Supply challenges, demand growth opportunities, and sustainability highlight
discussion around the 39th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress in Dubai.
The next INC Congress will be held in London, UK from May 22 to 24, 2023.
May 16, 2022, Dubai, UAE. The 39th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress was held from May 11 to 13, 2022 at the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah Resort in Dubai. More than 1,100 industry professionals from 64 countries came together to discuss and debate the most pressing topics for the sector such as market development, sustainability, nutrition research, and the opportunities and threats that the nut and dried fruit industry currently faces. His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, the Assistant Undersecretary in the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment from the United Arab Emirates welcomed the delegates to the congress and highlighted how Dubai continues efforts to attract investments and build a sustainable industry.
Global Statistical Update on Nuts and Dried Fruits
World tree nut production in the 2022/2023 season is anticipated to reach 5.4 million metric tons
(kernel basis, except pistachios in-shell), up 6% from the previous season, as discussed by
industry leaders at the Congress round tables.
Although it is still early in the season to predict the crops’ final outcomes, the most substantial
increases are projected for walnuts (up by 18%), Brazil nuts (18%), cashews (8%), hazelnuts
(7%), pistachios and macadamias (5% each), and pecans (3%). The almond crop, forecasted at
over 1.6 M MT, is expected to be very similar to the 2021/22 crop. According to early estimations,
world peanut production in 2022/23 is foreseen to amount to 47.8 million MT (in-shell basis).
Global dried fruit production has been forecasted at 3.2 million MT, up 4% from 2021/22, as world
volumes are expected to increase for dried cranberries (up 16%), prunes (6%), dates and dried
figs (5% each) and raisins, Sultanas and currants (3%).
Throughout the round tables, a common theme was that the industry in general is facing an
oversupply that in turn has led to lower prices. It was agreed upon by industry leaders that the
sector has to come together to promote consumption of nuts and dried fruits in efforts to rebalance
the supply and demand. Shipping delays and increased freight costs also have strained the
industry, however there remain many opportunities to grow. A significant opportunity for the
industry to grow consumption is focused in the high growth opportunities in markets such as India
and China, and through a focus on innovation and e-commerce.
An Expert-Led Three-Day Program
Mr. Sunny Verghese, the Co-Founder and Group CEO of Olam International gave a stimulating
Keynote speech touching on ways we can successfully and sustainably improve the food and
agricultural system. Mr. Verghese also highlighted the growing challenges that the agricultural
sector faces such as inflation. Meanwhile Mr. Saket Modi, the Co-Founder and CEO of Safe
Security provided insights into the importance of cybersecurity for firms and how they can better
mitigate any potential cyber threats through cyber risk quantification in real-time.
A new round table, Matching Supply Chain to Production and Consumption Trends: Looking Into
the Future, was introduced this year, led by INC Chairman, Michael Waring. The session took a
deep look into one of the industry’s biggest challenges, how to rebalance supply and demand,
and how the sector can take advantage of new trends to grow consumption in the coming years.
Some of the biggest opportunities for growth mentioned by the panelists were the Indian market
and the rapidly growing Generation Z.
The Sustainability Seminar was headlined by Ms. Marta Moren Abat, the International Relations
Coordinator for the Directorate General for Maritime and Fisheries at the European Commission.
In her presentation, she discussed various measures that can be taken to improve water
conservation such as water transfers, reuse, repricing, alternative plant selection, desalination,
and efficient irrigation. Moreover, her speech touched on several other possible solutions that the
nut and dried fruit industry could play a role in protecting water resources.
Turning to the Nutrition Seminar, Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties
Centre & President of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in India spoke on the effect of
nut consumption in Indians with Type 2 diabetes, while Assoc. Prof. Cesarettin Alasalvar, Director
of Food Institute at TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center in Turkey presented on the nutrients and
health benefits of dried fruits.
The INC Executive Director, Goretti Guasch also gave a presentation on how to empower minds
and stimulate consumption, highlighting the need for the industry to come together to tackle
oversupply. Ms. Guasch touched on the INC’s latest trend research, which was a main driver in
the decision to roll out a multiyear country specific campaign to six key global markets. The
campaign will be directed at Gen Z, a rapidly growing generation who is poised to drive markets
for the next decade. It was also announced that the 2023 INC Congress is scheduled to take
place in London, UK, from May 22-24, 2023.
Recognition in the Industry
The INC Awards, handed out annually as part of the INC Congress, are aimed at recognizing
outstanding leaders and visionaries who contribute to the excellence of the nut and dried fruit
industry. In Dubai, the Corporate Golden Nut Award was presented to ofi, and the Excellence
in Research to Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó. Furthermore, Dr. Karen Lapsley was recognized for
her Outstanding Service to Research in Almonds with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Chef
Akmar Anuar was awarded Excellency in Gastronomy, and the Innovation Award was
presented to ofi and their Cashew Nut Oil Dipping Sauces & Dressings.
About the INC
The INC is the international umbrella organization for the nut and dried fruit industry. Its members
include more than 850 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 fruits. 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 fruits.
Press contact: e-mail press@nutfruit.org and telephone +34 977 331 416.
