View photos] [View article]. Applications are now open to become an exhibitor at SIAL Paris, October 17–21, 2026. This year, we are offering various options within the INC Pavilion to provide even greater flexibility to meet your company’s needs. Join us and take advantage of this exceptional platform to showcase your products to a highly international audience. [Become an exhibitor]
Learn More About the INC Sustainability Certification
In 2025, the INC introduced the industry’s first-ever Sustainability Certification for nuts and dried fruits. Join us in driving meaningful progress by engaging with the INC Sustainability Institute and its Certification Program. Standards now available include those for almond, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, pistachio, walnut, and raisin growers, processors and manufacturers, and global trade specialists—helping our sector move toward a more sustainable future. [Learn more]
Discover Key Achievements in the INC 2025 Annual Report
2025 was a year of momentum for the nut and dried fruit industry—marked by resilience, innovation, and global collaboration. As we celebrate our achievements together, we look ahead with renewed energy and a clear strategic direction. Discover the milestones, initiatives, and impact that shaped the year in the INC’s 2025 Annual Report. Watch our highlight video or read the full report.
Enroll in the INC Academia Program
If you’re looking for online training in nuts and dried fruits, INC Academia offers two ideal options: the Basic Program, designed for newcomers, covering the core fundamentals of the nut and dried fruit sector, and the Advanced Program, built for seasoned professionals with courses on the industry’s business landscape. [More info]