The Cracker magazine, April 2009

The Cracker April 2009 v No. 2 The Official Voice of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation for the World Nut and Dried Fruit Trade

Monaco Welcomes INC 29-31 May U.S. Peanut Industry Tackles Recall Challenge Global Trade Key to Growth

CONTENTS April 2009 Edition 47 INTERNATIONAL NUT AND DRIED FRUIT COUNCIL FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jack Mariani – Chairman Mariani Nut Company, USA Giles Hacking – Vice-Chairman CG Hacking & Sons Limited, UK Jordi Martí – Treasurer & General Secretary Borges SAU, Spain Asadollah Asgaroladi Hassas Export Co. Ltd., Iran Art Beavis Purtrade - International Marketing Consultants, Australia Remy Berrebi Mincol Ltd., Israel Pino Calcagni V. Besana SPA, Italy Baljit Chadha Balcorp Limited, Canada Helmut Dankert Max Kiene GmbH, Germany Gary Ford Diamond Foods INC, USA Huo Jianguo China Chamber of Commerce, China Erdinç Kapkaç Aegean Exporters Association, Turkey Barry Kriebel Sun-Maid Growers of California, USA John R. Petersen J. R. Petersen LLC, USA Antonio Pont – Honorary President Borges SAU, Spain Sabit Sabir Sabirlar Findik Ihracat Ltd. Sti., Turkey Berton Steir Paramount – Roll International Corp, USA Frank Vaerewijck Q.M. Frank Vaerewijck BVBA, Belgium Kees van de Sandt C. Van de Sandt BV, Netherlands Dick Walden The Green Valley Pecan Company, USA Douglas Youngdahl Blue Diamond Growers, USA Cuneyd Zapsu Balsu AS, Turkey Executive Committee Jack Mariani – Chairman Giles Hacking – Vice-Chairman Pino Calcagni Gary Ford Antonio Pont Douglas Youngdahl Cuneyd Zapsu Goretti Guasch – Executive Director Senators Hubert Berrebi, France John Cardassilaris, Greece Dieter Fels, Germany Raul Gamon, France Chris Hacking, UK Walter F. Payne, USA Abbas Rafii, Luxembourg Don Soetaert, USA James Swink, USA Jack Taillie, Netherlands The Cracker Editorial Committee Jack Mariani – Chairman Susan Brauner, Editor Goretti Guasch, Advertising Sales Steve Wong, Designer

The Cracker

7 World News California in serious drought; Pecan industry expands technical program with food safety research; Macadamia symposium set for September, 2009 in South Africa; California raw almonds must be pasteurized in North America says judge.

26 Peanut Recall Headlines ACFSQ Meeting Dried fruit and tree nut industry who attended the American Council of Food Safety and Quality annual meeting were warned that government regulators will respond vigorously with increased inspections after recent peanut products recall.

32 Food Safety Survey Highlights More than 93 percent of U.S. consumers have heard reports about food safety issues and recalls and 25 percent say the recalls will change their buying behavior; charts outline consumer response in national survey.

36 INC Congress in Monaco 29-31 May World economics and how the dried fruit and nut industry is responding to difficult times ahead; taking a look inside the intricacies of managing a family business; and Formula 1 racing legend David Coulthard will headline the 28th annual INC Congress Program 29 – 31 May in Monaco.

49 World Statistics April 2009 Global Statistical Review and mid-way point on tree nuts and dried fruit consumption rates.

78 450 Attend Western Pistachio Association Meeting 450 pistachio growers and other industry associates review issues like expanding federal marketing order, trade opportunities in India, California drought challenges, pistachio crop forecasts and the latest pistachio nutrition news at annual meeting.

Index INC Secretariat News 18 INC Ambassadors

46

Advertisers

67

Nutrition Research

81

Legal Deposit: B-7497-1989 Permanent Secretariat of INC Goretti Guasch, Executive Director Calle Boule 2, 3ero, 43201 Reus, Spain Tel: +34 977 331 416 Fax: +34 977 315 028 E-mail: inc@nutfruit.org Web: www.nutfruit.org The Cracker is published three times a year by the International Tree Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation (Fundacio Privada International Tree Nut CIF G-43738475). This magazine including all articles and illustrations, is copyright protected. Any utilization beyond the light limits set by the Copyright Act is subject to publisher’s approval.

All trademarks, brand identities and graphic images shown in this publication are the property of their respective owners.

While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to press, they can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, photographs or other materials published in the Cracker.

April 2009 • The Cracker 3

Chairman’s Commentary Greetings from Winters, California!

By Jack Mariani, INC Chairman

I

t’s finally Spring and we now enter the speculative time of year when everyone begins to wonder what Mother Nature may bring us in the new 2009 crop season. Since January, the world has changed dramatically. World economic conditions continue to cloud the financial markets and make planning for the future more of a challenge than in past years. Some say that the food industry may be less affected than other industries, but only time will reveal how we may all be affected by the economic challenges ahead.

How the nut and dried fruit industries are coping with these difficult times will be one of many topics for discussion during the 28th Congress in Monaco May 29-31. In addition to our world experts who share the latest crop and consumption trends, we will listen to a noted speaker about how to manage the intricacies of a family business. This is especially intriguing to our industry where many organizations are owned and operated by multi-generational families.

In fact, our industry is probably the oldest business operated by centuries of generations of families!

World economic trends and how to cope with them successfully will be another topical session. But the most entertaining session may be Formula 1 racing legend David Coulthard who will motivate us about how to lead a successful and happy life!

In this issue of The Cracker, you will learn more about food safety issues and allergens which continue to be a growing challenge in the US, EU, Asia and many other countries. The recent salmonella outbreak in assorted peanut products causing sickness and death resulted in the largest recall of food products in U S history. While rapid alert reports are made weekly in the EU, major food manufacturers and retailers are now demanding new and more detailed plant inspections and third party audits. Increased microbiological testing is also being required. The Cracker will take an inside look at how the peanut industry is communicating to consumers about this challenge.

The Scientific Committee of the INC will meet in Monaco on Friday May 29th from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM to discuss these critical issues that affect our business. A panel of expert physicians and researchers will also discuss food safety topics from their perspectives to guide us about how we manage them in our own operations.

I encourage all INC members to continue to share with staff and customers the benefits of using the INC website Nutfruit.org. You will need your company password to log on. Once on the site, the most recent information is available for each tree nut and dried fruit to create sales or marketing presentations, receive the most recently published health research, check on the production of any commodity in any country or import or export of each item.

The web site is truly the international source of information for tree nuts and dried fruits. There is more about this on page18.

We also continue to search for new investment opportunities in research and other projects that will help us to increase demand for all of our products. In partnership with Nucis Italy, INC has a multi-year initiative of Nutritional Education designed to raise the awareness of consumers about the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. Over 440 Physicians have joined the project which is designed to reach patients with information about the health benefits of dried fruits and tree nuts. Newsletters about products, clinical studies and current research will be mailed monthly. The goal is to reach 1000 Physicians during 2009.

INC-NREF will be co-sponsoring a nuts and health symposium at the upcoming International Congress of Nutrition to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, this October. This important event is held every four years and unites researchers and policy makers worldwide. The symposium will highlight the latest scientific research on the health benefits of tree nuts.

The goal is to stimulate more European, Australian, and Asian - based research on the relationship between increased tree nut consumption and decreased incidence of lifestyle diseases.

In addition to exploring the world challenges currently facing our industry and how to resolve them effectively, our Monaco Congress provides the perfect opportunity to meet and create memories of the world-class beauty of Monte Carlo, the South of France and Italy. It will be a congress to remember! See you there!

C

4 The Cracker • April 2009

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April 2009 • The Cracker 5

6 The Cracker • April 2009

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

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CALIFORNIA DROUGHT BRINGS WATER LEVEL TO 64 PERCENT OF NORMAL According to a news article from the California Capitol, based on a recent water briefing to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,: …”As though the state’s fiscal problems aren’t daunting enough, California’s top water officials gave Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a grim presentation showing that rain earlier in the month has done little to lessen the state’s worst drought in modern history.

The officials, including Department of Water Resources Director Lester Snow, showed the GOP governor that at the time of year when water levels should be highest, Lake Oroville was at 66 percent of normal, San Luis Reservoir at 51 percent and Lake Shasta at 71 percent. On average, reservoirs are at 56 percent of capacity.

Snowpack was at 90 percent as opposed to 100 percent last year. But because this is the third dry year in a row, parched ground is soaking up run-off, leaving it at just 64 percent of the level it should be.”

“Snow said that the storms of late February and early March allow ed the State Water Project to increase its allocation to 20 percent. ‘It was after considerable deliberation we decided to increase,’ Snow said . ‘We feel (the storms) provided enough flexibility for us to announce 20 percent. We wanted to do that because of concerns of economic impacts and broader concerns to the Central Valley and Southern California in terms of water reliability.’ Snow said if the State Water Project ended the year with a final allocation of 20 percent, which he thinks it will, it would mean ‘matching the lowest allocation in State Water Project history.’”

“Fully meeting the demands of State Water Project users is roughly 4 million acre feet. The 20 percent allocation is therefore 800,000 acre feet. One acre-foot is 326,000 gallons — enough water to cover one acre of land, roughly a football field, with one foot of water. It’s approximately the amount of water a family of four uses in a year. Snow reiterated that this year’s 56 percent of capacity at reservoirs is down from 61 percent last year.

The federally run Central Valley Project has already eliminated water to its agricultural users and [has] halved deliveries to its metropolitan and industrial users. Two years ago, the State Water Project met 60 percent of water demand and 35 percent in 2008 .

“Schwarzenegger has called for water conservation and, last year, declared drought conditions in the state. Schwarzenegger was also shown findings by a University of California at Davis study of the drought’s economic impact. The drought will cause farm revenue to fall by $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion. Total income loss this year will be between $1.6 billion and $2.8 billion and between 60,000 and 85,000 jobs will disappear. Water officials believe, at a minimum, the low range of estimates is accurate.

To counter the contention by some that the current drought isn’t as bad a previous ones, the report compares the current

drought to 1991 when the fifth year of a long-running drought was the worst in 150 years. In February of 1991, the state began to ration water. Water for farmers was cut off. In 1991, agricultural losses totaled $500 million, according to the Department of Water Resources. Catastrophe in 1991 was avoided by 40 days of rain, leading to triple-than-normal precipitation in March – the ‘March Miracle’ as it’s now known.”

“No such miracle appears headed to California this year. Snow contrasted conditions in 2009 with 1991. There are 9 million more California residents. There is more demand for agricultural water as farmers have shifted from row crops to permanent crops and put an additional 400,000 acres under irrigation. Court rulings to protect various species have reduced the flexibility of moving water and climate change has led to more extreme weather patterns and a smaller snowpack. Snow said water deliveries this year have been reduced by 170,000 acre feet to aid the Delta smelt, a consequence of one of those court rulings.”

GLOBAL ORGANIC SUPPLY GROWS The amount of land dedicated to organic produce is growing due to government backing and market forces, opening up opportunities particularly in developing countries, according to a new report.

The latest statistics show that worldwide, 32.2m hectares were certified according to organic standards in 2007, which was 1.5m hectares more than the previous year, said the report from the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL). The study called: “The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics and Emerging Trends 2009” showed that by geographical region, growth was strongest in Latin America and Africa.

Dr Helga Willer, of the FiBL and an author of the report, said that production of cash crops such as coffee, cocoa and tropical fruit had increased by as much as 30 per cent. And the drivers behind the increase in organic farming were booming demand and policy support.

The global market for organic products reached an estimated $46bn in 2007 with most products being consumed in North America and Europe. In Europe the organically managed land area grew to almost 7.8m hectares (1.9 per cent of agricultural land) in 2007. Substantial increases were seen in Spain, Poland and the UK and countries with the highest number of farms and the largest organic land area was Italy, followed by Spain, Germany and the UK. Crops that played a significant role included olives, fruits, nuts, grapes and cereals.

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8 The Cracker • April 2009

PECAN INDUSTRY LEADERS ATTEND MID-WINTER MEETING Almost every major sheller in the pecan industry was represented at the 2009 National Pecan Shellers Association(NPSA) Mid-Winter Meeting at the Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee, FL. Two days of educational programming featured experts on government affairs, consumer trends, supply chain management, resource conservation, plant management, shipping and logistics, food safety and quality control. Members were also treated to a special cooking demonstration by Peter Wimmler, executive pastry chef at the Gaylord Palms.

The NPSA Board of Directors also agreed to continue its statistical program and expanded its technical program with an enhanced food safety research initiative. Julie Nargang was introduced at the board meeting as the new chair of the NPSA Marketing, Promotion and Research Committee (MPRC). Ms. Nargang is director of corporate marketing at John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. where she oversees the company’s advertising, marketing and public relations initiatives. She holds a Masters Degree in Marketing from DePaul University.

Former MPRC chair Buddy Adams of San Saba Pecan was honored during the General Session. Mr. Adams spent more than a decade directing the pecan industry’s Marketing, Promotion and Research Program. Under his leadership, the program helped transform the public perception of pecans from a fattening indulgence to a healthy addition to a balanced diet. Mr. Adams will continue to serve on the Committee.

Five members were re-elected to serve on the Marketing, Promotion and Research Committee during the meeting.

Buddy Adams of San Saba Pecan, LP; Ernesto Lozano Gonzalez of Procesadora Palma S.A. de C.V.; Jim Hamilton of Hamilton Ranches, Inc.; David Salopek of David Salopek Farms, LLC; and Bruce Caris of The Green Valley Pecan Company were re-elected to new two-year terms.

The NPSA Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 10-12, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, IL. The NPSA is an international trade association dedicated to preserving, representing and promoting the interests of the pecan industry, in a strong and unified voice, to government, media, food industry, health professionals and consumers.

For more information, contact NPSA Headquarters at 404-252-3663 or visit www.ilovepecans.org.

4TH INTERNATIONAL MACADAMIA SYMPOSIUM The Fourth International Macadamia Symposium will take place from 6 to 9 September 2009 in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and will be hosted by the Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC). As with the 1st International Macadamia Symposium, which took place in South Africa in 1999, the primary aim is to bring people within the international macadamia industry together from around the world to exchange information. The 4th International Macadamia Symposium will be held at Berg en Dal rest camp, which is situated on the Southern border of the Kruger National Park.

The preliminary program has been drafted, and the symposium will start on the Sunday afternoon with registration and an opening ceremony. On Monday and Tuesday there will be both oral and poster presentation sessions, and the event will close with a gala dinner on the Tuesday evening. An optional tour of the macadamia industry in South Africa will take place on the Wednesday.

Registrations closes on the 17th of July 2009 and costs involved differ, depending on your attendance of specific events. For more information, please refer to the website.

For any information regarding registration and accommodation, Ethne Cameron, ethne@goingafrica.co.za can be contacted. For general queries, as well as interested sponsors, please contact Chrisna Strydom, Chrisna@subtrop.co.za Please visit the official website of the symposium: www.4macadamia.com for all relevant information and updates.

CALIFORNIA RAW ALMONDS MUST BE TREATED, JUDGE RULES In a blow to organic almond producers and handlers, the Washington, D.C.- based judge rejected challenges to pasteurization requirements designed by the Almond Board of California. The Agriculture Department formally imposed the rules in March 2007.

The ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvell did not directly address the merits of the almond pasteurization standards. Instead, Huvell dismissed largely on technical grounds the complaint filed by Fresno-based farmer Nick Koretoff, Livington-based farmer Cynthia Lashbrook and others.

Huvell determined the farmers had failed to exhaust potential administrative remedies. Moreover, the judge said farmers might not have legal recourse even if they could prove the safety rules would cause economic injury. “Their fundamental concern is with the impact of the treatment regulation on their ability to sell their almonds in a niche organic market at a premium,” Huvelle noted, adding that “the Supreme Court (has) specifically recognized that not every loss would qualify as a deprivation of a definite personal right of the producer.”

While contamination in almonds is not common, the industry determined that aggressive measures were necessary to prevent any other occurrences. The 2001 salmonella outbreak first identified in Canada was traced back to bulk raw almonds. A second salmonella outbreak in 2004 resulted in the recall of 15 million pounds of almonds. Consumer confidence falls with every food scare.

Australian Macadamias

Australian Macadamias are set for a bumper crop

T

he Australian macadamia industry is anticipating a 45,000 tonne nut in shell crop in 2009 which will yield almost 14,000 MT of precious kernel for world markets. Most growing regions are reporting good rainfall and a high nut set raising the expectations of a very good harvest from April.

The demand for macadamias in Europe reached a record 6,000 MT in 2008 which was 24% above the previous year due to mainly widened distribution in retail chains and increased use in value added products. Macadamia nuts now account for 16.2% of the value generated from the noble nut category in German retail supermarkets according to Nielsen data.

The Australian macadamia industry is providing on going market support through media and in store promotions in Europe and other markets to drive consumer demand.

In Japan the Australian macadamia industry is launching a new consumer focused promotion in January 2009 using cutting edge internet based activities to reinvigorate the market and encourage consumers to discover the real health and beauty attributes of the macadamia nuts that research shows are not well understood.

Please come and visit the Australian macadamia team in 2009 and find out how you can be part of the macadamia action at: • Winter Fancy Foods San Francisco January 18–20 • Fruit Logistica Hall 25 B10 Berlin February 4–6 • NRA Chicago May 16–19 • Asia Fruit Logistica Hong Kong Sept 2–4 • ANUGA Cologne Oct 10–15 For more information about the Australian macadamia crop and market development activities contact: Australian Macadamia Society www.macadamias.org or your Australian Macadamia exporter.

April 2009 • The Cracker 9

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

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4000+ EU HEALTH CLAIMS ON HOLD? The European Union nutrition and health claims process will

What digestive health has, that many other purported functional

not meet its January, 2010, deadline as there are simply too many

foods health benefits do not, is a near-instantaneous health effect.

to process by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the

Consumers with digestive health issues draw real benefits from

bloc’s executive arms, according to Brussels-based consultancy,

probiotic and prebiotic products that, if consumed at the right

EAS.

doses, generally deliver on their functional promise.

The European Commission has set itself to evaluate 1024

That is the key driver. In a world where a fair level of consumer

generic article 13 claims by the end of July, a further 468 claims by

scepticism remains toward many functional foods, probiotics

the end of November, leaving 2693 claims that EFSA has sent back

have a rare level of trust. According to the American College of

to the EC and member states for further clarification. “The volume

Gastroenterology, 95m people in the US suffer from digestive

of claims and currently proposed evaluation time-lines illustrate

problems. Some 60m are thought to suffer from heartburn, and

that it will prove difficult for the European Commission to adopt

50m from irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, it is estimated

its ‘Community list’ of generic health claims by the end of January

that around 20m people suffer from stomach ulcers. Gut health

2010, the official deadline set by the EU claims Regulation,” said

products have a very real benefit on these conditions. Immunity

EAS officials. They added, “Although the Commission has not yet

benefits ar clinically backed also.

officially announced a delay, this will be inevitable, meaning also a

The other key ingredients in gut health are prebiotics – typically

longer transition period for the permitted continued use of health

fibre-based ingredients that function as starter cultures for the

claims that are in line with formerly existing national rules.

development of healthy bacteria within the gut. These products have

If the deadline is breached it would bring few changes to the

branched out from their baked products core and moved into new

EU’s 27-member bloc, as member state rulings would continue to

areas such as dairy and bars. An International Food Information

apply until the matter is resolved at EU level. Only in 2011, when

Council survey found 77 per cent of people are actively trying

transition periods are factored in, would the “climate for claims”

to add fibre to their diets even as US Department of Agriculture

be altered drastically according to the report. This could mean

figures show only one fifth of

more stringent rules for health claims innovations.

Americans get enough fibre in

EFSA only published its finalised article 13 list this year that include generic nutrient claims such as calcium is good for your

their diet.

Products aimed at gut

bones. Click here to see that list. So far EFSA has issued five article

health have traditionally been

13.5 opinions which relate to new product claims. These have all

much more popular in Europe

been negative including one linking black tea and focus of attention

than North America, but this is

and another linking probiotic consumption and gastrointestinal

changing as Americans embrace the idea of boosting gut health via

discomfort. EFSA has also delivered 42 article 14 disease reduction

foods and beverages. Europe still leads the way in terms of product

and children’s claim verdicts, most of which have also failed to

launches and market value, but North America is catching up.

impress the Parma-based risk assessment agency.

The EC’s General Food Law section of the Standing Committee

Statistics obtained from Mintel show there have been 171 digestive health product launches in North America in 2008

on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFCAH) recently processed

compared to 133 in 2007. In 2006 there were 59 debuts, 19 in

its first batch of 21 EFSA health claim opinions, including 14

2005 and only one in 2003.

negative and seven positive opinions. The SCFCAH is comprised

Much of this revenue continues to be drawn from Europe where

of representatives of the EU’s 27 member states, and it has the

digestive health remains a stellar category, although no longer rising

capacity to challenge EFSA’s opinions from a risk management

as quickly as North America, or for that matter, Latin America and

point of view.

Asia. Mintel’s analysis reveals there were 511 launches in Europe in

The fact the SCFCAH found no issue with EFSA’s opinions may be

10 The Cracker • April 2009

HOW GLOBAL CONSUMERS VIEW DIGESTIVE HEALTH

2008. In 2007 there were 690, 454 in 2006, and 280 in 2005 and

of concern to industry given the large number of negative opinions

15 in 2003. Digestive health is not being lost on the growing middle

issued by EFSA to date, particularly in regard to article 14 claims,

classes of Latin America and Asia, especially Latin America where

of which the Parma-based assessor has principally concerned itself

the year so far has seen 133 launches compared with 136 in 2007

so far. After claims are voted on by the European Parliament they

and 28 in 2005. Asia is rising from a lower base but has 32 debuts

can then be written into the EU register and be authorised for use

for the year compared with 26 in 2007 and four in 2004. Across all

across the bloc.

regions there have been 2057 digestive health launches this year.

