The Cracker magazine, July 2014

Cracker The

July 2014 Edition 62, No.2

The Official Voice of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation for the World Nut and Dried Fruit Trade

MELBOURNE SPEAKER DEFINES AG OUTLOOK IN 30 YEARS DR. E. ROS AWARDED EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

HEALTHY DIET

INC BOOTH PACKAGE AVAILABLE FOR 2015 ANUGA KOLN www.nutfruit.org

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The machine has the ability to see true color and precisely sort a wide range of tree nuts, even those with small shade differences and all types of foreign material.

Typical Defects Removed Subtle color differences, foreign material (hulls, peewees, shell, sticks, glass , stones), insect damage, mold and decaying product.

RGB Full Color Technology Evolution RGB utilizes proprietary software to combine the response from the red/green/blue (RGB) camera to form a 3D color space. The EVO RGB combines these responses in a manner that very closely imitates the human eye response to color.

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Cracker The

July 2014, Edition 62 INTERNATIONAL NUT AND DRIED FRUIT We thank COUNCIL FOUNDATION

www.nutfruit.org

all The Official Voice of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation for the World Nut and Dried Fruit Trade sponsors, advertisers, speakers and participants for contributing to the XXXIII World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress Melbourne 2014!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Giles Hacking - Chairman CG Hacking & Sons Limited, UK Pino Calcagni - Vice Chairman V. Besana S.P.A., Italy Mark Mariani - Vice Chairman Mariani Packing Company, USA Jordi Martí - Treasurer and General Secretary Borges S.A.U., Spain Thomas Apfel Max Kiene GmbH, Germany Asadollah Asgaroladi Hassas Export Co. Ltd., Iran Cheng Hung Kay CHK Trading Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Mark Jansen Blue Diamond Growers, USA Zhou Jinkui Fenzhou Yuyuan Native Produce, China Barry Kriebel Sun-Maid Growers of California, USA Ashok Krishen Olam International Limited, Singapore Maarten Leerdam Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG, Germany Jack Mariani Mariani Nut Company, USA Mark Magnesen Planters / Kraft Foods, USA Stephen Meltzer Balcorp Ltd., Canada Pratap Nair Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company, India Osman Oz Aegean Exporters Associations, Turkey Antonio Pont - Honorary President Borges S.A.U., Spain Sabit Sabir Sabirlar Findik Ihracat Ltd. Sti., Turkey Berton Steir Paramount - Roll International Corp., USA Dick Walden The Green Valley Pecan Company, USA Michael Waring MWT Foods, Australia Cuneyd Zapsu Balsu A.S., Turkey Bian Zhen-hu/ Chen Ying China Chamber of Commerce, China EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Giles Hacking – Chairman Pino Calcagni - Vice Chairman Mark Mariani - Vice Chairman Jack Mariani Antonio Pont Berton Steir Michael Waring Cuneyd Zapsu Goretti Guasch - Executive Director SENATORS

Hubert Berrebi, France Helmut Dankert, Germany Raoul Gamon, France Chris Hacking, UK Walter F. Payne, USA Abbas Rafii, Luxembourg Don Soetaert, USA James Swink, USA Jack Taillie, Netherlands Frank Vaerewijck, Belgium Doug Youngdahl, USA THE CRACKER EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Giles Hacking – Chairman Susan Brauner – Editor Goretti Guasch – Executive Director Graphic Design by:

Legal Deposit: B-7497-1989

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FEATURED ARTICLES

INDEX

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WORLD NEWS

32 INC Ambassadors

Since food allergy is now a world-recognized health issue, government organizations in Europe and around the globe are collaborating to manage the disease and are working to encourage precautionary allergy warnings on product labels; special study says Australia and its Asian neighbors should collaborate for a more secure food system that protects food safety and quality.

49 Statistical Outlook

14 MELBOURNE CONGRESS: SPECIAL REPORT A recap of presentations made in Melbourne during the INC Congress includes how agriculture should be thinking about the global food challenge over the next 30 years as competition for scarce resources intensifies; former INC President challenges members to look ahead 20 years at a leadership who can anticipate the next set of opportunities including food quality and safety.

37 INC NEWS

81 Advertisers

Cracker The

July 2014 Edition 62, No.2

The Official Voice of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation for the World Nut and Dried Fruit Trade

MELBOURNE SPEAKER DEFINES AG OUTLOOK IN 30 YEARS DR. E. ROS AWARDED EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

HEALTHY DIET

INC launches a booth package of exclusive services for members attending ANUGA Koln 2015 while it prepares for another successful pavilion event 19-23 October, 2014 at SIAL Paris; INC will participate in the III World Congress of Public Health Nutrition in Spain 9-12 November, 2014; new walnut book, published in collaboration with INC, highlights growing and culture.

66 WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS CA almonds build demand in South Korea and increase India’s ancient demand for the high protein nut; American Pistachio Growers continues to spread nutrition research news worldwide; Nucis Italia educates consumers in supermarkets about dried fruit and nuts; Australia’s Nuts for Life sponsors twitter chat; Pecan Shellers provide new ideas for snacking; Walnut Commission highlights Mediterranean diet in recipe development and expands consumption in Asia.

INC BOOTH PACKAGE AVAILABLE FOR 2015 ANUGA KOLN www.nutfruit.org

COVER PHOTO:

Courtesy of INC Secretariat.

82 INC RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH Dr. Emilio Ros received the INC Award for Excellence in Research in Melbourne for his dedication to cardiovascular disease and its connection to nuts. His interest in nut research was sparked by Dr. Joan Sabate’s research results from walnut studies; after the PREDIMED study, he claimed, “There is no excuse to skip delicious nuts available worldwide!”

84 NUT STUDIES UNVEILED IN SAN DIEGO Over 16 nut studies were introduced at the renowned annual Experimental Biology in San Diego, CA by researchers working globally to uncover the many ways nuts contribute to a healthy life. Abstracts or posters represented mixed nuts, almonds, pistachios and walnuts. The INC NREF-funded research included two meta-analyses on nuts and diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

PERMANENT SECRETARIAT OF INC

Goretti Guasch, Executive Director Carrer de la Fruita Seca 4, Polígon Tecnoparc, 43204 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.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTARY

With the first week of this year’s Wimbledon Tennis Championships now fully underway, as I write this commentary, the English summer is finally here. The last year has flown by (as they tend to do these days!), but as usual, much has been achieved during the last 12 months, so the time has not been wasted.

You may have noticed that my photo changed in this issue of The Cracker. If you attended our very successful Melbourne Congress, you most likely saw three cartoon artists who artfully performed a work of comic art on those of us curious enough to have a go at how we may be perceived by a creative carton-like artist! Needless to say, I encountered one who was skilled at political satire artistry in local Australian newspapers and other venues and rearranged my humble perception of myself!

This was an event organized by our talented team of event planners at no cost to our members attending the congress. It was a BIG success as those of us who tried it, shared each other’s image makeovers with jovial bursts of laughter!

from others indicated that these tours were informative and well-organized.

Most recently of course we held the INC’s 33rd Annual congress in Melbourne, Australia, which proved to be an unbridled success. We were very pleased to welcome over 860 delegates from more than 45 different countries, 706 of these were from overseas, and it was impressive that so many of you undertook the journey which in some cases was up to 24 hours! To put this into perspective, when an INC congress was last held in Australia 20 years ago, we had only 200 delegates from 21 countries.

INC and Nuts For Life also co-sponsored a second successful World Forum in Brisbane a few days prior to opening our Congress in Melbourne in conjunction with the 31st National Conference of the Dieticians Association of Australia. Chaired

by Professor Linda Tapsell, the conference attracted well over 100 health and nutrition professionals to debate the title of the conference: ‘Translating the Principles of the Mediterranean Diet’.

Many of you arrived early for our pretour inspection visit to the almond and walnut producing areas around Griffith and Mildura to view firsthand how the Australian tree nut industry is progressing.

For those in California, how to cope with serious drought conditions was a popular topic for in depth discussion. Although I was only able to attend one of these excursions for a day, the feedback I received

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The Cracker | July 2014

Our Congress meetings have evolved from short crop and market potential overviews from various industry leaders to three days of intensive round table discussions, satellite meetings and private opportunities for companies to interface with others, including plenty of social venues for getting to know each other while enjoying the ambiance of another country. We were also privileged to get an inside perspective from guest speakers, John Bertrand, skipper of Australia 2, which won the Americas Cup in 1983, and Peter Knoblanche from Rabobank, who provided a vision of what global agriculture may look like 30 years from now.

The INC will also participate in the III World Congress of Public Health Nutrition in Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, Spain on the 9th through the 12th of November 2014.

Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Chairman of INC’s World Forum for Nutrition Research, will lead the symposium “Nuts in Health and Disease” on Monday, November 10th, from 5.00 to 7.00 pm.The symposium will gather renowned researchers and nutritionists to continue the dialogue about

the benefits of eating nuts.

Our partnership with events like health symposiums continue to generate millions of dollars of free publicity from distinguished influencers who generate press and PR interest in our industry, resulting in meaningful publicity for the nut and dried fruit sector. It is precisely this kind of PR, backed up by solid nutritional and scientific research, that has resulted in the increases in nut consumption that we have been witnessing over the last 20 years, removing them from the ‘must not eat’ dietician list, and placing them firmly on the ‘MUST EAT’ one.

Finally, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Antalya in Turkey, the site of the 2015 congress, and I am already very excited about this venue. Steeped in ancient history, the hotel and conference facilities are six-star! I urge you to consider bringing your families in 2015 as they will depart with some of the best memories ever of the superb Rixos Sungate Resort. Look for more details in late fall and register early.

Yours sincerely,

Giles Hacking INC Chairman

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

feature story feature story

The CIA’s of Flavor International Conference & The Worlds CIA’s Worlds of Flavor International Conference & Lettuce-Wrapped Spicy Spicy Lettuce-Wrapped Festival® is in itsis 14th the U.S. (www.worldsofflavor.

Festival® in itsyear 14thin year in the U.S. (www.worldsofflavor.

AlmondAlmond Chicken, Chicken, com) and is widely as America’s most influential com) and is acknowledged widely acknowledged as America’s most influentialPhoto Credit: CIA CIA Photo Credit: professional forum on world food cultures and flavor professional forum on cuisines, world cuisines, food cultures and flavor trends. trends.

Each year conference includesincludes more than chefs, Eachthis year this conference more70than 70 chefs, culinaryculinary experts,experts, and other presenters from all over the world and other presenters from all over theand world and welcomes more than attendees including chefs, journalists welcomes more700 than 700 attendees including chefs, journalists and food restaurant and foodservice management and critics, food critics, restaurant and foodservice management executives, corporate menu decision-makers and a wide executives, corporate menu decision-makers and arange wide range of suppliers, from leaders in agriculture and manufacturing to of suppliers, from leaders in agriculture and manufacturing to government agenciesagencies and topand consumer brands.brands. government top consumer The CIA’s WorldsWorlds of Flavor ASIA®ASIA® International The CIA’s of Flavor International Conference & Festival will bewill dedicated to the tocuisines, Conference & Festival be dedicated the cuisines, flavors flavors and food of Asia ofand their to inspire andcultures food cultures Asia andpotential their potential to inspire chefs and consumers around around the world. program is being chefs and consumers the The world.

The program is being designed to be the premier all-Asiaall-Asia professional culinary designed to be the premier professional culinary Food allergy is an international public health issue, and experts from around the world are working conference.

Initial attendance is expected to be 800 to 800 1,000to 1,000 conference.

Initial attendance is expected to be together to find solutions and help individuals, families and healthcare professionals manage the disease. culinary and hospitality professionals drawn from all over culinary and hospitality professionals drawn from allAsia over Asia and theand Pacific—including China, India, Southeast the Pacific—including China,Japan, India, Korea, Japan, Southeast that “the global nature of food production to Korea, allergenic foods. These guidelines, IN EUROPE Asia,GUIDELINES and Australia—with a significant outreach to the United Asia, and Australia—with a significant outreach to the which are United part of the comprehensive and manufacturing makes harmonization States, Europe andmillion Latin as well. program is slatedis slated States, andAmerica Latin America well.

This program More than Europe 17 Europeans haveasaThis food EAACI document, are consistent with the of allergen labeling recommendations to kick offkick inInearly to off in2014. earlyEuropean 2014. Academy of allergy.

June, the recommendations set forth in the NIH across the world a matter of increasing Allergy andofClinical Immunology Worlds of Healthy Flavors and Worlds of Flavor, along with Worlds Healthy Flavors and(EAACI) Worlds of guidelines Flavor, along andwith the American Academy of importance.” Challenges to achieving published for Food additional CIA Guidelines leadership initiatives, areAllergy a part the strategic additional CIA leadership initiatives, are of a part of the strategic Pediatrics’ policy statement on this issue. this goal include the lack of reliable food andinitiatives Anaphylaxis.

Similar todivision the National initiatives & industry leadership of the college headed headed & industry leadership division of the college allergen thresholds (the maximum amount FOOD LABELING up by Greg vice president of thefordivision.

Mr. Drescher Institutes of Health’s Guidelines up byDrescher, Greg Drescher, vice president ofthe the division.

Mr. ALLERGY Drescher of an allergenic food that can be tolerated is responsible for thought leadership, strategic Diagnosis andtheManagement of thought Food is responsible forcollege's the college's leadership, strategic Another international concern is the use without causing a reaction). However, partnerships andthe initiatives, industry conferences, andofnew media partnerships and initiatives, conferences, and new media allergen labeling (e.g., Allergy in United States,industry the EAACI precautionary studies in this area are currently underway. and guidelines is the oftothese and other "think andcreator is the ofprograms these programs andCIA other CIA tank" "think tank" aimcreator provide comprehensive, labels stating that a product “may contain” The authors of the article – including two initiatives.

He assumed his current title in title 2011 as which initiatives.

He assumed his current 2011 after serving as can cause confusion evidence-based recommendations forinafter anserving allergen), members of FARE’s Medical Advisory Board, executive director of managing strategic initiatives for Mr.CIA. Drescher executive director of strategic initiatives for the Drescher Currently, there is no diagnosing and patients whothe areCIA. amongMr.consumers.

Drs. Hugh Sampson and Scott Sicherer joined the CIAthe in CIA 1995,in and served nearly 10 years10asyears the firstthe first joined 1995, and served nearly at risk for life-threatening reactions. standardasfor these warning statements and (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, directordirector of education for the college's campus in St. Helena, of education for the college's campus in St. Helena, they are not consistently applied, which thehe May issue EAACI’s scientific New York, NY) – state that a globally agreed CA, In where oversaw theofdevelopment of the CIA at Greystone’s CA, where he oversaw the development of the CIA at Greystone’s that whether a company provides journal, Allergy, the EAACI Taskadvanced Force onstudies.means upon framework, which might be a balance program of continuing education and program of continuing education and advanced studies. these statements or not, consumers are not Prevention published a position paper between manufacturing legislation and All leadership initiatives led by the college, are supported by information partnerships and sponsorships.

Program sponsors have have All leadership initiatives led CIA, by thea not-for-profit CIA, a not-for-profit college, are supported by partnerships and sponsorships.

Program sponsors receiving standard, reliable and review article focusing on primary self-regulation, could be effective.

“At the opportunities to help to make impact on the future our industry and receive invaluable exposure of their products and brands to industry opportunities helpanmake an impact on the of future of our industry and receive invaluable exposure of their products and brands to industry about the product. very least,” they conclude, “international prevention of food allergy.

Following a decisiondecision makersmakers and opinion leaders.leaders.

Parties Parties interested in becoming program sponsors may contact Cathy Jörin, of Special ProjectsProjects and opinion interested in becoming program sponsors may contact CathyDirector Jörin, Director of Special consistency of the types of [precautionary 74 studies, the task force issued In a review article published in the April issue andreview Planning, Strategic Initiatives, CIA, at cathyjorin1@aol.com or 707.537.7742. and ofPlanning, Strategic Initiatives, CIA, at cathyjorin1@aol.com or 707.537.7742. statements] would be a significant early of the WAO [World Allergy Organization] guidelines for breastfeeding, introduction For more about the CIA andCIA our newJournal, Singapore campus, please visit these websites: www.ciachef.edu/ Forinformation more information about new Singapore campus, please visit these websites: www.ciachef.edu, www.ciachef.edu/ experts from eight countries noted stepwww.ciachef.edu, forward.” of complementary foods, and earlythe exposureand our singapore/index.html/ and www.ciaprochef.com. singapore/index.html/ and www.ciaprochef.com.

KEEP UP WITH CURRENT EVENTS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL NUT & DRIED FRUIT INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOCUS ON FOOD ALLERGY

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The Cracker | July 2014

Cafe Gourmet aG277 / SwiSS Gourmet Cafe aG Gourmet Tel. Gourmet +41 43 99 55/ SwiSS Fax: +41General 43 277 Str. 99Wille 57 General Wille 201Str. 201 switzerland@swissgourmet.com CH-8706 Feldmeilen CH-8706 Feldmeilen Switzerland Switzerland HONGKONG OFFICE: Tel +41 43 277 99 277 55 99 55 Tel +41 43 Tel. +852 2615 0080 Fax: 2615 0650 Fax +852 +41Fax 43 277 99 277 57 99 57 +41 43 hongkong@swissgourmet.com Mobile +41 79 +41 700 79 45 700 90 45 90 Mobile Email switzerland@swissgourmet.com www.swissgourmet.com Email switzerland@swissgourmet.com

MarchMarch 2012 |2012 The Cracker 21 | The Cracker

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WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

POTENTIAL FOR AUSTRALIA TO PLAY LARGER ROLE IN ASIAN FOOD SECURITY Australia could increase its food security role in Asia, with food consumption modeled under specific scenarios to more than double by 2030, according to new research from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The EIU report, commissioned by DuPont, considers scenarios for economic growth in the sector over the next decade, providing an outlook to 2030.

The report suggests that a real per-capita food consumption increase by 79 percent for developing countries, and more than double in China and South Asia, is needed.

This forecasted spike in food consumption considers the question of how the market gap may be filled. The report suggests that if Australia is to capitalize on this opportunity, the country should consider changes in the nation’s political and global approach toward agriculture. Despite these challenges, opportunities are available for Australia to make a greater contribution to Asian food security and increase the international competitiveness of its farming sector.

Experts predict that to ensure food security, with the increasing need for food in a developing Asia, will require sustained growth in agricultural productivity in the continent of 1-2 percent a year for the coming two decades. They also recognize that it will require investment and policy reforms if the rise in demand is to lead to better nutritional outcomes and a more foodsecure Asia.

The report also suggests that promoting inwards and outwards investment in agriculture is a necessary component of food security, both for importing countries and exporting countries. For example, DuPont is investing in Australia agriculture, through partnerships with farmers in crop protection, seed technology and in nutrition. The company identifies innovation as a critical element in addressing the food security challenge in Asia.

While partnerships between government and industry for R&D are well-established in Australia, there appears to be an opportunity to do more.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

U.S. CONSUMERS CONFUSED ABOUT ORGANIC LABELING

Organic products have risen in popularity in the past decade; however, there are still some questionable practices in the regulation of this industry. In addition, while most consumers purchase organic food, there is some concern about what consumers know about these products, and what they want regarding regulation of this industry.

In March, 2014, the Consumer ReportsÂŽ National Research Center conducted a nationally representative phone survey to assess consumer opinion regarding the labeling of organic food (tables for all questions are included in the appendix). Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) of Princeton, New Jersey administered the survey to a nationally representative sample of 1,016 adult U.S. residents (half of the respondents were women) through its CARAVAN Omnibus Survey.

Respondents were selected by means of random-digit dialing and were interviewed via phone. The data were statistically weighted so that respondents in the survey were demographically and geographically representative of the U.S. population. This report summarizes the findings from this survey.

SUBJECT OF ORGANIC FOOD LABELING RELEVANT TO MOST OF US POPULATION Findings show that the subject of organic food labeling is relevant to most of the US population. The majority of US consumers (84%) buy organic food; as much as 45% of Americans buy organic food once a month or more.

CONSUMERS THINK CHANGES NEEDED FOR LABELING ON ORGANIC PRODUCTS Most consumers believe that the organic label on produce currently means that no toxic pesticides were used (81%) or no antibiotics were used (66%); the vast majority of consumers feel that the organic label on produce should mean that no toxic pesticides (91%) or antibiotics were used (86%).

Most consumers think changes are needed to organic labeling on chicken and eggs; for example, while only half of consumers believe that this label currently means that the chickens’ living space met minimum size requirements, the majority (68%) feel this label should indicate this.

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The Cracker | July 2014

CONSUMERS WANT TO KNOW IF THEIR ORGANIC PRODUCE IS FROM A DIFFERENT COUNTRY If organic produce is from a different country, the overwhelming majority of consumers (84%) want origin labeling to reflect this.

CONSUMERS DEMAND STRONG FEDERAL STANDARDS FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTS Nearly all consumers (92%) want at least one federal standard for organic fish. The vast majority of consumers think federal standards should require that: (1) 100 percent organic feed is used, (2) no antibiotics or other drugs are used, and (3) no colors are added.

Consumers want constraints on the approval of artificial ingredient use in organic products; the majority of consumers (71%) want approval for as few artificial ingredients as possible.

An overwhelming percentage of consumers (84%) think the use of artificial ingredients in organic products should be discontinued, if not reviewed, after 5 years; few consumers (15%) endorse continued use of the artificial ingredient without review.

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

ORGANIC FOOD LABELING RELEVANT TO MOST CONSUMERS

CONSUMERS WANT MORE FROM ORGANIC LABEL ON PRODUCE

The majority of consumers (84%) buy organic food; nearly 45% of Americans buy organic food once a month or more. This suggests that the subject of organic food labeling is relevant to most US consumers.

In addition, the findings suggest that there are no compelling demographic differences (e.g., age, number of children, region) in frequency of organic food purchasing; this again confirms that the issue of organic food labels is relevant to most of the US public.

There is a difference between what consumers think the organic label on fruits and vegetables currently means, and what they want this label to mean. Most consumers believe that the organic label on produce currently means that no toxic pesticides were used (81%) and no antibiotics were used (66%). The vast majority of consumers feel that the organic label on produce should mean that no toxic pesticides (91%) and antibiotics were used (86%).

HOW OFTEN DO YOU TYPICALLY BUY FOOD LABELED 'ORGANIC'?

CONSUMERS THINK CHANGES NEEDED FOR ORGANIC LABELING ON CHICKEN AND EGGS

Respondents

Consumers want changes to the organic label on chicken and eggs.

The majority of consumers think that the organic label on chicken and eggs currently means that the chickens’ feed contained no artificial ingredients (74%), and that no antibiotics or other drugs were used (72%). An even greater percentage of consumers believe this label should mean that the chickens’ feed contained no artificial ingredients (88%) and that no antibiotics or other drugs were used (88%).

Buy organic food (Net)

84%

Every week

18%

2-3 times a month

18%

Once a month

9%

Rarely (less than once a month)

39%

Do not buy organic food

15%

Don't know/Unsure

1%

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July 2014 | The Cracker

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WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

STAND-UP POUCHES DEMAND GROWS Multiple benefits will continue to push U.S. pouch package demand through 2018. According to analysts, growth will be fueled by continued solid opportunities for stand-up pouches.� Advantages of superior aesthetic appeal, portability, light weight, reduced material use, and significantly lower shipping costs relative to rigid containers will foster strong acceptance in a broad range of consumer packaged goods uses.

Food and beverage markets comprise the majority of pouch demand, accounting for 80% of the total in 2013.

Nonfood markets for pouches will grow more rapidly than food and beverage markets, based on the further development of new applications in consumer goods resulting from sustainability advantages and strong opportunities for dissolvable pouches for laundry detergents.

MARYLAND RESTAURANT BILL LAUNCHED As the first target in a new FARE advocacy campaign aimed at improving food allergy awareness in restaurants, legislation is pending in Maryland that would require restaurant staff to receive training about food allergies. Sponsored by Sens. Jamie Raskin and Christopher Shank, and Delegates Sheila Hixson and Shawn Tarrant in the Assembly, the bill calls for restaurants to always have on site personnel with a food allergy training certificate and requires menu advisories. During the last months of 2013, FARE participated in a legislatively created task force that reviewed current and prospective Maryland restaurant laws and recommended that the state require restaurants to provide food allergy awareness training. The centerpiece of the bill is a restaurant training program modeled on the course developed by the National Restaurant Association and FARE. Similar legislation is expected in other states over the coming months, and FARE will alert food allergy advocates for support as they are introduced.

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The Cracker | July 2014

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

MARS TO POWER U.S. OPERATIONS WITH WIND ENERGY

U.S. EPINEPHRINE BILLS ADVANCE IN ILLINOIS AND CALIFORNIA As the food allergy community continues to work toward passage of legislation that allows or requires schools to stock epinephrine autoinjectors in every state, some states that have had laws or guidelines on the books for several years are undertaking efforts to strengthen them.

Mars, Inc. has embarked on a new mission. Through a partnership with Sumitomo Corp. of Americas, the company is investing in a wind farm that will generate 100% of the electricity needs for its U.S. operations, comprised of 70 sites, including 37 factories.

Based near Lamesa, Texas, Mesquite Creek Wind was developed by Sumitomo and BNB Renewable Energy. With an annual output of more than 800,000 megawatt-hours, the 118-turbine wind farm will produce energy for 24% of Mars’ total global factory and office carbon footprint, equivalent to the electricity required to power 61,000 households.

In Illinois, HB 5892 broadens the definition of who may administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a student (previously it was only a school nurse), increases the frequency of training from every three years to annually, and creates a statewide incident reporting system, among other improvements. The bill has unanimously passed both chambers of the legislature and now moves to Governor Pat Quinn’s desk.

In California, SB 1266 was introduced to require all schools to stock epinephrine, a change from the state’s existing law that simply allows schools to stock epinephrine. The bill faced huge hurdles by being assigned to four Senate committees. It has passed all of the committees, with some amendments that require the school to have a designated point person at the school to be trained. The bill now goes to the state assembly.

Representing the biggest long-term commitment to renewable energy use by a U.S. food manufacturing business, the wind farm moves Mars toward its goal of achieving more sustainable operations and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

This is a major renewable project that takes the company towards becoming carbon neutral in its operations. Development of Mesquite Creek began on the 25,000 acre site in 2008. Turbine delivery is expected to begin at the end of the summer, with commercial operations beginning in the second quarter of 2015.

TOMRA SAYS CHANGE OF ROLE INDICATES IMPORTANCE AND GROWTH POTENTIAL OF ASIAN MARKET TOMRA Sorting Food’s very strong growth across Asia has led to sales director responsibility for the region being split.

Sean Slevin will now focus on supporting customers and building the organization’s capability in countries outside China, particularly Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, southeast Asia and India. This follows Steven Van Geel being appointed sales director for China, where he will relocate and continue to develop the sales and customer support activities, including service, application development, and the company’s test and demonstration center.

TOMRA Sorting Food is a leading provider of sensor-based sorting and processing systems for the fresh and processed food industries.

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The Cracker | July 2014

Steven Van Geel

Sean Slevin

WORLD NUT & DRIED FRUIT NEWS

RESOURCE CONCERNS IN FOODBORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAKS There has been a significant reduction in foodborne illness program capacity, according to the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

NEHA was asked to conduct the assessment by the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR) to determine the capacity of local and state agencies in foodborne illness outbreak investigation and response. 33% of local agencies report more than 1,000 retail operations and 10% indicate more than 50 manufacturing facilities in their jurisdictions. Nearly half of state agencies (49%) report more than 10,000 retail facilities in their jurisdictions.

Outbreak investigations typically involve epidemiology, laboratory, and environmental health (EH) staff and partners in risk communication, public health, industry, and other disciplines. The report identified trends such as staff capacity, EH food safety training opportunities, outbreak detection and response capacity, capacity to implement control measures and prevention actives and inter-agency collaborations and cooperation.

Workforce numbers are declining and the loss of experienced EH professionals will be compounded by pending retirement, particularly at the local level, said the report. “More than 50% of local agencies expect 1–10% of their staff to retire within five years…nearly one-third (31%) of state agencies expect 11–25% of their staff to retire in that time period,” it said.

Using technology to maximise existing staff resources, standardising routine inspection procedures and adoption of risk-based inspection

systems will help staff resources. The report is based on 163 responses; 123 (75%) participants identify themselves as working at local agencies and 40 (25%) from state agencies. Local and state agencies are able to handle facility closures adequately, however, there is a lack of capacity to implement other, more long-term control measures, such as tracebacks, recalls, and embargos.

