AsiaNet 84420

REUS, Spain, June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- Plant-based protein and new consumption channels are key for the nut and

dried fruit industry in the midst of COVID-19

- INC Webinar Highlights: https://youtu.be/VHrE6J6fUpc

The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) launched a series of

webinars bringing together over 1500 professionals from 75 countries within the

nut and dried fruit industry. The expert-led webinars discussed new trends like

plant-based protein, consumer demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, crop

forecasts, and product development.

As consumers become more health conscientious and include more plant-based

protein, nuts and dried fruit are apt to benefit. Furthermore, despite

COVID-19, many products saw increases in retail demand and the experts believe

it is necessary to find new channels of consumption via product innovation.

During the webinars, experts from the most relevant producing and consuming

origins around the world also discussed preliminary crop forecasts – still

subject to the end of the crop year conditions – and supply expectations for

the 2020/21 season.

Regarding tree nuts, with yet another annual increase of 16% compared to the

previous season, the global crop is forecasted to reach around 5.4 million

metric tons (kernel basis, except pistachios in-shell) in 2020/2021,

representing an increment of over 730,000 MT from 2019/20. Pine nut, pistachio,

almond and pecan crops are expected to be significantly higher than last year,

while walnuts, cashews, macadamias, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts are forecasted at

similar levels to the prior season.

Similarly, and anticipating an increment of 4.5 million MT from 2019/20, peanut

production is forecasted at 46.1 million MT (in-shell basis) for this season.

As for dried fruit, total production in 2020/21 is expected to reach over 3

million MT, remaining within the same levels reached in 2019/20.

About the INC

The INC is the international umbrella organization for the nut and dried fruit

industry. Its members include more than 800 nut and dried fruit sector

companies from over 80 countries. INC membership represents over 85% of the

world's commercial "farm gate" value of trade in nuts and dried fruit. The

INC's mission is to stimulate and facilitate sustainable growth in the global

nut and dried fruit industry. It is the leading international organization on

health, nutrition, statistics, food safety, and international standards and

regulations regarding nuts and dried fruit.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHrE6J6fUpc

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1191624/INC_Webinar_Series.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1036637/INC_Logo.jpg

INC Press Contact:

press@nutfruit.org

+34-977-331-416

Source:INC International Nut and Dried Fruit Council