April 2009 • The Cracker 11

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NUTS AND SEEDS RANK HIGH FOR NEW PRODUCTS

US–DANISH ALLIANCE GOOD FOR NUTS | DRIED FRUIT

International research business Datamonitor has done some handy work on new product launches, giving brands a heads up on what the product trends are for the coming year. Datamonitor has looked at what’s been launched around the world over the past year and has come up with some good pointers for 2009.

Although the data lie mostly in food and drink sectors, there are lessons for all consumer goods.

Key categories for the coming year are beauty foods and drinks, detox products and concentrated liquid cleaners that cut costs and help the environment. Being clean and beautiful on the inside and on the outside seems to be a significant trend, as is relaxing through the credit crunch.

The use of some words is important, too. The word “eco,” is increasingly used, and don’t forget to repeat the word “brain” at every opportunity. Datamonitor’s product launch analytics suggest the following are among the trend-setting categories for the year ahead: Nuts and seeds Nuts, once avoided for too much fat and associations with allergies, are now hailed as nutritional powerhouses, which is why they are showing up in more new product launches, along with such seeds as flax, sunflower and pumpkin. Expect more rusticlooking snack bars.

A new consortium of leading American and Danish food scientists has been established to develop new ingredients for tackling malnutrition and diet-related diseases.

The Transatlantic Foods for Health project is a collaboration between scientists at the University of California, Davis, and four Danish Universities, intended to draw on the two nations’ complementary areas of food research expertise. The plan is to develop healthier foods and foods with added health benefits through a combination of different research approaches.

One of the program participants is associate professor and lipidologist Lars Hellgren of the Department for Systems Biology at the Technical University of Denmark who says: “While we in Denmark are very strong on general and technological issues, our colleagues in California are strong on the medical, clinical side.

Combining the two together creates an enormous synergy.”

Part of the group’s research is expected to focus on ingredients said to produce specific health benefits, such as the effects of fibers and antioxidants produced from biomass on gut flora, and to examine their effects on a molecular level. Other areas which are expected to be put under the spotlight include ingredients’ effects on the immune system and cardiovascular health, as well as those that help weight loss or prevent weight gain. In this area, the group says it will be looking at ways ingredients can improve satiety, speed metabolism or reduce the amount of fat that is absorbed from foods by the body. Nuts and dried fruit may have an opportunity to collaborate with its myriad nutrition research.

“It is partly about single ingredients but it’s also about combining ingredients in the right way,” said Hellgren. “I’m interested in fatty acids. The benefits of fatty acids and omega-3 in particular are very well documented, but there is still an issue about how we get it into the food and finding the best formulation.”

He said that although the food industry is not formally involved with the project, both the Danish researchers and Americans “have very strong links with the food industry” in their respective countries. Apart from researching ingredients that could help deal with weight-related illnesses, the project also aims to tackle issues of malnutrition.

UC Davis nutrition professor and director of the Foods for Health Institute M.R.C. Greenwood said: “This is not about just adding more vitamin A to carrots… Often, consumers have to pay up to 20 times more for 1,000 healthy calories in fruit and vegetables than they would pay for 1,000 unhealthy calories in, for example, fast food. We have to look at how we get more healthy properties into food that is safe, convenient and economically accessible.”

Greenwood also underlined the importance of continuing to work together with the food industry in order to produce more foods that fit with nutritional guidelines.

SHOEI TO REOPEN PRUNE PLANT AS A WALNUT PROCESSING PLANT After announcing its closure of a prune processing plant last December, ShoEi Foods USA, INC will form a Joint Venture with Sunsweet Growers to convert its 50-acre facility in Olivehurst, California to walnut shelling and processing for the 2009 crop.

ShoEi is the leading importer of walnuts in Japan and China and was first to introduce California walnuts to Japan, making it the largest market for shelled walnuts outside of the US. Don Soetaert, Chairman of ShoEi, explained that ShoEi could not let its assets idle while many walnut growers(some already growing prunes for ShoEi), encouraged ShoEi to buy their walnut crops. Some of ShoEi’s workforce could also be re-employed, making it a winning proposition for both growers and employees.

“We also have equipment that can be used, but we will invest an additional $3.5 million in state-of-the-art technology to serve the worldwide walnut market within the next six months,” explained Soetaert who added that ShoEi will be interviewing walnut growers over the next few weeks to obtain a targeted supply level for the first year operation. “We are especially interested in family owned growers with a high quality record who prefer a long term and stable home to join the financially strong ShoEi family.”

A 103-year old business, ShoEi Foods Corporation of Japan is a publicly owned company with more than $800 million in sales. It is an importer, wholesaler, and manufacturer in Japan and China with a total of 11 plants, including an all-nut processing plant in Japan and a pine nut plant in China. It also buys nearly $100 million of California grown commodities annually.

Dried fruits and nuts have traditionally been its core commodities among more than 9000 items offered in Japan. ShoEi is also a prune and walnut grower in Olivehurst.

12 The Cracker • April 2009

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info@bestsorting.com www.bestsorting.com April 2009 • The Cracker 13

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

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HEART HEALTH MARKET BIG IN ASIA

MAGAZINE ADS SKEWED TO UNHEALTHY FOODS

The buoyancy of the European heart health ingredients market is being matched by some Asian countries where western-style diets and lifestyles are taking hold and bringing concomitant health problems.

This was particularly the case in urban areas of China, India and some south east Asian countries where affluence is on the rise such as Malaysia and Thailand. This report follows comments in a recent Frost & Sullivan report that valued the European heart health ingredients market at €421m in 2007 and growing at 20 per cent. “One-in two adults have high blood pressure in some European countries such as Germany and Spain,” said Luc van der Heyden, DSM business manager of heart health.

“In China the rate is only one-in-four but it is growing much faster,” according to reports. In North America the rate is about one-in-three. “North America and Europe remain our biggest markets but Asia is increasingly important as is Eastern Europe which has well-documented heart health problems.”

Food manufacturers are being asked to take some responsibility for public health and make more nutritional products after a study found that magazine adverts were mainly for foods high in sugar, fat and salt. Product types advertised did not reflect a balanced diet as healthier foods such as fruit and vegetables made up only a fraction of the adverts, according to the study published online in the European Journal of Public Health.

For the study called “Socio-economic and gender differences in nutritional content of foods advertised in popular UK weekly magazines”, researchers compared data on the nutritional content of foods advertised in 30 of the most widely-read weekly magazines during November 2007. The nutritional analysis found that the foods being promoted were generally much higher in sugar and salt, and lower in fibre than the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. The results showed that 25.5 per cent of the adverts were for ready-meals, sauces and soups which tend to be high in salt and sugar.

And 23 per cent were categorized as “containing fat or sugar” including products such as ice-cream, chocolate bars, sweets and full sugar soft drinks. However, government guidelines recommend these should be eaten only “sparingly”. Only 1.8 per cent was for fruit and vegetables which were mainly in high-end magazines. A source said that foods such as fruit and vegetables aren’t advertised so much because they do not have big food manufacturers behind them.

BARRY CALLEBAUT OPENS MEXICAN CHOCOLATE PLANT

14 The Cracker • April 2009

Barry Callebaut moves closer to local food manufacturers in Mexico, unveiling its third largest chocolate production facility worldwide to spear the emerging, and attractive, Mexican chocolate confectionery market.

The Swiss firm – that expands in step with its customers – has invested over $3 million in the new industrial chocolate facility, based at Monterrey in the north-eastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. “Chocolate confectionery in Mexico is expected to grow on average by 6.5 per cent per year in value terms over the next five years,” according to market researcher Euromonitor. At a time when chocolate consumption in the US and Europe is falling due to the economic crisis, the chocolate industry is pinning hopes on emerging markets such as Mexico, Russia, India and China to bring a boost to the bottom line.

With an annual capacity of around 100,000 tonnes, Callebaut’s new Mexican facility will supply Central and South American chocolate markets previously fed by the firm’s facilities in North America. Sourcing some cocoa from Brazil, but also from Africa, the supply needs will depend on customer demand. An industrial chocolate plant, no consumer products will be produced at the Mexican facility . They will continue to be imported from North America and the EU. With the new Mexican plant now online Zurich-based Barry Callebaut currently has about 40 facilities - including cocoa processing and chocolate facilities - worldwide. The facility is designed to manufacture industrial chocolate – liquid and moulded chocolate – as well as compound. Barry Callebaut expects capacity utilisation at the plant to rise rapidly and reach 60 to 70 per cent by the end of fiscal year 2009/10, aiming for full capacity to be reached within five years.

The chocolate industry is generally buoyed by the notion that in times of recession consumers continue to be tempted by small chocolate indulgences, enabling chocolate players to weather an economic downturn. But the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) suggested the economy’s impact on chocolate consumption in the coming year would be difficult to predict.

FOOD SHORTAGES THREATEN WORLD POPULATION Half of the world’s population could face food shortages by the end of this century due to climate change, a new study warned.

According to researchers, there is a 90 percent probability that by 2100 the minimum temperatures in the tropics and sub-tropical regions will be higher than the maximums so far recorded in those areas.

The affect on crop-growing in those regions would be dire, according to the projections based on direct observations and data culled from 23 computer models on the planet’s evolving climate patterns. “The stresses on global food production from temperature alone are going to be huge, and that doesn’t take into account water supplies stressed by the higher temperatures,” said David Battisti, a University of Washington atmospheric sciences professor.

“We are taking the worst of what we’ve seen historically and saying that in the future it is going to be a lot worse unless there is some kind of adaptation,” added Rosamond Naylor, director of Stanford University’s Program on Food Security and the Environment.

In the tropics, the warmest temperatures will cut maize and rice harvests by 20 to 40 percent, the researchers said. The hotter weather will also reduce the moisture in the soil, cutting yields even further. Some three billion people, or half the world’s population, currently live in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and their number is set to double by the end of the century. These regions stretch from northern India, southern China to much of Australia and all of Africa, and also extend from the southern United States to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.

April 2009 • The Cracker 15

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

6

16 The Cracker • April 2009

PREMIUM

CHOCOLATE HOLDS STEADY IN TOUGH ECONOMY

More-Selective Consumers Make Each Morsel Count With Emphasis on Ingredient Sourcing and Artisan Production Even in a recession, frugal consumers shell out cash for popular premium chocolate, but the variety they purchase depends on its value, quality and manufacturer. Chicago-based market-research company, Mintel says trendy, pricier premium cocoa varieties promote chocolate consumption growth. Throngs of products from smaller specialty as well as major chocolate manufacturers line store shelves. But consumers are buying the sweets less often and more discriminatively as household incomes contract with the U.S. recession and world economic crisis.

Premium chocolate is typically characterized by an emphasis on sourcing and the production process, much like wine. A premium price tag also tends to accompany the pursuit of quality.

In volume terms, growth in the premium chocolate segment has slowed somewhat in recent months as a result of the global economic crisis. However, in value terms, this category is still growing, according to Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut. The company sells chocolate to industrial food manufacturers, artisans and chefs as well as international chocolate retailers and consumers.

As of November, 2008, total chocolate candy sales in supermarkets, drugstores and mass merchandise outlets totaled $4.99 billion, a 2.2% increase from the year before, according to data compiled by Information Resources Inc., a Chicago-based research firm. That data excluded Wal-Mart Stores Inc. In the same period, however, average unit sales decreased by about 3.8% and average price per unit increased by nine cents, according to the data. Chocolate makers felt price pressure and many large manufacturers increased prices in 2008 amid multidecade highs in raw cocoa prices.

Large chocolate manufacturers Barry Callebaut and Hershey Co. delved into the premium chocolate realm previously occupied primarily by smaller-scale specialty manufacturers. In 2008, Mars Inc.’s Mars Snackfood US introduced M&Ms Premiums in flavors such as mint chocolate and raspberry almond, as well as dark chocolate varieties.

Consumer familiarity gives some brands an advantage over others amid the glut of premium chocolates on the market as new lines continue to be launched, Mintel said. Smaller specialty premium manufacturers may have a better chance at staying afloat during tough economic times because they have less competition than large manufacturers, according to Mintel.

Two specialty companies are Askinosie Chocolate in Springfield, Mo., and Guittard Chocolate of Burlingame, Calif., which have their own approaches to making and selling chocolate. Askinosie Chocolate has a hands-on, personalized production method and business model, according to founder Shawn Askinosie.

The company purchases approximately 20 tons of cocoa beans annually, just a fraction of a major manufacturer’s supplies, he says. The company is a member of Craft Chocolate Makers of America, a group of independent chocolate makers that stresses the importance of small batches and select ingredients to produce quality chocolate.

Gary Guittard said his company saw more sales of its chocolate to candy manufacturers as discretionary spending received a nudge higher from easing gas prices. Guittard Chocolate is a

member of industry group Chocolate Council of the National Confectioners Association. The council’s members represent more than 90% of the chocolate processed in the U.S. Most consumers are unaware of the difference between smaller specialty and larger premium chocolate manufacturers, according to some analysts. Though consumption continues, consumers are failing to respond to gimmicks and unessential quality assurance in premium chocolate as budgets feel the squeeze.

The shine of chocolate health claims are expected to fade as consumers become desensitized to the fad of value-added superfoods. Additionally, fair trade-certified chocolate is less attractive amid economic uncertainty. Fair-trade products pledge to pay producers a price higher than the typical market rate for commodities such as cocoa and coffee.

But competition will continue in the premium chocolate arena as private-label premium chocolates may have the advantage.

The chocolates, sold under trusted chain-store labels or in retail locations with an exclusive brand, are typically less expensive than the major brands but have the same quality.

NESTLÉ LAUNCHES NEW RESEARCH WEB PORTAL Nestle has launched a new website to provide information and news about its global R&D. The site: http://www.nestle.com/ NestleResearch/NestleResearchHome.htm brings together information and news from the company’s 24 research, technology and development centres.

The most recent addition to the R&D network was the inauguration of a new research and development centre in Beijing to focus on health and wellness. The centre, which employs 80 people, will target three main categories, including growth and development, healthy ageing and weight management. Nestlé spent nearly $3 billion on research and development last year.

FIGS SHINE AT THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA The Worlds of Flavor® International Conference & Festival, presented by The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), is widely acknowledged as our country’s most influential professional forum on world cuisines and culinary flavor trends. At the most recent conference, A Mediterranean Flavor Odyssey: Preserving And Re-Inventing Traditions For Modern Palates, Valley Fig Growers showcased an exceptional array of dried California figs and fig products including the newest member of the product family, Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.

Sondra Bernstein and chef John Toulze, from the Girl & The Fig Restaurant, served their newest creation, a divine fig-infused martini, called Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. It was a huge hit with the chefs, food editors, and culinary dignitaries from around the world in attendance at the conference, as was their Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.. Valley Fig Growers was honored to also feature culinary expert and cookbook author, Marie Simmons. She served two of her favorite fig dishes, Error!

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SAMPLE TO BE TESTED, PLEASE CONTACT:

Please visit our website at http:www.satake-usa.com email: vision@satake-usa.com

USA, Latin America Satake USA Inc. 10905 Cash Road Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281-276-3600 Fax: 281-494-1460

USA West Coast Satake USA Inc.

3416 Oakdale Road Modesto, CA 95355 Tel: 209-551-3203 Fax: 209-551-0841

Europe, Africa, The Middle East

Asia

ESM (UK) Ltd. P.O. Box 47, Horsfield Way Stockport, Cheshire SK6 2FN(England) Tel: (44) 161-406-3888 Fax: (44) 161-406-3889

Satake Corporation 2-30 Saijo Nishihonmachi Higashi-Hiroshima Japan 739-8602 Tel: +81-824-20-8539 Fax +81-824-20-0865

2009 • The Cracker September 2005 •April the CraCker 65 17

NEWS FROM THE INC SECRETARIAT WWW.NUTFRUIT.ORG The INC continues to expand its website at www.nutfruit.org with new services for our members, new statistical data in its database and updated resources and materials for the industry. As a result INC website statistics show over 60,000 visitors to the website last year, and over 3.5 million hits to date.

New! Spanish-language Section on Website Since Spanish is the second most spoken language within the INC membership, we just launched the new Spanish-language website section which you can access through the general home page or directly go to the www.nutfruit.org/es, This new section has been designed to provide information about nuts and health, information about INC activities, the World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress and much more.

We invite you to learn about different nut stories, creative recipes, consumer questionnaires and a site for documents with more than 125 scientific studies summarized in the Spanish language.

Google PageRank INC’s website has reached a PageRank of 5/10. PageRank is Google’s trademarked measurement of the quality and relevance of a website within the internet. Thanks to all INC links to other web sites, www.nutfruit.org has reached this excellent PageRank which puts INC in a privileged position for accessing a search engine.

In addition to Google, the INC website has also been registered on several other internet search engines such as Yahoo, Abacho, AIM, Entireweb, ChangingLinks, Exactseek, True Search and many more.

The Cracker Now Online From January 2009, INC members and subscribers may read, download, store and print the magazine from the website at the Cracker section. This online version of The Cracker features all the articles, market reports and statistical data available in the print edition, along with a dropdown index to quickly access the contents, zoom tools and website links to our advertisers. From now on you can read The Cracker anywhere, anytime!

Nutrient Profiles of Nuts and Dried Fruits Take a quick and easy look at the nutrient composition of nuts and dried fruits: A convenient link has been added to the web site in order to make it easier for surfing.

The chart “Nutrients in Nuts and Dried Fruits” shows values for the following nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins and carotenoids found in nuts and dried fruits. It also breaks down the fats into saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The data is based on values from the latest published version of the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, the major source of food composition data in the United States.

Internet Quality Stamp The INC website has successfully passed audit inspection by Online Trust, (OT), a non-profit official association formed by the Department of Industry and Commerce of the Government. This is part of the services offered by the Audiovisual Council which promotes and strengthens users’ confidence in websites through self-regulation and a quality stamp.

OT monitors advertising regulation, electronic trade, infancy protection, accessibility, usability, reliability, privacy and data 18 The Cracker • April 2009

protection. The association analyzes corresponding standards to defend citizens’ common interests and rights.

The OT Trustmark logo has been inserted onto INC’s web pages providing proof of compliance with ethical principles and quality standards.

INC now at Wikipedia!

Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia created in 2001 that has become one of the most useful and biggest websites on the internet. The INC has been recently added to Wikipedia articles about almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, dates, prunes and raisins.

The contents are full of links that help give users a deeper understanding of related issues and topics.

Google Maps and Google Earth The INC has been recently registered in Google Maps and Google Earth, Google’s virtual globe, map and geographic information programs. Find the physical location of the INC headquarters using Google searches or to view maps and driving instructions.

Tips Are nuts fattening? You can now measure your knowledge about nuts and dried fruits through the short interactive question we just added to the home page. While thinking about the correct answer you can listen to the music of the Nutcracker Ballet.

Enjoy your surfing!

– Continued on page 20

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www.camposbrothers.com April 2009 • The Cracker 19

– Continued from page 18

>

THE CRACKER MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE! VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.nutfruit.org

CODEX COMMITTEE ON CONTAMINANTS IN FOODS Once again, the INC participated at the annual Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF), held on March 2327, 2009, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Among others, the CCCF discussed the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods; Draft Maximum Levels for Total Aflatoxins in Brazil Nuts; Code of Practice for the Reduction of Acrylamide in Food; Code of Practice for the Reduction of Contamination of Food with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) from Smoking and Direct Drying Processes; and Priority List of Contaminants and Naturally Occurring Toxicants Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA. The INC, as Official Non-Government Observer, was represented

by Mr. Pino Calcagni, Chairman of the INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee, and Ms. Julie Adams, ViceChairman.

Discussion Paper on Aflatoxin Contamination in Brazil Nuts The INC has participated in the preparation of a Discussion Paper on Aflatoxin Contamination in Brazil Nuts with several other organizations. It was prepared by Brazil, with contributions from FAO, the Netherlands, UK, USA, the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA). While the paper covers production conditions and practices, it highlights the complexities of Brazil nut cultivation and its importance to the economic well-being of the Amazonian region. It also serves as the basis of discussions during the CCCF. Unfortunately, the final paper was not available until shortly before the meeting, which did not allow sufficient time for submission of comments by Codex member governments.

During the plenary meeting, the Codex secretariat emphasized the importance of ensuring the document, and its subsequent recommendations, were thoroughly reviewed and discussed. It was then agreed to make several modifications to the paper based on preliminary discussions; the full document will be circulated to member countries and included in the agenda for the 2010 CCCF meeting.

THE INC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS IN NEW YORK The INC Executive Committee met in March in New York to review the five-year financial and strategic plan for priority actions; the 2008 year-end financial report and the budget for 2009. The Committee also discussed project funding, and reviewed the performance of the sub-committees (Audit Committee, Membership and Ambassadors’ Committee, Editorial and Statistics Committee, Congress Committee and Scientific and Government Affairs Committee). The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be held in Monaco during the INC Annual Congress.

Photo: Institute for Intergrative Nutrition

20 µg/kg. Furthermore, for almonds, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts the presence of a ML has no effect on dietary total aflatoxin exposure. v The levels of aflatoxins in ready-to-eat Brazil nuts (shelled) to be exported from Brazil are usually very low. According to the results of the CONFORCAST1 project, 96% of the 500 sub-samples analyzed were in the range from 0 to 10 µg/kg.

When diet changes, everything changes.

Located in Avery Fisher Hall at the New York Lincoln Center, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (INN) was founded in 1992 as a nutrition school. The program’s mission is to play a crucial role in improving health and happiness in America. Through that process, it creates a ripple effect that transforms the world.

The INN boasts about being the only school in the world teaching more than 100 dietary theories, from traditional to modern, Eastern to Western, popular to esoteric. Some of the theories they cover include the Atkins diet, blood type diet, calorie restriction, high-carbohydrate diets, among others. Within dietary theories, we are pleased to see nuts included as a key diet component in most of their dietary theories.