“39% of smaller local agencies and 24% of larger local agencies report they do not have capacity to undertake outbreak control measures effectively,” said the report. “For state agencies with jurisdictions greater than 1 million, 59% report capacity to handle environmental assessments/ investigations, yet 42% do not have the capacity to sample foods and 60% do not have the capacity to collect and process environmental swabs.”

NEHA reported that local and state agencies do not have the capacity to adequately address some areas relevant to foodborne illness prevention.

“For smaller local agencies, 22% do not have capacity to record and respond to foodborne illness complaints and 41% do not have capacity for pathogen-specific surveillance,” said the report. “Less than 40% of local and state agencies report regularly conducting a review of the data in the complaint log or database and foodborne outbreak investigations to identify trends and possible contributing factors.”

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July 2014 | The Cracker

13

MELBOURNE CONGRESS SERIES – SPECIAL REPORT 9

AGRICULTURE - THINKING FOR THE FUTURE A 30 YEAR HORIZON

by Peter Knoblanche - Group Executive, Rabobank Country Banking Australia

1. FOOD CHALLENGE OF THE NEXT 30 YEARS THE CHALLENGE

We need to produce More with Less

WORLD'S AGRICULTURAL LAND IS LIMITED

...and declining...to 0.5 ha per captia in 2050?

FOOD AND FARMING ARE IN THE SPOTLIGHT Avoiding the next GFC...

STRONG INCREASE IN WORLD FOOD DEMAND

income and population growth drive consumption growth

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The Cracker | July 2014

COMPETITION FOR SCARCE RESOURCES HAS INTENSIFIED Shifting balance of water use in Murray Darling Basin

What will be the balance in California?

MELBOURNE CONGRESS SERIES – SPECIAL REPORT

2. HOW WILL OUR CONSUMER BASE CHANGE OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS? 1980

2000

2013

GEOGRAPHICAL

A World dominated by US and Europe

Income growth throughout Asian region brings change

Asia begins to emerge

Proximity presents clear opportunities

GLOBAL EXPORTERS RELYING ON CHINESE DEMAND

Story Continues on Page 16 July 2014 | The Cracker

15

MELBOURNE CONGRESS SERIES – SPECIAL REPORT 9

CHINA'S DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFT DRIVING THIS DEMAND

China's cities will gain 182 million consumers in the next 10 years bringing the urban share to -70%

HOWEVER, WE ARE ONLY A DROP IN THE OCEAN

Should we be chasing volume or value?

Health and Wellbeing is driving the super food craze

ASIA ALREADY DOMINATES AUSTRALIA'S AGRICULTURAL EXPORT RETURNS Value of Autralian agriculture exports by region

BREAKTHROUGH BSI TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES SORTING EFFICIENCY

We sort a variety of nuts and dried fruit

Scan QR-Code with reader for more information on the Nimbus BSI

16

The Cracker | July 2014

TOMRA Sorting Solutions is proud to present its Nimbus free fall sorter with the next generation of spectral imaging BSI technology.

The Nimbus BSI free-fall sorter combines the efficiency of laser detection with the BSI module, which is specifically designed to identify the material’s unique fingerprint.

This results in a stronger contrast between good and bad produce.

TOMRA Sorting Solutions Food Interested in a free demonstration with your own products? Then visit our website or contact us directly: tomra.com/food or food-sorting@tomra.com

MELBOURNE CONGRESS SERIES – SPECIAL REPORT

3. THE NEXT 30 YEARS — SOME THOUGHTS FOR AGRICULTURE AND THE NUT AND DIRED FRUIT SECTOR TECHNOLOGY WILL HELP US SEE THE WORLD ANEW

COMMUNICATION HAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO CHANGE DRASTICALLY Communication direct to consumers will be vital over the coming years and digital communication will be the focal point

THE EMPLOYEES OF 2050 MAY LOOK VASTLY DIFFERENT

New complementary skills will be required

Story Continues on Page 18

July 2014 | The Cracker

17

MELBOURNE CONGRESS SERIES – SPECIAL REPORT 9

APPS ARE ALREADY BEGINNING TO CHANGE THE WAY WE FARM

URBAN VERTICAL FARMING

SELF GUIDED "GHOST" SHIPS, WHAT ELSE IS POSSIBLE

About the Rabobank Group With over 110 years of banking experience, Rabobank is the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Founded in the Netherlands in 1898, by farmers for farmers, Rabobank retains its cooperative structure and founding principles while operating in 47 countries around the world.

About the Rabobank Group

Rabobank is among the 30 largest financial institutions in the world, based on Tier 1 Capital with a continuing and growing presence in Australia and New Zealand.

With over 110 years of banking experience, Rabobank is the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Founded in the Netherlands in 1898,and

by Rabobank farmers forNew farmers, Rabobank its cooperative structureGroup. and founding principles while operating in 47 Rabobank Australia Zealand are partretains of the international Rabobank Rabobank Australia Limited is a leading countries around the world. rural lender in Australia and takes pride reinvesting back into the local agricultural community. Rabobank understands the cyclical nature of agribusiness and takes a long-term view of the industry, using its established network of strategically located branches Rabobank is among largest to financial in the world, based on Tier 1 Capital with a continuing and growing presence in across Australia and the New30Zealand serviceinstitutions rural clients.

Australia and New Zealand.

As well as global knowledge and local market expertise, Rabobank rural managers have a genuine understanding of their clients’ Rabobank Australia and Rabobank New Zealand part of the resource international Rabobank Group. Rabobank Limitedbusiness is a leading businesses.

This unique approach provides a realare value-adding to help clients achieve their shortAustralia and long-term rural lender in Australia and takes pride reinvesting back into the local agricultural community. Rabobank understands the cyclical goals. nature of agribusiness and takes a long-term view of the industry, using its established network of strategically located branches across Australia and New Zealand to service rural clients.

As well as global knowledge and local market expertise, Rabobank rural managers have a genuine understanding of their clients’ For more information Rabobank products services click on the links below: businesses.

This uniqueon approach provides a realand value-adding resource to help clients achieve their short and long-term business goals.

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This document is issued by Rabobank Australia Limited incorporated in Australia (“Rabobank”). The information and opinions contained in this document have been compiled

or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable,products but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to their accuracy, completeness or correctness. This For more information on Rabobank and services click on the links below:

document is for information purposes only and is not, and should not be construed as, an offer or a commitment by Rabobank or any of its affiliates to enter into a transaction.

This information is not professional advice and has not been prepared to be used as the basis for, and should not be used as the basis for, any financial or www.rabobank.com.au www.rabobank.co.nz strategic decisions. This information is general in nature only and does not take into account an individual’s personal circumstances. All opinions expressed in this document are subject to change without notice. Neither Rabobank, nor other legal entities in the group to which it belongs, accept any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, consequential or other loss or damage howsoever arising from any use of this document or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. This document may not Thisreproduced, document is issued by or Rabobank Australia Limited incorporated in Australia (“Rabobank”).

Thewritten information andofopinions contained in this document compiled be distributed published, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except with the prior consent Rabobank.

All copyrights, including have thosebeen within the or arrivedofatthe from sources Act believed be reliable, but noAustralian representation or warranty, or implied, is made asagree to their or correctness. meaning Copyright 1968 to (Cth), are reserved. law shall apply. Byexpress accepting this document you to accuracy, be bound completeness by the foregoing restrictions. This document is for information purposes only and is not, and should not be construed as, an offer or a commitment by Rabobank or any of its affiliates to enter into a © RabobankThis Australia Limited, 16 Darling advice Park Tower 3, 201 Street Sydney Australia, 2 for, 8115 4000 transaction. information is Level not professional and has not Sussex been prepared to be used as the+61 basis and should not be used as the basis for, any financial or strategic decisions. This information is general in nature only and does not take into account an individual’s personal circumstances. All opinions expressed in this document are subject to change without notice. Neither Rabobank, nor other legal entities in the group to which it belongs, accept any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, 39 consequential or other loss or damage howsoever arising from any use of this document or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. This document may not be reproduced, distributed or published, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except with the prior written consent of Rabobank. All copyrights, including those within the meaning of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), are reserved. Australian law shall apply. By accepting this document you agree to be bound by the foregoing restrictions.

18

The Cracker | July 2014

© Rabobank Australia Limited, Level 16 Darling Park Tower 3, 201 Sussex Street Sydney Australia, +61 2 8115 4000

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July 2014 | The Cracker

19

XXXIII World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress 20-22 May 2014

The XXXIII World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, Melbourne 2014 can be summed up in 3 key points: • Networking with Top-level Managers & Meeting Point • Keynote Speakers & Global Industry Leaders • Premier Exhibitors & Sponsorship Opportunities

Attendance • 861 people from 46 countries

Top 10 Attendance Countries: 1. USA 2. Australia 3. China 4. Turkey 5. UK 6. Spain 7. Japan 8. India 9. Germany 10. Netherlands

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The Cracker | July 2014

We thank all sponsors, advertisers, speakers and participants for contributing to the XXXIII World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress Melbourne 2014!

July 2014 | The Cracker

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Report of the INC Advisory Committee Abstract of the Speech by Mr. Don Soetaert as Spokesman of the INC Advisory Committee at the INC General Assembly of Members in Melbourne, May 22nd, 2014.

Don Soetaert INC Advisory Committee

Good morning Nuts! How’s your vision this early morning after last night 20-20? My first advice to the Board comes out of BUSINESS CLASS 101. “Some of the worst business decisions are made when times are good.” If you are in NUTS have you ever seen or heard of better times than these? I remember the advice from my grandfather, a farmer, who immigrated to the US 113 years ago from Brugge, Belgium.

He said “Anytime you chase two rabbits, they are both going to get away.” In other words, his advice is to STAY FOCUSED.

If you play Golf, or Baseball, two very popular but very different activities, you nevertheless hear the exact same advice from the coach, “keep your eye on the ball.” If you succeed you may hit some HOMERUNS in baseball and if you are lucky, a HOLE-IN-ONE in Golf… You can’t do any better than a HOMERUN, so in business in the US we often use the term to describe an exceptional achievement. The Treenut industry has been hitting a lot of Homeruns lately. They got in the game because of the INC. Did you hear our keynote speaker yesterday speak of the 20 year timeframes of life? We have proof of this theory from Cairns, Australia exactly 20 years ago.

My friend Chris Joyce and I were responsible for the Convention. We had 143 delegates and 57 accompanying persons for a total of 200. “Well”, Chris said to me, “what are you going to say to these nuts?” He said “that again?” Aren’t you tired of repeating that over and over for the past 2 years? I said YES, but someone has to say it. Here is the Cracker from 20 years ago and it starts out with my picture which I notice is about the only thing that hasn’t changed in 20 years.

My speech began with this “If we are to grow the tree nut business, we must change consumer perception about the nutrition of nuts. By “we,” I mean you and me. We must educate the consumer about the good fat in tree nuts and the abundance of vitamins, minerals and protein. Not all fat is bad fat… nuts, a plant food, have the good fat”.

The Treenut industry found its way out of a downward spiral of the 80’s and early 90’s when we knew nothing but PRICE to help us sell more nuts. We did not know the VALUE of our own product. The consumer did not know why they should pay ANY PRICE AT ALL! We treated nuts like wheat or soybeans or sugar e.g.…. The bigger the crop the lower the price. We were a miserable bunch of nuts having a lot of fun but We Did Not Know What We Did Not Know.

In addition, doctors, nutritionists, opinion makers, food writers, food manufacturers, knew nothing about NUTS either and we faced WORLDWIDE condemnation of our product for containing high fat and cholesterol and a lot of empty calories to help you gain weight and “kick the bucket” early. The medical and nutrition community and the drug companies were misleading our consumers. We had no answers for this 20 years ago.

In 1993 we set out to prove these theories wrong. INC provided the forum to unite the nine Treenuts with a common goal. “Validate the NUT CATEGORY.” Take off your individual nut hat and join the TEAM. The team began hitting HOMERUNS in 1994 exactly 20 years ago in Australia and a month later at the first International Treenut Symposium held in San Francisco. This was a significant milestone to get Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts Macs, Pecan, Pistachios, and Walnuts, all to agree to a program to benefit the Treenut CATEGORY.

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The Cracker | July 2014

This cooperation has continued for 20 consecutive years under the INC NREF brand (Nutrition Research and Education Foundation) which has invested approximately $10 million in Research. We hit the all time longest Homerun in history when on November 20, 2013 the research that INC NREF sponsored was completed on nearly 120,000 people and just weeks ago the following excerpts hit the worldwide air waves.

The largest study of its kind, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, finds that people who eat a handful of nuts every day live longer than those who do not eat them at all.

Scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Harvard School of Public Health came to this conclusion after analyzing data on nearly 120,000 people collected over 30 years.

The most obvious benefit was reduction of 29 percent in deaths from heart diseases. But we also saw a significant reduction - in the risk of dying from cancer.” The more nuts people ate, the less likely they were to die.

Can you imagine any other food in the world which can claim such benefits?

There is NONE. And NUTS are not a processed food! They are SUPER FOOD. Congratulations to the Treenut industry. It could not have been done without INC as the CATALYST to get 7 Treenuts from multiple countries working together. Whoever thought a room full of NUTS could claim to be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise?

Finally, a bit of advice from the famous baseball player, Yogi Berra “If you don’t know where you are going, you may end up somewhere else”. Finally, since I still have a couple of hours, I want to add on just one more point. It spins off John Bertrand’s inspiring talk yesterday. He said one should be looking ahead 20 years. What will INC look like in 20 years? What did it look like 20 years ago?

In the past 20 years, our industry went from the POOR HOUSE to the PENT HOUSE. Where do we go from here? No matter what it may be, if it is somewhat like the past 20, the vast majority of us won’t be here… even if we eat twice as many Nuts or only Nuts. Only 20 people are here in Melbourne who were in Cairns 20 years ago.

My question to the Board is “Is INC organized to serve the best interests and needs of the MEMBERS of this industry today which are very different from 20 years ago? We have MAJOR elements never thought of 20 years ago facing us now… such as FOOD SAFETY, for example.

Who will be here to volunteer their time to INC such as Board members now do?

I think the Board should consider taking a 20 year physical and taking a look at the 20 years ahead.

It is 2014, since there are 6 of us who rotate to give advice to the Board, guess when it is my turn next? 2020.

Thank you, Don Soetaert Past President

Scientific Seminar Chaired by Pino Calcagni, INC Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Scientific and Government Affairs Committee, the Scientific Seminar provided participants with key topics of interest such as sustainability, food safety, international agricultural quality standards, sampling plan, European food labelling law and other scientific-technical issues.

The program started with a presentation by Pino Calcagni on the importance of sustainability. Calcagni outlined that environmental sustainability initiatives associated with social behaviour and a healthy product image perceived by consumers have a great impact in the food chain, and in particular the nut and dried fruit sector.

Julie Adams, Vice President of the Almond Board of California gave a presentation on “Evolving Food Safety Priorities“. Adams pointed out government priorities like contaminants, microbial contamination and pesticides, and reflected on what’s on the global horizon and the role for the INC as the official voice of the industry.

Sam Keiper, President and CEO of the DFA of California presented the lectures “Agricultural Quality Standards” and “Sampling Plan for Tree Nuts and Dried Produce”. He reviewed the goals of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) related to produce standards, current Standards under review, and current works on the sampling plan.

EU’s Food Information Regulation was presented by John O’Neill from Tesco Stores. O’Neill talked about the FIR labeling –the first significant review of EU food labelling for 30 years. He highlighted the critical points of the new rule, and reflected on impacts and challenges.

Nutrition Update Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Chairman of the INC World Forum of Nutrition Research and Dissemination reviewed the objectives, composition and priority areas of activity of the Forum, with emphasis on the Call for Research Projects. In addition, he highlighted the participation of the Forum in scientific symposia worldwide.

Some new results in relation to the PREDIMED were described with key data and results. The study has been the second article more cited in social networks and the scientific article more cited in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2013.

Finally, Prof. Salas-Salvadó explained the most important health studies conducted in relation to nuts and dried fruit consumption since the last INC Congress in Barcelona 2013.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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INC Awards Recognize Trajectory, Lifetime Achievements and Excellence INC awarded four leaders on different fields giving tribute to their exceptional contribution on the nuts and dried fruit business.

Congratulations to all winners!

The Individual Golden Nut Award was delivered to John Waring for its successful trajectory in the nuts industry.

John Waring entered the industry in 1960 and in 1965 in his own right. Later joined by Griff Jorgenson and the Company became known as Jorgenson Waring (Australia) Pty Ltd holding the majority of the shares in Chris Joyce’s Nut Trading Company in Sydney.

Later the Company was acquired by Joe White Malting’s with John Waring a major Shareholder and a member of the board. Then John Waring became the founder of the Waring Group / MWT Foods and up to this date John Waring is in his 55th year in the industry and the 50th year in his own right involved in tea, coffee, vegetable oils, dried fruit and desiccated coconut and are large growers and processors of Macadamia.

His present position is Chairman of Waring Group / MWT Foods, Vice Chairman of Donafoods-Thai Binh and President of Australian Cashew Association.

John Waring’s accreditations are a medal from the Vietnamese Government under VINACAS, opening new markets, workers conditions and factory facilities and workers hygiene practice. Since 1990 John Waring has made 105 visits to Vietnam.

John Waring is heavily involved with investments and production in Vietnam and involved in other activities of products under MWT Foods.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Chris Joyce who has been involved in the Australian nut industry since the 1970s as an import distributor; grower of pistachios; and, packer of almonds and pistachios.

He is currently a Member of the Board of Nut Producers Australia, Australian Nut Industry Council, Chairman of Nuts for Life and the Pistachio Grower’s Association Research Committee. He was the Congress Chairman of the successful IV World Nut and Dried Fruit INC Convention in Cairns in 1994. Chris has also been collaborating as INC Ambassador since 1994.

The Award for Excellence in Research was delivered to Dr. Emilio Ros, a Senior Consultant and the Director of the Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Spain.

He has devoted his career to the study of nutrition in relation to cardiovascular risk, with particular interest in nuts and their health effects. He has led many clinical projects on the effects of nuts on blood lipids, endothelial function, blood pressure, postprandial events, inflammation, cognitive health, etc. He has also directed the landmark study PREDIMED, whereby a Mediterranean diet enriched with mixed nuts reduced major cardiovascular diseases.

Australia’s leading and most influential chef Neil Perry received the Award for Excellence in Gastronomy. He has managed several quality restaurants in Australia and today concentrates on his flagship brand, the Rockpool Group, which includes Rockpool, Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Spice Temple Sydney and Melbourne, and Rosetta Ristorante.

Since its opening in 1989, Rockpool has developed into a world-class restaurant, winning many prestigious awards both in Australia and overseas. Perry’s passion and the importance he places on quality are evident in all his dishes, the business projects he undertakes, the charities he supports and the success his restaurants enjoy.

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The Cracker | July 2014

Abstract of the Speech by Mr. John Waring after receiving the Individual Golden Nut Award at the INC Congress in Melbourne, May 22nd, 2014. … with additional things I wished to say.

I invited my three present partners, Michael, Chris and Andrew Waring (the next generation), to join me when I humbly accepted the award after 55 years in the industry and 50 years in my own right.

In my youth I played a lot of football and was a good player. Years later at a function my mate Ian Palmer said “John was a great footballer and when he knocked a player down he always held his arm out to help them up”. But Ian said “when I knock them down, I knock them again so they would stay down”. I have always disagreed with Ian and in my business career I was right because I have helped people when they were down and many people have helped me up.

Many things and people have had an influence on my life: my schooling where I learnt leadership and sportsmanship which goes hand in hand with business, monastery life, national Service, the dreadful feeling in the gut with no money, watching shipments arriving from all parts of the world with a desire to join that trade, working as a builder’s labourer, having a great father and mother, working as a shipping clerk with HJ Langdon, which is still the oldest importing company in Australia. Later I went into business in my own right and I had great partners: Griff Jorgenson and Chris Joyce. I am in great debt to Chris who introduced me the largest Turkish Hazelnut handler in the world, “Felix Krull”.

My philosophy was and today stands if you have knowledge of logistics and the products you handle only then can you best consult your customers.

I directed my three sons to do this and they have all done it this way.

During my career my achievements have been as follows: • Developing Jorgensen Waring Australia with Nut Trading, achieving the largest and most efficient traders in our industry in Australia.

• Original agent for Almond Growers Cooperative now called Almondco.

• Two times I saved Almond Growers Cooperative.

• Many agencies from famous companies from who we became major suppliers to the Australian confectionary industry.

• One of the original investors under Eric Lacey Almond Growers Cooperative developing almond orchards in the Riverlands at Lindsay Point which during the original years under Almond Growers Cooperative supported Almondco where it stands today.

• The purchase of Renshaw Australia.

• From my experience travelling around California I learnt the value of water for the agriculture and horticulture industries.

• Developing MWT Foods.

• Working for 22 years in Vietnam with 105 visits in 2004 renovating and building cashew factories to Western standards and investing in a joint venture building a state of the art factory capable of shelling 35, 000 metric ton per annum and educating the Vietnamese Food Safety and Workers Hygiene which over the 22 years I have received two awards from the Vietnamese Government.

• The secondary award I received on Monday the 19th of May at the end of the meeting between VINACAS titled “Heritage Award”.

• During the same time with private investments I have no idea how I did everything whilst also building my business.

• Michael, Christopher and Andrew over the years at MWT Foods have brilliantly adjusted to the changes in the market place.

John Waring with his family Individual Golden Nut Award The people who have influenced me and have assisted my success as to where I am today: Jack Axer, Alick Renshaw, Walter Payne, Sabit Sabair, Antonio Pont, Horst Palm, Gunter Arlt, Jack Feder, Skip Hubbert, Chris Joyce, Herk Shamgochian, Don Soetaert, Chris Hacking, Ed Phippen, Jens Borchert, Peter Morgan, Griff Jorgenson, Michael Fleming, Gill & Duffus Landauer, J.H. Rayner & Co, Field & Co, Pino (Giuseppe) Calcagni, Jack Mariani, Thomas Barrett, Dr Pisani, Ludwig Spies & Co, Alexander Pisani, Jos. A Zaloom & Co, The Richard Franco Agency, Quin Scalzo, Harold Hackett, John Ward, Haig Berberian, Cheng Hung Kay, Iracema Brazil, Henry Almeida Brazilian Cashew Kernels, VINACAS (Vietnam Cashew Association), Maseto, Ringo Poon…

There are many others that I may have missed but they are all in my heart.

I would like to give you some anecdotes from my past. But obviously I cannot get through all of them but here are a few.

• Chris Joyce and I from time to time would throw telephones at each other between Sydney and Melbourne and about 10 minutes later we had to talk about another matter and the previous telephone conversation was forgotten and behind us and that’s the way it should be.

• Don Soetaert was a man of decisions and when Chris and I travelled to Sun Diamond walnuts to visit the plant at Stockton factory, we were using bicycles to watch the walnut meats traveling for miles over various conveyer belts and at that time we had a problem selling Sun Diamond walnut halves because of scuffed shoulders on the halves. That day we discussed with the production manager to make a small line especially for Australia and to their surprise they turned out with no scuffing which put them into the Australian market and later into the Japanese market.

• The first time I met Jack Mariani I was introduce by Ed Phippen and we went into his office. Ed was the leader so I just sat back and looked at Jacks desk and believe me there was mail unopened from 3 to 6 months on. The thought that was running through my mind what does this guy do.

In the afternoon we played golf and I said to the people we were playing with including Jack “If I break 100 it will rain”. But for some reason I had one of those off days with 85 off the stick and it never rained and I have never been forgiven for winning that golf round.

• Pino Calcagni of whom I am honoured to join as a prior awardee. I first met Pino in the office of Horst Palm. Some years later Andrew and I visited Pino’s office and made a presentation for Australian Almonds and Macadamias with Pino drifting in and out of the office. At the end of the presentation Pino came in and said to his staff “I hope you have learnt something from these two Kangaroos”. One time Pino and I were together at a VINACAS Golden Cashew Rendezvous to make speeches. When I completed my speech Pino graciously said “The Waring’s again have got it right” and this was a great honour to hear that from such a great man. I have never seen a man taking their Jonny Walker into a cup of black tea.

I wish I had time for more anecdotes because they are all very special to me.

Sometimes I think how achieved much success but I put it down to travelling the world as a did I was fortunate to be in the right places at the right time John Waring

July 2014 | The Cracker

25

Congress Officially Opens. From left to right: Michael Waring, Congress Chairman, Goretti Guasch, INC Executive Director and Jack Mariani, INC Past Chairman.

Almonds Satellite Parallel Meeting.

Congress Welcome by Giles Hacking, INC Chairman.

Coffee Break sponsored by Indufrut.

Macadamias Satellite Parallel Meeting.

Hazelnuts Satellite Parallel Meeting.

Cashews Satellite Parallel Meeting sponsored by CEPCI.

Dried Fruit Seminar.

Caricatures sponsored by ANIC.

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The Cracker | July 2014

Welcome Cocktail sponsored by V. Besana.

July 2014 | The Cracker

27

Almonds Round Table.

Keynote Speaker John Bertrand, International Sportsman, Businessman and Philanthropist. The Principals of Leadership.

Macadamias, Pine Nuts and Brazil Nuts Round Table.

Coffee Break sponsored by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella.

Walnuts Round Table.

Hazelnuts Round Table.

Pecans Round Table.

Buffet Working Lunch sponsored by Rajkumar.

Scientific Seminar.

Nutrition Update by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvad贸.

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The Cracker | July 2014

Casual Dinner sponsored by Select Harvest at National Gallery of Victoria.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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Report of the INC Advisory Committee by Don Soetaert.

INC General Assembly.

Pistachios Round Table.

Antalya 2015 Congress Presentation by Cuneyd Zapsu.

INC Report of Activities & Strategic Plan

by Goretti Guasch.

Buffet Working Lunch sponsored

by Sun-Maid Growers of California.

Coffee Break sponsored by Crain Walnut Shelling.

Cashews Round Table.

Peanuts Round Table.

Keynote Speaker Peter Knoblanche from Rabobank. Agriculture - A 30 Year Horizon.

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The Cracker | July 2014

Gala Cocktail.

INC Ambassadors.

INC Executive Committee and Staff.

Gala Dinner and Ball sponsored by the Australian Macadamia Industry.

Chinese Delegation.

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OUR PEOPLE INC AMBASSADORS The P.R., Membership and Ambassador’s Committee deals with issues related to new members, fees & dues, and establishes the best relations with all nut and dried fruit boards, the officials of the different countries and all industries using nuts and dried fruits. Ambassadors are requested to have a proactive attitude in order to motivate and incorporate new members.

MICHAEL WARING, AUSTRALIA - CHAIRMAN Managing Director of MWT Foods, Australia and MWT Agri Services. Chairman of MWT Foods USA LLC, and Laurel Nut Company USA (Hazelnut Processor). CEO of Waring Group, includes investments, nut processing operations in Vietnam and Macadamia Plantations in Australia. Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the INC.

FRANCISCO ASSIS, BRAZIL. Assis started working with cashew products in 1979, when he opened his first cashew processing factory in Mossoró-RN, Brazil. After consolidating its brand in the market, he opened a second unit in Aquiraz-CE, Brazil, in 2002 and a third in New Jersey in 2004. Now is oppening a fourth one in Ghana for 2015.

RANJEET WALLIA, CANADA. When Wallia attended the 1997 INC Congress in London, he was over-whelmed by the vision of competitors to come together for the Greater Good of Promoting Nuts. CHI Commodities Handers Inc. has received Annual VINACAS Awards for supporting the cashew industry. When speaking at conferences, he advocates the health benefits of Nuts, Sustainability, Food Safety, Good Governance and Transparency.

SIEGFRIED VON GEHR, CHILE.

OSCAR E. VERGARA, ARGENTINA. Oscar has traded dried fruits and nuts for 25 years.

He first joined the INC because he discovered a body of professional people “where to exchange our trading experience and market knowledge in a healthy environment”, he recalls. “Our commercial dream is to turn Vergara y CIA into the INC´s permanent professional link to Argentina.”

CHRISTOPHER JOYCE, AUSTRALIA. Chris has been involved in the nut industry since the 1970s as an import distributor, grower of pistachios, and packer of almonds and pistachios.

He is currently a Member of the Board of Nut Producers Australia, Australian Nut Industry Council, Chairman of Nuts for Life and the Pistachio Grower’s Association Research Committee. He was the Chairman of the INC Congress in Cairns in 1994.

