Driving Progress with the INC Sustainability Certification!
The flagship initiative of the INC Sustainability Institute for Nuts & Dried Fruit
For the nut and dried fruit industry, sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a strategic priority. That’s why the INC launched the INC Sustainability Institute: a global platform helping to raise sustainability standards within the industry, share expertise, and accelerate meaningful progress across the supply chain. At the heart of this initiative is the INC Sustainability Certification, a powerful investment to help your business turn its sustainability efforts into real, measurable impact. But, what is it, and how can it benefit your company? [Find out more]
Tariffs: INC Urges EU Not to Add Duties on US Nuts and Dried Fruits
US court allows IEEPA tariffs to remain in place while Trump administration pursues appeal
On June 10, 2025, the European Commission concluded a public consultation on a list of US imports that could become subject to EU countermeasures if ongoing EU-US negotiations do not result in a mutually beneficial outcome and the removal of the US tariffs. The list of potentially affected products includes a broad range of nuts and dried fruits. The INC submitted a position statement in opposition to additional duties on nuts and dried fruits from the US, arguing that tariffs would significantly hurt… [Read more]
Codex Alimentarius: 18th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods
Committee discontinues work towards ML for total aflatoxins in ready-to-eat peanuts
The INC participated in the 18th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF18), which took place on June 23-27, 2025. Among other agenda items, the Committee discussed a proposal to establish a maximum level (ML) for total aflatoxins in ready-to-eat (RTE) peanuts. The proposal was put forth by an Electronic Working Group (EWG) chaired by India and co-chaired by the United States. The INC expressed opposition to the proposed ML of 10 µg/kg, citing deficiencies in the dataset used to support the recommendation. [Read more]
INC Advocates for Industry Needs at 72nd UNECE Session on Dry and Dried Produce
INC highlights climate-driven challenges and increasing pest pressure
The INC participated in the 72nd Session of the UNECE Specialized Section on Standardization of Dry and Dried Produce, held on June 11-12, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Representing the global nut and dried fruit industry, the INC emphasized the increasing impact of climate change on production, citing unpredictable weather patterns and increasing pest pressures, particularly from stink bugs (cimiciato). With very few tools available for farmers to manage pests effectively, the INC stressed the importance… [Read more]
Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e.V. Celebrates 125 Years
Honoring over a century of excellence
On June 19, 2025, Hamburg, Germany, marked a significant milestone as the Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e.V. celebrated its 125th anniversary. The event brought together global stakeholders and key players from the wholesale and foreign trade sectors, underscoring the Waren-Verein’s enduring influence and pivotal role in the importation of dried fruit, nuts, oilseeds, canned and frozen fruit, vegetables, fish products, and organic goods. Founded in 1900, the Waren-Verein serves as the German federal association representing… [Read more]
Maternal Nut Intake Linked to Cognitive Development in Children
New study highlights omega-3 fatty acids as key mediators in prenatal nutrition
A study published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition assessed the association between pregnant women’s intake of nuts and the neuropsychological function of their children. This longitudinal birth cohort study followed 1,737 mother-child pairs from pregnancy to age 15. Maternal diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, while the children’s neuropsychological function was measured through standardized computer-based tests. The findings showed that higher maternal intake of nuts was associated with… [Read more]
Study Finds Pecans Improve Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight Adults
Eating 57 grams of pecans daily had a positive impact on heart and metabolic health
A recent study published in Current Developments in Nutrition evaluated the cardiometabolic effects of eating pecans instead of usual snacks in adults at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. The study was a 12-week parallel randomized controlled trial involving overweight or obese adults with at least one feature of metabolic syndrome. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to replace their usual snacks with 57 grams of pecans daily for 12 weeks, while a control group followed their usual diets. Researchers measured vascular… [Read more]
Research Shows Walnuts May Help Reduce Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk
A compound produced after walnut consumption was linked to healthier colon tissue
A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research examined the cancer-protective effects of walnuts, focusing on the role of urolithin A —a compound produced in the gut when certain polyphenols found in walnuts are metabolized by the microbiome. Urolithin A has been associated with anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties. This observational clinical study included 39 participants aged 50-65 years with colonic polyps, a common precursor to colorectal cancer. Participants were instructed to eat 56 grams of walnuts… [Read more]
Sustainability News
This month, the INC’s sustainability update includes information about the European Commission’s surprise decision to withdraw its proposed Green Claims Directive, as well as an update on the progress of a legislative proposal to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. [Read more]
International Trade Updates
This month, the INC’s trade roundup leads off with an update on the ongoing tariff saga, followed by information about talks for a free trade agreement between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates, and more. [Read more]
Food Safety News
The latest food safety news includes information about Iran maintaining EU market access for pistachios, a draft regulation that would increase the EU’s official controls on Turkish dried figs, and more. [Read more]
Labeling Updates
The INC’s latest labeling update covers the EU’s registration of a protected designation of origin for Aydın Çam Fıstığı pine nuts from Türkiye, and an EU public consultation on a draft regulation affecting products certified as organic. [Read more]
Marketing Orders
In this month’s news on marketing orders, the California Prune Board has received authorization from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to continue for another five years. [Read more]