CALCAGNI TO CHAIR EU FRUIT/VEGETABLE ADVISORY GROUP Pino Calcagni, Chairman of the Scientific and Government Affairs Committee and past President of the INC has been elected Chairman of the European Union Advisory Group on Fruit and Vegetables for the next two years. The Advisory v When only good nuts were considered, 1,9% of them had Groups bring together levels between 15 and 50 µg/kg. Total aflatoxin levels found high-level EU advisers in in-shell good nuts were mostly below 5 µg/kg (90,4%). to assist the European v Good in-shell Brazil nuts can be separated from the rotten ones Commission in matters in the analytical sample by visual inspection at the laboratory. relating to agricultural The following conclusions and policy and policy for recommendations of this Discussion Paper This procedure is routinely performed by the exporters when rural development and

buying the nuts and when they want to export a lot as were taken into consideration by the implementation.

ready-to-eat.

CCCF: The group represents businesses familiar with the marketplace v Brazil nuts production has always been an important economic v According to a study to evaluate consumers’ ability to that can advise about measures for which the Commission is called discriminate aflatoxin contaminated in-shell Brazil nuts activity for the Amazonian people, supporting the preservation on to consider. Among others, the Advisory Group on Fruit and (Marklinder et al., 2005), consumers may visually separate of tropical rain forest.

Vegetables considers the EU School Fruit Scheme, F&V Common the edible from the inedible contaminated nut during the Market Organization, F&V Marketing Standards, Maximum Residue v The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives shelling process and thus protect themselves from exposure to Levels and international trade matters.

(JECFA) concluded that enforcing a maximum level of 15, high levels of aflatoxins.

This appointment is a significant recognition of Mr. Calcagni’s 10, 8 or 4 µg/kg would have little further impact on the overall v The following maximum limits were recommended to be used substantial contribution to the nut and dried fruit industry. C dietary exposure to total aflatoxin through the intake of

in international trade for Brazil nuts: 15 µg/kg for shelled

almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and pistachios in the highest exposed population groups, compared with establishing a ML of ready-to-eat Brazil nuts, 20 µg/kg shelled for further processing, 20 µg/kg in-shell ready-to-eat, 50 µg/kg in-shell for further processing. v According to the CONFORCAST project, the levels of total aflatoxins in 54 sub-samples of no-sorted Brazil nuts in-shell ready to be exported (for further processing) were higher than 50 µg/kg in 3,7% of the lots. Such lots should be processed/ treated before arriving to the final consumer.

The results of the CONFORCAST project “Analytical tools to guarantee Brazil nuts quality and safety” were released by the Brazilian Department of Agriculture during the Workshop “Sampling Plan for Brazil Nuts” held in Belém, Brazil, from 10th to 12th November 2008.

1

20 The Cracker • April 2009

April 2009 • The Cracker 21

PEANUT INDUSTRY CHALLENGES HEADLINE ACFSQ ANNUAL MEETING Trade Council Plans for Fewer Available Ships

The worldwide repercussions of a peanut product recall by a small U.S. peanut processor that faces severe economic challenges to its business and vigilant regulation by government agencies headlined the recent 101 annual meeting in late February of the American

Council for Food Safety and Quality (ACFSQ). The meeting was held in conjunction with its sister organization the Specialty Crop Trade Council’s (SCTC) 84th annual meeting. The SCTC was formerly the California Dried Fruit Export Association.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Merle Jacobs, warned dried fruit and tree nut industry members that government regulators will respond vigorously with increased inspections of an industry now portrayed as “high risk.” He also reminded ACFSQ members that they have a distinct advantage over non-members for the food safety services available to them. ACFSQ membership requires three unannounced food safety sanitation inspections per year. These are not like most third party audits which primarily audit food safety systems and documentation.

“Our inspections are designed to specifically look for sanitation issues that regulators will investigate when they visit a plant,” emphasized Jacobs. “The ACFSQ holds the only private partnership agreement with the United States Food and Drug Administration which is designed to mirror the FDA inspections and provide them with a reasonable assurance that our members are ‘lower risk,’” added Jacobs.

22 The Cracker • April 2009

The conference, which included annual membership meetings for both organizations as well as food safety and transportation workshops, was attended by approximately 200 of the dried fruit and tree nut industry’s growers, processors, marketers and shippers…virtually a Who’s Who of the industry. Attendees also visited with over two dozen exhibitors and industry sponsors. A summary of events follows: FOOD SAFETY WORKSHOP Margaret Burton, Senior Manager of Quality Program Execution for Jack in the Box Restaurants recounted the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that occurred in 1993 and its dramatic effect on their company and how it caused the USDA to change the way they evaluate beef safety. She discussed how Jack in the Box changed and developed extensive programs for food safety with multiple “hurdles” built in as redundant safeguards. She also featured how the lessons learned at Jack in the Box could be used by the dried fruit and tree nut industry to strengthen food safety programs.

Based on its strong procurement, transportation and recall programs, the restaurant chain is able to perform a recall within two hours! They have also reduced beef suppliers from 15 to 3 to ensure a safe incoming product.

Continuous discussions with suppliers and third party audits are conducted to ensure that food safety systems are a top priority.

– Continued on page 24

April 2009 • The Cracker 23

– Continued on page 22

Luis Solórzano, Director of Investigation in the San Francisco District Office, US Food and Drug Administration presented an overview of the FDA’s role in food safety, as well as major areas of concern for processors. Increased inspections and scrutiny of both domestically produced and imported products will take priority in the future. For example, the San Francisco District recently added 25 new investigators and 15 laboratory analysts. Mr. Solórzano also said that the FDA will emphasize “high risk foods” with a history of food safety incidents. CalFERT (California Food Emergency Response Team) is a new joint incident command system in California that will be implemented to respond quickly to food safety incidents.

Thomas Jones, Assistant Lab Director & Senior Microbiologist, ACFSQ provided an overview of the recent salmonella outbreak in peanut butter highlighting the impact on an entire industry and how diligent good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) and laboratory testing procedures reduce the potential for serious and very costly outbreaks.

Randall Brooks, Food Safety Manager, ACFSQ detailed the Association’s Food Safety Inspection Program which provides three unannounced inspections per year.

Differing from other third party audits, these inspections primarily serve as “system” audits. Designed as a program that would mirror that of regulatory agency reviews, fundamental observations are noted in a thorough audit of sanitation and Good Manufacturing Practices expected from compliant companies.

Erika Tarr, Sanitarian, ACFSQ reviewed the procedures for the ACFSQ’s Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification program and the prerequisite GMP programs. ACFSQ certifies HACCP plans which provides companies with an outside review by food safety experts.

By having a certified HACCP plan, a processor’s customers are assured that the plan is robust and effective.

TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOP Erika Tarr, Program Manager, SCTC facilitated a panel of experts about critical inter-modal transportation issues important to the dried fruit and tree nut industry: Peter Freidman Executive Director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition; Ernie Kuo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Pacific International Lines (USA) Inc.; Paul Snell, Vice President, Ocean Express; Jim Wilson, Assistant Sales Manager Import/Export Team, Yang Ming (America) Corp. and Roland Kerby, Assistant Vice President Marketing and Sales-West Coast, Zim American Integrated Shipping Services Co., Inc. Among the prominent issues is a new “clean truck” fee program that will force companies to purchase trucks and employ drivers versus traditionally using owner/operators for contractual work. Export shipping carriers also discussed industry changes that will translate into fewer vessels available in 2009 due to a downturn in world economics. Some vessels will simply no longer operate.

Along with fewer U.S. imports expected near-term, shippers can expect containers to be “rolled” to available vessels during peak shipping periods.

The good news is that panel members all agreed that the California dried fruit and tree nut industry will receive favorable rates in the near future. At an earlier business meeting, SCTC agreed to support the industry’s use of either the existing SCTC Export Contract (which is commonly used throughout the industry and incorrectly referred to as “DFA Terms and Conditions”) or the California Almond Export Association’s “Unified Almond Export Contract” (UAEC) for almond shipments. Although the majority of the contract provisions are similar, the UAEC is used for issues specific to almonds such as aflatoxin. It is also governed by English law and does not use SCTC for arbitration.

For more information, visit www.agfoodsafety.org.

The ACFSQ is headquartered in Sacramento, California.

C

24 The Cracker • April 2009

Fig. 1. At Borges, we know that no two almonds are the same.

3 mm.

53 mm.

21,5 mm.

61 mm.

ø

54,3 mm.

2,4 mm.

21,5 mm.

42 mm.

ø

42,6 mm.

- Shelled nut weight: 1 to 2 grams.

- Nut weight with shell: 5 to 8 grams.

Weight, diameter, length, thickness, packaging, price … At Borges we seek and select the best option for your Company's needs, taking into account a whole range of criteria. We are backed by 40 years' experience exporting almonds to over 60 countries. Our processes are endorsed by the leading certificates (HACCP, ISO 9002 and ISO 14001). If what you're looking for is expertise and specialisation, if you need an immediate answer to year-round demand with the best value for money, if you're seeking cooperation throughout the whole process, trust in Borges.

BORGES, S.A. - Flix, 29 - 43205 REUS, Spain.

Tel. No. +34 977 30 90 00- info@borges.es - www.borges.es

April 2009 • The Cracker 25

U.S. Peanut Industry Launches Communications Campaign to Combat Recall Anxiety As of March, illnesses were still being added to the exisiting 683 reported from a prominent recall incident that covered nearly all 50 U.S. states and other countries. Estimated to cost the industry $1 billion, the problem was attributed to an outbreak of salmonella typhimurium infection as a result of eating peanut butter crackers originating from a small company, the Peanut Corporation of America, last December.

U.S. government regulators like the Food and Drug Administration emphasized that major brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores are not on the Peanut Corporation of America recall list.

Nevertheless, the damage had been done and the results were overwhelmingly affecting all companies producing peanut butter products and consumers who misinterpreted the nightly news reports as they decided to avoid all peanut products “just to be safe!”

According to the National Peanut Board (NPB), an intensive communications effort designed to educate about the recall needed to be conducted immediately to restore confidence in consumers about purchasing peanut butter products. While illnesses are still being reported (though the number has declined) the NPB has launched a campaign designed to gain national multi-media publicity.

America’s Peanut Farmers Speak Out to Consumers The NPB issued a letter that frames the recent recall and published recently in USA Today. It was from the Chairman of the National Peanut Board(NPB) Roger Neitsch on behalf of America’s more than 10,000 peanut farmers. In this letter, Neitsch addressed the salmonella crisis and emphasized how farmers care about consumers’ safety.

Chairman of the National Peanut Board (NPB) Roger Neitsch

“We are all deeply upset by the actions of one isolated company. We may be peanut farmers, but we are also fathers, mothers, sons and daughters – and consumers – just like you. So we understand and share your concerns.”

Food Safety and the U.S. Peanut Industry The following policy statement is what the NPB issued at the onset of the national U.S. recall to explain how responsible industry members ensure the quality and safety of their products: The U.S. peanut industry adheres to the highest levels of food safety practices. In the case of peanut butter, most manufacturers have adopted a food safety system that determines and eliminates food safety risks (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). This ensures that when peanuts arrive in the processing plant, cross contamination is avoided by keeping the raw product completely separated from the cooked product.

26 The Cracker • April 2009

April 2009 • The Cracker 27

Additionally, raw peanuts are roasted prior to being processed into peanut butter. The roasting temperature is high enough to kill salmonella bacteria. The American Peanut Council has also adopted a Voluntary Code for Good Manufacturing Practices that includes recommended operating procedures for peanut processors. The recommended procedures include regular sampling, testing, and verification of negative microbiological contamination in peanut manufacturing plants.

What is Salmonella?

Defining what salmonella is became vital to consumers’ understanding of the reason for the recall. It is important in crisis situations like these that the situation causing the problem is clearly understood. Here is how salmonella was described by the NPB: The Salmonella bacteria can cause an infection known as Salmonellosis, which often produces diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death

North Carolina farmer and NPB alternate Dan Ward hands out Peanuts: Energy for the Good Life T-Shirts at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Older Sue Birdsong is one of many industry volunteers who handed out samples and promotional items at Grand Central Terminal.

adults, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness, and should be seen by a physician if they experience these symptoms.

Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but any food, including vegetables, may become contaminated. Thorough cooking kills Salmonella. Raw peanuts are roasted prior to being processed into peanut butter. The roasting temperature is high enough to kill salmonella bacteria.

Because consumers were confused about what products were part of the recall and were also inclined to throw out all peanut products in their cupboards, a website was set up with immediate updates about the recall, including a list of products involved. This helped to give consumers confidence about the peanut products they already purchased or wanted to purchase. Consumers were instructed to visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for more information about salmonella: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/ Positive Reactions to NPB’s NYC Outreach Events With support from many members of the industry, the National Peanut Board held several outreach

NPB chairman Roger Neitsch and president and managing director Raffaela Marie Fenn announce donation to Food Bank For New York City.

events in New York in March to answer consumer’s questions and speak to the media to correct misinformation and emphasize the benefits of peanuts and peanut butter. The program drew tens of thousands of people, and two special editions of News in a Nutshell, the industry’s newsletter, highlighted the most notable parts of the event.

From shellers and manufacturers to NPB board members and other grower-volunteers and consumers, everyone seemed to have something positive to say about the NYC outreach events.

Industry Donation Helps Those in Need, Corrects Recall Confusion In addition to joining together for the New York City outreach events, the industry contributed to the Food Bank of New York City during the two-day event in Grand Central Terminal.

The NPB donated $5,000 to the food bank to purchase peanut butter and other peanut products.

Other donators include Hampton Farms, Jif, Kind, Lance, Mars, Moon Pie, NY Apple Planters,

28 The Cracker • April 2009

April 2009 • The Cracker 29

Peanut Butter & Company, Peter Pan, Smithfield Foods/The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, Snyders of Hanover and Sunland. In addition to supporting the community, the donation may help increase food banks’ comfort with accepting donations of products that are unaffected by the recalls.

“Several food banks across the country threw out all of their jarred peanut butter when they first heard the confusing messaging about peanut butter products,” said NPB President and Managing Director Raffaela Marie Fenn. “This donation goes a long way in restoring confidence in peanut butter and clearing up the confusion about jarred peanut butter.” According to the FDA, “Major national brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores have not been among the products recalled.”

While the outreach events at Grand Central Terminal were designed for consumers and general press, the NPB hosted a special outreach event for the culinary press and industry representatives at Astor Center in Greenwich Village. The event featured five renowned chefs, each specializing in a unique world cuisine. The chefs created traditional dishes with a peanut-inspired twist from appetizers to desserts.

Comments overheard from press attendees included, “It’s great that the National Peanut Board Chef Suvir Saran, who presented at the event, is interviewed by a Wall Street Journal reporter as chef Ron Rando listens in.

is hosting this event especially during this time. It gives us an opportunity to ask questions, enjoy some great food and see how versatile peanuts can be in the culinary sphere.” For most, it was hard to pick a favorite dish of the night, but several people called the Sambal in the Style of Java, which used peanuts, peanut butter and peanut oil, “the best soup ever.” After tasting the Magic Bar, another attendee said, “peanuts are always a perfect combination.”

There has been extensive on-line social media, newspaper, magazine, and broadcast coverage, including the Wall Street Journal, CNN Radio and dozens of TV and radio interviews coast-to-coast for an audience to reach more than 40 million. It takes this kind of dedicated industry time and investment to overcome a crisis situation like this one. C

30 The Cracker • April 2009

April 2009 • The Cracker 31

U.S. Food Safety Survey Says Recalls Affect Future Purchases More than 93 percent U.S. consumers

Most US Consumers Still Believe Food Supply is Safe

have recently read or heard reports of food safety issues and recalls and almost a fourth of Americans said the recalls will change their long term food buying behavior, according to a new study of U.S. consumer attitudes about food safety published by Burson-Marsteller and Penn Schoen & Berland Associates. BursonMarsteller’s expertise in food communications and product recalls spans decades: From the Tylenol scare, to the first-ever detection of BSE (mad cow disease) in the U.S., and melamine tainted pet food from China.

High Awareness of Recent Food Safety Issues

How these crises unfold through the

news, through social media networks, and throughout the food marketing chain, create new and potentially crippling vulnerabilities for food companies. Federal and state officials are now looking at fundamental issues related to food safety in radically different ways.

Through all of this change, consumer expectations for quick and specific information have never been higher. They want as much information as possible when a problem is discovered, they expect

to be told the facts immediately, and a majority of Americans think the food safety system is broken.

Taken together, these challenges test food companies and communicators at a greater level than ever before. Only 15 percent of Americans agree the food safety system in the U.S. is well prepared to deal with any further food contamination outbreaks. The charts on this page and on page 34 are the results of the food safety survey.

– Continued on page 34

32 The Cracker • April 2009

Consumers Believe Food Contaminations are Increasing

April 2009 • The Cracker 33

– Continued from page 32

Some Consumers Will Take Longer Term Measures

Mothers Show Higher Levels of Concern

Consumers Hold Regualtors Responsible for Food Safety

Recall Prompts Short Term Food Purchase Adjustments

C 34 The Cracker • April 2009

April 2009 • The Cracker 35

MAJOR SPONSOR

OTHER SPONSORS

36 The Cracker • April 2009

XXVIII WORLD NUT AND DRIED FRUIT CONGRESS MONACO, 29-31 MAY 2009

D

ear friends,

With barely a month to go, we are looking forward to welcoming you to the XXVIIIth World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress in Monaco, where we will have an exciting and informative programme of meetings and events, both social and business, to cater for all your needs (for more detailed information please consult the INC website and the literature which has been sent so far).

In Monaco itself, the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and there is a palpable feeling of excitement in the air, as preparations commence for the Grand Prix, the traditional start of the summer season.

To date, registrations and hotel bookings for the Congress are at an all-time high, reflecting a huge vote of confidence in our industry, especially in these challenging and uncertain economic times.

Given the constantly changing patterns in global dried fruit and nut consumption, the Congress will, as always, be an excellent opportunity for all of us to analyse these patterns and, hopefully, derive a greater confidence in what the future holds for our industry.

As an added bonus to the business programme, we have organised some exciting “spouse tours”, which will include not only visits to the surrounding area, but also an in-depth and “behind the scenes” introduction to the famous Monte Carlo Casino. In addition, delegates will be well placed to visit the stunning French Riviera, from, to the West, the beaches of St. Tropez and La Croisette in Cannes (where the renowned Film Festival will be wrapping up), to the breathtaking Italian Riviera, to the East.

We very much look forward to seeing you all in May. With best regards,

Giles Hacking Congress Co-Chairman

Adam Hacking Congress Co-Chairman

International Nut and Dried Fruit Foundation

April 2009 • The Cracker 37

XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress

CONGRESS PROGRAM Monaco, 29-31 May 2009 THURSDAY, 28 MAY 2009 9:00am Registration at the Fairmont Hotel. Until 5:00pm FRIDAY, 29 MAY 2009 8:00am Bus departs from Fairmont Hotel for Golf Tournament at Monte Carlo Golf Club.

Golf Tournament, Sponsored by Setton Pistachios Golf Lunch, Sponsored by Harris Woolf Almonds 9:00am Registration at the Fairmont Hotel. Until 5:00pm 9:00am Scientific and Government Affairs Committee Meeting, at the Fairmont Hotel. Until 2:30pm 9:30am Bus departs from Fairmont Hotel for Tennis Tournament at Monte Carlo Country Club 10:00am Lessons in Casino Games at the Monte Carlo Casino 3:00pm Dried Fruit Meeting. Until 5:00pm 4:00pm Nut Nutrition Poker Tournament at Sun Casino, Fairmont Hotel. Until 6:30pm. Finals from 9.30pm till 2.00am 5:00pm Speakers’ Meeting at the Fairmont Hotel. Until 6:00pm 6:45pm Bus departs from Monte Carlo Bay Hotel to “La Salle Empire”, Hotel de Paris 7:00pm Welcome Cocktail party at “La Salle Empire”, at Hotel de Paris. Until 9:00pm Co-Sponsored by Ahcom and the Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority SATURDAY, 30 MAY 2009 9:00am Congress Officially opens at Fairmont Hotel Welcome: Giles Hacking & Adam Hacking, Congress Co- Chairmen, and Jack Mariani, INC Chairman 9:15am Welcome by the Secretary of State of Monaco, M. Jacques Boisson.

9:30am HAZELNUTS Working Group, chaired by Dr. Maurizio Cortese, Ferrero Group 10:00am Speaker: Professor Joachim Schwass, IMD Family Business 10:45am Coffee break. Do not miss to visit the exhibitions area 11:15am WALNUTS Working Group, chaired by Gary Ford PECANS Working Group, chaired by Dick Walden 11:45am DRIED: FIGS/ APRICOTS/ PRUNES Working Group, chaired

by Mark Mariani 12:15pm BRAZIL NUTS Working Group, chaired by David Rosenblatt PINE NUTS Working Group, chaired by Huo Jianguo 12:45pm Scientific Seminar “Round Table: Global Health, Safety in Food and Latest Regulatory Issues”, chaired by Giuseppe Calcagni INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee Members Dr. Ezzeddine Boutrif, Director of the Nutrition and Protection Division FAO Dr. Daniel Scharlau, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena 1:45pm Buffet Working Lunch, Sponsored by Rajkumar Impex Ltd 4:00pm Ambassadors Meeting, at the Fairmont Hotel. Until 6:00pm 8:15pm Bus shuttle from Fairmont Hotel to “Le Deck” 8:30pm Casual Buffet Dinner at “Le Deck”

38 The Cracker • April 2009

SPEAKERS

Prof. Dr. Joachim Schwass

Professor of Family Business at IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland Joachim Schwass is Professor of Family Business at IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland. He teaches Family Business and Entrepreneurship and is Director of the Program “Leading the Family Business”. His main teaching focus is on owner related issues and, in particular, from the next generation perspective. He has lectured and conducted Family Business programs around the globe. Prior to joining IMD, Professor Schwass was Managing Director of several companies which were part of his own family’s business. He was managing industrial manufacturing businesses in Australia and USA as well as an international trading business in Switzerland. Professor Schwass attended graduate studies at Technische Universität Berlin and Université de Fribourg where he obtained a Lic rer pol and a Dr rer pol.

He has published many articles and the book “Wise Growth Strategies in Leading Family Businesses”. He directed the Annual Distinguished Family Business Award for 10 years. He was Executive Director of the Family Business Network for 10 years and currently serves on the Board.