FRANK VAEREWIJCK, BELGIUM. Frank joined the INC in 1989 and has assisted to 23 Congresses since then. He has been Member of the Board (1991-2011), General Secretary (1992-1995) and, along with Antonio Pont and Pino Calcagni, he created the Ambassadors Committee, which he chaired for many years.

Frank organized a Symposium with the European Commission in 1990, and cooperated in the INC Congress in Luxemburg in 1995.

INC Ambassador since 2005, Siegfried organized the 2008 INC Congress in Santiago de Chile. More attendees than expected came to see the still minor developed Nut and Dried Fruit production of the country. This has changed considerable since then and today Chile is an important producer in the Southern Hemisphere, especially for Walnuts and Prunes.

CHEN YING, CHINA. Chen Ying, director of Cereal and Oils Department of CFNA (China Chamber of Commerce for Imports & Exports of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products) is an expert in international trade, policy analysis of Tree Nuts Industry through more than 2 decades that she dedicated to the Chinese Tree Nuts Industry. She is a member of the INC Board of Directors and Ambassador for China.

ALEXIS SUMAR, FRANCE.

CEO of Voicevale France, Sumar is very active in nuts and dried fruits since 1992 as an importer, and close to the Turkish Hazelnut Promotion Group.

“We are expanding in the East bloc countries and developing projects for nut and dried fruits for Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine and Poland.”

RICHARD MONNIER, FRANCE.

JOSÉ EDUARDO CAMARGO, BRAZIL. Born in Dois Córregos, in Brazil, José Eduardo Mendes Camargo is the President of ABM, the Brazilian Association of Macadamias. He is shareholder of Queen Nut Macadamia, and 3rd Vice President of the Center of Industries of Sao Paulo (CIESP).

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The Cracker | July 2014

Deeply involved in the Nuts and Dried Fruits business since 1988, INC Ambassador for France since 2010, Richard Monnier is director of Monnier & Partners SAS. This brokerage company, dedicated to Quality and Customer Service, Always in the Kernel of the Market, bridges European end-Users with the best origin processors.

OUR PEOPLE INC AMBASSADORS THOMAS APFEL,

ALESSANDRO ANNIBALI,

Apfel joined Max Kiene GmbH in 2006, INCAmbassador for Germany since 2009, Member of the Board of Directors since 2011 and Member Board of Nucis e.V. Deutschland since 2012. “Since 2007 I attended every INC Congress. This gave me the opportunity to get into touch with suppliers from all over the world.”

President and CEO of New Factor, Annibali was Coordinator of the Dry Fruit and Nut Commission of Fruitimprese, the Italian Association of Importers and Exporter of Fruits and Vegetables for 9 years, founding Nucis Italy under his direction. He started a walnut farming in Central Valley in 1997, and founded and managed the Ukrainian processing company Italobonifica SRL from 1999 until 2011.

ITALY.

GERMANY.

JAN VINCENT RIECKMANN, GERMANY. Rieckmann is the director of the Dried Fruit & Nut Division at the agricultural trading company August Töpfer & Co. (Hamburg, Germany). He is holding an MBA in International Management from John Moores University (Liverpool, UK) and is a specialist in commodity trading and private label retail business.

KAZUO JULIAN TAGAWA, JAPAN. Ambassador since 1997. Established Tanto Corporation in 1976 and became President. Tagawa is a well-known legendary figure in Japan for the nut and dried fruit industry. Dedicated to a pioneering work to create market in Japan for California nuts and dried fruits, Arizona pecans, as well as Australian macadamias, French prunes etc.

MBUGUA NGUGI, KENYA. Managing director of Kenya Nut Company Ltd for 4 years now and previously the sales director for 3 years and the business development manager for 3 years.

INC Ambassador since 2013, after his father Pius M. Ngugi, who had been Ambassador since 2002.

CHENG HUNG KAY, HONG KONG. INC Golden Nut Award, Hung Kay led the creation of artificial opening pistachios from California in 1975.

He was the first to assist Cal. industry to sort pistachio kernels and turn closed shell pistachios into a value added product; the first to work with a Hong Kong pistachio and macadamia dealer; to name pistachios in Chinese (Happy Nuts) in 1974 and macadamias (Hawaiian Nuts) in 1975; and to introduce Chinese pine nuts to the US market in 1978.

FARHAN HASSAN, KUWAIT.

Farhan Hassan heads Al Homaizi Food Industries, Kuwait, representing the Al Rifai brand of Nuts, Dried Fruits, Coffee and Middle Eastern confectionery in the Middle East and North African market. Al Rifai brand is the largest brand across Retail as well as Supermarkets in the Middle East and North Africa.

PRATAP NAIR, INDIA.

Pratap Nair has been Ambassador for India since 2001 and member of the Board of Directors since 2012. He is a member of the Committee of Administration of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India and Managing Partner of Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company, one of the pioneers in the manufacture and export of cashews from India.

HANI AKZAM, LEBANON. Akzam joined Noorco in 1996, and became Assistant Marketing Manager in 2006. He has been brokering edible tree nuts & dry fruits, among other agricultural products since 2005, and has dedicated his professional career to marketing research, branding & promotion of tree nuts & dry fruits in emerging markets in the MENA region.

PANKAJ N. SAMPAT, INDIA. INC Member since 2007 and Ambassador since 2013. As Director of family-owned Samsons Trading Co, Pankaj has been involved (as broker) in trading of Edible Nuts (mainly cashews, peanuts and walnuts) since 1980. A keen follower of developments and trends -technical and commercial- in cashews, and an ardent supporter of the Global Cashew Council.

PARISSA RAFII, LUXEMBOURG.

President & Purchasing at Ireco Trading & Production SA. Ireco was established in 1971 with the aim of introducing pistachios to the European market.

Parissa joined the family business in 1991. She occupies the function of President Ireco T &P since 2012. Her first INC Congress was in Manaus 1992.

She organized with her father the INC Congress in 1995 in Luxembourg. INC Ambassador since 2009.

ASADOLLAH ASGAROLADI, IRAN.

Hassas Export Co. Ltd. Ambassador since 2002.

VITALI LEVY,

FIODOR SLANINA,

Mial Impex Ltd. Ambassador since 2013.

Prometeu-T S.A.. Ambassador since 2013.

ISRAEL.

MOLDOVA.

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OUR PEOPLE INC AMBASSADORS KHALID BENNANI,

KOUROSH MOJIBIAN,

Khalid Bennani is Managing Director of SANTIS Company. He graduated in Engineering from E.N.S.I - Caen-France (Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs) and obtained a Master degree in Management at University of Caen France in 1986. He undertook different economic activities covering Finance, Trade and Management prior to joining SANTIS.

“I was sent to Russia by my very distinguished and honorable uncle, Mr. Mehdi Agah (world renowned and highly accomplished in Pistachios) in 1997 as his protégé and have been learning ever since.”

Involved in imports, processing and distribution of all kinds of tree nuts and dried fruits, Mojibian joined the INC in 2001.

MOROCCO.

KEES VAN DE SANDT, THE NETHERLANDS. In the Dried Fruit and Nut business since 1976, Kees van de Sandt has been Member of the INC Board for 6 years, and the Board of the Netherlands Dried Fruit Association (NZV) for 15 years, of which 11 as treasurer and 4 as chairman. He has been board member of FRUCOM. He is still arbitrator for NZV.

KEES BLOKLAND, THE NETHERLANDS. Director of Global Trading & Agency, Kees is active in nuts & dried fruit since 1993. Specialized broker with over 20 years of expertise, specially on cashews, macadamias and walnuts, and a passion to develop sustainable value chains from African processors to the international market. Co-founder of the African Cashew Alliance and active within the African Cashew Initiative.

RUSSIA.

RUSTAM KUSHU, RUSSIA.

Rustam Kushu joined the nut and dried fruit business in 2005 at Orekhprom Ltd. “After several INC Congresses, I understood the importance of promotion of nuts and dried fruits. I hope we can bring new members for INC, explain to people all the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits, and increase their consumption in Russia.”

AMIT KHIRBAT, SINGAPORE. Khirbat joined Olam in 1998 and currently holds the position of Senior Vice President & Head of Cashew Division for Olam International Limited. In his previous role as Vice President of Cashew Business for Africa, he managed the cashew business in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Benin, Nigeria, Tanzania and Mozambique. Prior to this he was responsible for Olam’s cashew business in India.

CHRISTOPHER HARLEM, NORWAY.

INC Ambassador since 2011, after his father Erik Harlem, who had been Ambassador since 1988.

Born in Oslo, Norway in 1974, Christopher moved to the USA in 1991 where he finished his degree in Business and Administration. He founded VOSS Water in 1997, and joined the family business Harlem Food, market leader in nuts & dried fruits in 2002.

OLIVER SIO, PHILIPPINES. At 36, Oliver Sio is Managing Director of Primex Group of Companies, Philippines, world’s largest processor of coconuts. The key origin of his success is leading over 4,000 dedicated employees in delivering strict Quality standards with a seal of guarantee in all their coconut products.

JORGE CARQUEJA, PORTUGAL.

Jorge began his career in 1978 at his grandfather’s almond export business founded in 1928. He soon started to endorse the health benefits of nuts through TV, print media, websites, issuing tree nut postage stamps, and collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry. He was invited by António Magalhães to join the organization of the INC Congress in Lisbon in 1988.

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CARL HENNING, SOUTH AFRICA. Carl is a macadamia grower and the Chairman of the Southern African Macadamia Growers Association (SAMAC). He sits on the INC Macadamias Working Group which is about to launch the first Health Research Project for macadamia nuts. SAMAC is committed to the INC and acknowledges the importance of its influence in the nut industry worldwide!

ALEX WHYTE, SOUTH AFRICA.

Alex worked for the long established trading firm Barrow, Lane and Ballard, England; before more recently returning to the family business Green and Gold Nuts. “Having grown up on a macadamia and pecan nut farm in South Africa I have had nuts in my blood from a young age!”

MIQUEL BORRÀS, SPAIN. General Manager of Crisol and Arboreto, both are the biggest Spanish nut grower organizations dedicated to almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios and carobs. Organic almond specialists with Spanish origin. Coordinator at AEOFRUSE (Spanish Association of Nut Grower Organizations) and Spanish INC Ambassador since 2012.

OUR PEOPLE INC AMBASSADORS ROBY DANON, UK. Mr. Danon formed Voicevale Ltd, in 1981 and has since been instrumental in building Voicevale Group. He is a UK Ambassador and says “INC is the oil of the Global Nuts and Dried fruits Industry.

It brings all its parts together and ensures smooth running and success of its engine.“

STEFAN BODEN, SWEDEN.

AB Boden & Lindeberg. Ambassador since 2013.

VAREE PHONPHAISON, THAILAND.

Heritage Snacks & Food Co., Ltd. Ambassador since 2013.

MARC ROSENBLATT, USA.

AHMED BOUJBEL,

After completing his MBA, Marc Rosenblatt joined his family business at The Richard Franco Agency.

RFA, founded in 1947, is a leading broker of Cashews, Brazil Nuts and Macadamias, that sells for over 150 suppliers to over 50 global buyers. They are a valuable source for reliable supply and market information.

TUNISIA.

Ahmed joined the family business, BOUDJEBEL S.A VACPA in 2004 and was appointed as Head of the Sales & Marketing Department in 2006. “I actively participated in the sales development and in the internationalization of our company. Our project for the future is to continue on the internationalization and also create a new division called Food Ingredient Division.”

JEFFREY SANFILIPPO, USA.

MUZAFFER TAVILOGLU, TURKEY. Muzaffer joined Balsu in 2012, specialized commodity exporter over 10 years of expertise. He was very happy to join one of the most vibrant and dynamic industry in the world and get together with its members in the unforgettable celebration of INC’s 30th Anniversary World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress in Barcelona, 2013.

Jeffrey Sanfilippo is Chief Executive Officer of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., an Elgin, Illinois USA based public company. Mr. Sanfilippo has an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School and he completed his undergraduate work at the University of Southern California where earned his BA in Economics & International Relations.

STEVE SOUSA,

HASAN SABIR, TURKEY. Second generation in family owned company, Hasan Osman Sabir is Managing Director in Sabırlar Fındık (Sabir Hazelnut) which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015. He also holds chair at the Turkish Hazelnut Promotion Group and Blacksea Hazelnut Exporters Union. Promoting INC for local nuts and dried fruits packers and for food nutritionist in Turkey.

JAFAR MOALLEM, UAE.

Moallem has been in the trade & industry of nuts & dried fruits for more than 20 years. He established Jafar Moallem Trading Co. LLC in 1994 in Dubai -one of the largest & most reputable nuts & dried fruits traders in Dubai. He was the first INC member from UAE and later appointed as Ambassador.

USA.

As Director of Global Commodities for Mariani Packing Company, Steve attended his first INC in 2004 then joined the organization shortly thereafter.

Since that time he has been a panel member and advocate for dried fruits within the INC. Steve was named Ambassador for the USA in 2009.

JIM WARNER, USA.

J. Warner, Inc. Ambassador since 2005.

DANG HOANG GIANG, VIETNAM.

Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS).

Ambassador since 2014.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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NEWS FROM THE INC SECRETARIAT

ANUGA KOLN 2015

R O F Y ONLEMBERS INC M

July 2014 | The Cracker

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NEWS FROM THE INC SECRETARIAT

INC NUTS

AND DRIED FRUIT PAVILION

The only pavilion exclusively dedicated to nuts and dried fruit offers just what you need: premium position, customers, contacts, support and success.

ANUGA KOLN 2015 Expressions of Interest, Only for INC Members!

INC launches a booth package with exclusive services and amenities to make your ANUGA Koln participation a successful venture, so you can focus on generating new business and sales.

In this regard, INC welcomes Expressions of Interests from members to participate in the INC Pavilion at ANUGA KOLN 2015. Please submit your Expressions of Interest TODAY! Contact Person: Marc Centelles – marc.centelles@nutfruit.org (c) Koelnmesse

SIAL PARIS 2014 Join us in SIAL Paris for our next great event!

Booth Number: 5A D 042

Following the success of the inaugural INC Nuts & Dried Fruit Pavilion in SIAL Paris 2012, INC is putting forth a bigger and more exciting Pavilion this 2014.

The 330-square-meters pavilion will host 19 INC member companies from the broad ecosystem of the nuts and dried fruit industry, with the aim to become one of the most appealing sites in Hall 5A.

Mark your calendar! Visit us 19-23 October 2014 at Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Hall 5A for the most targeted networking.

DRIE D FRUI T

NU & TS

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The Cracker | July 2014

NEWS FROM THE INC SECRETARIAT

NUTS TO PARTICIPATE AT THE WORLD CONGRESS OF PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION The INC will participate in the III World Congress of Public Health Nutrition in Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, Spain, from the 9th to the 12th of November 2014. INC will organize the symposium “Nuts in Health and Disease” on Monday, November 10th, from 5.00 to 7.00 pm, the purpose of which is to review what has happened with nuts, health and diseases over the last years. The event will gather together prestigious researchers from around

the globe, and will bring the opportunity to spread the benefits of nuts to the biggest group of health and nutrition professionals.

The symposium is being chaired by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Chairman of the INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination.

Program and Speakers: Nut Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome. Prof.

Jordi SalasSalvadó, INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination

The Potential Role of Nuts in Cognitive Functions. Dr. Joan Sabaté, Loma Linda University, CA, USA.

Nuts and Diabetes Control. Dr. Cyril Kendall, University of Toronto, Canada.

Prof. Salas-Salvadó has occupied teaching and research posts at the Faculty of Medicine in Reus (UB) since 1984.

At present, he is professor of Nutrition and director of the Human Nutrition Unit of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), and President of the Federation of Spanish Scientific Societies on Nutrition and Dietetics (FESNAD). Since 1989, he has occupied a variety of medical posts at Sant Joan University Hospital in Reus, and since 1991, is Head of Nutrition of the Internal Medicine Service. He has directed 15 research projects financed by public bodies and 28 projects in conjunction with the pharmaceutical or food industries. He is one of the leaders of the PREDIMED study and has published more than 250 original articles.

Dr. Joan Sabaté is Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology in the School of Public Health, at Loma Linda University in the USA. In 1992, he was investigator and co-author of the landmark population study first relating frequency of nut consumption to lower risk of heart disease among California Adventists. He subsequently served as principal investigator in a nutrition research study that directly linked the consumption of walnuts to significant reductions in serum cholesterol. His findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993 and received the attention of more than 400 international media sources.

Dr Sabaté continues to research the relationship of tree nuts to heart disease risk factors.

Dr. Kendall is a Research Associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center, St. Michael’s Hospital. He was educated at the University of Toronto, has over 140 publications in medical journals and has been invited to present at numerous international conferences. His primary research interest is the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease (cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity). His studies on combining cholesterol-lowering food components (dietary portfolio) have been recognized as creating an effective dietary alternative to drug therapy (statins).

Nuts and Mortality. Dr. Ying Bao, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA.

Dr. Bao is Associate Epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Instructor in Harvard Medical School.

Her research has focused on diet and lifestyle determinants in cancer and other chronic diseases. In the past 10 years, she has published important findings in high-profile journals, rapidly establishing her as a leading young investigator in chronic disease prevention and control. In a landmark paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2013, Dr. Bao demonstrated that regular nut consumers, compared to non-nut eaters, had a 20% reduction in total mortality over a 30-year follow-up.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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NEWS FROM THE INC SECRETARIAT

INC AT IFT INSTITUTE OF FOOD TECHNOLOGISTS The INC exhibited at the U.S. Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo in New Orleans, USA, from the 21st to the 24th of June 2014.

The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo brings together professionals involved in both the science and the business of food — experts in R&D, product development, and QA/QC, as well as executive management, marketing, procurement, sales, and more — from industry, academia, and government.

More than 18,000 of the world’s top food science and technology professionals, representing the most prominent organizations in the global food sector, joined the IFT this summer to learn about the most recent product, ingredient, and technology developments, and their potential business impact, as well as to identify trends that will shape the industry.

INC’s booth was located in the Healthy Food Ingredients pavilion and was very well visited, providing a “window display” to increase general awareness of the INC activities and projects, and reach new business contacts.

BOOK:

FOLLOWING WALNUT FOOTPRINTS

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The Cracker | July 2014

The International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in collaboration with the INC has recently published the book “Following Walnut Footprints (Juglans regia L.) Cultivation and Culture, Folklore and History, Traditions and Uses”. This edition is the fifth in the “Following Footprints” series published in Scripta Horticulturae (previously published volumes cover almond, pistachio, chestnut and olive).

The result has been a collection of data that relates the original uses of walnut wood (e.g., cabinet making and handcrafts), leaves (e.g., medicinal use), husks (e.g., extraction of dye), shells (e.g., domestic heating and the cleaning of jewelry), and kernels (direct consumption and in the preparation of sophisticated sauces). Even the membrane that divides the valves of the kernel has been used as “confetti” decoration!

The book reports the status of the walnut industry country by country. Information is given on the geographical distribution of the species of Juglans, their historical origins and their introduction into different countries. Also presented are techniques of cultivation of the Persian walnut, information on native varieties, as well as commercial data.

The authors were requested to include descriptions of traditional uses of walnut, both of the fruit and the plant.

In many cases, the authors report on the use of walnut in culinary recipes and reveal how it has sparked the imagination of mankind both throughout history and in modern times. The book gathers information from developed and developing countries, confirming the vocation of the organization to promote international cooperation between scientists from around the world.

July 2014 | The Cracker

41

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The Cracker | July 2014

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NEWS FROM THE INC SECRETARIAT

NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT IN

HAUTE CUISINE

By Neil Perry, Owner, Director & Executive Chef of The Rockpool Group

Neil Perry AM is one of Australia’s leading and most influential chefs.

He manages seven award-winning restaurants in Australia -Rockpool, Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Spice Temple Sydney and Melbourne, and Rosetta Ristoranteand develops quarterly menus for Qantas’ International First and Business Class travellers. He is also author of eight highly successful cookbooks and his recipes are regularly published in Australia’s most prominent food columns.

“The options are endless. Their textures and flavours are unique. They are a game changer when it comes to any dish,” Neil Perry

Since opening his most celebrated restaurant –Rockpool– in 1989, Neil has long been a fan of using dried fruits and nuts in cooking, both at home and in his restaurants.

They conquer all cuisines -from Mediterranean to Middle Eastern, Asian and even Modern Australian where he will go out of his way for the best macadamia nuts to use across all courses from entree to dessert.

“Beyond the obvious breads, loaves and cakes, dried fruits and nuts work in salads, sauces and sides. They take a tagine to another level with the addition of almonds, dates and apricots. Their appeal is far reaching and their beauty lies in the fact you can utilise them in every single aspect of a meal from just about any country in the world,” he says.

Across the Rockpool Group, dried fruits and nuts feature in all kinds of dishes - seasonal salads, in sauces such as Romesco and pesto, in side dishes such as toasted almonds in anchovy butter served over simply blanched beans, in Asian salads and curries, in sweet dishes like hazelnut gelato, chocolate and peanut semifreddo, ricotta and pistachio mousse cakes - and cashew chocolate bark - and last but not least, in beautiful mustard fruits - dried figs, peaches and pears served with cheese - but also served with grilled duck or roast pork.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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NEWS FROM THE INC SECRETARIAT

SPICY ROAST CHICKEN, MANGO AND MACADAMIA SALAD Serves 4. Ingredients: • 1 free-range roast chicken (organic if possible), bones removed, meat sliced • 2 firm but ripe mangoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks • 2 Lebanese (short) cucumbers, halved lengthways and sliced on the diagonal • 10 Cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved • 4 French shallots, halved and thinly sliced • 1 radicchio heart, sliced (or red witlof if you can get it) • 1 handful coriander leaves

• 1 small handful mint leaves • 2 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal • 110g macadamia nuts, roasted until lightly golden and sliced or roughly chopped Chilli lime dressing: • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1 teaspoon mild chilli flakes • 1 tablespoon cater (superfine) sugar • Juice of 2 limes • 100ml extra virgin olive oil • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

Photographer: Earl Carter

1) To truss a chicken, you’ll need about 40cm (16 inches) of kitchen string.

Place the bird on a chopping board, breast side up, with the legs facing you.

Loop the centre of the string around the legs and then pull them together, then take the string down and under the thighs, overlap it under the bird and then bring it up, catching the wings, to meet over the breast. Secure the string and cut off and excess. You are now ready to roast. 2) To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. It should be sharp and hot, with a nutty balance from the olive oil. 3) For the salad, put all the ingredients, except the nuts, in a bowl, add the dressing and mix well. Divide among four large plates, then sprinkle with the macadamia nuts and a good grind of pepper and drizzle over any remaining dressing from the mixing bowl.

FIG AND WALNUT CREAM CAKE Serves 8. Ingredients: • Unsalted butter, for greasing • 3 free-range eggs • 140g caster sugar • 200ml extra virgin olive oil • 250g plain flour • 1 heaped teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • Pinch of salt • 100g Greek-style yoghurt

• 1-2 drops natural vanilla essence • 250g dried figs, soaked in hot or cold jasmine tea for 15 minutes, drained and roughly chopped • 115g walnut kernels roughly chopped Icing: • 500ml thin cream • 150g icing sugar, sifted • 1-2 drops vanilla essence

PREPARATION: 1) Preheat the oven to 180C. Line the base of a 20cm round cake tin with lightly buttered baking paper. 2) Place the eggs, caster sugar and olive oil in the bowl of an electric mixer, and beat until pale and fluffy. Sift in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Fold through the yoghurt, then the vanilla, figs and walnuts. 3) Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and cook on the middle shelf of the oven for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Run a knife inside the edge of the tin and carefully turn the cake onto a wire rack and stand until cooled completely. 4) To make the icing, using an electric mixer, beat the cream, icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. 5) When the cake has cooled, spread the icing on top of the cake. If you want to lift the richness of the fig and walnut cake, replace the cream with whipped mascarpone. It’s totally over the top and lush. Additionally, a nice spicy cinnamon syrup would work well here.

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The Cracker | July 2014

Photographer: Earl Carter

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July 2014 | The Cracker

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

DFA OF CALIFORNIA’S RED SEAL PROGRAM

“MEETING GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY DEMANDS" When a buyer contacts a company to secure a load or loads of products, there are many details that remain to be worked out. Discussions will usually begin with a basic description of the type of product that buyer is looking for and then quickly switch to a dialogue on pricing. After pricing has been agreed to there are contracts to be arranged and logistics to consider, including timing, availability for production and transportation. After all of the moving pieces previously mentioned have been determined, the details of facility food safety, product quality and laboratory specifications will need to be addressed. This is where the Red Seal Certification program becomes a valuable tool for DFA members and those that purchase their specialty crop commodities from around the world.

DFA of California is a food safety and quality company that services California packers of dried fruit, tree nuts, and other kindred products. Providing services, such as Red Seal Certified products, laboratory analysis, and food safety audits to help California packers is an important role, as the world’s attention to product safety and quality continues to evolve. Because of this increased attention, the Red Seal Program was developed to create product quality assurance verification specifically in those areas where the industry and their customers benefit most from DFA’s experience in both food safety and commodity quality inspection.

A buyer may have to make arrangements to ensure the company the products are purchased from is a safe and reliable source, and will usually make many requests to verify this.

QUESTIONS ASKED FROM THE BUYER MAY INCLUDE: • Does the facility have a “Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)” plan in place?

• Has the facility maintained a HACCP Verification and/ or Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Audit Certificate?

• Does the facility have frequent 3rd party Food Safety and/or GMP audits?

• Can the supplier meet my company’s requests for specific product quality parameters?

Since the Red Seal Certification Program is inclusive of food safety and quality, the answers for the buyer to the above questions can be simple, “please pack the product under a DFA of California Red Seal Certificate”.

Customer requests and contract requirement concerning product quality inspection and laboratory testing can be verified by DFA, and added under the “Contract Requirements” portion of the Red Seal Certificate. Because the Red Seal is a certificate of Food Safety & Quality, there may no longer be a requirement to for the packer to issue multiple food safety documents to the buyer in order to verify

46

The Cracker | July 2014

• Are USDA grading standards being used to determine product quality and defect tolerances?

• Is the product analyzed and tested to meet our company’s specifications by a 3rd Party Accredited Laboratory?

compliance with their requests. Subsequently, the buyer can now be assured that the facility where their purchased products are being packed in maintains food safety standards that are acceptable both domestically and world-wide.

After all, meeting the customer’s need and creating relationships that are mutually beneficial is the ultimate goal when it comes to your business, and DFA is committed to partnering with our members and industry friends in helping achieve those goals together!

Bühler nut solutions for snack food processors. Bühler offers customised solutions across the entire nut Bühler nut solutions for snack food processors. Bühler offers customised solutions across the entire nut processing line from cleaning and separation through to roasting and grinding. Solutions include processing line from cleaning and separation through to roasting and grinding. Solutions include pasteurization, blanching, drying, roasting, and optical sorting. Our advanced technology allows pasteurization, blanching, drying, roasting, and optical sorting. Our advanced technology allows processors to meet strict requirements regarding food safety and quality by ensuring optimal sanitation, processors to meet strict requirements regarding food safety and quality by ensuring optimal sanitation, product uniformity and efficiency. Bühler enhances its equipment solutions with in-house process product uniformity and efficiency. Bühler enhances its equipment solutions with in-house process engineering and unrivalled after-sales support. engineering and unrivalled after-sales support.

Contact us to find out more about our capabilities: Contact us to find out more about our capabilities: Bühler Barth GmbH T +49 7141 705-201 Bühler Barth GmbH F T +49 7141 705-100 705-201 info.cocoa@buhlergroup.com F +49 7141 705-100 www.buhlergroup.com/cocoa-and-nuts info.cocoa@buhlergroup.com

Bühler Aeroglide T +1 919Aeroglide 851 2000 Bühler F T +1 919 851 6029 2000 aeroglide.sales@buhlergroup.com F +1 919 851 6029 www.buhlergroup.com/drying aeroglide.sales@buhlergroup.com

Buhler Sortex Ltd T +44 20Sortex 7055 7777 Buhler Ltd F +44 20 7055 7777 7700 T sortexsales@buhlergroup.com F +44 20 7055 7700 www.buhlergroup.com/nut-sorting sortexsales@buhlergroup.com

www.buhlergroup.com/cocoa-and-nuts

www.buhlergroup.com/drying

www.buhlergroup.com/nut-sorting

Innovations for a better world.

