PR86870

REUS, Spain, Nov. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-- Sustainability, quality, health, and strategies to increase global demand

were all themes of the conference.

-- INC Online Conference Highlights: https://youtu.be/Jkydr_SBWX8

The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) hosted an online conference

to unite the industry during this difficult global pandemic. The conference

featured discussions on crop estimates, nutrition, scientific, and marketing

topics, as well as three internationally respected keynote speakers.

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Javier Solana, former Secretary General of NATO highlighted the importance of

multilateral organizations, Alan Oster, Group Chief Economist for the National

Australian Bank discussed the economy during and after COVID-19, and Haim

Israel, Global Strategist and Managing Director of Research at Bank of America

emphasized the rapidly transforming world and what is to come.

The regional Working Groups for Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia

and Oceania discussed current nut and dried fruit supply and demand, and

shifting consumption patterns within the context of COVID-19.

Backed up by increasing plantings, tree nut production continues to trend

positively and 2020/2021 crops are no exception: world production is estimated

at 5.3 million metric tons (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts,

macadamias, pecans, pine nuts and walnuts in kernel basis; pistachios in-shell

basis), up by 15% from 2019/20. Hence the need to keep innovating and opening

up new markets. Forecasted at 47.3 million MT (in-shell basis), global peanut

production is also anticipated to increase by 13%. Although total dried fruit

production is estimated slightly below last season, at 3 million MT, along with

2019/20 carry-over, supply should be adequate.

Overall, pandemic-related demand on nuts and dried fruits has favored online,

pantry-stocking and big retailers' sales while reinforcing the already growing

demand of immunity boosting and plant-based foods.

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.

Press contact: e-mail press@nutfruit.org and telephone +34 977 331 416.

SOURCE:  INC International Nut and Dried Fruit Council