David Coulthard Formula One driver

In terms of points scored (535), David Coulthard is the most successful British Formula One driver of all time. With 15 seasons in Formula One he has amassed 13 Grands Prix wins, 12 pole positions and 62 podium finishes, his last, a third place, coming at the 2008 Canadian GP. Over the 15 years that he was competing in motorsport’s premier event, Coulthard cemented his place among the most highly regarded drivers in Formula One history. His 246 race starts, make him the fourth most experienced racer of all time, with his points haul bettered only by Schumacher, Prost, Senna and Alonso. His 13 wins put Coulthard 18th in the all-time winners list. Coulthard has won the ‘classic’ Grands Prix in Monaco, Britain, Belgium and Italy, but he singles out his French GP victory in 2000 as his most satisfying, as it was a really hard-fought win from third on the grid. Since July 2008, he works with Red Bull Racing as consultant.

WALKING DISTANCES FROM HOTELS TO THE EVENTS

Giuseppe Calcagni

Past President of the INC. Chairman of the INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee Giuseppe Calcagni, Chairman of Besana Group, Italy, and past President of the INC, has been Chairman of the INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee since its creation. Mr. Calcagni’s entrepreneurial character has pushed him to the adventure of unceasing professional engagement and associative life, playing a main role in developing and implementing worlwide activities for the nut and dried fruit industry. He was appointed President of the Scientific Committee of FRUCOM, the European Federation of Trade in Dried Fruits, Edible Nuts et al., in 2003. He was President of FruitImprese, the Fruit and Vegetable Enterprises Association in Italy (former ANEIOA), from 1994 to 2003, and President of Freshfel Europe, the forum for the European fresh fruits and vegetables chain, for the period 2006-2008.

He has recently been elected Chairman of the EU Advisory Group on Fruit and Vegetables, which brings together high-level EU advisers to assist the European Commission in any matter relating to the common agricultural policy.

Dr. Ezzeddine Boutrif

Director of the Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division of the FAO Dr. Ezzeddine Boutrif is Director of the Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Dr. Boutrif is responsible for the Organization’s program related to nutrition, food safety and consumer protection. The Division hosts the Secretariat of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, the main intergovernmental body that develops international food standards, guidelines and recommendations with the double purpose of protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in the food trade. Dr. Boutrif has been involved in the development of many projects related to food safety and quality, including the review and analysis of national food control systems, formulation and execution of capacity building activities and development of manuals and training materials.

Dr. Daniel Scharlau

Postdoc at the Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany.

Dr. Daniel Scharlau was born in Dierdorf, Germany in January 1975. He attended biology studies in Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany. His master’s thesis at Ruhr-Universität was entitled “The role of protein-protein interactions in the regulation of plastid”. He was a PhD student at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, from 2002 to 2004, and he studied at the International Max Planck Research School in Chemical Biology. He obtained the degree of a Dr rer nat with the thesis “Dynamics of the Sodium-D-Glucose CoTransporter SGLT1 in Mammalian Cell Lines” in 2004. And he was a postdoc at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, in 2005.

Since December 2005, he is a postdoc at the Department of Nutritional Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany.

SUNDAY, 31 MAY 2009 9:00am INC General Assembly at the Fairmont Hotel: 1. Call to order and acceptance of the agenda by the Chairman 2. Report of the Advisory Committee by past Presidents/Chairmen 3. Report of the activities of the INC Foundation by the Executive Director 4. Financial status report of the Council by the Treasurer 5. Approval of the 2008 accounts of the Council 6. Approval of the 2009 Budget of the Council 7. Dismissal, appointment or re-election of members of the Board of Directors 8. Endorsement of Ambassadors proposed by the Board of Directors 9. Report of the INC Ambassadors 10. Announcement of the 2011 Congress site 11. Other Business 10:00am 2010 Beijing-China, XXIX World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress Presentation by Huo Jianguo 10:15am ALMONDS Working Group, chaired by Doug Youngdahl 10:45am Coffee Break. Exhibition continues 11:15am PISTACHIOS Working Group, chaired by Asadollah Asgaroladi PEANUTS Working Group, chaired by Chris Nubern 11:45am Speaker: David Coulthard, F1 Race Driver 12:30pm CASHEWS Working Group, chaired by Ashok Krishen MACADAMIAS Working Group, chaired by Michael Waring 1:00pm DRIED: DATES Working Group, chaired by Mohsen Boujbel DRIED: RAISINS/ SULTANAS/ CURRANTS Working Group, chaired by Barry Kriebel 1:30pm Buffet Working Lunch, Sponsored by Sun-Maid Growers of California 6:45pm Bus shuttle from Fairmont Hotel to “Salle des Etoiles” 7:00pm Cocktail in the gardens of the Salle des Etoiles and des Salle des Palmiers 8:00pm Gala Dinner and Ball at the “Salle des Etoiles”.

Sponsored by Noberasco S.P.A. Black tie/Lounge suit recommended SPOUSES TOUR SATURDAY 9:45am Spouses Tour: Monaco old town (lunch included). Until 2:30pm SUNDAY 9:30am Spouses Tour: Nice, the Capital of the French Riviera (lunch included). Until 3:00pm

XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress XXVIII World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress

SCIENTIFIC SEMINAR

April 2009 • The Cracker 39

SPOUSE TOURS, GOLF & TENNIS X X V I I I W O R L D N U T & D R I E D F R U I T CONGRESS

SPOUSE TOURS SATURDAY, 30 MAY 2009 - MONACO

SUNDAY, 31 MAY 2009 - NICE

Leaving the hotel by luxury coach we will discover the history and pageantry of this tiny Principality across the centuries.

Leaving Monaco by coach it is an approx 45 minute drive to Nice, the Capital of the French Riviera.

One week earlier the world will have watched the most spectacular of all the Grand Prix races as the fastest cars on earth roar through the elegant streets and our route will take us over part of this extraordinary circuit.

Surrounded by the foothills of the Alps and situated on the sweeping ‘Baie des Anges’, this famous Mediterranean resort has a long and fascinating history. The great nobles of Europe in the late 1800’s and the early 1900’s created the fashion to winter in the South of France.

Arriving in the picturesque old town of Monaco we will continue with a walking tour to admire the narrow Monégasque streets of immaculate white, cream and pink buildings and abundance of flowers, plants and gardens. Time to visit the Cathedral and find some typical souvenirs.

From the old town we will drive to Casino Square, where you will be able to admire Garnier’s masterpiece, the famous Monte-Carlo Casino and the sumptuous gardens before we sit down for lunch at the Café de Paris.

This bustling brasserie style restaurant on Casino Square in the heart of Monte Carlo is one of the most famous restaurants in the world.

Brasserie and traditional French cuisine is served.

Enjoy a stroll through the bustling vegetable and flower market on Cours Saleya and wander through the narrow streets of the old town with its typical ‘Nicois’ cafés and bistros. Time to sample or buy the local wines, olives and olive oil, lavender, the typical ‘Socca’ pancakes and the delicious crystallised fruits.

The lunch will be in the traditional and informal restaurant ‘Chez Simon’. Located in the hills above Nice (15 min coach drive from Nice centre), this family run restaurant serves typical Niçois specialities.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

TENNIS TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY, 29 MAY 2009

FRIDAY, 29 MAY 2009

Golf Tournament at Monte-Carlo Golf Club

Tennis Tournament at Monte-Carlo Country Club

At 900 metres altitude, a veritable golfers paradise awaits you with 18 unique and contrasting holes between the sky and the sea with views stretching to the French and Italian Rivieras, satisfaction guaranteed.

40 The Cracker • April 2009

The ochre of the courts and the blue of the sea. A breathtaking location dedicated to performance where each year the great champions come to compete for the Tennis Masters Series of Monte Carlo. 21 clay courts opening onto the sea, 2 in decoturf, 5 floodlit courts, 1 squash court and a pool.

EVENING PROGRAM 2009 X X V I I I W O R L D N U T & D R I E D F R U I T CONGRESS

Friday, 29 May 2009 LA SALLE EMPIRE The Welcome Cocktail Party will be held at “La Salle Empire,” a tremendous historically elegant banqueting venue. Situated inside the Hotel de Paris in Casino Square and within walking distance of the Fairmont Hotel, it is emblematic of authentic European lifestyle.

Saturday, 30 May 2009 LE DECK Our casual buffet dinner will take place at “Le Deck”, whose terrace features a sumptuous Olympicstyle pool, overlooking the Mediterranean. The venue is a five-minute bus ride from the Fairmont Hotel.

Sunday, 31 May 2009 SALLES DES ETOILES The traditional Gala Dinner and Ball will be held at the “Salles des Etoiles”, which has welcomed renowned international performers to its legendary stage. Dedicated to parties, shows and spectacular events, it is the ultimate symbol of Monaco’s dazzling art of living.

POKER FRIDAY, 29 MAY 2009 10.00 AM LESSONS IN CASINO GAMES AT GRAND CASINO (CASINO SQUARE) Do you want to perfect the art of winning?

• Learn effective strategies • Know basic game rules • Avoid common mistakes * Places are limited. First come, first served

4.00 PM NUT NUTRITION POKER TOURNAMENT AT SUN CASINO (FAIRMONT HOTEL) FINALS FROM 9.30 PM TILL 2.00 AM

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy gambling with your friends. The Nut Nutrition Poker tournament will be held at the prestigious Sun Casino on May 29th starting at 4pm with a break during the INC Cocktail party, to continue afterwards at 9.30pm. * Places are limited. First come, first served

APPLICATION

FOR INSCRIPTIONS PLEASE CONTACT US AT INC@NUTFRUIT.ORG April 2009 • The Cracker 41

GLOBAL TRADE IS KEY TO FUTURE GROWTH

In a recent presentation to California agricultural leaders, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Scherr of Informa Economics, Inc. said that U.S. agricultural commodities, along with non-agriculture commodities have achieved and will sustain, real economic value. He premised his remarks on global growth, globalized markets, limited political intervention and food and fuel agricultural strategy. However, he said that the risks of institutional failure, pandemics, wars, policy interference and global economic collapse could threaten the success levels of such growth. He also observed that limited land for some commodities and selective investment in productivity enhancements could affect future profitability for some.

The charts on page 44 are illustrations of Mr. Scherr’s premise

about the future of agricultural products in a global marketplace.

They illustrate how economic indicators have affected commodity markets and which ones will grow in the future based on distribution of population growth. They serve as a backdrop to the current world economic downturn and the potential for future investment as well as the impact on the now volatile ocean freight market.

The implications are that business managers will need to carefully consider prices and profitability and how margins are affected.

Stagflation could also affect margins. Given the globalization of marketplace, infrastructure investments also deserve careful contemplation according to the economist.

– Continued on page 44

– Continued on page 24

42 The Cracker • April 2009

April 2009 • The Cracker 43

– Continued from page 42

Monthly Average Reuters - CRB Futures Index January 1970 - January 2009

Select World Macroeconomic Indicators

Trigger Levels of Gross National Income Per Capita for Different Types of Foods and the Potential Impact of China’s Emerging Middle Class on Consumption

Daily Average Time Charter Rates

Real Interest Rate

$ / EURO

C

44 The Cracker • April 2009

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VISYS nv Kiewitstraat 242, B-3500 Hasselt, Belgium T +32 (0)11 24 91 91, F +32 (0)11 24 91 99 info@visysglobal.com, www.visysglobal.com April 2009 • The Cracker 45

TIANJIN NATIVE PRODUCE IMP.&EXP. GROUP CORP., LTD. PROCESSOR DISTRIBUTOR

Chinese dried nuts and fruits TEL: +86 22 28350592 FAX: +86 22 28350401 Email: info@tnpgc.com.cn NO.11, YOUYI ROAD, HEXI DISTRICT TIANJIN, CHINA 300201 INTERNATIONAL NUT AND DRIED FRUIT COUNCIL FOUNDATION As an INC member, you have immediate international access to recognized leaders in the industry who volunteer their time and expertise at no expense to INC on matters which benefit the entire industry.

INC Ambassadors Oscar Vergara, Argentina

Asadollah Asgaroladi, Iran

Ruslan Sokht, Russia

Art Beavis, Australia

Mohsen Jalalpour, Iran

Philip Lee, South Africa

Michael Waring, Australia

Mehrdad M anouchehri, Iran

A ntonio Pont, Jr., Spain

Frank Vaerewijck, Belgium

Remy Berrebi, Israel

Caroline Lindeberg, Sweden

James Beeny, Brazil

Riccardo Calcagni, Italy

Mohsen Boujbel, Tunisia

Stephen Meltzer, Canada

K azuo Julian Tagawa, Japan

Sabit Sabir, Turkey

Siegfried Von Gehr, Chile

Pius M. Ngugi, Kenya

Jafar Moallem, U.A.E.

Chen Ying, China

Sarkis Hasserjian, Lebanon

Niel Hyde, U.K.

Saifuddin Abidali, Egypt

Abbas R afii, Luxembourg

Thomas Finn, U.S.A.

Hubert Berrebi, France

K arim A zzaoui, Morocco

M ark M ariani, U.S.A.

Dieter Scheuer, Germany

Kees van de Sandt, Netherlands

Dick Walden, U.S.A.

John Cardassilaris, Greece

Erik Harlem, Norway

James Warner, U.S.A.

Cheng Hung K ay, Hong Kong

Jorge Carqueja, Portugal

Pratap Nair, India

Kourosh Mojibian, Russia

46 The Cracker • April 2009

almonds cashews walnuts pistachios pine kernels sunflower seeds macadamia nuts pumpkin seeds hazelnuts pecans peanuts brazil nuts dehydrated fruit dried fruit

ser vice commitment reliability expertise

Building your business with a rock solid partner enquiries: sales@kenkko.com

call: +44 (0) 208 202 6600

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Kenkko House. 8 Heriot Road. London NW4 2DG. England. Fax. +44 (0) 208 202 5500

April 2009 • The Cracker 47

48 The Cracker • April 2009

WORLD CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION TRENDS A P R I L 2 0 0 9 | G L O B A L S TAT I S T I C A L R E V I E W PIN

PIN

WA HA PR PI WA DA AL RA

PR

HA DFAL

HA AL

DAT

PEA PE MA

PE

PR HA DF PI HA RA DAT DA WA PI WA DA PI AL AL PI PIN DF RA RA DAT DAT DF DF

DAT

WA PEA PIN

PEA CA CA

CA PEA PEA

BR

CA MA BR BR

MA CA PE

RA PR

DA PE MA

MA

PR DA

«Statistics

are also available at our website

www.nutfruit.org»

Map shows 5 top producing countries. Other major producers listed below.

MAIN PRODUCING COUNTRIES ALMONDS USA Spain Syria Italy Iran Australia Chile Morocco Tunisia Greece Turkey

(AL) WALNUTS China USA Iran Turkey Ukraine Italy Chile France India Romania Moldova Greece

(WA)

BRAZIL NUTS Bolivia Brazil Peru

(BR) PEANUTS

China India Nigeria USA Indonesia Argentina Vietnam

(PEA)

CASHEWS

India Brazil Vietnam Mozambique Nigeria Indonesia Tanzania Côte d’Ivoire Guinea-Bissau Kenya

(CA) DATES

Egypt Saudi Arabia Iran Iraq Tunisia USA Israel Algeria United Arab Emirates Pakistan Morocco

(DAT)

HAZELNUTS

MACADAMIAS

(HA)

(MA)

Turkey Italy USA Spain Azerbaijan Georgia France China Iran Russia

DRIED APRICOTS Turkey Australia Iran USA South Africa China

(DA)

Australia USA South Africa Malawi Brazil Guatemala Costa Rica Kenya Zimbabwe

DRIED FIGS Turkey Egypt Iran Greece Italy USA Spain

(DF)

PECANS

USA Mexico South Africa Australia

(PE) PRUNES

USA Chile France Argentina Serbia Australia South Africa Italy

(PR)

PINE NUTS

China Russia Afghanistan Pakistan Mongolia Spain Portugal Italy DPRK Turkey

PISTACHIOS Iran USA Syria Turkey Greece Afghanistan Italy China

(PIN)

(PI)

RAISINS/SULTANAS/CURRANTS Turkey USA Iran Greece Chile Uzbekistan South Africa Australia Argentina China

(RA)

Listed by global production as per FAO but not necessarily meaning quantities going through commercial channels.

April 2009 • The Cracker 49

ALMOND ALMENDRA AMANDE MANDORLE MANDEL BADEM AMETLLA

USA According to the January 2009 Position Report published by the Almond Board of California, almond export shipments during the first six months of the crop year (August 2008-January 2009) kept even pace with the same period of the prior year, growing 1% to reach 226.000 MT (498 million

pounds). 46% of export shipments were destined for Western Europe, 31% to Asia, and 12% to the Middle East. The top five markets were Spain, India, China, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

US shipments represented 28% of total shipments for the first half of the 2008/09 crop year as compared to crop year 2007/08. US shipments were

down 3,7% compared to the same period last year (the largest shipping year), but up 3,5% compared to crop year 2006/07 (the second largest shipping year).

SPAIN As this report was written sales were slow, but despite the general economic turmoil demand was

enough to absorb the low volume on offer. The Spanish crop (nearly 32.000 MT) continues to enjoy a premium price for quality varieties.

Many areas had started blooming by mid February 2009.

Weather conditions in winter had been very good, with cold temperatures and good rains in most regions.

Estimated World Almonds Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons 2007 / 2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

2008 / 2009

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

USA MM lbs (*)

134

1.383

1.492

231

231

1.500

1.686

326

USA (*)

60.781

627.318

676.766

104.781

104.781

680.395

764.764

147.873

Spain

5.000

30.000

35.000

0

0

32.000

32.000

0

Australia

0

26.555

26.555

0

0

26.060

26.060

0

Greece

0

12.000

12.000

0

0

12.000

12.000

0

Italy

0

14.969

14.969

0

0

10.500

10.500

0

Tunisia

0

10.000

10.000

0

0

10.000

10.000

0

Iran

0

9.979

9.979

0

0

10.000

10.000

0

Turkey

0

9.500

9.500

0

0

9.500

9.500

0

Chile

100

10.200

10.300

300

300

8.500

8.800

100

Morocco

0

8.000

8.000

0

0

8.000

8.000

0

Syria

0

7.000

7.000

0

0

7.000

7.000

0

Others

0

29.937

29.937

0

0

30.000

30.000

0

WORLD TOTAL

65.881

795.458

850.006

105.081

105.081

843.955

928.624

147.973

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

744.925

780.651

(*) Based on 3% inedible and process loss for both 2007 and 2008 crops.

Source: ABC, ABA and other INC sources.

California Almond Exports by Region 2008/2009 Mid-Year

Other Eastern Europe 2,7 % 3,5 % Canada/Mexico 4,5 % Middle East 11,8 %

Top 10 Export Markets for California Almonds 2008/2009 Mid-Year. Metric Tons 40.000

Western Europe 46 %

30.000

44 35.0 40 27.0 5.377 5.111 2 2

20.000

36 13.2 0.737 4 1 8.66

10.000

8 8.55 7.442 7.045

0 Asia 31,4 % Source: ABC.

50 The Cracker • April 2009

ng y n Spai India ong Ko erman G H / a n i Ch

UAE Japan

Top ten export markets represent 74% of total exports shipments.

Source: ABC.

Italy Canada

UK rlands e Neth

AMAZONIA (BRAZIL) NUT COQUITO DE BRAZIL NOIX DE VRESIL NOCE DEL BRASILE PARANÜSSE BREZILYA FINDIGI NOU DE BRASIL

Estimated World Brazil Nuts Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons 2007/2008

2008/2009

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

Bolivia

1.000

21.000

22.000

1.200

1.200

Brazil

2.000

7.000

9.000

800

Peru

0

2.900

2.900

TOTAL

3.000

30.900

33.900

CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

16.000

17.200

0

800

5.000

5.800

300

0

0

2.500

2.500

100

2.000

2.000

23.500

25.500

400

31.900

25.100

Estimated World Brazil Nuts Production. In shell basis. Metric Tons 2007/2008

2008/2009

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

Bolivia

0

24.000

24.000

200

200

Brazil

0

29.000

29.000

500

Peru

0

6.000

6.000

TOTAL

0

59.000

59.000

CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

20.000

20.200

0

500

22.000

22.500

900

0

0

5.000

5.000

0

700

700

47.000

47.700

58.300

900 46.800

Source: INC.

Bolivian exports in 2008 fell 13% to 18.133 MT (shelled), posting their biggest drop

in the last 10 years, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Bolivia. The top

five export markets by rank were the United Kingdom, USA, The Netherlands, Australia

and Germany. Top 10 export markets represent 93% of total exports.

Bolivian Shelled Brazil Nuts Exports. Metric Tons 25.000 20.000 15.000 10.000 5.000

11.236

11.420

13.957

14.577

14.503

16.949

15.388

17.190

19.354

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

20.774

18.113

0

2007

2008

Source: National Institute of Statistics of Bolivia.

Top 10 Export Markets for Bolivian Brazil Nuts 2008. Metric Tons 7.000

6.260

6.000 5.000

4.613

4.000 3.000 2.000 1.224

1.000

1.060

972

0 UK

USA

Netherlands

Australia

Germany

1.261 713

593

498

493

426

Italy

Russian Fed.

Spain

Colombia

BelgiumLuxemburg

Others

Source: National Institute of Statistics of Bolivia.

April 2009 • The Cracker 51

CASHEW ANACARDO NOIX DE CAJOU ANACARDIO CASHEW CEVIZI ANACARD

2008 was a year of ups and downs.

The Indian sector saw cashew prices soar to all time high levels, reaching a record peak during the third quarter.

Many contracts were cancelled or delayed. Buyers were forced to buy their requirements in the spot market, which pushed up the kernel market (kernel prices went up by 40-45%).

Sales reached historically high levels in July-August. High prices together with

the global economic crisis affected consumer spending. Slow demand started pushing down the prices by August. By February 2009 buyers were covering their immediate requirements, and the market was expected to remain quiet for a while.

According to the African Cashew Alliance, the 2008/09 crop in Western Africa totaled 620.000 MT (raw nut).

As this report was written, the

new crop in Vietnam looked normal although it was too early to give a forecast.