Innovations for a better world.

WORLD CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION TRENDS JULY 2014 | GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW T h e f o l l o w i n g c r o p f o r e c a s t s a r e i n d i c a t i v e . S o u r c e : I N C Wo r l d N u t a n d D r i e d F r u i t C o n g r e s s , May 2014 and other sources.

More accurate statistics will be available in October for crops in the Northern hemisphere; in April for crops in the Southern hemisphere.

«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

BRAZIL NUTS

CASHEWS

HAZELNUTS

MACADAMIAS

PECANS

PINE NUTS

PISTACHIOS

USA Australia Spain Iran Turkey Tunisia Greece Chile Morocco Italy Syria

Bolivia Peru Brazil

India Cote d’Ivoire Vietnam Guinea-Bissau Brazil Tanzania Benin Nigeria Indonesia Cambodia

Turkey Italy USA Georgia Azerbaijan Spain France China Iran Chile

South Africa Australia Kenya USA Guatemala Malawi Brazil China Colombia New Zealand Swaziland

USA Mexico South Africa Australia

China DPR Korea Pakistan Afghanistan Mongolia Russia Spain Turkey Portugal Italy

USA Iran Turkey Syria Afghanistan China Greece Italy Australia

WALNUTS

PEANUTS

DATES

DRIED APRICOTS

DRIED CRANBERRIES

DRIED FIGS

PRUNES

China USA Iran Turkey Ukraine Chile France Moldova India Romania Hungary Italy Georgia Australia

China India USA Nigeria Indonesia Argentina Senegal Vietnam Ghana Brazil Nicaragua

Saudi Arabia Egypt Iran UAE Pakistan Algeria Iraq Sudan Oman Tunisia Morocco Libya Israel USA

Turkey Iran China USA South Africa Australia

USA Canada Chile

Turkey Egypt Iran USA Greece Spain Italy

USA Chile France Argentina Serbia Australia Italy South Africa

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

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

July 2014 | The Cracker

49

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Almonds · Almendra · Amande · Mandorle · Mandel · Badem

USA

AUSTRALIA

884,500 metric tons (1.95 billion pounds) on May 1st. This is 2.5% below last year’s production of 2 billion pounds. On average, the Subjective Estimate over the last years has been above actual receipts. The industry is awaiting the Objective Crop Forecast, to be published on June 30th, which will provide a better indication of the crop potential.

The Australian almond industry has revised its estimate of the 2014 crop down to 65,000 MT, a 12% reduction from 2013. It is based on the latest figures provided by the industry marketers, as of June 30th when hulling and shelling was well underway. The reports from growers indicate a general reduction in crop but the size of the decrease varies from grower to grower and region to region. An analysis of the poorer 2014 crop compared to 2013 is to be undertaken with pollination, heatwave conditions and the impact of the bumper crop last year to be considered along with other factors.

Water will be the key determinant for future production. 2013 was the driest in the past 33 years. Nine of the twelve major reservoirs reached the lowest levels ever recorded; the other three being the second lowest ever recorded. Growers cannot know how this will affect the crop, until it is actually harvested.

Shipments are starting to flatten and this is entirely driven by supply.

This year, shipments are expected to grow 4%, after a 2% decline this past year.

According to the Almond Board of Australia, the orchard area planted to almonds has increased from 9,932 hectares to 28,586 hectares in the past decade; domestic consumption has doubled to 0.9 kilograms per person; and annual export sales have climbed from $82 million to $309 million.

SPAIN In Spain, the crop has been forecasted at 48,000 MT, up 50% from last year, which recorded one of the lowest crops in ten years.

Estimated World Almonds Production. Kernel Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013 /2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

144.181

892.468

1.036.649

159.090

159.090

868.636

1.027.726

125.000

AUSTRALIA

1.000

73.800

74.800

1.000

1.000

65.000

66.000

1.000

SPAIN

2.000

32.000

34.000

1.200

1.200

48.000

49.200

2.000

IRAN

0

15.000

15.000

0

0

35.000

35.000

0

TURKEY

0

15.000

15.000

0

0

16.000

16.000

0

TUNISIA

1.600

13.000

14.600

500

500

14.000

14.500

500

GREECE

1.000

13.000

14.000

0

0

14.000

14.000

0

0

10.000

10.000

0

0

10.000

10.000

0

MOROCCO

500

6.000

6.500

0

0

9.000

9.000

0

ITALY

500

5.000

5.500

0

0

9.000

9.000

0

USA

CHILE

OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

0

30.000

30.000

0

0

30.000

30.000

0

150.781

1.105.268

1.256.049

161.790

161.790

1.118.636

1.280.426

128.500

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

1.094.259

1.151.926

Source: Almond Board of California, Almond Board of Australia and other INC sources.

California Almond Shipment. Metric Tons

484.000

2006

572.000

2007

630.000

668.000

2008

2009

Source: ABC (2006-2012 data); World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress (2013 Est).

50

The Cracker | July 2014

861.000

846.000

2011

2012

757.000

2010

880.000

2013 Est

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Brazil Nuts · Coquito de Brazil · Noix de Vresil · Noce del Brasile · Paranuss · Brezilya Fingigi

Estimated World Amazonia (Brazil) Nuts Production. Kernel Basis. Metric Tons . Conversion rate 1:3.

COUNTRY BOLIVIA PERU BRAZIL WORLD TOTAL

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

2.620

19.500

22.120

2.550

2.550

18.500

21.050

1.500

400

3.850

4.250

150

150

3.500

3.650

150

200

3.500

3.700

100

100

3.000

3.100

0

3.220

26.850

30.070

2.800

2.800

25.000

27.800

1.650

WORLD CONSUMPTION (SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

27.270

26.150

Estimated World Amazonia (Brazil) Nuts Production. In Shell Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BOLIVIA

7.860

58.500

66.360

7.650

7.650

55.500

63.150

4.500

PERU

1.200

11.550

12.750

450

450

10.500

10.950

450

BRAZIL

600

10.500

11.100

300

300

9.000

9.300

0

9.660

80.550

90.210

8.400

8.400

75.000

83.400

WORLD TOTAL

WORLD CONSUMPTION (SUPPLY - ENDING STOCK)

81.810

4.950 78.450

Source: INC

Beginning 2014, the starting price of Amazonia (Brazil) Nuts was 3.10$/ lb FOB. Last year’s production in Bolivia was 19,500 metric tons. In December and January reports from the collecting areas were showing an improvement of 10-15% over the previous crop, leading to optimistic projections. Unfortunately, the worst rains and floods in 40 years happened in Bolivia between March and April. The only route was closed between 27th of January and 25th of April, most of the infrastructures (roads and storage) were damaged and pickers were not able to access the forest.

Because the crop could not reach the processing plants, cash-starved factories were not able to financially support the collection during such a critical period. Consequently, there is a reduction by 10% in the collection quantity, and another 10% reduction in yield outturn.

World supply in 2014/15 is forecasted to total 27,800 MT (kernel basis) taking into consideration an optimistic production of 18,500 MT in Bolivia. In Brazil, the crop has been forecasted at 3,000 MT, 14% down from 2013/14.

July 2014 | The Cracker

51

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Cashews · Anacardo · Noix de Cajou · Anacardio · Cashewkerne · Cashew Cevizi

Last year, shipments of cashews from both India and Vietnam were significantly higher than ever before. As a result of this, the estimated total supply has been revised taking into consideration the trade of raw cashew nuts for processing. On the other side, the ratios kernel/RCN have been revised and assigned based on origin, irrespective of where cashews are processed, as follows:

As for the usage of cashews, India is estimated to have consumed about 230,000 MT in 2013. The second largest market was the US, which imported 130,000 MT –a remarkable increase, supported by the stability in prices in the last two years. Consumption in Europe held steady at about 86,800 MT, up 13% from 2012, while Middle East increased from 58,000 MT in 2012 to 70,300 MT.

1. High yield (>50 lbs/bag; 1:4.2): India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Tanzania, Indonesia, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia and Senegal.

2. Low yield (<50 lbs/bag; 1:4.8): Nigeria, Benin, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Kenya, Ghana, Burkina Faso and other countries.

In India, the majority of cashews are consumed as ingredients -including sweets, cookies, chocolates and ice creams, and the same applies to Vietnam, China and Brazil. In the US and Europe, they are mostly used as snacks.

According to this reassessment, 2013/2014 total supply has been estimated at almost 650,000 metric tons (kernel basis).

For 2014/2015, world cashew production has been forecasted at 619,000 MT, very similar to last year.

Estimated World Cashews Production. Kernel Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY INDIA COTE D'IVOIRE VIETNAM GUINEA-BISSAU BRAZIL TANZANIA BENIN NIGERIA INDONESIA CAMBODIA GHANA BURKINA FASO MOZAMBIQUE SENEGAL GAMBIA KENYA OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

2013/2014

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

nil 31.250 nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil

172.143 108.561 91.429 56.051 31.250 28.643 23.071 20.499 16.709 14.978 11.148 9.049 9.250 9.256 6.249 2.083 8.263

172.143 139.811 91.429 56.051 31.250 28.643 23.071 20.499 16.709 14.978 11.148 9.049 9.250 9.256 6.249 2.083 8.263

nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil

nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil

164.286 108.333 100.000 55.952 31.250 28.571 22.917 20.417 16.667 14.976 11.458 9.375 9.167 9.048 6.190 2.083 8.333

164.286 108.333 100.000 55.952 31.250 28.571 22.917 20.417 16.667 14.976 11.458 9.375 9.167 9.048 6.190 2.083 8.333

nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil

31.250

618.632

649.882

nil

nil

619.023

619.023

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) Source: Global Cashew Council and INC.

52

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

The Cracker | July 2014

649.882

nil 619.023

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Hazelnuts · Avellana · Noisette · Nocciola · Haselnuss · Findik

TURKEY The 2014/15 hazelnut crop in Turkey has been tentatively forecasted by the Hazelnut Promotion Group at 500,000 metric tons (in shell basis), down from the previous season due to frost damage during March 29-30. Beginning stocks have been estimated at 65,000 MT, giving a total supply of 565,000 MT. The industry will have a clear picture by July.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, the cultivation area remains stable at 700,000 hectares since 2009. This area represents 78% of world’s hazelnut production areas.

Nowadays, Turkey exports to 112 countries, a significant figure when compared with 31 countries in 1980. Europe is still the top export market, whilst Russia, USA, China and Japan are the new growing markets.

During the past 30 years, thanks to the investment in processing plants the market share of processed kernels has been growing steadily and it is now about 41% of total hazelnut exports.

The target for 2023 is to export 70% in the form of processed hazelnuts.

Within 10 years, Turkey has increased its production of hazelnuts by 71% and it is targeted to export 350,000 MT (kernel) by 2023.

ITALY In Italy, the crop has been forecasted at 100,000 MT, as in the previous season. Production areas enjoy a soil of good quality, which is expected to provide 248,000 MT by 2023.

USA Oregon forecasts a 2014/15 crop of 36,300 MT, slightly down from the previous season. Oregon hazelnuts are predominantly focused on the Asian market for in shell sales.

Estimated World Hazelnuts Production. Kernel Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

25.000

325.000

350.000

32.500

32.500

250.000

282.500

10.000

ITALY

5.640

47.000

52.640

2.350

2.350

47.000

49.350

4.700

USA

400

16.080

16.480

1.880

1.880

14.520

16.400

400

GEORGIA

1.200

16.000

17.200

800

800

14.000

14.800

200

AZERBAIJAN

1.720

15.050

16.770

1.290

1.290

10.750

12.040

215

500

9.000

9.500

500

500

9.750

10.250

500

0

11.250

11.250

0

0

11.250

11.250

0

34.460

439.380

473.840

39.320

39.320

357.270

396.590

16.015

TURKEY

SPAIN OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

434.520

380.575

Estimated World Hazelnuts Production. In Shell Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

TURKEY

50.000

650.000

700.000

65.000

65.000

500.000

565.000

20.000

ITALY

12.000

100.000

112.000

5.000

5.000

100.000

105.000

10.000

USA

1.000

40.200

41.200

4.700

4.700

36.300

41.000

1.000 500

GEORGIA

3.000

40.000

43.000

2.000

2.000

35.000

37.000

AZERBAIJAN

4.000

35.000

39.000

3.000

3.000

25.000

28.000

500

SPAIN

1.000

18.000

19.000

1.000

1.000

19.500

20.500

1.000

OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

0

25.000

25.000

0

0

25.000

25.000

0

71.000

908.200

979.200

80.700

80.700

740.800

821.500

33.000

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

898.500

788.500

Source: Hazelnut Promotion Group (Turkey) and other INC sources.

Others: China, Chile, France, Greece, Iran, Australia and South Africa.

July 2014 | The Cracker

53

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Macadamias 路 Macadamia 路 Macadamianuss 路 Makedemia 路 Cevizi

World macadamia production has witnessed a steady healthy growth over the past years. Compared with 2013/14, the industry is forecasting a growth of 10% in production this season, led by South Africa with 46,237 metric tons (in shell basis) and Australia with 40,000 MT, where favorable weather conditions throughout growing regions pointed to better kernel quality and a higher sound kernel recovery.

World production is forecasted at 158,600 MT, which is equivalent to 42,700 metric tons in kernel basis.

Growth projections are optimistic, both from existing orchards, where farmers are improving productivity, and new plantings. In South Africa, about 1,000 hectares a year are being planted; in China, possibly more than 10,000 hectares a year are being planted; in Aus-

tralia, 150,000 trees a year are being planted. In addition, there are breeding programs in major producing countries, aimed at improving orchard productivity.

Strong demand, firm prices and limited supply are causing some challenges. In 2013, the United States remained the largest kernel market, followed by Europe, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. The most significant growth is in Taiwan and South Korea, where imports have raised by 63% and 71% over the last couple of years.

Strong Chinese demand for in-shell is expected to impact on the volume of kernel available (around 25% of the world crop is being sold in-shell to China).

Estimated World Macadamias Production. Kernel Equivalent Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA KENYA USA GUATEMALA MALAWI BRAZIL CHINA COLOMBIA NEW ZEALAND SWAZILAND OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK 173 987 0 0 0 63 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.223

CROP 10.187 10.500 4.940 6.510 1.460 1.457 1.152 1.200 250 150 7 1.000 38.813

TOTAL SUPPLY 10.360 11.487 4.940 6.510 1.460 1.520 1.152 1.200 250 150 7 1.000 40.036

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

2014/2015

ENDING STOCK 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50

BEGINNING STOCK 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50

CROP 11.200 12.000 5.208 6.510 1.575 1.987 1.320 1.540 250 150 7 1.000 42.747

TOTAL SUPPLY 11.250 12.000 5.208 6.510 1.575 1.987 1.320 1.540 250 150 7 1.000 42.797

39.986

ENDING STOCK n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 42.797

Estimated World Macadamias Production. In Shell Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA KENYA USA GUATEMALA MALAWI BRAZIL CHINA COLOMBIA NEW ZEALAND SWAZILAND OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK 618 0 0 0 0 206 0 0 0 0 0 0 824

CROP 39.785 35.200 22.320 18.900 7.800 4.946 4.800 5.000 1.000 600 29 4.000 144.380

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) 14/15 production for USA, Colombia, NZ. Others based on 13/14.

Source: INC.

54

The Cracker | July 2014

TOTAL SUPPLY 40.403 35.200 22.320 18.900 7.800 5.152 4.800 5.000 1.000 600 29 4.000 145.204

2014/2015

ENDING STOCK 178 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 178 145.026

BEGINNING STOCK 178 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 178

CROP 46.237 40.000 23.436 18.900 8.400 5.948 5.000 5.000 1.000 600 110 4.000 158.631

TOTAL SUPPLY 46.415 40.000 23.436 18.900 8.400 5.948 5.000 5.000 1.000 600 110 4.000 158.809

ENDING STOCK n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 158.809

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Pecans · Pacana · Noix de Pecan · Noce Pecan · Pecanuss · Pekan Cevizi

World supply of pecans is expected to grow from 291,000 to 318,000 metric tons (in shell basis), 9% up from 2013. Global consumption is projected to increase by 20%, from 217,000 to 260,000 MT.

which reduced the native crop considerably. The estimate for 2014 is around 100,000 MT. As for South Africa, last year’s was a small crop due to the weather.

This year, the crop has been forecasted at 10,000 MT.

In the United States, the 2013 crop estimate has been revised upwards, from 96,600 to 101,400 MT. For 2014, the crop has been forecasted at 130,000 MT. On average, US exports 57,600 MT (in shell equivalent) since 2008. Asia is the largest market with 45% share, followed by Europe (23%) and Canada (18%). The industry anticipates that shipments to Asia will continue to increase as the expected demand for pecans in China and Hong Kong rises.

Price Elasticity. The chart below represents price elasticity’s for different nut types in the recipe/baking category. The numbers are a correlation between price per pound and pound sales per point of distribution (velocity). Data are based on a 5-year study.

Pecans represent a .9 elasticity, which means that for every 10% increase in price, the volume is expected to decline by 9%. On the other side, almonds have a .3 elasticity, which can be attributed to the significant marketing efforts made by the industry and the versatility of the product.

Production in Mexico continues on a positive growth trend based on adequate water supply being available. 2012 and 2013 crops were negatively affected by the drought on non-irrigated orchards,

Estimated World Pecans Production. Kernel Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

2014/2015

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

30.060

45.630

75.690

31.500

31.500

58.500

90.000

24.750

1.350

49.050

50.400

1.800

1.800

45.000

46.800

1.350

SOUTH AFRICA

54

3.134

3.134

13

13

4.500

4.500

22

AUSTRALIA

22

1.147

1.169

90

90

1.080

1.170

45

USA MEXICO

OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

n/a

626

626

n/a

n/a

644

644

n/a

31.486

99.587

131.019

33.403

33.403

109.724

143.114

26.167

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

97.616

116.947

Estimated World Pecans Production. In Shell Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY USA MEXICO SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

66.800

101.400

168.200

70.000

70.000

130.000

200.000

55.000

3.000

109.000

112.000

4.000

4.000

100.000

104.000

3.000

120

6.965

6.965

30

30

10.000

10.000

50

50

2.550

2.600

200

200

2.400

2.600

100

n/a

1.361

1.361

n/a

n/a

1.400

1.400

n/a

69.970

221.276

291.126

74.230

74.230

243.800

318.000

58.150

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

216.896

259.850

Source: INC.

Price Elasticity for Recipe Nuts (1,0)

(0,9)

(0,8)

(0,8)

(0,9) (0,7)

(0,7)

(0,6) (0,4)

(0,3)

(0,2)

Almonds

Macadamias

Peanuts

Pecans

Pine Nuts

Walnuts

Source: Pecans Round Table, World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress.

July 2014 | The Cracker

55

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Pine Nuts · Piñón · Pignon · Pinoli · Pinienkerne · Çam Fistigi

World production in 2013 was only circa 11,500 metric tons (kernel basis), mainly driven by lower production in China and the Mediterranean Basin. Demand for pine nuts was strong, especially in China, which kept prices firm.

According to the Chinese Tree Nuts Association, the upcoming 2014 crop in China will be above average –about 19,500 MT, as the Asian Giant is becoming a major consumer market. North Korea is expected to reach 5,000 MT, which is a significant increase over 2013.

Likewise, Pakistan and Afghanistan are expecting larger crops -up to 3,000 MT.

For 2014, the Mediterranean crop (Pinus Pinea) has been forecasted at 1,620 MT (kernel basis), up nearly 70% from just 997 MT in 2013, but still 55% lower than the average of 3,600 MT since 2005.

According to Chinese Customs, exports from China reached 10,683 MT (kernel basis) in 2013, down 8% from the previous year, but 27% above average. Top exports markets were Europe (5,438 MT; 51%), North America (3,429 MT; 32%), and Oceania (812 MT; 8%).

Although annual exports have surpassed the mark of 10,000 MT in the past two years, prices remained very firm at an average of more than 20,000 USD/MT, mainly driven by a strong demand in China.

Estimated World Pine Nuts Production. Kernel Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK

2014/2015

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

FAR EAST (Pinus Chinensis): CHINA

9.000

2.500

11.500

500

500

19.500

20.000

3.000

DPR KOREA

1.000

2.000

3.000

100

100

5.000

5.100

200

PAKISTAN

100

2.000

2.100

100

100

3.000

3.100

100

AFGHANISTAN

100

2.000

2.100

100

100

3.000

3.100

100

RUSSIA SUBTOTAL

50

2.000

2.050

100

100

2.500

2.600

50

10.250

10.500

20.750

900

900

33.000

33.900

3.450

MEDITERRANEAN (Pinus Pinea): SPAIN

0

375

375

0

0

450

450

0

TURKEY

0

125

125

0

0

400

400

100

50

292

342

0

0

380

380

40

0

175

175

0

0

350

350

150

PORTUGAL ITALY OTHERS SUBTOTAL WORLD TOTAL

0

30

30

0

0

40

40

0

50

997

1.047

0

0

1.620

1.620

290

10.300

11.497

21.797

900

900

34.620

35.520

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

20.897

3.740 31.780

Source: China Tree Nuts Association and other INC sources.

China. Exports from 2001 to 2013. Metric Tons 9.549 6.415

2001

7.015

2002

11.655

9.948

6.079

2003

7.873

9.633

7.862

7.027

2009

2010

11.579 10.683

4.194

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2011

2012

2013

Source: Chinese Customs

Chinese Pine Nut Kernels. Average Price. USD/MT 35.000 25.400

6.200

6.600

5.500

2001

2002

2003

9.500

11.500

10.000

8.000

2004

2005

2006

2007

Source: Chinese Customs

56

15.000

The Cracker | July 2014

2008

20.000

20.000

19.600

12.000

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Pistachios

· Pistacho · Pistache · Pistacchio · Pistazie · Antep Fistigi

USA

tions. With beginning stocks estimated at 10,000 MT, total supply goes up to 260,000 MT.

United States is tentatively forecasting a 249,000 metric tons crop for 2014/2015, 16% up the previous season. Beginning stocks have been estimated at 30,000 MT, 35% down from last year. Total supply is therefore estimated at 279,000 MT.

Iran produces a wide range of pistachio varieties, such as Fandoghi (60% share), Ahmad Aghai (20%), Akbari (12%), Kaleh Ghoochi, Badami, Momtaz... Out of 340,000 hectares, 305,000 are bearing. Nowadays, traditional plantings in Kerman represent 60% of all plantings, however other regions and industrial plantings are growing.

Poor winter conditions combined with the drought in California spell uncertainty for crop yield projections. The industry will have a clearer picture

by July.

TURKEY

As for demand, California shipments have balanced out among the US (31% share), China (31%) and Europe (25%) over the last months.

In Turkey, the 2013 crop has been revised downwards to 50,000 MT, from 70,000 MT previously estimated. For this season, the crop has been forecasted at 120,000 MT.

IRAN There is a current research group evaluating the number of trees and plantations, the results of which will hopefully be released in the next World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, in Antalya, May 2015.

The crop forecast in Iran for 2014/2015 has been tentatively estimated at 250,000 MT, up 56% from last year, aided by favorable weather condi-

Estimated World Pistachios Production. In Shell Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

USA

46.000

215.000

261.000

30.000

30.000

249.000

279.000

31.000

IRAN

5.000

160.000

165.000

10.000

10.000

250.000

260.000

50.000

TURKEY

80.000

50.000

130.000

20.000

20.000

120.000

140.000

40.000

SYRIA

1.000

15.000

16.000

0

0

12.000

12.000

0

0

16.500

16.500

0

0

5.000

5.000

0

AFGHANISTAN CHINA

0

4.000

4.000

0

0

4.200

4.200

0

GREECE

0

2.000

2.000

0

0

4.000

4.000

0 0

ITALY

0

3.000

3.000

0

0

2.500

2.500

AUSTRALIA

0

1.650

1.650

0

0

1.150

1.150

0

132.000

467.150

599.150

60.000

60.000

647.850

707.850

121.000

TOTAL

CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

539.150

586.850

Source: INC.

California Industry Shipments and Revenue 90 80 70 60 50 $252 40 57 30 20 10 2004

Shipments (MT, thousands)

$282 45

$281 47

Revenue (dollars, millions)

$359 63

$437

45

$663

80

77

$648

$518

$335 59

$646

64

61

$800 $700 $600 $500 $400 66 $300 $200

$701

$100 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Source: Pistachios Round Table, World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress.

July 2014 | The Cracker

57

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Walnuts · Nuez · Noix · Noce · Walnuss · Ceviz

World production of walnuts in 2014/2015 has been tentatively forecasted at 1.5 million metric tons (in shell basis), which represents a 7% increase from the previous season. At this early stage, good expectations are anticipated from the main producing countries.

CHINA In China, the 2013 crop was estimated at 460,000 MT. There was a widespread frost damage during blossom in north and northwest, nevertheless Xinjiang province provided a good crop. This province in particular is predicted to become the highest producing region within five years. As for 2014, the crop is contingent on the weather. Recent rainfall in Shanxi, Shaanxi and Gansu relieved the drought, but at the time of writing this report it was too early to forecast.

USA Last year’s crop in California has been revised slightly downwards to 443,000 MT (488,000 short tons) while bearing acreage increased from 245,000 acres in 2012 to 255,000 acres. This year the crop has been tentatively forecasted at 453,600 MT (500,000 short tons).

California total supply has risen from 188,700 MT in 1996 to 443,000 MT in 2013, more than 250,000 MT in seventeen years. The trend observed during this period shows a decrease in the ratio carry-in/ total supply, from 0.2 to 0.1.

Estimated World Walnuts Production. Kernel Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY CHINA USA IRAN TURKEY UKRAINE CHILE FRANCE MOLDOVA INDIA ROMANIA HUNGARY ITALY GEORGIA AUSTRALIA TOTAL

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK 10.000 18.085 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28.335

CROP 184.000 196.507 44.000 29.520 23.000 26.500 18.600 12.500 15.505 10.000 6.000 5.481 3.000 2.676 577.289

TOTAL SUPPLY 194.000 214.592 44.000 29.520 23.000 26.750 18.600 12.500 15.505 10.000 6.000 5.481 3.000 2.676 605.624

CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

2014/2015

ENDING STOCK 4.000 18.085 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22.335

BEGINNING STOCK 4.000 18.085 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22.335

CROP 200.000 200.941 44.000 30.000 27.500 30.475 16.720 14.000 15.505 12.500 7.000 6.000 3.500 3.419 611.560

TOTAL SUPPLY 204.000 219.026 44.000 30.000 27.500 30.725 16.720 14.000 15.505 12.500 7.000 6.000 3.500 3.419 633.895

583.289

ENDING STOCK 8.000 19.290 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27.540 606.355

Estimated World Walnuts Production. In Shell Basis. Metric Tons COUNTRY CHINA USA IRAN TURKEY UKRAINE CHILE FRANCE MOLDOVA INDIA ROMANIA HUNGARY ITALY GEORGIA AUSTRALIA TOTAL

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK 25.000 40.823 0 4.000 0 500 1.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71.323

CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

CROP 460.000 443.582 100.000 72.000 55.000 53.000 42.000 32.000 35.000 25.000 15.000 13.500 8.000 6.225 1.360.307

TOTAL SUPPLY 485.000 484.405 100.000 76.000 55.000 53.500 43.000 32.000 35.000 25.000 15.000 13.500 8.000 6.225 1.431.630

2014/2015

ENDING STOCK 10.000 40.823 0 4.000 0 500 1.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 56.323

BEGINNING STOCK 10.000 40.823 0 4.000 0 500 1.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 56.323

1.375.307

Source: ChileNut and other INC sources. In the southern hemisphere, walnuts are harvested from March thru April.

58

The Cracker | July 2014

CROP 500.000 453.592 100.000 75.000 71.000 60.950 38.000 38.000 35.000 30.500 18.000 14.000 9.500 7.950 1.451.492

TOTAL SUPPLY 510.000 494.415 100.000 79.000 71.000 61.450 39.000 38.000 35.000 30.500 18.000 14.000 9.500 7.950 1.507.815

ENDING STOCK 20.000 43.545 0 4.000 0 500 1.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 69.045 1.438.770

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Peanuts · Cacahuete · Cacahuète · Arachide · Erdnuss · Yer Fistigi

World production of peanuts has been forecasted at 38.3 million metric tons (in shell basis) for 2014/2015, 5% down from the previous season. The carry-over has been tentatively estimated at 2 million MT, similar to last year. Total supply forecast is 39.3 MT, 7% down from 2013/2014.

Farmers have responded to the expectations of lower returns by reducing acreage. This is particularly evident in China -the largest producer, where the Government is encouraging the planting of other crops.

Total US peanut acreage is expected to increase between 15 and 25% (29% according to the USDA Prospective Plantings report of March) partly due to weather issues and a switch to the cotton market.

While peanut sales growth in the US lagged from 2010 to 2012, the industry witnessed growth rates in 2013. Household penetration rates grew for the first time in many years, which can be directly attributed to significant marketing efforts.

Estimated World Peanuts Production. In Shell Basis. 1000 Metric Tons 2013/2014

COUNTRY

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

CHINA

n/a

17.000

17.000

INDIA

20

5.650

5.670

1.257

1.893

3.150

USA

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

CROP

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

n/a

n/a

15.600

15.600

n/a

141

141

4.961

4.961

51

950

950

2.300

3.250

960 n/a

n/a

3.000

3.000

n/a

n/a

3.000

3.000

INDONESIA

38

1.160

1.198

40

40

1.150

1.150

27

ARGENTINA

411

1.050

1.461

511

511

1.082

1.082

431

SENEGAL

9

1.000

1.009

9

9

1.000

1.000

9

VIETNAM

66

550

616

79

79

550

550

52

GHANA

n/a

440

440

n/a

n/a

460

460

10

BRAZIL

22

364

386

26

26

250

250

5

2

150

152

n/a

n/a

135

135

5

NIGERIA

NICARAGUA

8

100

108

14

14

120

120

12

23

115

138

27

27

115

115

31

COTE D'IVOIRE

n/a

90

90

n/a

n/a

95

95

5

OTHERS

292

7.586

7.878

256

256

7.500

7.500

352

2.148

40.148

42.296

2.053

2.053

38.318

39.268

1.950

SOUTH AFRICA MEXICO

WORLD TOTAL

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

40.243

37.318

Source: USDA and other INC sources.

US Peanut Supply and Disappearance. 1000 Metric Tons SUPPLY

YEAR BEGIN. AUG. 1

BEGINNING STOCKS 455 1.257 938

2012/12 (*) 2013/14 (**) 2014/15 (**)

Production

DISAPPEARANCE

PRODUCTION

IMPORTS

TOTAL

3.068 1.893 2.429

54 39 29

3.577 3.189 3.397

DOMESTIC FOOD 1.240 1.312 1.339

CRUSH 298 295 292

SEED & RESIDUAL 240 201 238

2.848 2.388

1.571

1.666

2006/07

2007/08

TOTAL

542 442 431

2.320 2.250 2.300

ENDING STOCKS 1.257 938 1.096

Total Supply 3.577

2.582

EXPORTS

2.673

2.341 1.675 2008/09

2009/10

2.715 1.886

2010/ 11

2.463

3.397

3.068 2.429 1.893

1.660 2011/12

3.189

2012/13(*)

2013/14 (**)

2014/15 (**)

(*) Estimated. (**) Forecast. Last update: June 12, 2014. Source: USDA.

July 2014 | The Cracker

59

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Dates · Dátil · Datte · Dattero · Dattel · Hurma World production of table dates has been forecasted at 7.49 million metric tons for 2014, very similar to 2013. Beginning stocks have been estimated at 434,200 MT, 27% down from 2013. As a

result, total supply in 2014 is estimated at 7.9 million MT, 3% down from the previous year. Approximately 91% of world’s date production is consumed within the producing countries.

Estimated World Table Dates Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

PRODUCTION

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

PRODUCTION

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

SAUDI ARABIA

100.000

1.250.000

1.350.000

115.000

115.000

1.280.000

1.395.000

125.000

EGYPT

140.000

1.190.000

1.330.000

80.000

80.000

1.150.000

1.230.000

70.000

IRAN

85.000

1.110.000

1.195.000

85.000

85.000

900.000

985.000

0

UAE

50.000

820.000

870.000

50.000

50.000

920.000

970.000

60.000

PAKISTAN

8.000

760.000

768.000

7.000

7.000

760.000

767.000

9.000

ALGERIA

12.000

680.000

692.000

12.000

12.000

720.000

732.000

18.000

IRAQ

15.000

530.000

545.000

10.000

10.000

530.000

540.000

20.000

SUDAN

20.000

380.000

400.000

25.000

25.000

370.000

395.000

25.000

OMAN

80.000

265.000

345.000

10.000

10.000

270.000

280.000

5.000

TUNISIA

50.000

145.000

195.000

4.000

4.000

170.000

174.000

4.000

MOROCCO

4.000

130.000

134.000

5.000

5.000

145.000

150.000

3.000

LIBYA

6.000

65.000

71.000

3.000

3.000

50.000

53.000

2.000

ISRAEL

200

21.000

21.200

200

200

22.000

22.200

200

USA

800

18.000

18.800

3.000

3.000

19.000

22.000

2.000

OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

25.000

175.000

200.000

25.000

25.000

180.000

205.000

30.000

596.000

7.539.000

8.135.000

434.200

434.200

7.486.000

7.920.200

373.200

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

7.700.800

7.547.000

Source: FAOSTAT, TRADEMAP and other INC sources.

OTHERS: Mauritania, Yemen, Bahrain, Tchad, Jordan, Mexico, Namibia.

Dried Apricots · Orejón · Abricot Sec · Albicocca Secca · Getrocknete Aprikose · Kuru Kayisi Local frost in 30-31 of March 2014 harshly damaged the Turkish crop of dried apricots in terms of quantity. Production has been forecasted at 25,000 metric tons, a drastic drop from the 110,300 MT recorded in 2013/2014. The carry-over is expected to be between 40,000 and 50,000 MT, resulting in a total supply forecast of approximately 70,000 MT. World total supply is predicted to drop by 35%.

In 2013, Turkey exported 117,800 MT of dried apricots, up 16% from 2012, being the main destination markets Russia (13%), USA (13%), Germany (7%), France (6%) and UK (6%).

Estimated World Dried Apricots Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY TURKEY IRAN

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK

PRODUCTION

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

PRODUCTION

TOTAL SUPPLY

30.000

110.345

140.345

45.000

45.000

25.000

70.000

ENDING STOCK 0

n/a

22.400

22.400

1.000

1.000

20.000

21.000

0

CHINA

n/a

5.700

5.700

0

0

6.000

6.000

0

USA

n/a

1.600

1.600

0

0

2.000

2.000

0

SOUTH AFRICA

n/a

1.500

1.500

0

0

2.000

2.000

0

AUSTRALIA

n/a

600

600

0

0

600

600

0 0

OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

n/a

28.800

28.800

0

0

30.000

30.000

30.000

170.945

200.945

46.000

46.000

85.600

131.600

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock) Source: INC.

60

2014/2015

The Cracker | July 2014

154.945

0 131.600

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Dried Figs

· Higo Seco · Figue Sec · Fico Secco Getrocknete Feige · Kuru Incir World production of dried figs has been forecasted at 124,000 metric tons, 5% up the previous season.

Early estimates suggest a good crop in Turkey. Contingent on favorable weather conditions, production is expected to be similar

to last year. Export figures increased by 25%, from 55,300 metric tons in 2012 to 69,000 MT in 2013, according to the Aegean Exporters’ Association. This is directly attributed to the increase in imports by China. France (13%), Germany (11%), USA (11%) and Russia (7%) were the top destination markets.

Estimated World Dried Figs Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY TURKEY IRAN USA GREECE SPAIN ITALY OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK 0 4.500 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 4.500

PRODUCTION 66.000 22.600 10.000 7.600 5.800 3.800 2.000 117.800

2014/2015

TOTAL SUPPLY 66.000 27.100 10.000 7.600 5.800 3.800 2.000 122.300

ENDING STOCK 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

BEGINNING STOCK 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0

PRODUCTION 70.000 21.000 10.000 8.000 6.000 4.000 5.000 124.000

TOTAL SUPPLY 70.000 21.000 10.000 8.000 6.000 4.000 5.000 124.000

122.300

ENDING STOCK 1.000 2.000 0 0 0 0 500 3.500 120.500

Source: INC.

Dried Cranberries

小红莓 · Arándano

Mirtillo Rosso · Keçiyemisi

USDA in cooperation with Canadian suppliers are reviewing a supply control that would dramatically reduce cranberry concen-

trate. If adopted, it will have unknown impact of Sweetened Dried Cranberry supply.

Estimated World Sweetened Dried Cranberries Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY USA CANADA CHILE TOTAL

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK 10.000 1.000 500 11.500

PRODUCTION 112.000 18.500 7.500 138.000

2014/2015

TOTAL SUPPLY 122.000 19.500 8.000 149.500

ENDING STOCK 17.000 3.000 250 20.250

CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

BEGINNING STOCK 17.000 3.000 250 20.250

PRODUCTION 100.000 20.000 8.000 128.000

TOTAL SUPPLY 117.000 23.000 8.250 148.250

129.250

ENDING STOCK 10.000 2.000 0 12.000 136.250

Source: INC.

· Ciruela Seca · Pruneau · Prugna Secca Backpflaume · Kuru Erik · Pruna Seca World production of prunes in 2013/2014 has been revised slightly upwards to 198,000 metric tons, from 187,700 MT previously announced. The US experienced a significant drop (-37 percent) driven by reduced yields and acreage, and Argentina saw a drastic drop (-82%) due to strong, consecutive frosts during blooming time.

Increases in 2014/15 are expected in three of the four top producing countries: U.S. (+28%), France (+3%) and Argentina (+25%).

Prunes

World production is expected to reach 217,000 MT, up 10% from the previous season. With world prune beginning stocks down by 50%, total supply has been forecast at 259,000 MT, 8% down the previous season.

According to the leading average, the industry has the potential to produce up to 262,250 MT.

Estimated World Prunes Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY USA CHILE FRANCE ARGENTINA SERBIA AUSTRALIA ITALY SOUTH AFRICA TOTAL

2013/2014

BEGINNING STOCK 54.749 2.774 20.000 4.000 0 500 200 0 82.223

PRODUCTION 78.000 70.000 34.000 8.000 3.500 2.200 1.417 860 197.977

CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

TOTAL SUPPLY 132.749 72.774 54.000 12.000 3.500 2.700 1.617 860 280.200

2014/2015

ENDING STOCK 25.000 2.000 10.000 1.000 3.500 250 200 0 41.950 238.250

BEGINNING STOCK 25.000 2.000 10.000 1.000 3.500 250 200 0 41.950

PRODUCTION 100.000 63.000 35.000 10.000 3.500 2.500 2.000 900 216.900

TOTAL SUPPLY 125.000 65.000 45.000 11.000 7.000 2.750 2.200 900 258.850

ENDING STOCK 25.000 2.000 10.000 1.000 3.500 250 200 0 41.950 216.900

Source: International Prune Association and other INC sources.

July 2014 | The Cracker

61

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Raisins, Sultanas & Currants · Uva Pasa · Raisin Sec · Uvetta · Rosine · Kuzu Üzüm World production of raisins, sultanas and currants in 2014/2015 has been forecasted at 1.3 million metric tons, very similar to the previous season.

In Turkey, according to the Aegean Exporters’ Association, the sultana crop is expected to surpass the 300,000 metric tons, contingent on the weather conditions.

Based on bunch count, the early prediction for the US 2014 crop is that it will be an average size crop. Acreage has decreased by 50,000 acres in the last decade to 200,000 acres in 2013. Crop size has remained steady despite the decline in acreage, mainly because there are more new varieties being planted, higher yields and a decline in the amount of raisin variety grapes that are crushed.

In 2013, Turkey exported 213,800 MT of dried grapes, being the main destination markets the United Kingdom (29%), Germany (17%), the Netherlands (11%), Italy and France (7% each). Seedless dried grapes accounted for 45% of total dried fruit exports from Turkey -the largest in the list, followed by dried apricots which accounted for 25% of the exports, and dried figs (15%).

Estimated World Raisins, Sultanas & Currants Production. Metric Tons COUNTRY USA TURKEY IRAN CHINA INDIA CHILE SOUTH AFRICA UZBEKISTAN GREECE AUSTRALIA ARGENTINA OTHERS WORLD TOTAL

2013/2014

2014/2015

BEGINNING STOCK

PRODUCTION

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

BEGINNING STOCK

PRODUCTION

TOTAL SUPPLY

ENDING STOCK

114.112 20.179 0 20.000 0 2.000 1.500 0 0 3.450 0 1.000 162.241

325.680 242.635 165.000 135.000 125.000 58.000 45.000 25.000 21.000 17.000 15.000 43.000 1.217.315

439.792 262.814 165.000 155.000 125.000 60.000 46.500 25.000 21.000 20.450 15.000 44.000 1.379.556

110.000 20.000 10.000 8.000 0 0 7.000 0 0 1.600 0 1.000 157.600

110.000 20.000 10.000 8.000 0 0 7.000 0 0 1.600 0 1.000 157.600

300.000 320.000 160.000 160.000 110.000 55.000 50.000 28.000 25.000 18.000 16.000 50.000 1.292.000

410.000 340.000 170.000 168.000 110.000 55.000 57.000 28.000 25.000 19.600 16.000 51.000 1.449.600

100.000 40.000 10.000 10.000 0 1.000 6.000 0 0 2.000 1.000 1.000 171.000

WORLD CONSUMPTION (T. Supply - End. Stock)

1.221.956

1.233.600

Source: International Seedles Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference and othe INC cources.

US Raisin Production Grape Acres

Raisins Tons

400.000

Grape Acres

300.000

Raisin Production

350.000

250.000

300.000 200.000 250.000 150.000

200.000

100.000

150.000

2003

2004

2005

Source: Dried Fruit Seminar, World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress.

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The Cracker | July 2014

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Est2013

GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Special Report: Hong Kong Source: Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong SAR.

Tree Nuts Import & Export Statistics 2000-2013 Almonds Imports & Exports. Metric Tons Imports

Exports 134.915 127.099 110.151 101.316

106.492 89.406

86.977 71.309 46.496

55.732

36.258 17.990

18.686

13.769 0

2000

0 2001

13.942 0

2002

0 2003

9.007 2.000

6.0453.736

11.531 5.304

2004

2005

2006

16.711 10.266 2007

15.952 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

101.784

100.728

Pistachios Imports & Exports. Metric Tons Imports

Exports 92.640 71.995 62.366 54.433 37.623

34.142 16.377 12.868

18.953 13.902

2000

2001

41.407

10.266 2002

2003

16.544

10.439 2004

2005

50.260

63.145

60.385

50.019

40.303 31.325

13.859

58.630 50.890

21.904

2006

2007

25.139

25.498

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Walnuts Imports & Exports. Metric Tons Imports

Exports 53.792

39.586 34.724

34.430

31.664

29.968 24.369

26.571 21.412

17.561

1.4361.125

594 275

1.134630

891 250

524 213

966 465

1.5601.411

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

3.9964.423

5.170 4.352

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Pecans Imports & Exports. Metric Tons Imports

Exports 41.138 35.824 31.402

29.263

35.057

31.727

29.756 23.039

20.509 17.165

14.497 11.196

71 0

112 0

2000

2001

1.254

0

1.113 0

631 0

943 0

2002

2003

2004

2005

12.444

3.6243.297 12 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Hazelnuts Imports & Exports. Metric Tons Imports

Exports 18.049

18.439

6.261

7.005

8.264

6.969

4.976 3.427

2000

13.299

12.004

11.166 8.386

2001

2002

18.416

20.101 18.399

16.853

2003

3.522

2004

2005

9.084

15.734

14.337 12.621

12.610 10.487

10.093

12.306

10.293

7.753

4.722

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

July 2014 | The Cracker

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GLOBAL STATISTICAL REVIEW

Special Report: Hong Kong Source: Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong SAR.

Macadamias Imports & Exports. Metric Tons Imports

Exports

15.839 15.156

10.895 9.423 6.468

5.622

4.492

4.246

3.846

3.765

4.244

5.983

3.952

3.811

5.083 4.537

6.372

6.108

5.275

4.851

2.169 841 2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

1.388

1.410

2010

2011

2012

2013

Cashews Imports. Metric Tons 5.155 4.251

2.340 1.901 1.148

2000

2001

2002

2003

1.658

1.490

1.457

2004

1.142

2005

2006

2007

2008

1.208

976

2009

2012

1.437

2013

Brazil Nuts In Shell Imports & Exports. Metric Tons Imports

Exports

5.394

3757 3.100

2.837

2.264 1.373

1.177 798 0

0

2000

0

0

2001

342

79

2002

142 0 2003

75

8

2.237 2.026 1.322 496 496

957 848

746

77 28

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Tree Nuts Imports. 2000-2013. Metric Tons 140.000

120.000

Almonds Pistachio

100.000

Walnuts Pecans

80.000

Hazelnut Macadamias Cashews

60.000

Brazil Nuts IS

40.000

20.000

0 2000

64

2001

2002

The Cracker | July 2014

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

CALIFORNIA ALMONDS BUILDING CONSUMER DEMAND IN SOUTH KOREA South Korea has been identified as a key growth market for the California almond industry. A cosmopolitan, health-conscious population in South Korea is looking for nutritious and delicious snack options which California Almonds satisfies. At the end of crop year 2013, South Korea was the seventh largest export market for the California almond industry. This current crop year, the market has maintained an 11% year-to-date shipment growth rate.

As part of the continuing efforts to build consumer demand, Almond Board of California partnered with a hit TV drama series in South Korea to incorporate almond imagery and messages into the storyline. The TV series is a family drama called “Heirs,” and tells the stories of affluent Koreans, which is aspiring for all Korean consumers. The show was broadcast in fall 2013 on SBS during prime time evening TV. One episode was filmed in a Turlock area almond orchard, which is depicted as a part of an affluent Korean’s large “family business” of growing almonds in California.

Throughout the season, various actors are shown snacking on almonds in different situations and integrating messages why to choose almonds as a nutritious snack. California Almonds were highlighted in six different episodes, which had 28 million views in Korea. The TV series was also hugely popular in China, where it was the 9 th most popular show in online video sites during the fall 2013 season and had 1.07 billion views for the entire season.

Almond Board of California is dedicated to continuing its investment in this prospering market to build on the foundation of positive consumer perceptions towards California Almonds. As of June 2014, Almond Board of California’s Nutrition Research Committee commissioned two clinical trials in Korea led by Korean nutrition scientists. These clinical trials will be essential to demonstrate to the Korean population, but also a wider Asian audience, the nutrition benefits of consuming California Almonds.

Filming popular TV series “The Heirs” in Turlock area almond orchard.

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

CALIFORNIA ALMONDS A BRAIN FOOD IN INDIA Almonds are an integral part of India’s culture. The time honoured tradition of mothers giving soaked almonds to their children each morning and the heavy gifting of almonds during festive occasions makes India an important market to support by the Almond Board of California.

India is a big opportunity for almond consumption, in fact according to the 2013 Global Perceptions Study, India scored highest in terms of awareness, likeability and health rating of almonds. In addition, the 2012 UAA study showed that Indian consumers strongly believe that regular almond consumption promotes brain and memory development. While brain and memory development is seen as a key benefit from consumption, in 2011, in an Insight Mining Research, energy was seen as a strong driver to leverage when promoting almonds in India as well.

Building on that and the traditional significance that almonds enjoy in India, a consumer campaign was developed in 2012. The print and television campaigns featured women as everyday heroes whose actions ensure the success of their children.

While it is important to reinforce the Indian traditions with almonds, it is equally important to increase the frequency of consumption and establish almonds as being a healthy food to be consumed throughout the year. Delivering on these objectives, the campaign performance was measured; 72% of respondents stated that they “will definitely eat almonds regularly” and 74% stated that they “will eat almonds all throughout the year”.

Moreover, 70% of the respondents gave the campaign the best possible rating on parameters of likeability, relevance and believability according to a tracking study conducted post the 2012 Winter & Exam campaign.

The original campaign continued airing throughout 2013, but during the latter part of 2013 a refresh was needed in order to maintain the campaign’s effectiveness. A new campaign was developed, taking cues from the original. It showcases children succeeding in their everyday life whether in school, participating in sports or just playing and having fun. The mother is shown as an ally or a partner who contributes to the success of her children, which in turn is her success too. The campaign embraces victories in various areas of a child’s life, such as winning a foot race, first prize in a spelling bee, scoring the winning goal in a soccer game, all of which are supported by the goodness of almonds. Each victory is followed by an appreciation for the Mom, thereby tying back to our overall theme of celebrating the everyday hero in every household, the mother. The revised campaign retained a popular creative element that worked well in the original ad - the use of a popular Hindi movie song that made the communication memorable and struck a chord with mothers.

A behind the scenes still from the India program’s new campaign. This shot illustrates the morning ritual where we see a mother giving soaked almonds to her son, who has just woken up.

A still from our new campaign. Here, we see our young protagonist, a football player, giving his mom a hug after scoring the winning goal in a match.

With the new campaign currently airing, the goal is to continue building on almonds as being symbolic of a Mother’s love and good upbringing; ultimately drawing an emotional connection with the consumer making almond consumption a daily habit.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

AMERICAN PISTACHIOS GROWERS NUTRITION PROGRAM SENDS RESEARCHERS AROUND THE GLOBE PRESENTING THEIR FINDINGS EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON OBESITY, SOFIA, BULGARIA, MAY 28-31.

Research by Dr. Monica Bullo at University in Reus, Spain finds pistachio nut consumption could improve insulin resistance and thus protect against type 2 diabetes

The research co-funded* by American Pistachio Growers was presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 28 – 31. The study results suggests that pistachio nut consumption could improve insulin resistance and therefore could help protect against type 2 diabetes.

The research is by Dr Mònica Bulló, Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pere Virgili Institute for Investigating Health, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain, and colleagues.

Dr. Bulló comments, “Our research is suggesting that regular consumption of pistachios has important glucose- and insulinlowering effects and may even help to reverse some deleterious metabolic consequences of prediabetes.”

Nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids that have been associated with lower risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. This new research now also shows that tree nut consumption is likely to beneficially impact health outcomes such as type-2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Also, nuts are rich in other bioative compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial for health.

This is the first study to evaluate the effect of nuts on the progression of pre-diabetes, one of the risk factors for developing full blown diabetes. In this study, researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of frequent consumption of pistachios on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in pre-diabetic subjects.

54 people were randomly assigned to a control diet (CD) or a pistachios diet (PD) (57g daily). The study was a randomised, crossover clinical trial with 4-month of intervention in each diet, with a 2 week rest period, meaning participants first did one of the two diets CD or PD for four months, had two weeks rest and then did the other diet. Diets were matched for calories and did not differ in the amount of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol content. At baseline and monthly, body measurements, blood pressure, dietary habits, and physical activity were assessed. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the beginning and the end of each intervention period.

The researchers found that fasting glucose, insulin and insulin resistance markers decreased significantly after the pistachio diet compared to the control diet. Metabolic risk markers such as fibrinogen, GLP-1, oxidised LDL and platelet factor-4 all showed a statistically significant decrease after the pistachio diet compared to control diet.

Compared to the participants in the CD group, those in the PD group showed a non-significant reduction in serum-LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which became significant when participants who had dropped out had been excluded from the analysis (5 participants dropped out for personal reasons).

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Jennette Higgs, consultant nutritionist at Food To Fit, comments, “we have known for a while that tree nuts, such as pistachios, include a range of different nutrients and other bioactive substances beneficial to a healthy lifestyle. This new research is topical as we know that type 2 diabetes is on the rise globally1 and health and nutrition professionals need as many tools and dietary aids as possible to encourage people to consume a healthy diet, one of the key ways to protect against developing type 2 diabetes. The study is taking the research on pistachios to another level in terms of the positive health benefit of including pistachios within a balanced and varied diet.”

The authors of the report conclude: “Regular consumption of pistachios could decrease insulin resistance thus suggesting a potential protective role for pistachio consumption against the development of type 2 diabetes.”1 *The study was funded by American Pistachio Growers and Paramount Farms.

EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, APRIL 26 – 30, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA Dr. Sheila West from Pennsylvania State University presented the research findings “Daily Pistachio Consumption Benefits Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes.” The study compared the effects of two healthy diets that differed in fat content on multiple cardiovascular risk factors. 30 adults with type 2 diabetes were fed a moderate fat pistachio diet replacing 20% of daily calories with pistachios, and a low-fat control diet. Compared to the low-fat control diet the pistachio diet benefitted multiple cardiovascular risk factors

WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

including reduced blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, the total HDL cholesterol and improved heart rate variability.2 Drs. Laura Hall and Bonny Burns-Whitmore presented on their research, “Effects of Pistachio Consumption on Body Composition and Blood Lipids in Healthy Young Women.” The results showed that eating as much as 20% of daily calories from pistachios may not lead to weight gain when consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Scientists asked a group of healthy 20-something women to include a couple servings of pistachios to their daily diet –1/5 of their daily calorie needs, approximately 2-3 ounces a day. After 10 weeks, the women experienced no changes in weight, waist circumference or body mass index. The research was conducted at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and Pomona campuses.3 Researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research center on Aging at Tufts University presented their results on the quantification and bioaccessibility of California pistachio bioactives. The contents of 20 bioactives were quantified. Notable antioxidants topping the list were lutein, a carotenoid known for its beneficial effect on eye health and y-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E, known for its role in helping protect cells in the body from oxidation. A gastrointestinal mimic employed to approximate the bioaccessibility of pistachio constituents showed <10% of most hydrophilic compounds are released from pistachio matrices, as well as <7% of lutein and y-tocopherol.4 Hernandez-Alonso, P. et al. Effect of pistachio intake on insulin resistance and metabolic risk markers – the EPIREM study. 2014 European Congress on Obesity. Abstract T5:OS2.3, presented May 31, 2014.

1

West SG., Sauder KA, McCrea CE, Ulbrecht JS, Kris-Etherton PM. Daily pistachio consumption benefits multiple cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2014.

2

Burns-Whitmore B, Hall LM, Towne AH, Roy S. Effects of pistachio on body composition and blood lipids in healthy young women.

FASEB J. 2014.

3

Liu Y, Blumberg J, Chen O. Quantification and bioaccessibility of California pistachio bioactives. FASEB J. 2014

4

U.S. PISTACHIO UPDATE At time of writing, the 2014 U.S. pistachio crop is about one-half through its maturity. The potential size of the crop 2014 is in great

question. Lack of chilling hours affected the timing of bud break of the male trees and pollination of the female trees, which produce the nuts.

Using newer chilling hour calculation methods, it appears that the state of California received 68 percent of average chilling hours normally received during winter hours. Some growers are reporting the lack of growth overlap of these male and female trees, which caused much less nuts to be pollinated. However, other growers are reporting adequate counts of nut clusters on the tree.

However, the bigger issue for pistachios orchards and for all of agriculture in the Western United States has to do with the ongoing drought and lack of water situation currently being faced. Some growers are fallowing land, rationing supplies to keep their orchards and vineyards alive, tapping into groundwater and or purchasing expensive surface water districts. Growers who have underground water wells will be relying on an ever dwindling ground water supply. With many surface water systems allocating zero percent water, growers are trying to figure out how they will be able to irrigate their orchards. Other water districts are providing five percent water allocation, but that water will not be available until September, long after the need for irrigation is required. As a result, at the recently concluded World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, the U.S. Pistachio Working Group estimates the U.S. crop to be as low as 204.500 metric tons to a potential of 295.500 metric tons.

Most growers believe the actual production figures will come in lower than anticipated.

There are now over 300,000 pistachio acres (121.405 hectares) planted in the U.S., with 209,000 acres (85.579 hectares) considered bearing (six years or older). Based upon current yields and bearing acreage trend, the U.S. industry fully expects to reach one billion pounds (455.000 metric tons) of production by the year 2020.

OVERALL SHIPMENTS Shipments from the U.S. continue to be high, especially to foreign markets. While 31% of the crop is shipped domestically within the United States, 31% percent is shipped to China, the largest export market.

Another 25% of the crop is shipped to Europe, while the remaining 13% is shipped to other parts of the world. Strong worldwide demand has kept pressure high on prices for U.S. grown pistachios. While production continues to increase, the ever increasing demand remains strong around the world. U.S. growers are doing their part to help meet that demand by continuing to plant additional pistachio acres.