The 2008/09 Brazilian crop was normal with about 300.000 MT (in shell), and the factories have been able to meet their purchasing targets despite occasional financing difficulties. The market recovered a little in January 2009, after falling constantly from the

extremely high prices seen in June-July 2008.

Brazilian exports in 2008 totaled 35.400 MT (kernel basis), down 31% from 2007, as result of the very poor 2007/2008 crop. Factories started processing the new crop slowly from September 2008 onwards, but exports did not reach normal levels as the economic slowdown was causing lots of buyers to reduce and delay orders.

Estimated World Cashews Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons

Raw cashew nut - cashew kernel conversion rate: 4,8 kg RCN = 1 kg kernel (Brazil); 4,2 kg RCN = 1 kg kernel (all other countries)

2007/2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

0 2006160.000 India BEGINNING CROP 0 TOTAL

109.500 West Africa (*) STOCK 1ST SEP SUPPLY

0 83.330 Vietnam

64.696 158.273 Brazil 93.577 0 44.100

160.000 ENDING 109.500 STOCK 83.330 34.150 44.100

East Africa (**)

0 Indonesia

Cambodia

Philippines

0

Sri Lanka 0 Thailand 64.696 Others WORLD TOTAL

0 46.650 0

2008/2009

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

0 0 2007176.000 BEGINNING CROP TOTAL 0 0 133.300 STOCK 1ST SEP SUPPLY 0 0 75.000 34.150 158.376 192.526 0 0 62.500

176.000 ENDING 133.300 STOCK 75.000 60.980 62.500

0 0 0 0

40.500 46.650 29.500

40.500 0 29.500

0

0 68.000 0

40.500 68.000 29.500

40.500 0 29.500

0

0 3.500 0

12.000 3.500 1.700

12.000 0 1.700

0

0

0 4.050 0

12.000 4.050 1.700

12.000 0 1.700

0

4.956 0

0 148.683

0

1.400 4.956 1.100 213.379 5.400

1.400 1.210 1.100 35.360 5.400

0 1.210* 0 35.360 0

0 1.700 0 232.126 0

1.400 2.910 1.100 267.486 5.400

1.400 545 1.100 61.525 5.400

0

0

488.530

538.400

0

0 0 0

178.019

488.530

0

0

538.400

0 0 0 0

205.961

538.400

488.530

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

(*): Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Benin, Senegal, Ghana and Burkina Faso. (**): Tanzania, Mozambique and Kenya.

Source: Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, African Cashew Alliance, Sindicaju Brazil, and other INC sources.

Indian Data

Exports (kernels) Quantity (MT)

Value (US$ In Millions)

Imports (rawnuts) Quantity (MT)

Value (US$ in Millions)

Major Destinations Kernel Exports

USA

Netherlands

UK

UAE

Japan

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

121.574 542,59

118.805 603,82

117.325 541

115.265 547

110.949 667

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

567.532 449,30

565.645 451

571.474 398

592.896 382

648.789 632

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

48,00% 12,00% 5,30% 6,20% 5,50%

40,60% 14,31% 5,41% 5,90% 4,89%

39,64% 16,25% 4,20% 7,76% 3,60%

36,70% 11,99% 3,49% 10,90% 4,61%

37,50% 13,00% 3,50% 9,25% 4,75%

Source: Cashew Export Promotion Council of India.

Brazilian Exports. Kernels. Metric Tons COUNTRY

North America

EU Russia Middle East

Latin America Others TOTAL

2007 37.997 7.166 1.444 1.650 1.753 1.547 51.556

2008 % Gain/Loss 24.100 -36,6% 6.100 -14,9% 900 -37,7% 1.400 -15,1% 1.700 -3,0% 1.200 -22,4% 35.400 -31,3%

Source: Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade of Brazil.

52 The Cracker • April 2009

Estimated East Africa Crops 2009/10 Metric Tons Converted to kernel at 4.2 kg of RCN to make 1kg of kernel.

COUNTRY Kenya Tanzania

Mozambique TOTAL Source: INC.

RCN 11.000 100.000 90.000

Kernel 2.619 23.809 21.429

201.000

47.857

HAZELNUT AVELLANA NOISETTE NOCCIOLA HAZELNUB FINDIK AVELLANA

TURKEY As of February 25th 2009, the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) had 620.000 MT of hazelnuts in-shell in stock, of which 359.000 MT belonged to the 2008 crop and 270.000 MT belonged to old crops. TMO had bought 325.000 MT in shell from 2005, 2006 and 2007 crops, and 365.000 MT in shell from the 2008 crop. By end February 2009, TMO had sold 61.000 MT (6.400 MT from the 2008 crop and 44.000 MT from old crops). A total of 50.400 MT would be consumed as edible nuts, and 11.000 MT in shell would be crushed for oil.

Prices in Turkey fluctuated up

and down according to the rules of supply and demand, and the Dollar/Turkish Lira rate. 11-13mm kernels varied between USD 375 to 500 USD/100 kilos, fob/fot, and 13-15mm being scarce, about USD 30/60 higher. Small size under 11,00 mm had been unusually cheaper, due to unusually high ratio of small kernels in 2008 crop.

Exports from 1st September 2008 to 28th February 2009 reached 160.528 MT (kernel basis), up 23% from the same period of the previous season, which totaled 130.370 MT, and down 2% from the same period in 2006/2007.

By end February, the 2009 crop was already blossoming, with a

forecast of 600.000 MT (in shell).

ITALY According to EuroStat, Italy exported 14.402 MT of hazelnuts between January and October 2008, down 8,3% from the same period of 2007, when exports reached 15.715 MT. The top three export markets by rank were Germany, Switzerland and France, with shares of 36%, 16% and 11% respectively.

USA The Oregon field office of USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimated

the US 2008 crop at 30.800 MT, down 8% from the previous year due to adverse weather during the summer and cyclical production swings. Exports remained unchanged from the previous year at 33.400 MT, mainly going to China and the EU. SPAIN

SPAIN A good quality crop in 2008 has allowed some industries to use more local production than previous years, providing liquidity to the market. Prices have been fluctuating according to the Turkish reference.

Estimated World Hazelnuts Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK Turkey 150.000 2006275.000 BEGINNING CROP TOTAL

5.000 44.000 Italy STOCK 1ST SEP SUPPLY

0 10.000 Georgia

64.696 93.577 158.273

0 12.300 Azerbaijan 46.650 1.114 13.400 USA

0 46.650

0 8.100 Spain

0 3.500 3.500 0 1.935 France

0 400 Russia

0 4.956 4.956

0 276 Croatia 64.696 213.379 148.683 0 4.139 Others WORLD TOTAL 156.114 369.550

2007

TOTAL SUPPLY 425.000 ENDING 49.000 STOCK 10.000 34.150 12.300 14.514 0 8.100 0 1.935 400 1.210 276 35.360 4.139

178.019 525.664

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

ENDING BEGINNING CROP STOCK STOCK 172.500 172.500 2007450.000 BEGINNING CROP TOTAL 8.000 8.000 63.529 STOCK 1ST SEP SUPPLY 0 0 14.000 34.150 158.376 192.526 0 0 12.400 218 0 218 12.300 68.000 68.000 450 450 11.700 4.050 4.050 0 0 0 2.025 0 0 400 1.210* 1.700 2.910 0 0 276 35.360 0 232.126 0 267.486 4.049 181.168 344.496

181.168

570.679

2008

TOTAL SUPPLY 622.500 ENDING 71.529 STOCK 14.000 60.980 12.400 12.518 0 12.150 0 2.025 400 545 276 61.525 4.049 205.961 751.847

ENDING STOCK 317.500 (*) 14.000 1.200 1.200 218 900 n/a 0 0 0 335.018 416.829

Estimated World Hazelnuts Production. In shell basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY Turkey Italy Georgia Azerbaijan USA Spain France Russia Croatia Others WORLD TOTAL

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK 300.000 550.000 10.500 95.000

0 25.000

0 30.800

2.785 33.570

0 18.000

0 4.300

0 800

0 600

0 9.300

313.285 767.370 WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

2007

TOTAL SUPPLY 850.000 105.500 25.000 30.800 36.355 18.000 4.300 800 600 9.300

ENDING STOCK 345.000 17.000 0 0 544 1.000 0 0 0 0

1.080.655

363.544 717.111

BEGINNING CROP STOCK 345.000 900.000 17.000 135.000 0 35.000 0 31.000 544 30.800 1.000 26.000 0 4.500 0 800 0 600 0 9.100 363.544

1.172.800

2008

TOTAL SUPPLY 1.245.000 152.000 35.000 31.000 31.344 27.000 4.500 800 600 9.100 1.536.344

ENDING STOCK 635.000 (*) 30.000 3.000 3.000 544 2.000 n/a 0 0 0 673.544 862.800

(*): 620.000 MT (in shell) at TMO. Source: Istanbul Hazelnut and Products Exports Union, Oregon Hazelnut Marketing Board and other INC sources.

April 2009 • The Cracker 53

MACADAMIA MACADAMIA MACADAMIANUb MAKEDEMIA CEVIZI MACADÀMIA

The Australian Macadamia Society has estimated a 2009 crop of 13.500 MT (kernel), up 29% from last year. Australia has experienced strong demand over the last months (Sept 2008 - Feb 2009). Prices in the USA have been reported to be in the region of US$ 2.75- $3.00/lb for style 4 halves and prices for whole kernel around US$ 5.00/lb.

Production By Region

According to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, the 2009 crop is expected at 22.000 MT (in-shell), about 5.500 MT of kernel, up 18% from 2008.

By mid February 2009, the US market was very flat and demand was slow as buyers were most concerned with the economic downturn and were not committing forward.

In-shell Basis. Three-year Avg (2006-2008) Americas 10 %

USA 18 %

Oceania 37 %

Africa 35 %

Source: AMS, SAMAC and other INC sources.

Estimated World Macadamias Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2008

2009

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

Australia

2.200

10.500

12.700

850

850

South Africa

250

5.600

5.850

550

550

13.500

14.350

not available

not available

not available

not available

USA

300

4.650

4.950

0

0

5.500

5.500

not available

Kenya

300

2.000

2.300

100

100

Malawi

0

1.523

1.523

0

0

2.330

2.430

not available

not available

not available

not available

Guatemala

20

1.250

1.270

0

0

1.440

1.440

not available

Brazil

50

750

800

0

Costa Rica

0

200

200

0

0

not available

not available

not available

0

200

200

not available

Zimbabwe

0

100

100

0

0

not available

not available

not available

Others

0

450

450

0

0

450

450

not available

WORLD TOTAL

3.120

27.023

30.143

1.500

1.500

23.420

24.370

not available

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

28.643

Estimated World Macadamias Production. In shell basis. Metric Tons 2008

2009

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

Australia

not applicable

35.000

35.000

not applicable

not applicable

South Africa

not applicable

21.500

21.500

not applicable

not applicable

USA

not applicable

18.600

18.600

not applicable

not applicable

22.000

Kenya

not applicable

12.000

12.000

not applicable

not applicable

Malawi

not applicable

6.100

6.100

not applicable

not applicable

Guatemala

not applicable

6.250

6.250

not applicable

not applicable

Brazil

not applicable

3.125

3.125

not applicable

Costa Rica

not applicable

1.000

1.000

not applicable

Zimbabwe

not applicable

400

400

Others

not applicable

2.500

WORLD TOTAL

not applicable

106.475

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK) Source: AMS, SAMAC, HDOA and other INC sources.

54 The Cracker • April 2009

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

46.500

46.500

not applicable

not available

not available

not applicable

22.000

not applicable

12.200

12.200

not applicable

not available

not available

not applicable

8.000

8.000

not applicable

not applicable

not available

not available

not applicable

not applicable

1.000

1.000

not applicable

not applicable

not applicable

not available

not available

not applicable

2.500

not applicable

not applicable

2.500

2.500

not applicable

106.475

not applicable

not applicable

92.200

92.200

not applicable

106.475

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

PECAN PECANA NOIX DE PECAN NOCE PECAN PECANNUb PEKAN CEVIZI PACANA

was re-entering the market buying a lot of in shell pecans. This was keeping prices for in shell and kernels relatively stable.

supply was ample and the carry out at September 30th should be sufficient to get to next year’s crop.

As this report was written, China

two years ago with pricing slightly softer due to lower prices in other tree nuts and the overall economic outlook around the world. Total

The US pecan crop was completed with an average sized “short” crop. Total supply was very similar to the last short cycle

Estimated World Pecans Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP STOCK 1ST SEP

USA

15.368

Mexico

South Africa

Australia (*) TOTAL

2007

2008

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

71.269

86.637

38.108

38.108

0

30.600

30.600

0

0

2.025

2.025

0

665

1.475

2.140

16.033

105.369

121.402

CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

BEGINNING CROP STOCK 1ST SEP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

38.587

76.695

15.750

0

14.288

14.288

0

0

2.860

2.860

0

300

300

1.000

1.300

0

38.408

38.408

56.735

95.143

15.750

82.994

79.393

Estimated World Pecans Production. In shell basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP STOCK 1ST SEP

USA

34.150

Mexico

South Africa

Australia (*) TOTAL

2007

2008

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

158.376

192.526

84.685

84.685

0

68.000

68.000

0

0

4.000

4.000

0

1.210

2.950

4.160

35.360

233.326

268.686

CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

BEGINNING CROP STOCK 1ST SEP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

85.748

170.433

35.000

0

31.750

31.750

0

0

5.500

5.500

0

545

545

2.000

2.545

0

85.230

85.230

124.998

210.228

183.456

35.000 175.228

(*) Beginning stock 1st April.

Source: INC.

US Crop Trend. Pecans In shell. Metric Tons 180.000 160.000 140.000 120.000 100.000 80.000 60.000 40.000

95.164

153.541

78.427

127.937

83.938

147.846

93.577

158.376

85.748

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Est. 2008

20.000 0

Source: INC.

US Pecan Supply. In shell basis. Metric Tons Imports

350.000

Beginning Stocks

Production

300.000 250.000 200.000 150.000 100.000 50.000 0

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Est. 2008

Source: USDA and INC.

April 2009 • The Cracker 55

PINE NUT PIÑÓN PIGNON PINOLI PINIENKERNE ÇAM FISTIGI PINYÓ

China was the world largest producer of pine nuts in 2008, with 9.450 MT (kernel basis), followed by Russia with an

estimated crop of 8.000 MT, and Pakistan with 4.000 MT. Combined with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

country in the Mediterranean basin, with a 2008/09 crop estimated at 1.200 MT (kernel basis).

(DPRK) and Mongolia, Far East produced over 90% of world total pine nut production. Turkey was the leading

Estimated World Pine Nuts Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons 2007/2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

2008/2009

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK 1.000

Far East (Pinus Chinensis): China

250

8.800

9.050

50

50

9.450

9.500

Russia

0

7.000

7.000

0

0

8.000

8.000

0

Pakistan

0

2.500

2.500

0

0

4.000

4.000

n/a

Korea DPR

0

3.200

3.200

0

0

850

850

n/a

Mongolia

0

2.000

2.000

0

0

n/a

n/a

n/a

Total Far East

250

23.500

23.750

50

50

22.300

22.350

1.000

Mediterranean (Pinus Pinea): Turkey

0

1.200

1.200

0

0

1.200

1.200

100

Spain

200

1.575

1.775

100

100

525

625

0

Portugal

0

1.225

1.225

0

0

400

400

60

Italy

100

500

600

0

0

200

200

Total Mediterranean

300

4.500

4.800

100

100

2.325

2.425

160

TOTAL

550

28.000

28.550

150

150

24.625

24.775

1.160

CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK) (2007/2008)

0

28.400

Source: China Chamber of Commerce for I/E, Aegean Exporters’ Association and other INC sources.

Exports of pine nuts from Russia fell drastically in 2008 to 3.385 MT, posting their biggest drop in the last seven years. China remains the top destination (99,2%).

Russia Pine Nuts Exports. Metric Tons

2006

2007

2008

China

9.098

12.479

3.358

Germany

17

25

14

Ukraine

12

10

11

Others Total

5

63

3

9.132

12.577

3.385

Russia Pine Nuts Imports. Metric Tons

Total

2006

2007

2008

379

591

375

Source: INC.

Russia Pine Nuts Exports. Metric Tons 14.000

12.577

12.000 10.000 9.132

8.000 6.000

4.400

4.000

4.320

5.625

5.280

3.570

2.000

3.385

0 Source: INC.

56 The Cracker • April 2009

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

PISTACHIO PISTACHO PISTACHE PISTACCHIO PISTAZIE ANTEP FISTIGI FESTUC

USA California pistachio shipments were at an all time high for the first four months of CY2008 (September to December 2008). The 59.000 MT (130 million pounds) of shipments were 12% higher than last year

and were lead by export demand.

Given the limited supply of a small crop year, shipments for the balance of the year will need to decrease. This natural slowing was expected and the industry is on pace to ship over 136.000 MT (300 million pounds). The increasing awareness of the health

at 61.000 MT, down 71% from the previous period. Domestic consumption is relatively constant, estimated at 38.000 MT in 2008/09.

The 2009 crop is forecast at 150-160.000 MT, subject to good weather conditions.

benefits of pistachios has been effective in driving demand for pistachios throughout the year.S

RIA

IRAN Pistachio exports in 2008/09 have been estimated

Estimated World Pistachios Production. In shell basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

USA

45.000

Iran

Syria

2007

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

185.000

230.000

55.000

55.000

5.000

310.000

315.000

25.000

9.000

70.000

79.000

Turkey

4.833

18.000

Afghanistan

2.000

Greece

Italy

2008

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

125.000

180.000

25.000

25.000

85.000

110.000

0

14.000

14.000

55.000

69.000

5.000

22.833

3.300

3.300

47.300

50.600

23.300

27.000

29.000

1.000

1.000

15.000

16.000

1.000

1.000

9.000

10.000

500

500

12.000

12.500

500

n/a

3.600

3.600

100

100

4.500

4.600

100

66.833 622.600 CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

689.433

98.900 590.533

98.900

343.800

442.700

54.900 387.800

TOTAL

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

Source: Southeast Anatolian Exporters’ Association, Antep Pistachio Promotion Group, and other INC sources.

California Open Inshell Shipments. Metric Tons Export

140.000

Domestic

120.000 100.000

59%

80.000 60.000

31%

36%

39%

32%

48% 49%

53%

40.000

30%

20.000

70%

69%

64%

61%

68%

52%

51%

47%

41%

1999/00

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

0

Source: WPA and ACP.

Iranian Pistachios Shipments. Metric Tons 300.000

Export

Domestic

250.000 200.000 150.000 100.000

210.000 140.000

50.000 0

61.000 25.000

2006/2007

40.000

2007/2008

38.000

Est. 2008/2009

Source: INC.

April 2009 • The Cracker 57

Walnut NUEZ NOIX NOCE WALUNB CEVIZ NOU

CHINA Strong consumption during the Spring Festival absorbed larger than normal stocks thanks to moderate prices and promotional campaigns. Chinese markets have been full of dried nuts, one of the most popular snacks in holiday. Exports of shelled walnuts in 2008 were 6% lower than

the year before, whereas imports of in shell walnuts totaled 5.500 MT, 2,76 times above the previous season. The market has been more or less stable as the ever strong local consumption relieved the short shipment from overseas markets. It seems that the domestic demand will play a decisive role in the future.

USA Handler receipts have indicated a 2008 California walnut crop of 394.000 MT (434.300 short tons) according to the California Walnut Board and Commission, exceeding the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services estimate of 340.200 MT (375.000

short tons). While a record production, inventory entering the season totaled 29.160 MT (32.141 short tons) for a total availability of 423.160 MT (466.441 short tons). Bearing acreage remains the unchanged at 88.220 of California’s 98.300 total ha (218.000 of 243.000 total acres).

Estimated World Walnuts Production. Kernel basis. Metric Tons 2007/2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

2008/2009

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

China

0

192.000

192.000

0

0

200.000

200.000

0

USA

15.800

126.800

142.600

12.500

12.500

169.000

181.500

68.000

Turkey

5.800

25.000

30.800

4.000

4.000

28.000

32.000

4.000

France

0

12.000

12.000

0

0

13.600

13.600

0

Chile

134

9.000

9.134

120

120

11.000

11.120

300

India

1.000

10.000

11.000

800

800

10.000

10.800

1.000

Italy

410

4.600

5.010

320

320

5.000

5.320

500

Others

n/a

30.900

30.900

n/a

n/a

31.100

31.100

n/a

WORLD TOTAL

23.144

410.300

433.444

17.740

17.740

467.700

485.440

73.800

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

415.704

411.640

Estimated World Walnuts Production. In shell basis. Metric Tons 2007/2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

China

0

USA

Turkey

France Chile

2008/2009

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

480.000

480.000

0

0

36.800

294.800

331.600

29.160

14.500

62.500

77.000

10.000

0

30.000

30.000

322

21.600

21.922

India

2.500

25.000

27.500

Italy

984

11.040

12.024

Others

n/a

77.200

77.200

n/a

n/a

77.800

77.800

n/a

WORLD TOTAL

55.106

1.002.140

1.057.246

42.216

42.216

1.139.200

1.181.416

172.820

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

500.000

500.000

0

29.160

394.000

423.160

158.400

10.000

70.000

80.000

10.000

0

0

34.000

34.000

0

288

288

26.400

26.688

720

2.000

2.000

25.000

27.000

2.500

768

768

12.000

12.768

1.200

1.015.030

Source: China Chamber of Commerce for I/E, California Walnut Board & Commission and other INC sources.

58 The Cracker • April 2009

1.008.596

PEANUT CACAHUETE CACAHUÈTE ARACHIDE ERDNUSS YER FISTIGI CACAUET

CHINA

INDIA

China has had an unusual 2008/09 peanut season. As this report was written, the market had weakened, mainly due to the global economic crisis as well as high yield, which has resulted in a great excess of supply over demand.

The market was not as brisk as expected during the Spring Festival.

According to the China Chamber of Commerce for I/E, the market should stabilize shortly, as soon as oil factories resume production and positive policies are granted.

Peanut production in India was estimated at 7.124.000 MT, powered by an upward revision in area data (6,5 million hectares) according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service.

USA Peanut production was finally estimated at 2.335.000 MT (5,15 billion pounds) by the USDA-NASS, the largest US crop on record, up 3% from the previous forecast and 40% from 2007.

forecasting an unusual carry-over of around 20%, 144.400 MT (the whole crop is usually sold out by mid February), although It was not possible to establish a precise figure yet. The area to be planted with peanut for the next campaign has been estimated at around 268.000 ha.

Planted area was revised upward at 620.000 ha (1,53 million acres).

Higher prices received in 2007, and attractive contract prices in 2008, led producers to increase acreage.

Excellent weather, crop rotation, and minimal disease damage were the main reasons for the record high yields, estimated at 3.416 pounds per acre.

Exports of peanuts during 2008 totaled 398.583 MT, down 6% from 2007. The Netherlands remained the largest destination (190.073 MT), followed by Russia (35.290 MT) and UK (17.424 MT).

ARGENTINA As this report was written, the Argentine Chamber of Peanut was

Estimated World Peanuts Production. Farmers stock. Metric Tons 2007/2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING CROP

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

2008/2009

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING CROP STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

China

0

14.000.000

14.000.000

0

0

15.400.000

15.400.000

n/a

India

20.000

5.650.000

5.670.000

60.000

60.000

7.124.000

7.184.000

134.000

USA

689.460

1.665.590

2.355.050

689.460

689.460

2.335.092

3.024.551

798.322

Nigeria

0

1.550.000

1.550.000

0

0

1.500.000

1.500.000

n/a

Indonesia

0

1.150.000

1.150.000

24.000

24.000

1.150.000

1.174.000

n/a

Argentina

0

748.000

748.000

0

0

722.000

722.000

144.400

Vietnam

45.000

460.000

505.000

30.000

30.000

450.000

480.000

n/a

Others

0

6.000.000

6.000.000

0

WORLD TOTAL

754.460

31.223.590

31.978.050

803.460

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

0 803.460

6.000.000

6.000.000

n/a

34.681.092

35.484.551

1.076.722

31.174.590

34.407.830

Source: China Chamber of Commerce for I/E, USDA, Argentine Chamber of Peanut and other INC sources.

US Peanut Supply and Disappearance. Metric Tons SUPPLY

Year beg. Aug. 1

BEGINNING IMPORTS PRODUCTION TOTAL STOCKS

DOMESTIC CRUSH FOOD

2006/07

982.934

27.669

1.571.243

2.581.846

1.172.535

2007/08 (*)

689.460

33.112

1.665.590

2.388.162

2008/09 (**)

467.653

18.144

2.335.092

2.820.889

DISAPPEARANCE

SEED & EXPORTS TOTAL RESIDUAL

ENDING STOCKS

232.693

213.642

273.516

1.892.386

689.460

1.141.691

224.982

213.642

340.194

1.920.509

467.653

1.174.803

224.982

246.300

376.481

2.022.567

798.322

(*) Estimated. (**) Forecast. Source: USDA. Last update: February 11, 2009.

US Peanut Production and Supply. Metric Tons 3.000.000

2.581.846

2.500.000

2.820.889 2.388.162

2.000.000 1.500.000

2.335.092 1.571.243

1.665.590

2006/2007

2007/2008 (*)

1.000.000

Production

Total Supply 2008/2009 (**)

(*) Estimated. (**) Forecast. Source: USDA. Last update: February 11, 2009.

April 2009 • The Cracker 59

DRIED FRUITS

DATES World production of dates (6,3 million MT) mainly comes from 20 countries located in the Middle East and North Africa. The production

210.000 MT are re-exported).

is especially consumed in the producing countries, with a self-consumption rate of 93%.

Exports only represent over 470.000 MT (among which

of dates in 2008, and imported 200.000 MT.

According to industry estimates, the United Arab Emirates exported about 30.000 MT

Estimated World Dates Production. Metric Tons 2007/2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING PRODUCTION

STOCK

Saudi Arabia

50.000

Egypt

125.000

Iran

40.000

UAE

Algeria

Pakistan Tunisia

2008/2009

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

1.125.000

1.175.000

80.000

80.000

1.150.000

1.230.000

120.000

1.130.000

1.255.000

145.000

870.000

910.000

40.000

145.000

1.120.000

1.265.000

170.000

40.000

910.000

950.000

35.000

30.000

790.000

820.000

25.000

650.000

675.000

40.000

40.000

760.000

800.000

38.000

35.000

35.000

620.000

655.000

40.000

26.000

480.000

1.300

124.000

506.000

15.000

15.000

450.000

465.000

15.000

125.300

1.500

1.500

130.000

131.500

USA

200

15.500

1.800

15.700

200

200

17.000

17.200

200

Israel

300

15.500

15.800

300

300

16.000

16.300

250

Others

150.000

1.200.000

1.350.000

100.000

100.000

1.150.000

1.250.000

120.000

WORLD TOTAL

447.800

6.400.000

6.847.800

457.000

457.000

6.323.000

6.780.000

WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

BEGINNING PRODUCTION STOCK

6.390.800

540.250 6.239.750

Source: INC.

DRIED APRICOTS TURKEY In Turkey, latest estimates confirm production of dried apricots at 120.000 MT. Exports

in 2008 fell 7%, from 103.544 MT in 2007 to 96.760 MT. Turkish exports of dried apricots had been showing a steady and pronounced upward trend in

recent years. The country had doubled its exports, increasing total shipments from 69.000 MT in 2002 to almost 104.000 MT in 2007. However, exports

have been falling during the last months, as many buyers adopted a “wait and see” position.

Estimated World Dried Apricots Production. Metric Tons 2007/2008

COUNTRY

BEGINNING PRODUCTION

STOCK

Turkey

8.000

Iran

China

USA

2008/2009

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

98.000

106.000

0

0

0

30.000

30.000

0

0

5.000

5.000

0

0

2.500

2.500

South Africa

0

1.200

Australia

0

400

TOTAL

8.000 137.100 CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK) (2007/2008)

BEGINNING PRODUCTION STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

120.000

120.000

0

0

18.000

18.000

n/a

0

4.500

4.500

n/a

0

0

2.600

2.600

n/a

1.200

0

0

1.400

1.400

n/a

400

0

0

450

450

0

145.100

0

0

146.950

146.950

0

145.100

Source: Aegean Exporters’ Association, Kerman Chamber of Commerce and other INC sources.

60 The Cracker • April 2009

DRIED FRUITS

DRIED FIGS TURKEY Turkey’s 2008/09 dried figs production estimate has been

revised upwards to 48.000 MT, according to the Aegean Exporters’ Association. Exports of dried figs and paste in 2008 fell

19% to 37.725 MT. The export value was estimated at some USD 177 million, 10% increase against the previous year, when

Turkey exported 46.344 MT.

Estimated World Dried Figs Production. Metric Tons 2007/2008

2008/2009

COUNTRY

BEGINNING PRODUCTION

STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

Turkey

0

43.500

43.500

0

0

Iran

0

25.000

25.000

n/a

USA

0

13.100

13.100

0

Greece

0

10.000

10.000

Spain

0

5.000

5.000

Italy

0

4.000

4.000

TOTAL

0

100.600

100.600

CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK) (2007/2008)

BEGINNING PRODUCTION STOCK

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

48.000

48.000

0

n/a

22.000

22.000

n/a

0

11.000

11.000

n/a

0

0

8.000

8.000

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.500

4.500

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.000

4.000

n/a

0

0

97.500

97.500

0

100.600

Source: Aegean Exporters’ Association, Kerman Chamber of Commerce, California Fig Advisory Board and other INC sources.

PRUNES USA

CHILE

Based on the latest estimates, US prune production reached 113.738 MT (125.000 short tons) in 2008/09, up 51% from last year’s production of 75.547 MT, according to the California Dried Plum Board.

Chile’s prune production in 2009 is forecast at 56.000 MT.

ARGENTINA Harvesting and drying of

Argentine prunes started by mid February. Some areas were affected by hail, but in general the crop was quite good. If climate risks do not reduce the forecast, production is calculated at 46-48.000 MT, mainly with small and medium sizes.

FRANCE According to IPA, the International Prune Association, the final crop might reach 26-28.000 MT.

Estimated World Prunes Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY USA Chile Argentina France Australia Serbia Italy South Africa TOTAL

2007/2008

BEGINNING PRODUCTION

STOCK

78.087 75.547

11.897 42.330

100 25.000

22.956 47.700

200 3.200

0 2.851

300 1.376

0 1.200

TOTAL SUPPLY 153.634 54.227 25.100 70.656 3.400 2.851 1.676 1.200

312.744

113.540

199.204

CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

ENDING STOCK 30.982 5.277 100 23.393 0 0 0 220 59.972 252.772

2008/2009

BEGINNING PRODUCTION STOCK 30.982 113.738 5.277 53.000 100 46.000 23.393 26.000 0 3.800 0 3.000 0 1.500 220 1.350 59.972

248.388

TOTAL SUPPLY 144.720 58.277 46.100 49.393 3.800 3.000 1.500 1.570 308.360

ENDING STOCK 20.000 5.000 100 27.000 0 0 0 0 52.100 256.260

Source: IPA, CDPB, APECS and other INC sources.

April 2009 • The Cracker 61

DRIED FRUITS

California, Chile & Argentina Prune Exports. Metric Tons 80.000

California

70.000

Argentina

Chile.

64.963

66.898

62.745

60.000 50.071

50.000

45.000 46.055

40.000 34.816

30.000

42.048 39.701

33.878

20.000

40.941

26.620

23.605

22.263

14.715

10.000 0

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Source: USDA, CECIM and other INC sources.

RAISINS/ SULTANAS/ CURRANTS

USA According to the US Department of Commerce, the country increased exports of raisins by 35% in 2008, reaching

TURKEY

160.243 MT. The United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Canada remained the top destinations, with shares of 21%, 13%, 12% and 8% respectively.

Latest estimates confirm production of sultanas at 310.000 MT, up 38% from the previous season, according to the Aegean

Exporters’ Association. Exports of sultanas in 2008 reached 198.958 MT, down 17% compared to the previous year. The export value has been estimated at USD 358 million, up 10% against 2007.

Estimated World Raisins, Sultanas & Currants Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2007/2008

2008/2009

USA

BEGINNING PRODUCTION

STOCK 65.000 317.500

TOTAL SUPPLY 382.500

ENDING STOCK 55.000

BEGINNING PRODUCTION STOCK 55.000 325.000

TOTAL SUPPLY 380.000

ENDING STOCK 17.800

Turkey

3.000

240.000

243.000

7.000

7.000

China

n/a

145.000

145.000

n/a

n/a

310.000

317.000

17.000

155.000

155.000

Iran

0

120.000

120.000

5.000

n/a

5.000

60.000

65.000

10.000

Chile

0

60.000

60.000

South Africa

2.000

40.000

42.000

0

0

55.000

55.000

0

6.800

6.800

42.350

49.150

4.900

Greece

0

25.000

25.000

Argentina

0

23.000

23.000

0

0

32.000

32.000

3.600

500

500

27.000

27.500

Australia

1.000

12.000

13.000

500

500

500

10.000

10.500

Others

n/a

71.000

500

71.000

n/a

n/a

76.500

76.500

WORLD TOTAL

71.000 1.053.500 WORLD CONSUMPTION (TOTAL SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

n/a

1.124.500

74.800 1.049.700

74.800

1.092.850

1.167.650

54.300 1.113.350

Source: 2008 International Dried Grape Conference, Aegean Exporters’ Association, USDA and other INC sources.

US Raisins Exports. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2007

2008

CHNG

UK

24.397

22.497

16.748

17.836

18.469

18.469

34.137

84,84%

Germany

6.461

8.013

7.076

9.900

10.988

10.988

20.939

90,57%

Japan

18.955

19.515

16.824

16.227

18.487

18.487

19.553

5,77%

Canada

12.852

12.758

10.987

12.013

13.174

13.174

13.388

1,63%

China

4.827

7.679

7.139

7.901

7.738

7.738

6.409

-17,17%

Others

48.577

49.967

49.769

50.001

49.858

49.858

65.818

32,01%

TOTAL

116.069

120.428

108.543

113.878

118.712

118.712

160.243

34,98%

Source: Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Statistics.

62 The Cracker • April 2009

RUSSIA Special Report

Import Statistics

Source: INC.

Cashews. Metric Tons

Pistachios. Metric Tons

Imports 30.000 25.000 20.000 15.000 10.000 5.000 0

2003 12.199

2004 17.663

2005 14.151

2006 15.874

2007 20.749

2008 27.532

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Walnuts. Metric Tons

Imports 16.000 14.000 12.000 10.000 8.000 6.000 4.000 2.000 0

2003 1.394

2004 2.592

2005 3.328

2006 6.374

2007 10.461

2003 2.955

2004 5.193

2005 6.333

2006 5.000

2007 6.408

2008 8.975

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Imports 1.200 1.000 800 600 400 200 0

2003 996

2004 377

2005 395

2006 361

2007 601

2008 872

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2008 14.827

Brazil Nuts. Metric Tons

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Almonds. Metric Tons

Imports 16.000 14.000 12.000 10.000 8.000 6.000 4.000 2.000 0

Imports 10.000 9.000 8.000 7.000 6.000 5.000 4.000 3.000 2.000 1.000 0

2003 5.688

2004 8.037

2005 8.801

2006 7.220

2007 11.901

2008 13.931

Pecans. Metric Tons

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Imports 250 200 150 100 50 0

2003 238

2004 8

2005 12

2006 23

2007 29

2008 43

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Hazelnuts. Metric Tons

Imports 16.000 14.000 12.000 10.000 8.000 6.000 4.000 2.000 0

2003 3.982

2004 8.771

2005 7.417

2006 8.571

2007 11.470

2008 13.499

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Macadamias. Metric Tons

Imports 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

2003 1

2003

2004 0

2004

2005 5

2005

2006 24

2006

2007 4

2007

2008 11

2008

April 2009 • The Cracker 63

RUSSIA Special Report

Pine Nuts. Metric Tons

Imports 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

2006 379

2007 591

2006

2007

Prunes. Metric Tons 2008 375

Imports 35.000 30.000 25.000 20.000 15.000 10.000 5.000 0

2008

Peanuts. Metric Tons

Shelled In Shell 120.000 100.000 80.000 60.000 40.000 20.000 0

2006 94.840 1.246

2007 95.600 1.836

Imports 80.000

2007

2008 29.932

2008

2006 66.720

2007 67.415

2008 69.340

2007

2008

60.000 40.000 20.000

2006

2007

0

2008

2006 41.210

2007 40.148

Imports 25.000 20.000

30.000

15.000

20.000

10.000

10.000

5.000 2006

2007

2006

Dates. Metric Tons 2008 46.879

40.000

0

2006

2007 28.833

Raisins. Metric Tons

2008 91.484 1.702

Dried Apricots. Metric Tons

Imports 50.000

2006 21.584

0

2008

2006 19.471

2006

2007 21.280

2008 21.649

2007

2008

Export Statistics Pine Nuts Exports. Metric Tons

14.000

12.577

12.000 COUNTRY China

2006

2007

2008

9.098

12.479

3.358

Germany

17

25

14

Ukraine

12

10

11

Others

5

63

3

TOTAL

9.132

12.577

3.386

64 The Cracker • April 2009

10.000

9.132

8.000 6.000 4.000

3.386

2.000 0

2006

2007

2008

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66 The Cracker • April 2009

P G IC R K EE U N P SA VA M LL E EY A D PE A CA R T NS FR O -F M U LA LL ST PA G IS E SU E

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April 2009 • The Cracker 67

NEWS FROM THE INC NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION (INC NREF)

By Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D. INC NREF Executive Director

Tree Nuts in 2010 Dietary Guidelines Preparation for the new 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines headlined INC NREF activities last January as we presented both oral and written comments to the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC).

We also submitted copies of the proceedings from the 2007 Nuts & Health Symposium; the British Journal of Nutrition supplement, “Nuts: Nutrition and Health Outcomes;” and the new tree nut book, “Tree Nuts: Composition, Phytochemicals and Health Effects.” A research reference list with over 100 articles highlighting tree nut studies published in the last five years; a tree nut fact sheet; and a chart showing individual tree nut clinical studies on heart disease helped to position tree nuts as a healthy whole food worthy of its own category of recognition. Nuts and seeds are currently recognized within the protein category of foods in the USDA Food Guide Pyramid.

Nutrition Research Featured In the letter to the DGAC, members were reminded of the FDA qualified health claim announced in 2003. This claim, which resulted from a petition filed by INC NREF, states, “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Since 2003 there has been a dramatic increase in the number of studies showing not only the positive role of nuts in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the potential benefits of nut consumption on diabetes and a healthy body weight.

Six key points were emphasized for the 2010 DGAC to review as they consider re-positioning tree nuts in the new guidelines including: Current U.S. nut consumption; The role of nuts in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease; Emerging research on the positive effect of nuts on diabetes and a healthy body weight; Nuts in healthy diet patterns; Current statistics on the prevalence and incidence of tree nut allergy; and the important role of nuts in the American diet.

Comments in each of these categories are considered below. (A Tree Nut Fact Sheet included in this article summarizes these comments and is available to INC members).

68 The Cracker • April 2009

U.S. Nut Consumption While the USDA ERS food availability data shows that tree nut consumption has increased 45% overall since the mid 1990’s, consumption still falls short of current recommendations. The 2003 FDA qualified health claim for nuts and heart disease recommends 1.5 ounces of nuts per day, but few people actually consume this amount on a daily basis. In the 2001- 2004 What We Eat in America/NHANES survey, 34% of those surveyed consumed nuts but most only ate about ¾ of an ounce— roughly half of the recommended amount.

Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease Since the release of the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, a number of new randomized clinical trials have provided further evidence that nuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease by significantly lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and in some cases significantly increasing HDL. There have been 31 studies conducted over the last decade or so that have looked at the effect of a single nut on CVD. Twenty-five of those studies showed that nuts significantly lowered total cholesterol; 25 studies showed a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol; and in 13 studies, nuts significantly increased HDL cholesterol.

All epidemiologic studies conducted in the U.S. have shown a positive relationship of nut consumption to coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence. In a pooled analysis of 4 U.S. epidemiologic studies, individuals who ate the most nuts (about 1 oz., ≥5 x/wk) had about a 35% reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

The protective effect of nuts on CVD does not seem to be due only to their fat, vitamin and mineral content; their fiber matrix and wide range of phytonutrients may also play a role. Nuts are a source of phytochemicals such as phytosterols, phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

Phytochemicals have been associated with a variety of bioactivities including antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory actions that may affect the initiation and progression of several pathogenic processes that can lead to chronic disease, including CVD. Nuts and Diabetes When it comes to diabetes, emerging research suggests nut consumption may have a significant impact. The Nurse’s Health Study indicated that frequent nut consumption (≥5 x/wk) was associated with a 27% reduction in relative risk of developing diabetes, compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts. Acute feeding studies have demonstrated the ability of nuts, when eaten with carbohydrate (bread, rice and pasta), to depress postprandial glycemia. A new study with 119 subjects with type 2 diabetes has looked at the impact of nut consumption on HbA1c levels. The results have been submitted for presentation at meetings throughout 2009 and a manuscript is being prepared for publication.

While more research is needed on the effect of nut consumption on blood glucose levels (i.e., HbA1c), the possible beneficial impact of nuts on coronary heart disease (CHD) in diabetics is better understood. This alone may be enough justification to include nuts in the diets of diabetics, to potentially decrease their risk of CHD. Nuts and a Healthy Body Weight When it comes to nuts and weight, six epidemiological and six clinical studies show that nut consumption is not associated with higher body weight. In fact, the epidemiological data have been consistent in indicating that nut consumers have lower body mass indices (BMIs) than non-nut consumers. And, a recent NHANES analysis further substantiated that nut consumers had lower BMIs than non-nut consumers. Moreover, clinical trials have revealed little or no weight change in those consuming nuts over one-to-six months. Possible reasons?

(1) Satiety value of nuts from unsaturated fats, fiber and protein and the spontaneous reduction in food intake; (2) incomplete fat absorption: loss of fat in the feces; and (3) a potential increase in resting expenditure with chronic nut consumption may contribute to the less than predicted weight gain.

Nuts in Healthy Diet Patterns In recent years there has been much attention on the Mediterranean diet and the health benefits that various types of plant-based meal patterns provide (i.e., fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains). Epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between the Mediterranean diet and reduced mortality and morbidity for CVD and a longer life span. The beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet in the prognosis of CHD have been demonstrated in a large randomized, secondary prevention trial—the Lyon Heart Study. This trial, which compared a Mediterranean-type diet to a prudent Western-type diet, showed a dramatic decrease in the overall mortality and cardiac mortality (70% and 81% respectively) in the intervention group.

The Spanish have conducted a significant amount of research examining the effects of tree nuts on health promotion and disease prevention and have the distinction of conducting the first primary prevention, large scale, long-term clinical trial that incorporates tree nuts. In the PREDIMED study, in late 2003, 9,000 high risk people 55-80 years of age with no history of heart disease were randomized into a control group or intervention group with 1 l of olive oil weekly or 30 g nuts daily (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds).

Participants were assigned to a low-fat diet or to one of two Mediterranean diets. After 3 months, compared to the low-fat diet, the two Mediterranean diets produced beneficial changes in most outcomes including blood glucose, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol: HDL ratio.

Epidemiological studies have also suggested that the Mediterranean diet may help reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. In a recent study using subjects from the PREDIMED study, researchers concluded that a traditional Mediterranean diet enriched with nuts could be a useful tool in managing metabolic syndrome.

Like the Mediterranean-style diets, several U.S. studies featuring increased consumption of plant foods, including the Portfolio, OMNIHeart and Prudent diets, have shown that combining a range of cholesterollowering plant foods may benefit cardiovascular disease risk both by reducing serum lipids and blood pressure, and may help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes. All of these meal patterns, like the DASH diet, found significant beneficial effects from a plant-based diet that included nuts in particular.