SOMERCOM

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Forty-five years experience as International Brokers and Agents Consultants Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pistachios, Cashews, Walnuts, Peanuts, Pinenuts, Olive Oil, Seed Oils and Other Products Exclusive Agents of:

BDG Blue Diamond Growers Sacramento (Californie USA)

Diamond Foods, Inc. Stockton (Californie USA)

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FKB Fiskobirlik Giresun (Turquie)

ONH Tunis (Tunisie)

July 2014 | The Cracker

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS PISTACHIOS:

NEW RESEARCH ON PISTACHIOS AND GUT MICROBIOTA NEW EMERGING RESEARCH SUGGESTS EATING PISTACHIOS MAY AFFECT BENEFICIAL GUT BACTERIA New, preliminary research suggests regularly eating pistachios may affect the composition of gut microbiota. Published in the March 2014 issue of British Journal of Nutrition, the very small, preliminary 16-person study suggests that eating pistachios may help alter the number of potentially beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, a finding that may hold promise for supporting gut health.1 “Gut microbiota, or the microbial environment in the gastrointestinal tract, provides functions to the human host,” said Volker Mai, PhD, lead study author and associate professor at the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute. “Although more research is needed, modifying microbiota may be a promising approach for supporting intestinal health.”

Pistachios contain non-digestible food components such as dietary fiber, which remain in the gut and may serve as food for naturally occurring bacteria.

To examine this relationship between pistachios and the gut, researchers conducted a feeding study at the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland. Sixteen healthy individuals were randomly assigned to eat an American-style, pre-planned diet that included 0 ounces, 1.5 ounces or 3 ounces of pistachios or almonds per day. Each participant’s food was provided to them during the intervention, and all subjects were required to eat the food provided to them and nothing else. Multiple stool samples were collected throughout the study and analyzed for bacterial community composition.

After controlling for age, dietary factors and other relevant variables, the researchers observed that after 19 days, people who ate 3 ounces of pistachios (about 147 nuts or 2 servings) per day showed an increase in the number of potentially beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria.

Preliminary research suggests that butyrate may be a preferred energy source for colonic epithelial cells and may play a role in colonic health in humans.2 Greater knowledge and research on the effects of diet on butyrate producing bacteria in the colon is needed to understand the effects on gut health.

This small, preliminary study adds to the growing body of research on gut health and observes a potential effect of pistachios and almonds on gut microbiota composition. However, much more research is needed to explore any potential prebiotic properties of pistachios and almonds and their potential impact on gut microbiota composition. *The research was funded by Paramount Farms International and the Almond Board of California.

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Ukhanova M, Wang X, Baer DJ, Novotny JA, Fredborg M, Mai V. Effects of almond and pistachio consumption on gut microbiota composition in a randomized cross-over human feeding study. British Journal of Nutrition.

2014;18:1-7.

1

Barcenilla A, Pryde SE, Martin JC, Duncan SH, Stewart CS, Flint HJ. Phylogenetic relationships of butyrate-producing bacterial from the human gut. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2000;66(4):1654-61.

2

THE SKINNY NUT OFFERS A PACKAGE OF NUTRIENTS A one-ounce serving of pistachios, with 49 kernels and 160 calories, 3 grams of dietary fiber, and 6 grams of protein is one of the lowest fat, lowest calorie, and among the highest protein nuts. Pistachios are also an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper and manganese and a good source of phosphorus and thiamin.

ABOUT PISTACHIOHEALTHINSTITUTE.ORG PistachioHealthInstitute.org is the leading online source of information on the health and nutrition benefits of pistachios for both consumers and health professionals. It houses a comprehensive research library, with research updates and information from leading experts in the field of health and nutrition, including the Health Nut blog, Ask Our Expert section, and educational materials. The Institute is committed to advancing the understanding of the health benefits of pistachios, and continues to invest and support research at leading institutions around the world. “Like” PistachioHealthInstitute on Facebook and follow @ PistachioHealth on Twitter. For more information about the health benefits of pistachios, please visit www.PistachioHealthInstitute.org.

Telephone: 520-791-2852 www.greenvalleypecan.com sales@greenvalleypecan.com

For more information on Green Valley Pecans please contact your representative: Keith Roberts Partnership 44-1702-808211 (Keith Roberts) krp@talktalkbusiness.net 44-7736-617317 (Anna Roberts) anna@krpnuts.co.uk Gemperli - Switzerland 41-44-368-2020 (Main Telephone) info@gemperli.com Jas Trading - The Netherlands 31-20-643-6412 (Main Telephone) info@jastrading.com Max Kiene - Germany 49-40-309-6550 (Main Telephone) u.matthies@maxkiene.de

CALDIC - Denmark A/S 45-44-53-56-53 (Main Telephone) b.hansen@caldic.dk Voice Vale - France, S.A.R.L. 33-1-4050-2480 (Main Telephone) philippe.truffier@voicevale-fr.com Tonto Corporation - Japan 81-3-4360-5336 (Main Telephone) kjtagawa@tantocp.com CALDIC - Sweden AB 46-40-698-11-00 (Main Telephone) info@caldic.se FoodSource, Inc. - Middle East 001-630-887-8599 (Main Telephone) sales@foodsource.us

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NUCIS ITALIA: NUTRITIONISTS ATTRACT CONSUMERS TO SUPERMARKETS “DRIED FRUIT IS WELLBEING” PROJECT ANSWERS CONSUMER REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AT POINT OF SALE Nucis Italia, which includes the most important Italian companies that produce and sell dried, dehydrated fruit and nuts, initiated a communication campaign called the “Dried Fruit is Wellbeing” project in 2008. It encourages consumption of dried, dehydrated fruit and nuts– when consumed in the right quantity – for leading a healthy life of wellbeing.

Last fall, distribution of information validated by the scientific committee of Nucis Italia resulted in over 1.700 points of sale. Last spring 2014, materials offered new ideas for consumption of dried fruit and nuts outdoors during hot summers as a natural way to endure the weather and loss of minerals. This concept was promoted at points of sale for trial in 300 supermarkets. Between end of April and beginning of May, the project included displays with a nutritionist in the fruit and vegetable department of 30 supermarkets.

NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION AND ATTENTION TO CONSUMERS In addition, at the same time about 30 point of sale displays on weekends with nutritionists in various fruit and vegetable departments of supermarkets answered consumer inquiries about the healthy attributes of dried fruit and nuts. These professionals concluded that consumers, especially women, are already informed about the role that healthy food choices play in the prevention of disease, and how a healthy lifestyle for the family is created.

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

POINT OF SALE MESSAGING To sustain the initiative called “Nucis Wellbeing Days”, Nucis Italia produced visual and informative leaflets and signs for consumers with the slogan “A desire for wellbeing blooms.” Other materials called ’rotairs’ are suspended to add color to fruit and vegetable departments for reminding customers about wellbeing for families during the summer days! Other information included recipes for easy cooking throughout the day: from breakfast recipes for a “tasty good morning” to lunch; to lunch ideas for “tasty breaks”; to summer evenings for “moments with friends” for informal dining.

DRIED FRUIT DATA GATHERED AT EVENTS Wellbeing Days allowed nutrition experts to gather data directly from consumers about their consumption habits. Among the most interesting data: half the people who stopped by the desk (mostly women over 45) requested more information about the nutritional aspects of dried fruit and nuts, especially portion sizes. Other data indicated that consumers

preferred dried fruit (68%); acknowledged its nutritional value (80%); loved its taste (70%); eat it at the end of their meals (50%); and even at breakfast (25%) and in the afternoon (11%). Over half of the consumers consumed dried fruit year-round versus seasonal only.

Consumers were especially interested in eating foods that help control diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Calorie intake and weight control was also a hot topic for nutritionists to discuss with consumers for promoting a healthy diet. Women in the 30-45 age bracket and men and women in the aging population were also interested in nutrition to address cholesterol control, hypertension and digestive problems. These segments of the population are targeted by Nucis nutrition experts for specific recommendations related to eating habits.

The Nucis Italian experience demonstrates how important it is to keep consumers informed with clear messaging that is scientifically sound for an enjoyable shopping experience.

July 2014 | The Cracker

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

NUCIS GERMANY TEAMS UP WITH ALMOND AND PISTACHIO GROUPS Nucis continues to advocate about the positive effects nuts have on human health as Nucis Germany supports the German speaking health professionals who are updated with the latest knowledge on Nut research projects. Almonds and Pistachios contribute to this project and provide the latest research information about a healthy and balanced diet.

© Almond Board of Caifornia

Ms. Gabriele Kirchberg participated in an information event for health constituents organized by the Almond Board of California last June. The event was a “Dr. Mattes Roundtable ” in London. Ms. Karen Lapsley, Chief Scientific Director, introduced the Almond Board and discussed its wide range of research activities.

Mr. Richard Mattes, MPH, PhD, RD of Purdue University reviewed hunger and satiety; regulation of food intake in humans; human cephalic phase responses and taste and smell; all included the latest findings in research projects covering almonds. His presentation also discussed research outcomes for almonds in snacking, diabetes and obesity.

Nucis member American Pistachio Growers also hosted a pistachio nut event in Hamburg last June that included a barbecue. The nutritional benefits of pistachios were demonstrated by the Nutritionist Ms. Yvonne Schilling who gave a lecture about pistachios and made studies covering pistachios available. She focused on the natural nutrition of athletes and demonstrated with a cupboard full of pistachios that it doesn’t take much to achieve a balanced and natural diet with pistachios. Guests enjoyed several dishes including pistachio pesto, avocado with pistachio oil, vegan dishes which were prepared in front of the guests by local event chefs Dieck & Depré. In addition to the nutritional knowledge provided, ideas for how to integrate pistachios in daily diet were also shared.

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The Cracker | July 2014

WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

PECANS HIT SNACK ‘TRIFECTA’ AMONG CONSUMERS It’s no secret that snacking between meals is a popular pastime among American consumers and is a tradition that most likely won’t change.

However what is changing is how consumers choose to snack. They are selecting healthier convenient options with flavor variety (aka the ‘trifecta’) to complete their balanced diet.

“Snacking is definitely getting a bit healthier,” says Darren Seifer, Food & Beverage Industry Analyst for The NPD Group. “We used to be more extraneous about indulgence, now we are finding things like yogurt and fruit are the top things we are snacking on.”

According to the NPD Group, better-for-you snack foods (fruit, yogurt, and snack bars) are predicted to grow at a faster rate than population growth (5% over the standard 4% population growth). Additionally, consumers who are fairly young or over the age of 55 tend to snack more throughout the day.

“Nuts overall are a top snacking item for Americans. Lately, it’s been viewed as something that has a health halo to it,” said Seifer. “It’s a source of protein; consumers gravitate to getting more protein in their diet. The category has a lot of things going for it from a health perspective.”

Nuts are also convenient. Consumers don’t have to prepare them and they come in all sorts of varieties and flavors. On top of being a natural, highquality source for protein, pecans are also naturally sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for those on a salt- or sodium-restricted diet.

Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc. One ounce of pecans provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for fiber.

HERBED PECAN SNACK MIX 5 c. cereal (any combination of bite-size wheat, rice or corn squares; shredded wheat cereal; round toasted oat cereal; and crispy corn or rice cereal bites) 1½ c. pretzels or chow mein noodles 1 cup pecan halves or pieces

1/3 c. butter or regular margarine (melted) 1 T dried parsley flakes 1 t. dried thyme (crushed) ½ t. celery salt ½ t. onion powder

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine cereals, pretzels (or chow mein noodles) and pecans in a 13x9x2” baking pan. In a bowl, stir melted butter (or margarine) and remaining ingredients together. Pour over cereal mixture, tossing gently until well coated. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes, stirring once or twice. Spread in a large shallow pan or on foil to cool before serving.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PECAN SHELLERS ASSOCATION The National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA), a non-profit trade association, is committed to educating culinary and health professionals, food technologists and the general public about the nutritional benefits, variety of uses and all around great taste of pecans. For more information on the health benefits of pecans and where to find them, visit www.ilovepecans.org.

Your Distributor for Germany Work hand in hand with the nuts & dried fruits import and marketing experts.

PALM NUTS & MORE · Nuss und Trockenfrucht GmbH & Co. KG Lindenstrasse 17 · D - 21244 Buchholz · Germany Telefon: + 49 4181 9091- 0 · Fax: + 49 4181 9091 - 80 mail@ palm-nutsandmore.de · www.palm-nutsandmore.de July 2014 | The Cracker

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

NUTS FOR LIFE SPONSORS TWITTER CHAT With the decline in traditional print media in Australia and the rise in social media and blogging, Nuts for Life has been undertaking more activities in this social media space. During the Melbourne International Nut Congress Nuts for Life sponsored a twitter chat called #eatkit Exploring Nuts for Life. #eatkit is organized by two well known Australian social media dietitians Catherine Saxelby @foodwatch and Emma Stirling @emmastirling.

They run a twitter chat on a different nutrition topic on the third Wedneday of each month and it was a nice coincidence that it would occur during INC. #eatkit is held at 9pm AEST so that dietitians and foodies are able to join in including those from Western Australia as well as in the US and UK. A platform called Twubs.com is recommended as it is designed to make twitter chats easier for participants as it automatically includes the searchable hashtag #eatkit in each tweet and curates all tweets with this hashtag.

Over the course of one hour five questions are posed that participants respond to. Nuts for Life prepared all tweet responses in advance so they included all key messages and themes. The chat is archived on the Storify platform so it can be referred to again by those involved or for anyone who was unable to attend.

THE FIVE QUESTIONS POSED ABOUT NUTS WERE: 1. How do you rate the nutrient composition of nuts?

2. What’s the best portion / quantity of nuts? How often do you recommend they are eaten?

3. Who do you think would benefit the most from eating nuts?

4. Are you concerned about weight gain when eating /recommending nuts?

5. How do you use nuts in the kitchen? Share your recipes.

HOW WAS #EATKIT PROMOTED? We started promoting the nuts #eatkit soon after the previous #eatkit finished so we had one month to generate interest. Activities included: •

Taking the #eatkit badge and modifying it to promote nuts

•

Stickers were made of this modified badge and were stuck to the Nuts for Life resources distributed at the Dietitians Conference the week before #eatkit

•

A QR code was developed for twubs platform and used in a poster for #eatkit displayed at the Dietitians Conference the week before.

Smartphones with a QRCode reader can scan the image creating a reminder in their phone

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•

Lisa Yates and Liz Munn Nuts for Life dietitians pointed out the sticker to those that took resources at DAA conference and encouraged attendance

•

Catherine Saxelby and Emma Stirling both promoted the nuts #eatkit several times via their own blogs, twitter, facebook and instagram accounts

•

Nuts for Life regularly tweeted about the nuts #eatkit via our own twitter channel @nutsforlife and a facebook post was generated on the Nuts for Life facebook page

•

Nuts for Life emailed all Nuts for Life members and encouraged them to participate as well to share information around on their own social media channels

•

Nuts for Life asked INC and NREF to promote #eatkit via their channels

•

On the day we did a series of count down reminder tweets over the day to ensure participants intending to come along remembered.

•

After the event we curated all the recipes mentioned during #eatkit and placed on our pinterest page http:// www.pinterest.com/nutsforlife/nuts-recipes-fromeatkit-may-2014/ this was also tweeted after the event

RESULTS Using Radian 6 software to analyse the archives there were 56 active participants and a number of “twisteners” – those following the tweet stream but not participating in the chat. This was the largest number of tweeters #eatkit has seen.

Thirty two of active tweeters were our key audience of health professionals (mainly dietitians and student students, doctors and fitness leaders) and two of the twisteners were Australian celebrity chefs. These 56 active participants had over 51,000 followers in total and over the hour there were 909 tweets and retweets with a total opportunity to see of 2,145,816 (combined reach of ALL the tweets).

The tone of the tweets were positive and this word cloud indicates those words that were most commonly used.

Nuts for Life uses Klout.com to measure our social and online influence and as a result of our May activities our Klout Score increased from 57 to 60 – the highest we have every achieved.

This educational activity was a worthwhile investment given our health professional audience participated and our nut key messages were circulated.

To view the twitter chat visit the Nuts for Life #eatkit Archive on Storify https://storify.com/EmmaStirling/eatkit-live-twitter-chatarchives-may-21-nuts-for?utm_medium=sfy.co-twitter&utm_ content=storify-pingback&utm_campaign=&utm_source=twubs. com&awesm=sfy.co_hivf

GLOSSARY BREAKOUT BOX Twitter – is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables users to send and read short 140 character text messages. Users addresses commence with the @ symbol.

Tweet – noun – the 140 character text message, verb - to tweet - the act of writing and posting a tweet.

Hashtag - a word or an unspaced phrase prefixed with the hash sign #. Tagging words in messages on microblogging and social networking services such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Instagram make it possible to group such messages and search for them.

Twisteners – those following a twitter chat but not participating live

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WORLD INDUSTRY NEWS

DOMESTIC MARKETING UPDATE

FOODSERVICE California Walnut Board (CWB) was a sponsor of Plate Magazine’s annual Plate Night event during the annual National Restaurant Association show in May. Over 700 foodservice professionals attended to network and sample food. The theme was “spice” and four walnut dishes were sampled: Spice-Roasted Squash with Walnut Green Harissa, Fiery Hot Cheddar Walnuts, Cajun-Spiced Walnut “Crumb” Topping on Deviled Eggs, and Chipotle Walnut Tart. Guests of the event came back repeatedly, and remarked how delicious all the dishes tasted. They also received a new set of “Trending” recipes featuring California Walnuts.

The CWB was a proud Platinum sponsor of the second annual Menus of Change® leadership summit held June 9-11, 2014 at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA. The event, co-presented by The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition, united efforts to educate guests about creating a “healthier” America, by identifying the next-generation business practices for a more sustainable future. There were over 300 attendees that included corporate foodservice menu decision makers, science, sustainability and nutrition leaders, as well as trade and consumer media. Chef Trent Page, a consultant for the CWB, developed many of the walnut recipes sampled during the conference such as Spring Vegetable Bruschetta with Walnut-Fava Pesto and Walnut Dukkah and Grilled Mackerel with Walnut Agrodolce. Walnuts were also a featured ingredient in the “Sustainable Kitchen” Culinary Stage on June 10, which featured three renowned chefs. During the two-day summit, guests had the chance to sample a variety of nutritious and sustainable California Walnut-inspired dishes prepared by Culinary Institute of America’s Chef, Scott Samuel and the culinary team of The Charles Hotel.

CELEBRATING MEDITERRANEAN MONTH California Walnuts conducted several activities during Mediterranean Month in May to build awareness about walnuts and their role in the Mediterranean Diet. The California Walnut Commission hosted a media dinner at the International Association for Culinary Professionals (IACP) in Chicago, where Dr. Joan Sabaté, Dr. Wendy Bazilian and Chef/Author Joanne Weir all spoke about the benefits of walnuts and their inclusion in the Mediterranean Diet. Joanne Weir also appeared on The Better Show, a nationally syndicated lifestyle TV program, and demonstrated her Grain Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Dates and Grapefruit. In addition, Joanne Weir is also the newest addition to the lineup of chefs who have created a menu for the Chef Menus at Home program. Weir is a television personality, cookbook author, international cooking teacher and chef, and she brought that experience to her menu which includes a Grilled Polenta Walnut Pound Cake and a Farro, Cheddar, Walnut and Apple Salad.

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NEW WEBINAR FOR REGISTERED DIETITIANS California Walnuts partnered with the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for an on-demand webinar titled “Heart Health Update: New CV Guidelines And News On The Mediterranean Diet.” The webinar was presented by Dr. James Beckerman of the Providence Heart and Vascular Institute in Portland, Oregon and Dr.

Wendy Bazilian, a Registered Dietitian and American College of Sports Medicine-certified Health and Fitness Specialist. The first 30 days were free with more than 800 dietitians viewing the webinar for one hour of continuing education credit. Currently, the webinar is available through SCAN for a nominal fee.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING UPDATE

TV COVERAGE IN JAPAN

In late April, the popular Japanese television program, “Takeshi`s Health Entertainment” featured a segment on the health benefits of walnuts, with emphasis on Sarasara shiniyaka, the Japanese phrase for smooth blood flow. During the 45 minute segment, Kazuki Shiina, MD of Tokyo Medical University, explained how omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) and polyphenols, both of which are contained in walnuts, rejuvenate blood vessels. Three celebrities showed the longer they ate walnuts, the younger their blood vessels were. A popular chef showed a seven day menu of homemade and easy to prepare recipes which include 42g walnuts. After the airing of the show supermarket sales increased 18-fold from the previous daily average. Less than one month later the television show “Anohini Kaeritai (missing the good old days)” aired highlighting walnuts again. Hiroyoshi Inoue, MD of Keio University, and Elica Angyal, appeared as endorsers of walnuts. Dr. Inoue introduced a walnuts as “an ultimate food” to consume omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) easily and efficiently.

CHINESE RETAIL PROMOTIONS Chinese New Year is a popular time for giving gifts in China. The California Walnut Commission partnered with popular retail chains for the fourth year in a row to promote giving California walnuts as part of the holiday. The campaign centered around beautifully designed California Walnut Gift Boxes which were given to consumers when they purchased bags of California walnuts from

major retail stores. The stores created eye-catching displays which were strategically located to promote California walnuts and the California Walnut Gift Boxes. The CWC was able to partner with over 130 supermarkets including Sam’s Club, Carrefour, Wal-Mart, Park ’N Shop, LOTUS, and JUSCO in the regions of Guangdong, Xi’an, Changsha, Hefei, Harbin and Qingdao.

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mauriziopatscot

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THE NEXT PUBLICATIONS SCHEDULE FOR THE CRACKER WILL BE...

NOVEMBER 2014 • MARCH 2015

UK Bühler Sortex Ltd............................47

Eurobroker........................................7

Kenkko Commodities PLC..............13

Somercom.......................................69

Toximet LTD....................................92

GERMANY Eurofins..........................................98

USA

Palm Nuts & More KG....................75

Cablevey Conveyors........................81

ITALY

Campos Brothers Farms.................11

Connect S.R.L..................................67

Chico Nut Company........................93

V. Besana S.P.A.................................80

TO ALL INC MEMBERS, ADVERTISERS AND SUBSCRIBERS:

Swiss Gourmet AG....................................6

TURKEY

FRANCE

Cashews

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Valbifrut S.A....................................99

Sino Jet International ......................1 Walnuts

SWITZERLAND

JAPAN Tanto Corporation..........................66

Crain Walnut Shelling, INC............10 Fisher Nut Company.........................5 Grower Direct Nut...........................36

MEXICO Grupo Premier de Occidente SA.....73

Hilltop Ranch, INC..........................19

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Hughson Nut, INC...........................41

Santis S.A.R.L. ................................79

Key Technology...............................42

SPAIN

Satake USA, INC....Front Inside Cover

Borges S.A........................................48 Borrell.............................................97

Setton INTL Foods....Back Outside Cover

Crisol de Frutos Secos, SAT.............65

The Green Valley Pecan CO........70 & 71

Frutos Secos Ramon Llop...............95

VICAM, A Waters Business.................9

INC........................... Inside Back Cover Incus Technology S.L....................100

Young Pecan Company...................45

Joan Escoda S.A...............................17

Detailed information will be sent and posted to our website: www.nutfruit.org July 2014 | The Cracker

81

INC WORLD FORUM FOR NUTRITION RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION

Chaired by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó

2ND WORLD FORUM FOR NUTRITION RESEARCH CONFERENCE TRANSLATING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

By Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó and Marta Guasch, Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain.

Jordi Salas-Salvadó, presented also new findings on the effect of different types of olive oil on mortality in the context of the PREDIMED Study.

The effects of migration and cultural integration on eating patterns of the Mediterranean Diet in Australia were discussed by local researchers. Dr Istiopoulos, from a Melbourne group, emphasized the role of dietitians on studies involving Greek migrants. Dr Karen Murphy, leader of a South Australian group, introduced and discussed methodological issues of defining a Mediterranean Diet, developing diet quality indices and assessing cognitive decline in this context. Other presentations focused on diet quality indices in weight loss, dietary patterns in hospitalised patients and the challenges behind capturing indigenous food patterns in remote Aboriginal communities.

About one year after the 1st World Forum for Nutrition Research Conference was a great success in Reus, Spain, the 2nd World Forum for Nutrition Research Conference was held in Brisbane, Australia this 14th of May. It was a satellite meeting of the 31st National Conference of the Dietitians Association of Australia and it was supported by the Dietitians Association of Australia, in collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Australia and the Federation of Societies of Nutrition and Dietetics of Spain (FESNAD), and received sponsorship from INC and Nuts for Life®, Australia.

The second forum was an outstanding conference were dietitians, nutritionists, medical and scientific researchers; representatives of the food industry and journalists could participate on translating the principles of the Mediterranean Diet to other regions of the world. The conference was chaired and facilitated by Professor Linda Tapsell from the University of Wollongong, Australia. Dr Luis Serra-Majem, from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, opened the meeting, outlining the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean Diet and highlighting its recognition by UNESCO for representing Intangible Cultural Heritage. His comprehensive presentation outlined the broad context in which we can understand this diet, particularly from a social and environmental perspective.

Dr Emilio Ros from the landmark PREDIMED study, which demonstrated the effects of the Mediterranean Diet on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, gave a number of presentations from the study to explain several recent and interesting findings. Dr Ros discussed the work involved in designing such a large study, the costs involved, the need for sophisticated collaborative teams and the value of industry cosponsorship. In addition, very recent results on the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean Diet on Metabolic Syndrome were presented. Marta Guasch-Ferré, a researcher from the PREDIMED study group, led by Dr

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Researchers from Australia and Spain presented findings and concepts of the Mediterranean Diet, from the range of food groups and nutrient profiles reported in the literature, to how the effects might be seen from single nutrients (such as fatty acids), whole foods (such as nuts and olive oil) or whole diets (seen through indices of diet quality or Mediterranean Diet adherence).

The conference was very interesting with a wide range of presenters that provided a deep overview of the Mediterranean Diet in different regions and its applicability on different populations. There were several discussions with a panel of experts, which included Professor Kerin O’Dea and the effects of indigenous dietary patterns on health in Australian Aboriginal communities. The final discussion was presented

by Dr Serra-Majem who detailed how we can translate Mediterranean Diet into agricultural practices or developing inventories of traditional foods. We all have our own Mediterranean Diet. Understanding the principles behind this ‘intangible cultural heritage’ provides a useful starting point for further research and understanding.

INC WORLD FORUM FOR NUTRITION RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION

DR. EMILIO ROS RECEIVES THE INC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH Dr. Emilio Ros, Director of the Lipid Clinic and Senior Consultant of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Service at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain, was born in Girona (Spain) in 1945 and graduated from the School of Medicine at the University of Barcelona in 1968. He did 6 years of postgraduate training in the United States of America (New York and Boston) in the years 1970 through 1976. In the US, he obtained the degrees of Specialist in Internal Medicine (American Board of Internal Medicine, New York 1972) and Gastroenterology (Id id, Boston 1974).

He has had a long-standing interest in nutrition in relation to cardiovascular risk and, in particular, on the effects of nut consumption on health outcomes. His research on nuts began in the decade of 1990 when, by chance as it often happens, he met Dr. Joan Sabaté (the first Golden Nut Award recipient) in Barcelona and, after discussing his landmark trial on the cholesterol-lowering effects of walnuts in healthy volunteers, published in 1993 in the prestigious medical journal New England Journal of Medicine, challenged him to confirm these findings in persons with elevated blood cholesterol in another study in Barcelona. Thus, with the support of the California Walnut Commission (CWC), began the Barcelona Walnut Trial (BWT), which results showed again a cholesterol-lowering effect of walnuts. The BWT was published in the year 2000 in another prestigious journal and had a great media impact, starting an upward trend in nut sales throughout the world as people became aware of the health effects of a natural and tasty food, completely devoid of the side effects of the drugs usually prescribed to lower blood cholesterol.

After publication of the BWT, further grants from the CWC allowed him to examine the effects of walnuts on vascular reactivity. The findings revealed that walnut intake had beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system beyond cholesterol lowering, namely that arteries dilated better to preserve blood flow under stressful conditions and that was demonstrated after both a walnut diet and a single fatty meal enriched with walnuts. The results were also published in top journals and received great media attention. Many more studies and publications of both original articles and reviews on the beneficial health effects of nuts followed, culminating with a review last year in a top Cardiology journal (Circulation, July 2013) on the multiple beneficial effects of seeds (among them, tree nuts and peanuts) on heart health and diabetes risk. The concept of “seeds” as support of a new live is critical to understanding both their

multidimensional nutrient composition and health effects. Seeds (nuts) are made of complex matrices in the outer layer and the germ, rich in minerals, vitamins, and bioactive phytochemicals that protect the plant’s DNA from oxidative stress, thus facilitating the perpetuation of the species. On the other hand, the endosperm of seeds stores nutritive components to sustain the future seedling with a variable mixture of highquality protein, complex carbohydrate, and unsaturated fat. In this sense seeds are like eggs, which also contain nutrients to sustain the growth of bird and reptile embryos. Tree nuts and peanuts provide a wide array of bioactive molecules likely to have significant health benefits. In this sense, they are natural health capsules with an optimal nutrient composition.