The Prevalence and Incidence of Tree Nut Allergy Despite all of the potential health benefits from nuts, some people do have nut allergies. Tree nuts are included in the list of more common foods known to provoke an allergic response in predisposed individuals, but the prevalence of tree nut allergy is very low in the US and in other countries. The estimated prevalence of allergy to the most common allergenic foods in the US is listed in Table 2. Since the passage of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) in 2004, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Threshold Working Group explored in depth the state of the science behind food allergy as a prerequisite for developing labeling regulations for foods containing allergenic ingredients, and strategies for developing biological thresholds for allergenic proteins.

Allergy Prevalence in the United States (FDA Threshold Working Group, 2008)

% of Population Allergic to:

Age Group All Allergens Milk

Egg

Peanuts

Tree Nuts

Fish

Shellfisha

Wheat

Children

6.0

2.5

1.3

0.8

0.2

0.1

0.0

Unk

0.2

Adults

3.7

0.3

0.2

0.6

0.5

0.4

2.0

Unk

Unk

b

Soy

Shellfish includes both crustaceans and mollusks; Unk = unknown Table Sources: Cordle 2004 ; Sampson 1997 , 2004 , 2005 ; Sicherer et al 2003 ; Sicherer et al 2004 a

b

As shown above, the prevalence of tree nut allergy in the US is small, estimated at 0.2% of children and 0.5% of adults. The telephone survey used to estimate the prevalence of nut allergy (both peanut and tree nut)analyzed responses of almost 13,500 people (N = 13,493), in which only 166 had an allergy to some type of nut (either peanut or tree nut). No peer-reviewed report that estimates allergy prevalence to individual tree nuts in the US has been identified to date.

– Continued on page 70

April 2009 • The Cracker 69

NEWS FROM THE INC NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION (INC NREF) – Continued from page 69

A closer look at the two studies that estimated the US prevalence of allergy of nuts of any type (both peanuts and tree nuts) by means of nationwide telephone surveys are of interest. The first survey included 12,032 individuals from a total sampling of 4,374 households. The investigators concluded that peanut and/or tree nut allergy affects about 1.1% of the US population, or, about 3 million people.

The follow-up telephone survey was reported in 2003, in which 13,493 individuals participated from 4,855 households. The overall rate of allergy to tree nuts, peanuts, or both were not different between the two studies, however the rate of nut allergy prevalence in children had doubled from the survey conducted in 1999, primarily from an increase in self-reported allergy to peanut *0.4% in 1997, and 0.8% in 2002, (P = 0.05). No such finding occurred for tree nuts.

Knowledge of the health benefits of tree nuts in human diets has increased in recent years, and the data are sufficiently consistent and positive to encourage tree nut consumption in the US population.

Though tree nut allergy exists in sensitive individuals, prevalence estimates in the US fall well below 1% of the US population, and international estimates suggest that tree nut allergy prevalence is low in other countries as well.

The Important Role of Nuts in the American Diet The real challenge is to encourage Americans to consume more nuts.

According to the 2001- 2004 What We Eat in America/NHANES survey, approximately 60% of the nuts consumed are as snacks. Data show that

70 The Cracker • April 2009

many people obtain ~25% of their calories from snacks. And for those who consumed nuts as snacks, nuts provided 25-35% of their: total fat, poly-and mono-unsaturated fats, linoleic acid, magnesium, copper and vitamin E. Moreover, in a recent NHANES analysis, tree nut consumption was associated with increased (p<0.01) consumption of fruit, whole grains, meat equivalents, and oils, and with a decrease (p<0.01) in solid fats and added sugars.

According to some experts, replacing snacks high in refined carbohydrates with nuts could have a positive impact on nutrient density and risk of chronic disease. For example, just ¼ to ⅓ cup of nuts per day would provide protein, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, folate, magnesium and potassium—many of which are shortfalls in the American diet. Knowledge of the health benefits of tree nuts in human diets has increased significantly in recent years, and the data are sufficiently consistent and positive to encourage nut consumption in the U.S. population.

To access all of the INC NREF comments to the DGAC please go to: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010CommentSummaries-Mtg2. htm and look in the “food groups” section under “International Tree Nut Council” or “Ternus.” A second set of comments was submitted in March 2009.

For more information on any INC NREF project please contact Maureen Ternus at mternus@pacbell.net. C

TREE NUT FACT SHEET Nut Consumption v The qualified health claim for nuts and heart disease recommends 1.5 ounces of nuts per day to reduce the risk of heart disease (FDA 2003). v In the 2001-2004 What We Eat in America/NHANES survey, 34% of those surveyed consumed nuts, but most ate ~ ¾ of an ounce—roughly half of the recommended amount (King et al, 2008).

Research: CVD – 31 randomized clinical trials have shown that nuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease. v 25 significantly lowered total cholesterol v 25 significantly lowered LDL cholesterol v 13 significantly increased HDL Diabetes – A number of epidemiological and clinical trials have suggested that nut consumption may have a significant impact on diabetes. v In the Nurse’s Health Study frequent nut consumption (≥5 x/wk) was associated with a 27% reduction in relative risk of developing diabetes, compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts (Jiang et al, 2002). v Acute feeding studies have demonstrated the ability of nuts, when eaten with carbohydrate (bread, rice and pasta) to depress postprandial glycemia (Jenkins et al, 2008).

Weight/Satiety – 6 epidemiological and 6 clinical studies show that nut consumption is not associated with higher body weight. v In a recent NHANES analysis nut consumers had lower BMIs than non-nut consumers (Fulgoni 2009). v Potential reasons? (1) Satiety value of nuts from unsaturated fats, fiber and protein; (2) incomplete fat absorption: the fat in nuts doesn’t appear to be fully absorbed; and (3) a potential increase in resting expenditure with chronic nut consumption may contribute to the less than predicted weight gain (Mattes et al, 2008).

Tree Nut Allergy v 0.2% of children and 0.5% of adults in the U.S. are allergic to tree nuts (FDA 2003; Sicherer et al, 2003).

Nuts in a Healthy Meal Pattern Several U.S. studies featuring increased consumption of plant foods (nuts, vegetables, etc), including the Portfolio (Jenkins et al, 2008), OMNIHeart (Appel et al, 2005) and Prudent (van Dam et al, 2002) diets, have shown that combining a range of cholesterol-lowering plant foods may benefit cardiovascular disease risk both by reducing serum lipids and blood pressure, and may help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Role of Nuts in the Diet v ~ 60% of nuts consumed are as snacks; Many people obtain ~25% of their calories from snacks (King et al, 2008) v “Replacing snacks high in refined carbohydrates with nuts could have a positive impact on nutrient density and risk of chronic disease (King et al, 2008).”

PRESS RELEASE From the editor: In the last issue of The Cracker, the following release regarding the 2007 Nuts & Health Symposium proceedings was inadvertently left out of this column. We apologize for any confusion.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D. GO NUTS FOR HEALTH Have you had your handful of tree nuts today?

Davis, CA, August 21, 2008 – “More and more research shows the positive impact of tree nut consumption on satiety and weight management, as well as a number of chronic diseases including heart disease and diabetes,” states Lindsay Allen, PhD, Director of the USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center.

Dr. Allen was commenting on proceedings from the Nuts and Health Symposium in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

Epidemiologic studies show that consuming tree nuts (almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, macadamias and walnuts) five or more times per week is associated with a reduced risk of developing both diabetes and heart disease.

In one analysis, individuals who ate the most nuts had about a 35 percent reduced risk of coronary heart disease. While the FDA qualified health claim for nuts and heart disease recommends 1.5 ounces of nuts per day, few people actually consume this amount on a daily basis. In the 2001-2004 What We Eat in America/ NHANES survey, 34 percent of those surveyed consumed nuts but most only ate about ¾ of an ounce—roughly half of the recommended amount. And, approximately 60 percent of the nuts were consumed as snacks.

According to Janet King, PhD, co-chair of the 2007 Nuts and Health Symposium and past chair of the 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, “Many people consume as much as 25 percent of their total caloric intake from snacks. If we could replace snacks high in refined carbohydrates with just ¼ to ⅓ cup of nuts per day we could have a positive impact on nutrient density and the risk of chronic disease.”

Moreover, regular nut consumers do not weigh more than those who do not consume nuts despite eating roughly 250 additional calories per day. “Research shows that nuts can actually help maintain body weight,” states Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D., Executive Director of INC NREF. “Tree nuts contain beneficial unsaturated fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fats), protein and fiber, all of which provide a feeling of fullness.” In addition, studies have shown that the fat in nuts may not be fully absorbed and there may be an increase in resting energy expenditure (the calories burned when you’re resting) with regular nut consumption.

In 2007, the US Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Western Human Nutrition Research Center (USDA ARS WHNRC) and the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF) joined forces for a 2½ day symposium on nuts and health. To access the 2007 Nuts and Health Symposium proceedings in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition go to www.nuthealth.org April 2009 • The Cracker 71

WHY ARE THE US DIETARY INC NREF believes that based

An important component of each 5-year

on science, tree nuts deserve a more

revision of the Dietary Guidelines is the

prominent position that better defines

analysis of new scientific information by

the nutritional value of tree nuts in the

the DGAC. This committee is appointed

US Dietary Guidelines and the American

by the Secretaries of the U.S. Department

diet. They are currently pictured in the

of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Food Guide Pyramid beside protein sources

and the U.S. Department of Agriculture

including meat and beans. In the existing

(USDA). This analysis, published in the

USDA Dietary Guidelines of 2005, tree nuts

DGAC Report (http://www.health.gov/

are mentioned under Fats in chapter 6 as

dietaryguidelines/dga2005/ report/),

follows:

is the primary resource for development of

Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35

the new and/or revised guidelines by the

percent of calories, with most fats coming

Departments.

from sources of polyunsaturated and

The intent of the Dietary Guidelines is

monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish,

to summarize and synthesize knowledge

nuts, and vegetable oils.

regarding individual nutrients and food

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans

components into recommendations for

(Dietary Guideline) provides science-based

a pattern of eating that can be adopted

advice to promote health and to reduce

by the public. In this publication, Key

risk for major chronic diseases through

Recommendations are grouped under nine

diet and physical activity. Major causes of

inter-related focus areas. The reference

morbidity and mortality in the United States

made to nuts above is mentioned in the Fat

are related to poor diet and a sedentary

section of the recommendations. There

lifestyle. Some specific diseases linked to

are numerous other areas that tree nuts

poor diet and physical inactivity include

could be considered in the 2010 document.

cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes,

The recommendations are based on the

hypertension, osteoporosis, and certain

preponderance of scientific evidence

cancers. Furthermore, poor diet and

for lowering risk of chronic disease and

physical inactivity, resulting in an energy

promoting health. These are integrated

imbalance (more calories consumed than

messages that should be implemented as a

expended), are the most important factors

whole. Taken together, they encourage most

contributing to the increase in overweight

Americans to eat fewer calories, be more

and obesity. Combined with physical activity,

active, and make wiser food choices.

following a diet that does not provide

A basic premise of the Dietary Guidelines

excess calories should enhance the health

is that nutrient needs should be met primarily

of most individuals. How tree nuts fit into

by consuming foods. In certain cases, fortified

the dialogue about disease and weight

foods and dietary supplements may be

maintenance is now being defined for the

useful sources of one or more nutrients that

new 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory

otherwise might be consumed in less than

Committee (DGAC) by INC NREF.

recommended amounts. However, dietary supplements cannot replace a healthful diet.

It has long been an INC NREF position that tree nuts are a nutritious whole food. They also provide an array of nutrients and other

72 The Cracker â&#x20AC;˘ April 2009

GUIDELINES IMPORTANT? compounds that may have beneficial effects

consume some foods and

on health.

beverages that may contain

Two examples of eating patterns that

added fats, added sugars,

exemplify the Dietary Guidelines are the

and alcohol.

USDA Food Guide (http://www.usda.

The recommendations

gov/cnpp/pyramid.html) and the DASH

in the Dietary Guidelines

(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

are for Americans over 2

Eating Plan. Considerable work has been

years of age. It is important

done in the nut industry to determine how

to incorporate the food

tree nuts fit into the DASH Diet.

preferences of different

Both of these eating patterns are designed

racial/ethnic groups,

to integrate dietary recommendations into

vegetarians, and other

a healthy way to eat for most individuals.

groups when planning

These eating patterns are not weight loss

diets and developing

diets, but rather illustrative examples of

educational programs

how to eat in accordance with the Dietary

and materials. The vegetarian diet seems

Guidelines. Both eating patterns are

to be gaining more recognition among the

constructed across a range of calorie levels

2010 Guidelines. Tree nuts have long been

to meet the needs of various age and gender

a preferred food by vegetarians. The USDA

groups. For the USDA Food Guide, nutrient

Food Guide and the DASH Eating Plan are

content estimates for each food group and

flexible enough to accommodate a range of

subgroup are based on population-weighted

food preferences and cuisines.

food intakes. Nutrient content estimates for

The Dietary Guidelines is intended

the DASH Eating Plan are based on selected

primarily for use by policymakers,

foods chosen for a sample 7-day menu. While

healthcare providers, nutritionists, and

originally developed to study the effects of

nutrition educators. The information in

an eating pattern on the prevention and

the Dietary Guidelines is used for the

treatment of hypertension, DASH is one

development of educational materials

example of a balanced eating plan consistent

and aids policymakers in designing and

with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines.

implementing nutrition-related programs,

Throughout most of the Dietary Guidelines

including federal food, nutrition education,

publication, examples use a 2,000-calorie

and information programs. In addition, this

level as a reference for consistency with

publication has the potential to provide

the Nutrition Facts Panel. Although this

authoritative statements for the Food and

level is used as a reference, recommended

Drug Administration Modernization Act

calorie intake will differ for individuals

(FDAMA). Because the Dietary Guidelines

based on age, gender, and activity level.

contains discussions where the science is

At each calorie level, individuals who eat

emerging, only statements included in the

nutrient-dense foods may be able to meet

Executive Summary and the sections titled

their recommended nutrient intake without

“Key Recommendations,” which reflect the

consuming their full calorie allotment. The

preponderance of scientific evidence, can

remaining calories—the discretionary calorie

be used for identification of authoritative

allowance—allow individuals flexibility to

statements. C

April 2009 • The Cracker 73

INC | NREF Partners with Culinary Institute to Promote Increased Use of Tree Nuts in American Foodservice

T

he International Tree Nut Council’s Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INCNREF) recently sponsored a leadership retreat at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, the CIA’s Napa Valley campus in St. Helena, California.

The retreat, Worlds of Healthy Flavors, is an annual leadership retreat co-presented by the CIA and the Harvard School of Public Health. This invitation-only event is designed to assist corporate and executive chefs of chain restaurants, hotels, colleges & universities, and supermarkets expand options for healthy menu choices for their customers.

Participants at the January 2009 retreat included culinary, marketing, supply chain, and nutrition executives from top chains like Applebee’s, Boston Market, Chili’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Outback Steakhouse, Panera Bread, TGI Fridays, and Subway, chains that collectively feed millions of consumers each day. Imagine the impact in sales if one or more of these chains adds a tree nut to a new menu item.

This program for this event includes presentations by top nutrition researchers along with culinary presentations and demonstrations by cuisine experts representing Asia, Latin America, and the Mediterranean, cuisines that often include nuts as part of their traditional plant-based diets.

A ten-member Scientific Advisory Committee—made up of top nutrition researchers, many who publish research on tree nuts like Drs. Frank Hu and Janet King—advises the CIA on the top nutrition issues affecting the public that should be addressed each year. Top nutrition issues addressed at the 2009 conference included sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of type 2 diabetes, sodium and heart disease risk, and nutrition labeling on menus and its effect on consumer menu selections.

Programming Focused on Tree Nuts Programming on tree nuts included a presentation by Dr. Frank Hu of the Harvard School of Public Health titled, “The Health Benefits of Nuts.” In his presentation, Dr. Hu highlighted research showing that people who eat nuts five or more times a week have the lowest risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. (A copy of Dr. Hu’s presentation can be accessed at www.ciaprochef.com/wohf2009.)

Dr. Hu’s presentation was followed by culinary presentations and demonstrations by chefs Joyce Goldstein and Iliana de la Vega titled, “Nut-Based Sauces of the Mediterranean & Mexico.”

Chef Goldstein emphasized the traditional use of tree nuts in the Mediterranean, and showcased nut-based sauces with almonds, pistachios, and walnuts while Chef de la Vega focused on the traditional use of peanuts and seeds in Mexican sauces like moles, salsas, and spreads.

As the chefs were discussing each of their sauces audience members tasted the sauces.

Overwhelming favorites included the Spanish Romesco sauce made with almonds and hazelnuts, and the Greek Almond Skordalia.

In past years, tree nut programming at Worlds of Healthy Flavors has focused on nuts as sources of healthy fats and plant-based protein. While the volume foodservice audience appreciates the health and nutrition benefits of nuts, the chefs need to come up with menu items their customers will buy again and again. This year the programming focus on nuts shifted to flavor. The term “crave-able” was used by many of the chefs to describe the appeal of the nut-based sauces and their ability to make “good-for-you” foods taste better.

– Continued on page 76

74 The Cracker • April 2009

April 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ The Cracker 75

– Continued from page 74

Media Coverage

The Worlds of Healthy Flavors always attracts a stellar group of writers and editors. In 2009 media guests included writers from Eating Well, The New York Times, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Women’s Day, and The Boston Globe.

The nut-based sauces session was so impactful that media guest Martha Rose Schulman decided to devote an entire week of her New York Time’s “Recipes for Health” column to nut-based sauces. Her articles and recipes ran the week of February 9.

(Martha’s articles and recipes can be accessed at www.nytimes.com. Simply search by “nut-based sauces” to find this series.)

Worlds of Healthy Flavors Addresses Important Issues for Foodservice Operators Worlds of Healthy Flavors comes at a pivotal time for American foodservice. American menus are being fundamentally reshaped by an accelerating interest in world culinary traditions from Latin America, Asia, and the Mediterranean as Americans find themselves drawn to bolder, more assertive flavors from a broad range of cultures.

Chefs and operators have never had a wider range of ingredients, flavors and flavor dynamics, recipes, and menu concepts from which to choose. As exciting as this unprecedented range of flavors is, most culinary professionals know that they are just in the early stages of understanding what these flavors represent, and how best to take advantage of them in their operations.

At the same time, on the scientific front, leading experts in nutrition research continue to refine our understanding of healthy menu choices and what constitutes a healthy diet. And yet—as evidenced by alarmingly high rates of diet-linked chronic diseases, from heart disease and cancer to obesity and type II diabetes—many Americans clearly find it a challenge to actually make healthy meal choices.

For their part, chefs and operators of chain restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and volume foodservice often feel discouraged about trying to address what they perceive as customers’ mixed messages about healthy meal choices, and what they sense is still “shifting ground” under ongoing nutrition research outcomes. Adding confusion to the mix is the plethora of branded weight loss programs, books, and media stories—all competing for attention and converts. And few in the foodservice industry have the appetite to repeat failed healthy menus initiatives from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Worlds of Healthy Flavors brings together long-term foodservice flavor trends with approaches to healthy cooking that represent the thinking of the best and 76 The Cracker • April 2009

the brightest in current nutrition research. The project leverages the strategy that growing interest in a broader range of world flavors gives chefs and operators many more options to deliver healthier menu choices to their customers.

The CIA’s Focus on World Flavors Since opening its Napa Valley campus in 1995, The Culinary Institute of America has been promoting plant-based traditional cuisines and world flavors in all educational initiatives. There are many reasons for this focus, but most significant is the fact the Greg Drescher, one of the creators of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, is the executive director of strategic initiatives at the CIA. “We’ve known for years that a Mediterraneandiet promotes good health. We’ve also known that Mediterranean chefs and home cooks alike have developed incredible techniques and recipes for creating flavorful, craveable foods.

The Mediterranean diet offers the opportunity to promote great-tasting food that, oh, by the way, also happens to be good-for-you. This is a message that we love to communicate and chefs love to hear,” says Drescher.

“Another message the culinary community is pleased to hear is that not all fats are created equal, that there are ‘good’ fats and ‘bad’ fats, and that nuts are filled with the ‘good’ fats. We’ve come a long way in terms of educating the public about ‘good’ fats, but there’s still a long way to go.

Many volume foodservice operators still talk about developing ‘low-fat’ menu items because they have consumers who want them. We need partners like INC-NREF and others in the tree nut industry to help us continue to educate the culinary community about this important issue. Nuts have so much to offer in terms of nutrition as well as flavor!”

For more information please contact Amy Myrdal Miller at a_myrdal@culinary.edu. C

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The II International Congress on Food and Nutrition was held last October in Istanbul, Turkey, which featured â&#x20AC;&#x153;Food for Futureâ&#x20AC;?. Over 600 participants from 20 different countries attended the congress to review recent research and key topics for the future.

Throughout the 3-day congress, there were 140 oral and 332 poster presentations, covering topics such as Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Control of Micronutrients Deficiencies, Food Fortification, Obesity, Food Safety, Organic Foods, Innovation and New Trends.

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The CraCker â&#x20AC;˘ January 2008

Mr. Pino Calcagni, on behalf of the INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee, was Chairman of the Symposium â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hazelnut: !.30 )-* 2. 2(& &0,"- -%31206 &2")+ the Nut of Choice for Healthâ&#x20AC;? and gave a presentation on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Past, Present and Future Aspects of Hazelnut-Worldwide.â&#x20AC;? Mr. Calcagni )-%&-120"8&

including 9 3$((.+7 &0,"-6 reviewed INC activities, an overview of the9 hazelnut &+

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The conference was organized by TUBITAK and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, EC Joint Research Centre, European Technology Platform Food for Life and the Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association.

The Cracker

April 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ The Cracker 77 September 2005 â&#x20AC;˘ the CraCker

23

Western Pistachio Association Unites Growers at Second Annual U.S. Pistachio Industry Conference

By Richard Matoian Executive Director Western Pistachio Association

78 The Cracker • April 2009

T

he Western Pistachio Association (WPA) successfully hosted the annual U.S. Pistachio Industry Conference last February in Santa Barbara, California. The Conference theme highlighting democratic unity unique to the Association, where members work “hand in hand” to meet challenges, was evident in unprecedented support.

Sponsorships, exhibit reservations, registrations and room block sales all exceeded expectations. Approximately 450 attendees registered for the three-day event that began with a golf tournament, included an impressive array of speakers, an elegant seaside Gala and concluded with a Meeting of the Membership where Board Members and Officers were elected.

Board Members elected to serve as Officers for the year were: Chairman: Dr. Michael Woolf; Vice-Chairman: Brian Blackwell; and Secretary/Treasurer: H.P. Anderson, III. The following individuals, representing pistachio producers from California, Arizona and New Mexico, were elected to the 2009 Board of Directors: H.P. Anderson, III, Pioneer Nursery; Brian Blackwell, Blackwell Farming Co.; Thomas Dille, Little Creek; Larry Easterling, Kettleman Pistachio Growers; Jim Graham, Cochise Groves; Dr. John Lake, Pistachios Unlimited; Dr. Robert Lake, Pistachios Unlimited; Larry Lowder, Alkali Hollow Farms; Steven Moore, Huntley-Moore Farms; Richard Paslay, Agri-World Cooperative; George Schweers, Eagle Ranch; Joshua Setton, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella; Gary Smith, Eriksson LLC; Rick Strain, Strain Orchards; Jimi Valov, Valov & Sons Farming; Brian Watte, George Watte & Sons; Dr. Michael Woolf, California Valley Land Co., and Jim Zion, Meridian Nut Growers.

United States Senator Barbara Boxer, representing the State of California, also addressed the group. She discussed her efforts to lower foreign trade barriers to pistachios worldwide and read a letter prepared for U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, asking him to expedite the proposed expansion of the Federal Marketing Order for U.S. pistachios. This amendment to the existing Order would establish food safety quality regulations for all producers of pistachios grown within the United States. Boxer indicated to the group that it has a friend in Washington, D.C. prepared to assist them on issues of importance to the pistachio industry.

Soumen Bagchi, Consul, Economic and Political, Consulate General of India also spoke to the group on his country’s objective in the Doha round of trade negotiations and the impact on future pistachio exports. He indicated his country was aware of the existing tariff on U.S. pistachios of 30 percent and said that the Government of India and the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. have

received several letters from the WPA to reduce the tariff rate.

During a Grower Session, industry members tackled a topic of great concern to many: the current California drought and its effect on water deliveries controlled

by State and Federal water projects on which a large percentage of California growers depend. At press time, deliveries to many irrigation districts were set at zero.

Unless affected growers have alternative sources of water, such as groundwater wells, no water will be available to them for irrigation of their land. During the last major drought of the 1990s in California, growers traded water supplies through a “Drought Bank.” Since then, regulations have changed, and a current water conveyance system has not yet been approved by the government which exacerbates the problem.

A panel of experts discussed the current water crisis which included Jerry Johns, Deputy Director, California Department of Water Resources; Tim Quinn, Executive Director, Association of California Water Agencies; Mike Wade, Executive Director, California Farm Water Coalition; and Michael Jackson, Area Director, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Huell Howser, Host of California Gold and California’s Water broadcast on the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), hosted the panel. All agreed that despite recent rain and snowfall, the previous two years of drought have left many reservoirs at lower levels than experienced in the last 30 years. Further complicating the problem is a series of lawsuits by environmental groups that have given priority for water supplies to fish and wildlife habitat over farmers. The most probable solution is change at the federal level to modify the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the legislation upon which these environmental lawsuits are based.

Growers were also given the opportunity to ask questions of WPA member processor representatives during the Processor Forum moderated by WPA Executive Director, Richard Matoian. Participants included: Ali Amin, - Primex Farms; Bob Keenan - Keenan Farms; Jim Zion – Meridian Nut/A&P Growers; Mia Cohen – Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella; Chuck Nichols – Nichols Farms; and Kable Munger – Monarch Nut Company.

The WPA Program Update Session provided a summary of activities conducted on behalf of the U.S. pistachio industry, including: Governmental Affairs - Bob Schramm of Schramm, Williams & Associates; Nutrition Research - Dr. Constance Geiger; Nutrition Promotion - Beth Kleineman and Amie DeLuca of Henson Consulting; Production Research - Bob Beede, UC Farm Advisor; and a California Pistachio Export Council (CPEC) update from

Pictured at left (from left to right): Tim Quinn, Michael Jackson, Jerry Johns, Huell Howser.

Pictured at right (from left to right): US Senator Barbara Boxer and Soumen Bagchi, Consul, Economic and Political, Consulate General of India

Marketing Manager Jean Valentine and EU representative George Smith.

On a lighter note, attendees to the U.S. Pistachio Industry Conference shared ideas during various social events like the WPA Annual Golf Classic with 120 golfers registered. The Welcome Reception gave away free WPA umbrellas with the hope that they would receive abundant use over the next year! Exhibit booths served as a backdrop for the various events with more opportunities to dialogue with industry members. An elegant Gala Dinner at The Biltmore Four Seasons Resort highlighted with sunset cocktails overlooking the California coastline and dinner featuring a pistachio encrusted chicken entrée, and lively dancing were the ingredients for a magical evening.

In a crop update, the 2008 pistachio production indicated California crop deliveries totaling nearly 278 million pounds. Additionally, it is estimated that the state of Arizona produced approximately 5.5 million pounds. 2008 was considered an “off-year” for pistachio production, while 2009 is expected to be an “on year” with production higher forecasts.

The pistachio industry anticipates continued production growth as pistachio acreage increases. The Administrative Committee for Pistachios (ACP) reported the total California acreage at the end of the 2007/08 crop year (August 31) to be 196,288 acres, an increase of 11percent over the previous year. Of that total, approximately 118,133 acres are considered “bearing” (trees older than 7 years), with a large number of non-bearing acres estimated at 78,155 acres or 40 percent. The pace for new acreage being planted has slowed a bit from the record 2007 rate of nearly 25,000 acres, but 2008 plantings of 18,740 acres still represents the second largest new plantings in the history of U. S. pistachio production.

Sources: California Agricultural Statistics Service, California Pistachio Commission and Administrative Committee for Pistachios Producer Deliver Reports and Acreage Surveys

Pistachios – Heart Healthy Pistachios are a cholesterol-free, heart-healthy snack that contain high levels of vitamin B6 and fiber with just 1.5 grams of saturated fat. They gained the attention of health professionals in the U.S. and abroad beginning with the release of the qualified health claim relating to nuts released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

It states: Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, (such as pistachios), as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. This endorsement, along with several prominent studies that followed conducted by Penn State University that resulted in papers being published in reputable medical journals, have legitimized promotion of the heart health message for U.S. pistachios. Additionally, new health benefits continue to be identified, including the potential relationship between pistachio consumption and lowered risk of diabetes. The WPA is currently conducting a study at the University of Toronto, Canada to investigate this promising development. C

Photo: Nut for Life

Gala Welcome Reception The Western Pistachio Association is trade association representing U.S. pistachio growers.

The Fresno, California based organization has over 400 members representing pistachio production in the states of California, Arizona and New Mexico.

These states represent nearly 100 percent of the domestic pistachio production.

April 2009 • The Cracker 79

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rition Research Update

For nut and dried fruit marketers interested in targeting younger consumers and restaurant operators, consideration should be given to attracting Generation Y (born between 1980 and 2000). These young people are extremely into health and wellness, customization and global flavors.

But this generation is so complex -- perhaps the most savvy, brand-sensitive consumer group in history -- that understanding the nuances of how they tick is a must, according to the new “How Gen Y Eats Culinary Trend Mapping Report” from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and Packaged Facts.

To get a handle on what drives Gen Y’s food preferences, CCD conducted a quantitative online attitude and behavior study and customized focus-group sessions held in living room and restaurant sessions. The results point to several key attitudes, starting with their penchant for eating and socializing in casual, communal spaces. Gen Y’s love hanging out at communal tables in bar lounges, college dining halls and other informal settings. Dining venues that offer a wide collection of foods, particularly with “far-flung global inspiration,” are favorites. When they eat alone, they often “scarf solo in the car or on the sofa,” adds CCD. Gen Y is wired to the max. These young people are not only hooked on socializing in communities on the Web; they see even eating as “a deeply wired activity.” Their markedly social self-identities and need to be constantly entertained drive them to use networking technologies in food-centric ways, “from downloading menus and placing orders to subscribing to wireless recipe and ordering information services,” notes CCD. College campuses are the “incubators” of this melding of technology and community.

They are also thrill-seekers who crave heightened eating experiences such as intense flavors and extreme textures.

“The typical Gen Y eater likes unusual food forms, flavor profiles tweaked with unexpected or dramatic twists and of course, vivid global cuisines, especially when they blend fresh and spicy,” the researchers stress.

Other drivers include their penchant for customizing foods through adds-ons or mix-ins (the reason they love fajitas and other “build-it-yourself” foods); their dedication to local, organic, fair trade and vegetarian/vegan foods (reflecting their belief that food choices can make a positive difference in the world at large); and their firm belief in the value of health/wellness and functional (including anti-aging) foods.

Marketers have opportunities in emerging markets for “all-natural” weight-control foods like nuts that help “balance [their] drive-through lifestyles,” as well as in anti-aging foods and protein-rich breakfast and snack foods, according to CCD. Foods and beverages in hip, eco packaging that offer innovative tastes and functionality are irresistibly “kewl” to Gen Y, they add. Critically, marketing messages must come across as “anything but marketing messages,” stress the researchers. This generation wants food and drinks that they can feel “they’ve stumbled onto themselves or through a peer recommendation, and with more than a whiff of cultish appeal,” CCD concludes. While Gen Y’s are far from brand-phobic, “the brands have to be the right ones, without the taint of the hard sell.”

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EUROPEAN HEART HEALTH MARKET DEMAND UP

The European heart health ingredients market is set for growth despite a climate of regulatory uncertainty, according to market research conducted by Frost & Sullivan, which valued the market at €421m in 2007 and growing at 20 per cent. A driving factor is consumers who are increasingly aware of heart-related problems and seeking to maintain their heart health via dietary and lifestyle choices rather than deal with the exorbitant costs of the health care system. This bodes well for nuts.

This awareness has been driven by government and commercial education campaigns and assisted by the approval of some health claims in some countries, although European Union health claim regulations are yet to be resolved and this was acting as a curtailing force on market expansion.

“The primary challenge facing the heart health ingredients market continues to be the stringent regulatory scenario in Europe as compared to the US,” the report states. With an ageing population seeing heart disease rates continuing to soar, there is “immense potential for growth”, the report, which looks back to 2004 and forward to 2014, states.

Over-60s are expected to increase from 20 to 25 per cent of the European population by 2020.

According to the European Heart Network cardiovascular disease (CVD) cost €192 billion in health care costs across the 27-member state EU in 2007. While CVD can be sub-classified into categories such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, heart attack and stroke, the Frost research focuses on cholesterol reduction because functional ingredient solutions are most advanced in this area.

Frost points out that in Europe four ingredients dominate the cholesterol-reduction scene: phytosterols; omega-3s; beta-glucan and soy protein. Nuts are high in the first two. Other scientifically backed options included fibre, antioxidants, green tea, CoEnzymeQ10, folic acid, B12 and selenium(high in Brazil nuts), but the big four had achieved greater popularity because of their “gold standard” scientific grounding.

Phytosterols were the most heart health targeted and benefited from approved health claims in many markets. In Europe, five million people suffer heart failure with about 860,000 new cases each year.

NUT ALLERGY FEARS BECOMING HYSTERICAL?

Fears over the dangers of peanut allergy, a potentially deadly allergy for certain people, are becoming sensationalist and hysterical, according to a Harvard professor. A level-headed approach is needed before the situation spirals out of control, wrote Professor Nicolas Christakis from Harvard Medical School in the British Medical Journal.

The food industry is already bound by certain regulations, depending on the country, to highlight possible allergens in a food product, such as the EU’s Labelling Directive 2000/13/EC. But Prof Christakis said that such an approach, however well intentioned, may actually “fan the flames, since they signal to parents that nuts are a clear and present danger. “This encourages more parents to worry, which fuels the epidemic. It also encourages more parents to have their children tested, thus detecting mild and meaningless ‘allergies’ to nuts. And this encourages still more avoidance of nuts, leading to still more sensitisation. “The cycle of increasing anxiety, draconian measures, and an increasing prevalence of nut allergies must be broken,” he said.

Peanut allergies are rising in humans, with an estimated 2.5 million people in Europe and the US now vulnerable to the food allergy. There is no current cure for food allergy and vigilance by an allergic individual is the only way to prevent a reaction but a peanut allergy can be so severe that only very tiny amounts can be enough to trigger a response. Current recommendations in many countries, such as the UK and the US, for would-be mothers are to avoid peanuts during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and infancy.

However, a recent study comparing incidence of peanut allergy in Jewish children in the UK and Israel (where no such recommendations exist) showed that children in the UK were 10 times more likely to suffer from peanut allergy than their Israeli counterparts. Findings in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that 69 per cent of Israeli children were consuming peanut, while only ten per cent of the children in the UK were eating peanuts.

“Measures to control nuts are instead making things worse in a cycle of over-reaction and increasing sensitisation,” said Prof Christakis.

One example cited in the BMJ article involved the evacuation and decontamination pf a school bus in the US following discovery of one peanut on the floor. The school bus was full of ten year olds, who could arguably have been told simply to not eat food off the floor. The “gross over-reaction to the magnitude of the threat” is very similar to mass psychogenic illness (MPI), said Prof Christakis, previously known as epidemic hysteria. Outbreaks of MPI involve healthy people in a flow of anxiety, most often triggered by a fear of contamination, he said. Being around individuals who are anxious heightens others’ anxiety.

In attempt to add perspective, the Harvard professor notes that 150 people die each year from food allergies in the US. On the other hand, 100 people die from lightening strikes, 45,000 die in automobile accidents, and 10,000 are hospitalised for traumatic brain injury from playing sport.

82 The Cracker • April 2009

‘PORTION SIZE’ MAY NOT BE WAY TO CURB OBESITY

According to new findings published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, “the term portion size is not associated with ‘an appropriate amount to eat’ in the mind of the consumer”. With obesity levels on the increase globally, many initiatives to curb the rise have focussed on reducing the amount people eat. Indeed, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has focussed on the topic and convened a workshop last year on the topic. The workshop followed a report that some products sold in the UK may have increased in size over the last 15-20 years. The Food Standards Agency’s focus on portion sizes is part of a programme of work in collaboration with the food industry on reformulation and other efforts to help people achieve a balanced diet.

But “information about portion size was not found to be a good tool to manipulate food-intake behaviour in this study. In addition, consumers’ interpretation of portion size was associated more with objective information about food than with the amount that would be appropriate to eat,” wrote lead author Oydis Ueland from Nofima Food in Norway. “Implications are that consumers would benefit from a better understanding of actual macronutrient and caloric content of specific foods and diets,” added the authors.

Some confusion appears to surround the term, said Ueland and his co-workers, since it is used differently by food manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and consumers. The researchers note that serving sizes used for US federal food-intake recommendations are the amounts for optimal nutrition, while the food industry defined the amount as ‘customarily consumed per eating occasion’. Further confusion arises from the industry’s use of phrases such as ‘supersize’ and ‘healthy portion’, said the researchers.

In order to understand how consumers interpret the term, the researchers recruited 33 normal weight people, and randomised them to different lunch meals. The participants were served a lunch meal consisting of a set amount of pasta, described as 0.5, 1, or 1.5 portions, and then followed by ad libitum servings of the same pasta.

The researchers found that information about the portion size had no impact on measures of fullness or on how much participants ate altogether. Indeed, a questionnaire found that the participants viewed the term ‘portion size’ to be a “standardised index of the nutritional content of a food/meal, rather than as an index by which to estimate personal food intake”, wrote Ueland. “Nutritional advisors should provide specific, objective information about portion sizes (eg, gram weights) when advising consumers, because the term portion size is not associated with ‘an appropriate amount to eat’ in the mind of the consumer,” concluded the researchers.

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April 2009 • The Cracker 83

MED DIET BEST FOR BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL

84 The Cracker • April 2009

Another study finds type 2 diabetes increases cancer death risk A new study found that a diet of “low-glycemic foods” -- such as beans, nuts, peas, lentils and pasta -- was superior to a high-cereal-fiber diet when it comes to lowering blood sugar and other risk factors for heart disease in people with diabetes. “These findings fit with the general tenor of what’s gone before. The trouble is that those studies tended to be considerably smaller and for shorter periods of time, and they didn’t always show the effects significantly,” said study author Dr. David J.A. Jenkins, Canada research chair in nutrition and metabolism at the University of Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada. “I think this certainly supports a recommendation to people that this is an extra tool in the tool kit.”

“This reemphasizes what we know -- at the end of the day, the best diet is the Mediterranean-type diet: nuts, beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables,” said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of Women and Heart Disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. “The study didn’t exactly call it a Mediterranean diet, but the components of it were Mediterranean.”

A second study found that people who have type 2 diabetes when they are diagnosed with cancer face a greater risk of death compared to cancer patients without diabetes. Both papers were published in the Dec. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The diabetes epidemic now affects some 20 million people in the United States alone, a staggering 7 percent of the population. The condition increases the risk for heart disease, cancer and other health problems.

Although many drugs are available to control blood sugar levels, the evidence on how well they reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems isn’t entirely clear. This makes a proper diet crucial to help control the disease.

For the new study, researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto in Canada randomly selected more than 200 people with type 2 diabetes to follow either a high-cereal-fiber or a low-glycemic-index diet for six months. All the participants were already taking blood-sugar-lowering medications. Carbohydrates in a low-glycemicindex diet are absorbed through the small intestine and converted to blood sugar at a slower rate than higher glycemic foods, meaning blood sugar is more stable, the researchers said.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, a longer-term measure of blood sugar levels, decreased by 0.5 percent in people on the low-glycemic-index diet, compared with a decrease of 0.18 percent in the alternate group. Those in the low-glycemic group also saw an increase in their high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol of 1.7 mg/dL, compared to an HDL decrease of 0.2 mg/dL in the high-cereal-fiber group. Although the reduction in HbA1c levels was small, the study authors speculated that, based on previous studies, this might result in a 10 percent to 12 percent reduction in cardiovascular complications.

For the second paper in the journal, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University pooled data from 23 completed studies and found that people with diabetes were 41 percent more likely to die of cancer than people who did not have diabetes. Specifically, there was a 76 percent increase in the risk of death from endometrial cancer, a 61 percent increase for breast cancer, and a 32 percent increase for colorectal cancer. The researchers said possible explanations range from an insulin environment that contributes to tumor cell proliferation, to less-rigorous screening practices, to complications from diabetes factoring into cancer treatment decisions.

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Here’s a health tip in a nutshell: Eating a handful of nuts a day for a year — along with a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fish — may help undo a collection of risk factors for heart disease. Spanish researchers found that adding nuts worked better than boosting the olive oil in a typical Mediterranean diet. Both regimens cut the heart risks known as metabolic syndrome in more people than a low-fat diet did. “What’s most surprising is they found substantial metabolic benefits in the absence of calorie reduction or weight loss,” said Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

In the study, appearing in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the people who improved most were told to eat about three whole walnuts, seven or eight whole hazelnuts and seven or eight whole almonds. They didn’t lose weight, on average, but more of them succeeded in reducing belly fat and improving their cholesterol and blood pressure. Manson, who wasn’t involved in the study, cautioned that adding nuts to a Western diet — one packed with too many calories and junk food — could lead to weight gain and more health risks. “But using nuts to replace a snack of chips or crackers is a very favorable change to make in your diet,” Manson said.

The American Heart Association says 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome, a combination of health risks, such as high blood pressure and abdominal obesity. Finding a way to reverse it with a diet people find easy and satisfying would mean huge health improvements for many Americans, Manson said. Nuts help people feel full while also increasing the body’s ability to burn fat, said lead author Dr. Jordi Salas-Salvado of the University of Rovira i Virgili in Reus, Spain.

“Nuts could have an effect on metabolic syndrome by multiple mechanisms,” Salas-Salvado said. Nuts are rich in anti-inflammatory substances, such as fiber, and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. They are high in unsaturated fat, a healthier fat known to lower blood triglycerides and increase good cholesterol. More than 1,200 Spaniards, ranging in age from 55 to 80, were randomly assigned to follow one of three diets. They were followed for a year. The participants had no prior history of heart disease, but some had risk factors including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and abdominal obesity.

At the start, 751 people had metabolic syndrome, about 61 percent, distributed evenly among the three groups.

Metabolic syndrome was defined as having three or more of the following conditions: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low levels of good cholesterol (HDL), high blood sugar and high blood pressure. The low-fat group was given basic advice about reducing all fat in their diets. Another group ate a Mediterranean diet with extra nuts. The third group ate a Mediterranean diet and was told to make sure they ate more than four tablespoons of olive oil a day.

Dietitians advised the two groups on the Mediterranean diet to use olive oil for cooking; increase fruit, vegetable and fish consumption; eat white meat instead of beef or processed meat; and prepare homemade tomato sauce with garlic, onions and herbs. Drinkers were told to stick with red wine. After one year, all three groups had fewer people with metabolic syndrome, but the group eating nuts led the improvement, now with 52 percent having those heart risk factors. In the olive oil group, 57 percent had the syndrome. In the low-fat group, there was very little difference after a year in the percentage of people with the syndrome.

The nut-rich diet didn’t do much to improve high blood sugar, but the large number of people with Type 2 diabetes — about 46 percent of participants — could be the reason, Salas-Salvado said. It’s difficult to get diabetics’ blood sugar down with lifestyle changes alone, he said. The study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health and the government of Valencia, Spain. C

April 2009 • The Cracker 85

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unbleached and unblended California pistachios result in superior tasting pistachios of the highest quality. In addition, with orchards of our own and long standing relationships with growers, Setton is able to keep quality high and costs down. With pistachios being heart healthy and packed with vitamins and minerals, consumer demand is stronger than ever. We invite you to join us and share in this growing market!

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88 The Cracker • April 2009