After PREDIMED, there is no excuse to skip delicious nuts available worldwide!

The beneficial health effects of nuts shown in epidemiological studies and small clinical trials like those carried out by the team of Dr. Ros in Barcelona have been definitively proven by the recent results of the landmark PREDIMED trial, in which he had the privilege to serve as chair of the nutritional intervention. PREDIMED showed that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts (30 g per day of walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts) implemented during 5 years in older persons at high cardiovascular risk resulted in an impressive 30% reduction in cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke or death from these causes), without any undue weight gain, in comparison to advice on a low-fat diet. This study was published also in the New England Journal of Medicine and has received more scientific and media attention than any other scientific development during 2013. Thus a loop is closed with the first publication from Dr. Sabaté on walnuts and cholesterol in this same prestigious journal. After PREDIMED, there is no excuse to skip delicious nuts available worldwide!

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NEWS FROM THE NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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

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

New research on tree nuts and the dissemination of that research to health professionals and policy makers continues to be a priority for INC NREF. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans are currently being reviewed and updated for the new version, which will be released in 2015. In February of this year, INC NREF submitted comments to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (see below), emphasizing the role of nuts in cardio-metabolic health, weight/satiety, cancer and in the American diet.

INC NREF COMMENTS TO THE U.S. 2015 DIETARY GUIDELINES ADVISORY COMMITTEE In 2003, FDA announced one of the first qualified health claims—a claim for nuts and heart disease. This claim, the result of 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 then 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 benefits of nut consumption on diabetes, metabolic syndrome and a healthy body weight.

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% of those surveyed consumed nuts but most only ate about ¾ of an ounce—roughly half of the recommended amount. Moreover, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ 2,000 calorie food pattern recommends four ounces of nuts, seeds and soy products per week—well below the health claim amount.

FOUR MAIN POINTS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN OUR COMMENTS: • Nut consumption and cardio-metabolic health; • Nut consumption and weight/satiety; • Nut consumption, phytochemicals and cancer; • The important role of nuts in the American diet.

shown that mixed nuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Highlights of the most recent significant papers follow.

The Life Sciences Research Organization, Inc. (LSRO), in conjunction with an expert panel, conducted an evidence-based analysis of the relationship between consumption of tree nuts and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Ninety-six studies formed the basis of the analysis.

WEIGHING ALL THE EVIDENCE, THE EXPERT PANEL ARRIVED AT THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS: “Combining the results of the observational study analyses with the interventional study analyses meeting the FDA criteria, there is strong evidence that consumption of tree nuts has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health and a real and practical effect in reducing the risk of CVD. • This beneficial health effect is supported by the results of the analyses that did not meet FDA criteria and by the results on unvalidated biomarkers in observational and interventional studies.

• This beneficial health effect is consistent with published meta-analyses studying the effect of nuts.

• This beneficial health effect is consistent with the results of several analyses of the PREDIMED cohort.

NUT CONSUMPTION AND CARDIO-METABOLIC HEALTH

• The beneficial effects of nut consumption on blood total cholesterol may be mediated in part by the replacement of saturated fat with nuts but replacement of saturated fat does not account for all the beneficial effects.

Since 2010, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of studies showing the positive impact of nuts on cardio-metabolic health. Over 35 research articles (see attached reference list) have

• The consumption of nuts under the experimental conditions of the analyses reviewed in this report is not obesogenic.”

(LSRO, 2014, pp. 2-3)

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NEWS FROM THE NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION In a study by Bao, et al., researchers looked at the association of nut consumption with total and cause-specific mortality among 76,464 women in the Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Health Study and 42,498 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Consumption of nuts was inversely associated with total mortality in both men and women, independent of other predictors for death. Individuals who consumed an ounce of nuts seven or more times per week, had a 20% lower death rate and this association was dose-dependent. In addition, there were significant inverse associations for deaths due to cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease. In another study looking at mortality, modest consumption of nuts provided a protective effect against inflammatory disease mortality.

In a pooled analysis of 25 intervention trials conducted in seven countries, researchers looked at 583 normo- and hypercholesterolemic men and women who were not on cholesterol-lowering medication.

Those who consumed an average of 67g (or 2.4 oz) of nuts per day had a mean estimated reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio and total cholesterol/HDL ratio of 5.1%, 7.4%, 8.3% and 5.6% respectively. The effect of nuts was dose-related and different types of nuts had similar effects on blood lipids.

In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, researchers found that a diet pattern containing more nuts was related to a lower risk of developing hypertension in middle-aged adults. These findings support the 2010 Dietary Guidelines to consume more nuts and dairy foods.

A cross-sectional study of 7,210 men and women from the PREDIMED study, a randomized dietary prevention trial conducted in Spain, showed nut consumption was inversely associated with the prevalence of general obesity, central obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. Compared to participants consuming <1 serving/wk of nuts, those consuming >3 servings/wk had lower adjusted odds ratios (OR) for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Higher nut consumption was also associated with lower risk of the abdominal obesity metabolic syndrome criterion.

A recent meta-analysis (11 studies [422 subjects]) on nuts and diabetes, found that diets emphasizing tree nuts at a median dose of ~56 g/day significantly lowered HbA1c and fasting glucose in comparison to control diets in populations with type 2 diabetes.

Although no significant treatment effects were observed for fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the direction of effect favored tree nuts.

Finally, researchers at Loma Linda University studied 803 Seventhday Adventist adults. Mean tree nut intake was 16g/day among the high tree nut consumers and 5g/day among low tree nut consumers.

Just one ounce of tree nuts per week was significantly associated with 7% less metabolic syndrome. In addition to the effect of nuts on metabolic syndrome, the researchers also looked at the effect on obesity and found that high tree nut consumers had significantly lower prevalence of obesity compared to the low tree nut consumers.

NUT CONSUMPTION AND WEIGHT/SATIETY With regard to weight and satiety, more than 10 epidemiological and clinical mixed-nut studies published since 2010 (see attached reference list) have shown that nut consumption is not associated with higher body weight. In fact, in a recent NHANES analysis in which researchers looked at out-of-hand nut consumption (OOHN), although energy intake was higher in OOHN consumers than nonconsumers, neither weight nor body mass index (BMI) was higher.

According to the researchers, this suggests that OOHN consumers are better able to balance energy intake with energy output than non-consumers. This study comes on the heels of another by the same authors, which showed that tree nut consumers specifically (ages 19+) had lower body weight, as well as lower BMI and waist circumference compared to non-consumers. The mean weight, BMI, and waist circumference were 4.19 pounds, 0.9kg/m2 and 0.83 inches lower in consumers than non-consumers, respectively.

Interestingly, in a sub study of the PREDIMED trial, consumption of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts was associated with delayed progression of internal carotid intima-media thickness and plaque compared to a control diet. According to the researchers, the results contribute mechanistic evidence for the reduction of cardiovascular events observed in the PREDIMED trial.

A meta-analysis published earlier this year looked at 33 clinical trials and the pooled results indicated a nonsignificant effect on body weight, BMI, or waist circumference of diets including nuts compared with control diets. Possible reasons include (1) the satiety value of nuts; (2) incomplete fat absorption; and (3) some nuts are actually less caloric than originally thought.

The largest study to date on nuts and diabetes showed that approximately two ounces of mixed nuts a day, as a replacement for carbohydrate foods, can improve glycemic control and blood lipids in those with type 2 diabetes. The study was a 3-month parallel design with 117 non-insulin dependent adults with diabetes (men and women with a mean age of 62 years) who were all being treated with oral hypoglycemic medications. The subjects were randomized to one of three diets for three months. The first diet included a supplement of 75g of mixed nuts; the second diet included 38g of mixed nuts and half portion of muffins; and the third diet contained a full portion of muffins. The findings revealed that the full dose nut group had significantly reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels compared to the full dose muffin group, and there was a significant reduction in HbA1c in the full dose nuts compared to the other two diets.

NUT CONSUMPTION, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND CANCER In addition to being a rich source of several essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids and fiber, tree nuts provide a rich array of phytochemicals that may affect the promotion of human health.

Many of these bioactive components need to be fully identified and characterized in tree nuts, particularly their concentration and profiles as affected by cultivar, environmental factors, and geography.

However, broad classes include the carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes.

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While the number of studies remains limited, available evidence indicates that these phytochemicals are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans. These two parameters are important as these phytochemicals have been associated with an array of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antiviral, chemopreventive, and hypocholesterolemic actions potentially capable of affecting the initiation and progression of several pathogenic processes.

In a large prospective study published late last year, researchers looked at the association between nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer among 75,680 women with no previous history of cancer in the Nurses’ Health Study. Women who consumed a one-ounce serving of nuts two or more times per week had a significantly reduced risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those who largely abstained from nuts.

According to the researchers, this reduction in risk was independent of established or suspected risk factors for pancreatic cancer including age, height, obesity, physical activity, smoking, diabetes and dietary factors.

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF NUTS IN THE AMERICAN DIET Approximately 60 percent of the nuts in America are consumed as snacks. According to the 2007-2008 What We Eat in America/NHANES survey, snacks provided about 25% of daily calories. Replacing snacks high in refined carbohydrates with just ¼ to 1⁄3 cup of nuts per day could have a positive impact on the nutrient density of the diet. 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. Another study looked at 14,386 adults participating in the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES).

Intake was from 24-hour recall data and tree nut consumers were defined as those who consumed more than ¼ ounce of tree nuts (average consumption was about an ounce/day). As seen in previous research, tree nut consumers had higher daily intakes of calories (2468 v 2127 calories) and nutrients of concern: fiber, potassium, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, but lower intakes of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium than non-consumers. Tree nut consumers also had lower weight, BMI, and waist circumference than non-consumers. In addition, those who consumed tree nuts had lower systolic blood pressure and higher HDL-cholesterol (the good kind). According to the researchers, on a population basis, these reduced risk factors could lead to better health.

Finally, the organizations represented by INC NREF are committed to supporting sustainability programs that include Good Agricultural Practices on the farm. Planting an orchard is a long term endeavor and management of resources is key to the successful production of nuts.

All of the evidence to date, including these additional studies, continue to support the recommendation that nuts 1) can and should play an important role in the American diet; 2) help to improve overall health; and 3) reduce the risk for various chronic diseases.

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EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY

April 24-30, 2014, San Diego, CA In April 2014, 16 abstracts on nut research were presented either orally or as posters at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego, California (see below). The abstracts represented mixed nuts, as well as almonds, pistachios and walnuts in particular. The INC NREF-funded research included two meta-analyses, one on nuts and diabetes and another on nuts and metabolic syndrome.

INC NREF-FUNDED AND/OR MIXED NUT RESEARCH DIABETES STUDY: EFFECT OF NUTS ON CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND CANCER RISK IN TYPE 2 DIABETES Stephanie Nishi1,3, Cyril WC Kendall1,3,5 , Balachandran Bashyam1,3, Livia Augustin1,3, and David Jenkins1-4 Department of Nutritional Sciences; 2Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; 3Clinical Nutrition & Risk Factor Modification Center; 4Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, St. Michael’s Hospital Toronto, Ontario; 5College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK 1

Background: Diabetes increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by 2-4 fold, and the risk of the majority of cancers by 1.2-2-fold, where CHD and cancer are two of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dietary factors have long been implicated in both cancer and CHD, where diet and lifestyle changes are said to reduce risk by 10-80%. Nuts are one dietary factor that have been associated with reduced CHD and cancer risk in epidemiological studies.

Objective: To determine the effect of nut consumption on cancer cell proliferation and its association with oxidative damage. Methods: A 12 week randomized controlled trial was completed by 100 participants with type 2 diabetes consuming one of 3 isocaloric supplemental diets; 1) full-dose nut diet (~75 g mixed nuts per day), 2) half-dose nut diet, or 3) control diet, incorporated into a background NCEP Step 2 diet. In vitro prostate cancer cell (LNCaP) proliferation, used as a marker of cancer risk, and markers of oxidative damage for CHD risk were analyzed using available fasting blood obtained at weeks 0 and 12. Results: No treatment differences were observed. However, across treatments, when data were pooled, nut consumption was associated with increased protein thiols and decreased LNCaP proliferation.

Conjugated dienes were positively correlated with LNCaP proliferation.

Conclusion: Nut consumption has been associated with reduced CHD risk, though more studies may be required to elucidate the mechanism for CHD reduction, as well as the effect on cancer risk.

NEWS FROM THE NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

NUTS AND DIABETES META-ANALYSIS: TREE NUTS IMPROVE INSULIN RESISTANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED DIETARY TRIALS C.W.C. Kendall1, E. Viguiliouk1, R.J. de Souza2, S Blanco Mejia3, A.I. Cozma1, V. Ha1, A. Mirrahimi1,D.J.A. Jenkins1, J.L. Sievenpiper3; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada. 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 3Toronto 3D Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.

1

Background: The overall contribution of tree nut consumption to glycemic control remains uncertain.

Aim: To review the effects of tree nuts on markers of glycemic control and insulin resistance in controlled feeding trials. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library (through 23 May 2012). We included randomized controlled dietary trials of ≥ 3-weeks that compared the effect of diets supplemented with tree nuts in whole or meal form on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and glycated blood proteins in exchange for control diets providing similar calories. Two reviewers independently reviewed and extracted the data; disagreements were reconciled by consensus. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and expressed as mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and quantified by I2. The Heyland Methodological Quality Score (MQS) assessed study quality. Data Synthesis: Eighteen randomized controlled dietary trials (n=1589 participants with and without diabetes) met the eligibility criteria. Diets high in tree nuts lowered fasting insulin and HOMA-IR compared with control diets. No adverse effects were seen on fasting blood glucose and glycated blood proteins. Limitations: A large proportion of the trials were short (<12 weeks) and of poor quality (MQS <8). Substantial unexplained heterogeneity remained in most analyses. Conclusions: Pooled analyses show that tree nuts improve insulin resistance in the absence of a detectable effect on glycemic control in people with and without diabetes. Protocol Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01630980.

Funding source: International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation

NUTS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME METAANALYSIS: TREE NUTS IMPROVE CRITERIA OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED DIETARY TRIALS Cyril WC Kendall1,2,3, Sonia Blanco Mejia1,2,4, Effie Viguiliouk1,2,4, Livia S. Augustin1,2,4, Vanessa Ha1,2,4, Adrian Cozma1,2,4, Arash Mirahimi1,2,4, Adriana Maroleanu4, Laura Chiavaroli1,2,4, Lawrence A. Leiter1,2,5, Russell J. de Souza1,4,6, David JA Jenkins1,2,5, John L. Sievenpiper2,4,7 Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada, 3College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, 4 Toronto 3D Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, St. Michael Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada, 5Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, 6Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, 7Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada 1

Background: Chronic disease guidelines support tree nut consumption alone or as part of dietary patterns to reduce cardiovascular risk, based on their favorable LDL-C lowering effect. The effects of nuts on metabolic risk factors other than LDL-C, however, remain uncertain.

Aim: To assess the effect of tree nuts on criteria of the metabolic syndrome, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled dietary trials. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library (through March 19, 2013). We included relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ≥ 3 weeks reporting at least 1 criterion of metabolic syndrome. Two independent reviewers extracted all relevant data. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method using random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by Chi² and quantified by I². Study quality was assessed. Results: Eligibility criteria were met by 39 RCTs including 1,676 participants who were otherwise healthy or had dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. Tree nut interventions lowered triglycerides compared with control diet interventions), but had no effects on waist circumference, HDL-C, blood pressure, or fasting blood glucose with the direction of effect favoring tree nuts for all except HDL-C. Limitations: Most of the trials were of short duration (<12 weeks) and of poor quality (MQS<8). Substantial unexplained heterogeneity remained in most analyses. Conclusions: Pooled analyses show a net benefit of tree nuts for metabolic syndrome with decreases in triglycerides across nut types and no adverse effects on other criteria. Longer and higher quality trials are needed.

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ALMONDS

ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA SPONSORED SESSION: ARE ALMONDS AN OPTIMAL SNACK? NEW RESEARCH ON THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF ALMONDS CHAIR: Dr. Robert Post, PhD, MEd, MSc, Chief Science Officer, FoodMinds, LLC.

PROGRAM AGENDA: • Dr. Carol E. O’Neil, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Assessment of Nutrient Intake, Diet Quality, Physiological Status and Disease Risk Factors in Almond Consumers • Dr. Richard Mattes, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Dietary and Health Effects of Almonds Consumed as Snacks or With Meals: An Overview of the Evidence • Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA; Effects of Almonds on Cardiovascular Health: Putting Established and Emerging Research into Perspective

PROGRAM OUTLINE: Snacking accounts for 24% of total energy (compared with 12% in the 1970s); 40% of Americans consume 3-4 snacks daily. Thus, education about “smart snacking” is increasingly important. This session explores new research on almond intake and the association with serum cholesterol levels, postprandial glycemia, appetite, and body weight. Results from a new NHANES analysis suggest that multiple better health measures, including higher diet quality and lower body weight, are seen in almond consumers versus other nut eaters and the general population.

DAILY ALMOND CONSUMPTION (1.5 OZ./D) DECREASES ABDOMINAL AND LEG ADIPOSITY IN MILDLY HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC INDIVIDUALS

EFFECTS OF ALMONDS AS A SNACK OR MEAL ACCOMPANIMENT ON APPETITE, GLYCEMIA AND BODY WEIGHT.

Berryman, C.E., West, S. G., Bordi, P.L., Fleming, J.A., Kris-Etherton, P.M.; Dept. of Nutr. Sci., Biobehavioral Health, Hospitality Mgmt, Ctr. for Food Innovation, The Penn. State Univ., University Park, PA

Tan, S.-Y. Tan, Mattes, R.D.; Dept. of Nutr. Sci., Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN

Almonds are an energy-dense food that do not promote weight gain or increased waist circumference (WC); however, the effects of almond consumption on total body and sub-regional fat and lean mass distribution have not been evaluated. Therefore, a randomized, 2-period (6 wk/period), crossover, controlled-feeding study was designed to investigate the effects of 1.5 oz./d almonds vs. a caloriematched, high CHO snack, within the context of a cholesterol-lowering diet, on measures of body composition. Differences in nutrient profiles of the control (CON: 58% CHO, 15% PRO, 26% FAT, no almonds/d) and almond (ALD: 51% CHO, 16% PRO, 32% FAT, 1.5 oz. of almonds/d) diets were due to nutrients inherent to each snack and did not differ in saturated fat or cholesterol. Subjects (n=52) were generally healthy adults (BMI 26.3 ± 0.4 m/kg2) with elevated LDL-C (148.0 ± 2.7 mg/dl).

Total body mass (weight), fat mass, and lean mass were not different on the two diets. ALD reduced overall abdominal mass, abdominal fat mass, and abdominal lean mass vs. CON. WC also was decreased by ALD compared to CON. Moreover, ALD decreased leg fat mass compared to CON. Incorporation of almonds in a cholesterol-lowering diet decreases sub-regional fat depots, including abdominal adiposity, an important risk factor for metabolic syndrome.

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Snacking may contribute to overweight and glucose dysregulation because snack foods often elicit weak dietary compensation and promote glycemic swings. Almonds are satiating and moderate postprandial glycemia, but it is not known if these properties hold when consumed specifically as a snack. Following an initial OGTT, an acute feeding trial was conducted where participants (49M, 89F) at risk for diabetes consumed 43g of roasted, lightly-salted almonds with breakfast (n=28) or lunch (n=26), alone as a morning snack (n=28) or afternoon snack (n=28) or no almonds (n=27). Appetitive sensations and blood glucose concentrations were monitored over 515 minutes during which standardized meals were provided. Participants then consumed almonds as per their group assignment for 4 weeks followed by another acute feeding trial and OGTT. Almond consumption as snacks led to significant reductions of appetitive sensations and blood glucose concentrations. They blunted (non-significantly) glucose rises at meals. There was no change of body weight and MUFA and Vitamin E intake increased during the 4-wk feeding period. Almonds may be a snack that contributes to weight and glycemic management.

NEWS FROM THE NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION CONSUMPTION OF ALMONDS IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED NUTRIENT INTAKE, BETTER DIET QUALITY, AND BETTER PHYSIOLOGICAL STATUS IN ADULT PARTICIPANTS (19+ Y) FROM THE NHANES (2001-2010) Papanikolaou, Y., O’Neil, C.E., Nicklas, T.A., Fulgoni, V.L. Nutr. Strategies Inc., Paris, ON, Canada, School of Nutr. & Food Sci., Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA,USDA/ARS Children's Nutr. Res. Ctr., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, Nutr. Impact, LLC, Battle Creek, MI

The association of almond consumption with nutrient intake, dietary quality, and physiological parameters was examined in adults 19+ yrs. (n=24,808) using NHANES (2001-2010). Consumers (n=395) were defined as those who had any amount of almonds/almond butter during the first 24-hr diet recall. ANOVA (covariate adjusted) were conducted using appropriate sample weights. Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI). Energy intake (2287±52 v 2176±9 kcal/d) was higher in consumers than in nonconsumers. Protein, dietary fiber, PUFA, MUFA, vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and iron intake was higher in consumers while SFA and added sugars were lower. Consumers had higher HEI scores, BMI, waist circumference, and LDL were lower in consumers.

Consumers were 27% less likely to be overweight or obese, had a 35% reduced risk of increased waist size and were 44% less likely to have elevated LDL. Almond consumption was associated with better nutrient intake, diet quality, and physiological parameters in adults.

ALMOND SUPPLEMENTATION WITHOUT DIETARY ADVICE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN SUBJECTS WITH POORLYCONTROLLED TYPE 2 DIABETES Sweazea K.L., Johnston C.S., Ricklefs, K., Petersen, K., Alanbagy, S.; School of Nutr. & Health Promotion, Arizona State Univ., Phoenix, AZ

The national cost of diabetes exceeds $174 billion annually in the United States. Heart disease and stroke are the primary causes of morbidity and mortality among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The objective of this 12-week randomized, parallel-arm controlled study was to determine if almond supplementation (1.5 oz./d) to a routine diet would improve diabetic and cardiovascular risk markers in subjects with T2D who are not currently taking insulin (11 subjects) compared to matched controls with T2D (10 subjects). Inclusion criteria stipulated that subjects have poorly-controlled diabetes as characterized by HbA1c values between 6.5-9.0%. While the results showed no significant difference in nutrient intake of subjects in the two groups, those in the almond-treated group tended to consume fewer carbohydrates. There were no significant differences in plasma markers of glucose regulation or oxidative stress between subjects in the two groups, whereas the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly reduced in subjects who consumed almonds.

Therefore, daily almond consumption in the absence of other dietary or physical activity modifications is beneficial for reducing inflammation in subjects with poorly-controlled T2D.

EFFECT OF ALMONDS ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: STUDY DESIGN Chen, C.-M., Liu, J.-F., C-Y. Chen, O.; Dept. of Food Science, Nutr., & Nutraceutical Biotech., Shih-Chien Univ., Taipei; School of Nutr. & Health Science, Taipei Medical Univ., Taipei; Chang Gung Univ. of Science & Techn., Taiwan; Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutr. Res. Ctr. on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA

Almonds have shown to improve glucose control and lipid profile and ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The main objective of this study is to expand this work to substantiate health benefits of average 60 g/d almond consumption on cardiovascular risk factors. We hypothesize that consumption of ~60 g/d almonds for 3 mo. will improve glucoregulation, adipokine regulation, inflammation, endothelial function, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. We design a randomized, cross-over, placebo controlled clinical trial with all meals being provided to all subjects. During the 2-wk run-in period, subjects will receive a control diet resembling typical Taiwanese diets, prepared based on the NCEP Step 2 guidelines. Subsequently, subjects will be randomized to receive either the control diet or the control diet with whole almonds incorporated to replace 20% calories. After a 2-wk washout, subjects will receive the alternate diet for the other 3 mo. Biochemical biomarkers will include lipid profile, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, nitric oxide, e-selectin, endothelial-1, and intracellular adhesion molecule-1, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin, hsCRP, IL-6, IL-10, retinol binding protein-4, TNF-a, oxidized LDL, and protein carbonyls in fasting serum, oral glucose tolerance test, brachial artery flow mediated dilation, and urinary isoprostanes.

THE EFFECT OF ALMOND CONSUMPTION ON SATIETY AND THE POSTPRANDIAL METABOLIC RESPONSE IN HIGH-RISK PREGNANT WOMEN Henderson, M.N. Henderson, Sawrey-Kubicek, L., Mauldin, K. King, J.C.; Children’s Hosp. Oakland Res. Inst., Oakland, CA

Over one third of all American pregnant women are obese. Managing weight gain during pregnancy is difficult because hormonal changes induce an anabolic state facilitating tissue gain. The pregnancy hormonal effects on appetite and energy intake are unknown. Almonds are satiating and have a lower net metabolizable energy, which may explain their role in managing body weight and aiding in weight loss. As well, results from a number of clinical trials have shown other health benefits of almond intake including reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting vascular health and glycemic control. A cross-over, randomized control trial examining the metabolic response to 2 oz. of almond consumption versus dairy fat consumption in 2 standardized, isocaloric and equal macronutrient composition test meals, was done in 20 overweight/obese (pre-pregnancy BMI = 25-40) Asian and Latina women during 30-36 weeks of gestation. Satiety was assessed by visual analogue scale questionnaires, circulating ghrelin, leptin, and GLP-1 concentrations, and ad libitum food intake at a meal following the postprandial study. Our early data suggest that consuming 2 oz. of almonds improves satiety, reduces appetite, and may help promote healthy maternal weight gain during pregnancy.

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PISTACHIOS EFFECTS OF PISTACHIO CONSUMPTION ON BODY COMPOSITION AND BLOOD LIPIDS IN HEALTHY YOUNG WOMEN Bonny Burns-Whitmore1, Laura M. Hall2, Alison H. Bushnell2, Amy H. Towne1, Soma Roy2; 1California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

2 California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo

Research regarding the beneficial regular pistachio intake on body composition and blood lipids is limited in healthy subjects. Thus, we sought to investigate the effects of pistachio consumption in young, healthy females (n=48, mean age=21Âą0.51). We utilized a freeliving crossover design with two 10-week treatment periods- pistachios added (20% of kcals), a no pistachio control treatment, and a 15-week washout period. After a 12-hour fast, blood lipids, waist circumference (WC), weight, body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis), and blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken at the beginning and end of each treatment. Pistachios were provided weekly in premeasured sealed snack bags to the participants, and empty bags and diet data were collected at that time. A mixed effects model determined the effect of the treatments. Neither treatment had a significant effect on blood lipids, body weight, WC, percent body fat, or BP; however, LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, WC, and systolic/diastolic BP were slightly lower in the pistachio groups versus the habitual groups, respectively.

Inclusion of 20% of calories as pistachios in the diet does not contribute to weight gain or body fat changes, and may even potentially improve blood lipids and BP.

QUANTIFICATION AND BIOACCESSIBILITY OF CALIFORNIA PISTACHIO BIOACTIVES Yuntao Liu, Jeffrey B. Blumberg, C-Y. Oliver Chen; Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111

Pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) contain an array of bioactives including carotenoids, chlorophylls, phenolics, and tocols. The content of these constituents has not been methodically quantified. Our objective was to optimize extraction protocols for lipophilic nutrients and then quantify the content of 20 bioactives (2 phenolic acids, 9 flavonoids, 4 carotenoids, 2 chlorophylls, and 3 tocols) in the skin, nutmeat, and whole nut of California pistachios. The dominant bioactives in whole pistachios are lutein, chlorophyll A, y-tocopherol, flavan-3-ols, luteolin, myricetin, and cyanidin-3-galactose in each nutrient class.

Most phenolics are present in the skin except luteolin and myricetin, while the lipophilic nutrients are dominantly present in the nutmeat.

Digestion with a gastrointestinal mimic employed to approximate the bioaccessibility of pistachio constituents showed <10% of most hydrophilic compounds are released from pistachio matrices, as well as <7% of lutein and y-tocopherol. In conclusion, 9 lipophilic and 11 hydrophilic bioactives in California pistachios have been systematically quantified.

Funding: American Pistachio Growers and USDA

Funding: American Pistachios Growers and Agricultural Research Institute DAILY PISTACHIO CONSUMPTION BENEFITS MULTIPLE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES Sheila G. West1,2, Katherine A. Sauder1, Cindy E. McCrea1, Jan S. Ulbrecht1, Penny M. Kris-Etherton2 Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 2Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 1

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes, and dietary modification continues to be the first line of therapy recommended for risk management. This study compared the effects of two healthy diets that differed in fat content on multiple cardiovascular risk factors. We enrolled 30 adults with type 2 diabetes in a randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding study with isocaloric diet periods. After a 2wk run-in on a typical Western diet (36% total fat, 12% saturated fat), participants consumed a low-fat control diet (27% total fat, 7% saturated fat) and a moderate fat pistachio diet (33% total fat, 7% saturated fat) for 4wk each. While on the pistachio diet, participants consumed pistachios equivalent to 20% of daily calories (ranging from 2-5 ounces/day). At the end of each diet period, we assessed blood pressure, systemic hemodynamics, lipids and lipoproteins, glucose control, endothelial function, inflammation, and heart rate variability. Treatment effects were assessed with the mixed models procedure in SAS v9.3. Compared to the low-fat control diet, the pistachio diet reduced total peripheral resistance, systolic ambulatory blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, the total:HDL cholesterol ratio, and fructosamine; and improved several indices of heart rate variability.

There was no difference between treatments in resting blood pressure, endothelial function, fasting glucose, and inflammation. This study provides further evidence that daily pistachio consumption can improve the cardiovascular risk profile in adults with type 2 diabetes.

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NEWS FROM THE NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

WALNUTS CALIFORNIA WALNUT COMMISSION SPONSORED SESSION: DECIPHERING THE EVIDENCE BEHIND WHOLE FOOD NUTRITION & DISEASE RISK REDUCTION

PROGRAM AGENDA: • Scientific Advances Supporting Dietary Recommendations; Johanna T. Dwyer, DSc, RD, Senior Scientist, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and Tufts University School of Medicine • Deconstructing The Science To Better Understand Outcomes; Roger A. Clemens, DrPH, Chief Scientific Officer of Horn and Adjunct Professor, Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC School of Pharmacy, International Center for Regulatory Science • Food, Nutrients, And Whole Diets: Working Across The Layers Of Evidence For Practice; Linda Tapsell, PhD, FDAA, Professor, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong • Consumer Perspectives On Foods That Can Reduce Chronic Disease: How Americans View Their Own Diets, Their Efforts To Improve Them And Where The Health Professional Fits; Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RD, Senior Vice President, Nutrition & Food Safety, International Food Information Council • Translation And Utilization Of Science Based Evidence By Health Professionals: Bring The Science To The Dinner Table; JoAnne Foody, MD, FACC, FAHA, Director, Cardiovascular Wellness Program; Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School CORRELATION OF LIPOPROTEIN EPOXIDE CONTENT TO MICROVASCULAR FUNCTION AFTER SHORT-TERM WALNUT INTAKE

ENERGY AND MACRONUTRIENT METABOLISM: ENERGY BALANCE, MACRONUTRIENTS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Roberta R Holt1, Sun Jung Yim1, Gregory C Shearer2, Carl L Keen1,3, Dragana Djurica1, John W Newman1,4, Alan W Shindel5, Robert M Hackman1;

David J. Baer, Sarah K. Gebauer, Janet A. Novotny; Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD

Departments of Nutrition, 3Internal Medicine, and 5Urology, University of California, Davis CA; 2Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park PA; 4USDA, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis CA, USA.

Walnuts are a good source of magnesium, a shortfall nutrient, and contain a significant source of alpha-linolenic acid. Their unique fatty acid profile likely contributes to their beneficial effect on cardiovascular health, with walnuts being the first whole food for which the US FDA permitted a qualified health claim. These health benefits make walnuts an important part of a healthful dietary pattern; however, their perceived high energy density may be a barrier to consumption. Recent research has shown that Atwater calculations overestimate the energy content of other tree nuts by 5-20%; however accuracy of the Atwater estimated energy content of walnuts has not been investigated. A RCT was conducted in which 18 subjects were fed 2 diets, a base diet (0 g/d walnuts) and the base diet with all foods reduced and 42 g/d of walnut pieces added. After adaptation to both diets, subjects collected all urine and feces voided for 7 to 10 d at the end of each 3-wk diet period. These samples and diets were freeze dried and gross energy was measured by bomb calorimetry. The metabolizable energy (ME) content of walnuts was found to be 5.22 kcal/g (146 kcal/serv) as compared to the Atwatercalculated amount of 6.61 kcal/g (185 kcal/serv). Thus, Atwater factors overestimate by 21% the ME content of walnuts. These data will better inform consumers about the energy content of their foods.

1

We examined the relationship of walnut intake and walnut derived fatty acids on outcome measures of vascular health. Hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women (n=36) were randomized to 4 weeks of 5 or 40g of daily walnut intake. Outcomes were measured after an overnight fast and 4 h after walnut intake, prior to and after the 4 week intervention.

Forty g of walnut intake increased polyunsaturated fat intake, including n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. After 4 weeks of 40g of walnut intake, microvascular function as assessed by reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was significantly increased, while the augmentation index at a heart rate of 75, a measure of pulse wave reflection and arterial stiffness, was significantly decreased. No significant changes in vascular function were observed with 5g of walnut intake. Four weeks of 40g of walnut intake significantly reduced LDL levels, while increasing the lipoprotein content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). A number of ALA and LA oxylipins were increased within lipoproteins, particularly HDL. The changes in 12(13)-epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acid and 15(16)-epoxyoctadecadienoic acid epoxides of LA and ALA, respectively, within HDL were significantly correlated to improvements in RHI. In conclusion, short-term walnut intake increased microvascular function, possibly through changes to specific LA and ALA oxylipins within lipoproteins.

Supported in part by the California Walnut Commission, USDA NIFA National Needs Graduate Fellowship (Djurica) and USDA NIFA AFRI Postdoctoral Fellowship (Holt).

Finally, another INC NREF-funded study has recently been published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases (see next page).

Conducted by Drs. Cyril Kendall and David Jenkins, this study is a follow-up to the INC NREF-funded nuts and diabetes study that was published in 2011. The results of this study show that that the fatty acids in nuts have the potential to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in people with type 2 diabetes. Publicity efforts are now underway.

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FATTY ACIDS IN TREE NUTS RELEASE. NEW STUDY SHOWS THE FATTY ACIDS IN TREE NUTS MAY HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

and women with a mean age of 62 years) who were all being treated with oral hypoglycemic medications. The subjects were randomized to one of three diets for three months.

NEW FINDINGS PUBLISHED TODAY IN NUTRITION, METABOLISM & CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

“The results of our current study indicate that by incorporating nuts into a diabetes diet, one can modify the fatty acid profile of adults with type 2 diabetes by modestly increasing the unsaturated fatty acid content of blood lipids,” explained Dr. Kendall. “This in turn has the potential to contribute to the total reduction of CHD risk in those same individuals.”

DAVIS, CA – Findings from a new study published today in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases show that the fatty acids in nuts have the potential to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in people with type 2 diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada, found that incorporating about two ounces of tree nuts (almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, macadamias and walnuts) and peanuts into the diet of people with diabetes, was inversely associated with CHD risk factors and 10-year CHD risk. According to Cyril Kendall, Ph.D., coinvestigator of the study, “While a number of studies have shown that nuts can help reduce the risk of CHD and diabetes, no research to date has looked at the how nuts alter the fatty acid profile in people with diabetes and how this relates to cardiovascular health.”

This study is a secondary analysis of the 2011 nuts and diabetes study by the same researchers. The original study was a 3-month parallel design with 117 non-insulin dependent adults with diabetes (men

The first diet included a supplement of 75g (~2½ ounces or ½ cup) of mixed nuts; the second diet included 38g (~11⁄3 ounces or ¼ cup) of mixed nuts and half portion of muffins; and the third diet contained a full portion of muffins. Each supplement provided approximately 475 calories per 2,000 calorie diet. All of the diets contained roughly the same number of calories but the nuts provided more unsaturated (i.e. healthy) fat and less carbohydrate.

Numerous studies have shown that consuming tree nuts may reduce the risk of heart disease. In 2003 tree nuts received a qualified health claim from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which 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.” Interestingly, individuals with Type 2 diabetes have a 2-4 fold higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with nondiabetic individuals of similar age, sex and ethnicity.

According to Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D., Executive Director of the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF), “While we’ve known for years that eating nuts every day can help reduce the risk for heart disease in the general population, these new findings show that consuming nuts may also be helpful for those with type 2 diabetes.”

For more information on any INC NREF project please contact Maureen Ternus at maureen.ternus@gmail.com.

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7 NUTTY THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT NUTS! “Nuts are one of the most amazing foods on the planet,” says the Huffington Post in an article printed below from last May 7, 2014. “They are loaded with fiber, nutrients and heart healthy fats. They're void of sugar and contain minimal carbohydrates, and best of all, they taste heavenly. Despite these fun facts, I've run into many patients in my practice that avoid them like the plague due to their high fat and high calorie content.

Fear not! Nuts can and should be a part of your diet for a variety of health and culinary reasons.”

“The most important reasons come from two huge studies published in OF ALL THE NUTS OUT THERE, the past two years. They showed that nut eaters live longer than non-nut WALNUTS ARE THE ONLY NUT eaters and have a lower incidence of death from cancer or cardiovascular THAT HAS THIS! disease. Here are seven nuts, seven facts and seven uses that will make you Walnuts enjoy a distinction like no other -- they are the only nut go nuts for what I call the other white meat!” that has omega-3 fatty acids! The research on walnuts reads like the CASHEWS ARE NOT THE ENEMY -Sunday edition of the New York Times -- it's extensive and informative!

BUT THEIR SHELLS ARE! In addition to the heart healthy benefits (including improvements in endothelial function) you'll get from walnuts, you'll also get a reduced Wondering why you can't find a cashew sleeping inside its shell like you risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and improved motor skills in can other nuts? It's because that shell can actually hurt you. Cashews are older individuals. Use walnuts as a gluten-free base for anything that in the same plant family as poison ivy and poison sumac and their itchy needs a crust (think healthy pies and tarts). oil is contained almost entirely in the shell of the nut. That's why you find cashews sold out of the shell. Once you get past the shell, go nuts!

PEANUTS AREN'T NUTS AT ALL. Eating cashews may help you ward off, or manage diabetes by helping That's right! They're legumes. And guess what else -- in to stimulate blood sugar absorption by muscle cells, according to the addition to your prenatal pill you should be including them in your authors of a 2010 study. pregnancy diet. A 2013 study in the Journal Pediatrics found that Cashews are commonly used in Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisines as a moms who ate peanuts and other tree nuts during their pregnancy garnish or added into curry sauce. They can also be made into a cashew had children born with a significantly lower incidence of nut allergies. cream as a dairy-free vegan substitute. Check out this delicious recipe Although nut allergies amongst children have tripled in the last 15

by Tal Ronnen! years, and previous data showed a connection between pregnancy nut

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1

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THE PISTACHIO FRUIT (YES, IT'S ACTUALLY A FRUIT) AND THE VEGETABLE KALE HAVE A LOT IN COMMON.

Why? Because they're both green! Pistachios get their green color from the samepigment (chlorophyll) that lights up your spinach, kale and other fabulous plant based foods. Pistachio consumption has been linked to increased antioxidants in the blood, improved heart health and may even decrease your risk for lung cancer. Pistachios can be eaten whole as a snack, used as a butter or paste to flavor foods, or crumbled as a topping on a salad.

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consumption and increased risk of allergies, the overall evidence has been lacking.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics rescinded its statement about avoidance of tree nuts in pregnant women in 2008. The most widely used way to use peanuts -- you guessed it! Peanut butter! So don't have Arachibutyrophobia, enjoy some peanut butter today (or in the month of November which is National Peanut Butter month). Just make sure the Just make sure the only ingredient in your peanut butter is peanuts (not sugar and partially hydrogenated oils).

NUTRITION RESEARCH UPDATE

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YOUR GUT LOVES ALMONDS MORE THAN ANY OTHER NUT

A 2008 study found that almonds (and specifically the fat in almonds) may play a role in increasing healthy bacteria in the gut. Though the study is older and was funded by the Almond Board, the results were nonetheless intriguing to see an association between nut consumption and improved gut flora.

Further, a 2013 study found that consumption of almonds helped increase feelings of fullness without the risk for weight gain. Therefore, almonds may be a great option for both your gut (intestines) and your gut (excess weight). Go real raw by making your own almond milk. You'll find several ways to make it with a quick search on the internet.

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MACADAMIA NUTS TELL US WHEN THEY'RE READY FOR CONSUMPTION!

Most macadamia farmers harvest the nuts after they have fallen from the tree to the ground. It's that time when the nut is the most ripe so in a sense, the nut determines when it's ready for eating! Although macadamia nuts get a bad rap for their high calorie content, they also happen to have wonderful benefits when it comes to overallheart health.

Just watch the portion control. Along with pecans, macadamias boast the highest calorie count in the nut world. Use macadamia oil for a different, yet delicious flavor in your next stir-fry creation!

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IS IT POSSIBLE TO PREDICT BIPHASIC REACTIONS?

BRAZIL NUTS FAVOR MEN.

Anyone who experiences an anaphylactic reaction is advised to administer epinephrine and be observed in the emergency room for a period of at least four hours. Why? Because of the possibility that a second wave of symptoms, known as a biphasic reaction, will occur. Past studies have suggested that wheezing and delayed treatment with epinephrine could be associated risk factors for biphasic reactions, which are unpredictable.

Guys, stop throwing the big Brazil nuts out of the nut mix you're buying!

Brazil nuts are high in selenium, a mineral that has been found to be effective in the fight against prostate cancer. A key point in the selenium cancer connection lies in the source. A2014 study found that men who chose to get their selenium from supplements (instead of real food like Brazil nuts) had an increased incidence of prostate cancer.

Enjoy a few every day as a mid-morning snack to get all the selenium you need without going overboard.

In a study recently published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, researchers sought to identify predictors of biphasic anaphylactic reactions by reviewing data from patients who were treated at a Saint Mary’s Hospital emergency room in Minnesota and met the diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis during a period of nearly five years.

Finally, to get the most out of your nutty diet, enjoy nuts in moderation. They are still loaded with fat (even though most of that is healthy fat) and calories. That means that having a snack of nuts every day is great for controlling your weight, optimizing your health and increasing your feelings of satisfaction but snacking on nuts all day... not so much. Also avoid nuts that have been "dressed up" such as beer nuts, honey glazed and candied varieties.”

Researchers analyzed patient records to estimate the association between potential predictor variables and biphasic reactions. Of 541 patients with anaphylaxis, 4 percent had biphasic reactions. Biphasic reactions were associated with a history of prior anaphylaxis, an unknown trigger and presenting with symptoms of diarrhea and wheezing. These findings underscore the importance of extended observation in a hospital setting for anaphylaxis, particularly for those at increased risk as identified in this study.

Alex Greenhoe contributed to this article.

Follow Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., R.D., L.D. on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ KRISTINKIRKPAT

Avda. Prat de la Riba 47, 6º • 43201 REUS (Spain) Tel. +34 977 326 202 / +34 977 310 364 • Fax +34 977 326 291 • llop@llop.net • www.llop.net

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TREE NUTS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE An evidence-based analysis of the relationship between the consumption of tree nuts and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In conjunction with an expert panel, the Life Sciences Research Organization, Inc. (LSRO) utilized the evidence-based review system developed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process to conduct an evidence-based analysis of the relationship between the consumption of tree nuts and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Because one of the goals of the review is to provide evidence to support a petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a health claim, LSRO consulted the FDA rules of evidence to develop the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. However, the goals of LSRO expert panel were not solely related to regulatory review, therefore the panel decided that a more inclusive analysis of the relevant evidence could prove beneficial for making decisions about health. As a result, the panel decided to include some studies that FDA would likely eliminate in their evaluation of evidence and to summarize and weigh the evidence both using more restrictive determinants of evidence (FDA guidance) and by the panel’s more inclusive determinants.

Inclusion criteria for this review were human interventional and observational studies on tree nuts that were published through March 2013 as full articles in peer-reviewed journals and included healthy study participants above 2 years of age who had not been diagnosed with CVD and who consumed diets representative of that of the US population.

Included studies were of any population size, were written in English, had a participant dropout rate of 20% or lower or the participant dropout rate did not result in an imbalance between intervention and control groups or conditions, and investigated the effects of tree nuts on CVD risk. LSRO identified 1,301 studies in the original literature search. Of these, 316 were determined to be potentially relevant, 210 were excluded from review, 106 were initially included, and 96 studies formed the basis of the analysis.

Twenty-seven observational analyses met the broad inclusion criteria.1 Six analyses of data from two prospective cohort studies reporting on 5,057 incident cases and up to 26 years of exposure all reported an inverse association between nut consumption and the risk of total coronary heart disease (CHD). Ten of 12 analyses of data from 4 prospective cohort studies reporting on 3,960 incident cases and up to 26 years of exposure reported an inverse association between nut consumption and the risk of fatal CHD. Two analyses did not attain statistical significance. Four analyses addressed the effect of nut consumption on total CVD. Two prospective cohort studies reported an inverse association and one study reported mixed positive and negative associations.

Four analyses reported an inverse association between nut consumption and all cause mortality. Four of 5 analyses found an inverse association between nut consumption and hypertension. One prospective cohort analysis did not find an association.

Fifty-three interventional study analyses meeting the FDA criteria for inclusion investigated the effect of tree nut consumption on total serum cholesterol concentration; 55% of the analyses reported a significant negative difference from control and 45% of the analyses reported no significant difference. Similarly, 51 studies meeting the FDA criteria for inclusion investigated the effect on serum LDL cholesterol; 45% of the

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analyses reported a significant negative difference from control, 51% reported no significant difference, and 2% (one study) reported a positive difference from control. Of the 21 analyses reported in studies meeting the FDA criteria and which reported on blood pressure, 95% reported no significant difference and 5% reported a significant negative difference.

Similar results were reported for those studies that did not meet the FDA criteria for inclusion.

Of the analyses that reported on surrogate endpoints that do not meet the FDA criteria for inclusion, 75 reported on serum HDL-C, 24 reported on the ratio of total serum cholesterol: HDL cholesterol, 77 reported on serum triglycerides, 29 on apolipoprotein A1, 4 reported on apolipoprotein B-100, and 18 reported on C-reactive protein. The results for all of these endpoints were primarily non-significant with small but equivalent numbers reporting negative and positive differences from control. Only the apolipoprotein B results did not follow this trend. Of the 27 analyses reporting on apolipoprotein B, 56% reported a significant negative difference from control and 44% reported no significant difference. These results of the studies that did not meet the FDA criteria for inclusion were consistent with the results of those studies that did meet the FDA criteria for inclusion. These results were consistent with the results of the many studies reporting on the PREDIMED cohort and with the published meta-analyses studying the effects of nuts. The data were analyzed to see whether substitution of saturated fat with nuts was responsible for any observed change in total serum cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. Of the 29 analysis conducted in studies that substituted saturated fat with nuts, 76% reported a significant negative difference from control. However, of the 47 analysis that did not substitute saturated fats with nuts 45% reported a significant negative difference from control.

Consistent with published meta-analyses, the studies did not provide any evidence that nut consumption increases measures of adiposity or the risk of developing overweight or obesity.

Weighing all the evidence, the expert panel arrived at the following conclusions: • Combining the results of the observational study analyses with the interventional study analyses meeting the FDA criteria, there is strong evidence that consumption of tree nuts has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health and a real and practical effect in reducing the risk of CVD. • This beneficial health effect is also supported by the results of the analyses that did not meet the FDA criteria and by the results on unvalidated biomarkers in observational and interventional studies.

• This beneficial health effect is consistent with published metaanalyses studying the effect of nuts.

• This beneficial health effect is consistent with the results of several analyses of the PREDIMED cohort.

• The beneficial effects of nut consumption on blood total cholesterol may be mediated inpart by the replacement of saturated fat with nuts but replacement of saturated fat does not account for all the beneficial effects.

NUTRITION RESEARCH UPDATE • The consumption of nuts under the experimental conditions of the analyses reviewed in this report is not obesogenic.

1. INTRODUCTION The International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF) requested that the Life Sciences Research Organization, Inc. (LSRO) conduct an evidence-based analysis of the relationship between the consumption of tree nuts and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The term “tree nuts” refers to almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts, but not to betel (areca) nuts, soy nuts, or legumes such as peanuts. The current review updates a previous LSRO review that examined the relationship between dietary intake of walnuts and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (Feldman, 2002) and expands the previous review to include all tree nuts.

2. METHODS 2.1. OVERVIEW LSRO began the project by establishing an expert panel comprising individuals who were selected on the basis of their current work on the topic or their knowledge of the topic area to guide the review and to develop conclusions about the relationship between consumption of tree nuts and risk of CVD. Potential expert panel members were identified using scientific literature provided by the INC NREF and an expanded search of current literature by LSRO staff, as well as the recommendations of scientists identified in the initial search. LSRO implemented its standard procedures for expert panels to ensure freedom from conflict of interest and maintenance of confidentiality.

The INC NREF was also provided with the list of potential expert panel members to permit comment on any potential bias or conflict of interest of candidate expert panel members. After candidate panel members indicated their willingness to serve on the project, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate their freedom from conflicts of interest, they were provided with background information on the study and the approach being taken to the study topic by LSRO. The expert panel included scientists and physicians with expertise in nutrition, medicine, epidemiology, risk reduction, and CVD, and was approved by the LSRO Board of Directors. LSRO then conducted an evidence-based analysis of the relationship between tree nut consumption and risk of CVD.

2.2. KEY QUESTIONS The expert panel defined three key questions for the review: (1) What is the strength of the association between nut consumption and the risk of CVD events (including CVD mortality, non-fatal CVD events, and new diagnosis of CVD) in people without known CVD (primary prevention)?

(2) Is there an effect between nut consumption and validated surrogate endpoints of CVD (total serum cholesterol (Tot-C), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood pressure?

(3) Is there an effect between nut consumption and selected surrogate endpoints of CVD [high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), TotC:HDL-C, serum triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, Apo B, Apo B-100, and C-reactive protein (CRP)] and intermediate markers of cardiovascular disease (carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT),carotid artery plaque, and coronary artery calcification)?

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ANIMAL PROTEIN TIED TO HIGHER DIABETES RISK People who eat the most protein, especially from animal sources, are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to a study of European adults. The new study did not randomly assign participants to eat different amounts of protein, which would have yielded the strongest evidence. Instead, it compared the diets of people who went on to develop diabetes and those who did not get the disease.

“Several previous studies have found that higher intake of total protein, especially animal protein, are associated with long-term risk of developing diabetes,” said Dr. Frank Hu, from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

Hu, who was not involved in the new study, conducts research in the prevention of diabetes through diet and lifestyle.

For the new report, researchers examined data from a large previous study of adults in eight European countries spanning 12 years. The study collected data on participants’ diet, physical activity, height, weight and waist circumference, then followed them to see who developed diabetes.

People who ate the most protein got about 15 percent of their calories from red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish and dairy, which appears to be too much, Hu said. “More importantly, higher intake of animal protein often comes along with other undesirable nutrients such as saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium,” he said.

A team of researchers led by Monique van Nielen of Wageningen University in the Netherlands selected 11,000 people who developed type 2 diabetes from the data and 15,000 people without diabetes for comparison. Overall, the adults in the study commonly ate about 90 grams of protein per day. Those who ate more tended to have a higher weight-to-height ratio and to eat more fiber and cholesterol than people who ate less protein. After accounting for other diabetes risk factors, every additional 10 grams of protein people consumed each day was tied to a six percent higher chance that they would develop diabetes.

The association between animal protein and diabetes risk appeared to be strongest among obese women. Plant protein, on the other hand, was not linked to diabetes. “In other studies, plant protein sources such as nuts, legumes and whole grains have been associated with lower risk of diabetes,” Hu said. “Therefore, replacing red meat and processed meat with plant sources of protein is important for diabetes prevention.”

Dividing participants into five groups based on how much protein they ate, the researchers found those who ate the most, or around 111 grams per day, were 17 percent more likely to develop diabetes than those who ate the least, or around 72 grams per day. Specifically, those who ate the most animal protein, or 78 grams per day, were 22 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than those who ate the least, around 36 grams per day, according to results published in Diabetes Care. That’s only a modest increase on an individual level, Hu said.

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Generally people associate high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets with diabetes risk, but this study underscores that protein is an important nutrient to consider as well, Paolo Magni said. Magni, from the Institute of Endocrinology at the University of Milan in Italy, was not involved in the new study. “As a general rule, I would suggest to eat normal portions of red meat not more than two times per week, poultry and fish three to four times per week, skimmed milk or yogurt maybe not every day,” said Magni. He added that cheese, preserved meats and cold cuts should be minimized.

“Pay attention to both quantity and food sources of protein,” Hu said. It’s probably a good idea for people with a family history of diabetes to replace at least some red meat with nuts, legumes or whole grains, he said.

NUTRITION RESEARCH UPDATE

NUTS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME As published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 4, 2014, nuts are rich in many bioactive compounds that can exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. In the published research, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nuts in the Prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome,â&#x20AC;? researchers, Jordi Salas-Salvado, Marta Guasch-Ferre, Monica Bullo and Joan Sabate report: We reviewed the evidence relating nut consumption and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Nuts reduce the postprandial glycemic response; however, long-term trials of nuts on insulin resistance and glycemic control in diabetic individuals are inconsistent. Epidemiologic studies have shown that nuts may lower the risk of diabetes incidence in women. Few studies have assessed the association between nuts and abdominal obesity, although an inverse association with body mass index and general obesity has been observed. Limited evidence suggests that nuts have a protective effect on blood pressure and endothelial function. Nuts have a cholesterol-lowering effect, but the relation between nuts and hypertriglyceridemia and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not well established. A recent pooled analysis of clinical trials showed that nuts are inversely related to triglyceride concentrations only in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. An inverse association was found between the frequency of nut consumption and the prevalence and the incidence of MetS. Several trials evaluated the effect of nuts on subjects with MetS and found that they may have benefits in some components. Compared with a low-fat diet, a Mediterranean diet enriched with nuts could be beneficial for MetS management. The protective effects on metabolism could be explained by themodulation of inflammation and oxidation. Further trials are needed to clarify the role of nuts in MetS prevention and treatment.

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DIABETICS TAKE DIFFERENT PATHS TO MANAGING DISEASE Understanding the attitudes of diabetes patients can play an important role in assessing their future behavior as it relates to the management of their disease and the diabetes care products they are likely to use. A recently completed Gallup Study conducted by Multi-Sponsor Surveys among 1,015 pre & type II diabetes patients uncovered four unique attitudinal segments. This study focused on nutritional management, but its findings yield patient insights with implications for many areas of diabetes management. Nuts are an important dietary choice in a diabetics choice of foods. An attitudinal segmentation analysis identified four types of diabetics and pre-diabetics. These segments range from Pre-Diabetic Optimists who are not yet convinced they need to actively manage their condition, to Confident Managers who are doing all the right things. Marketers can benefit by keeping these attitudinal segments in mind when developing communications plans to reach various groups of diabetes patients.

Pre-Diabetic Optimists: getting by, not convinced they need to act yet • Compliance Challenged: obese, struggling to comply, financial limitations • Minimalists: upscale, willing spenders, but not sufficiently motivated to act • Confident Managers: knowledgeable, proactive and successful Conclusion: Marketers of diabetes products and services can

Market Segmentation of Diabetics & Pre-Diabetics Confident Managers 15%

Minimalists 22% Compliance Challenged 41%

Source: The 2013 Gallup Study of Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes Nutritional Management

benefit by keeping these attitudinal segments in mind when developing communications plans to reach various groups of diabetes patients.

More details from this study are available: · Summary 3-page report (free download) - http://www.adialogue. com/pdfs/Diabetes_Segmentation_Summary_2014.pdf · Details about purchasing full report from Multi-Sponsor Surveys (144 pgs) - http://www.multisponsor.com/

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