#China #Macao #International Nut Council #Nuts and Dried Fruits #Macao Congress

INC Congress in Macao: A Hub for Industry Advancement

From May 12-14, 2026, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) hosted its flagship congress in the vibrant city of Macao. Over 1,300 leaders from 65 countries attended the event, marking a pivotal moment for the global nuts and dried fruit industry.

Highlighting Key Issues and Innovations

The congress commenced with an insightful keynote by INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch, who outlined the organization's primary objectives:
1. Increase consumption of nuts and dried fruits.
2. Obtain a health claim for these products.
3. Advance sustainable practices in the industry.

Guasch also introduced an innovative marketing campaign targeting Generation Z in Southeast Asia, aiming to enhance awareness and appreciation of the benefits of nuts and dried fruits. She detailed an ambitious roadmap designed to secure health claims that could further validate the nutritional advantages of these products.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

One key achievement discussed was the full operational status of the INC's Sustainability Certification program. The initiative is designed to recognize companies actively engaging in sustainable practices—crucial in today's environmentally conscious marketplace.

Production Insights and Forecasts

The roundtable discussions provided early forecasts indicating a stable production level of six million metric tons for tree nuts for the 2026/2027 season. Key findings revealed:

• - Almonds: Expecting a slight growth of 3%.
• - Walnuts: Remaining steady with a minimal increase of 0.15%.
• - Hazelnuts: Projected for significant growth of 39%.
• - Pistachios: Anticipated to decline by 36% due to off-production years.
• - Brazil Nuts: Forecasted to surge by 81%.

In the dried fruit sector, an overall increase of 11% in production is expected, spearheaded by a notable 52% rebound in apricot harvests and a 22% increase in raisin growth.

Addressing Global Challenges

The congress also highlighted broader challenges facing the industry, such as shipping disruptions and rising operational costs stemming from geopolitical tensions and tariffs. These issues are prompting the industry to seek collaborative solutions to promote resilience in operations.

Wrestling with Nutrition and Technology

Among the noteworthy presentations was Brandy Niu, VP of JD.com, who explored future opportunities within China’s snack industry, and Jason Fu, chief AI expert at Feishu, who illustrated how artificial intelligence is transforming the enterprise digital workforce. Moreover, the Nutrition Research Seminar underscored scientific evidence affirming the health benefits of incorporating nuts and dried fruits into diets for diabetes prevention and weight control.

Celebrating Excellence in the Industry

The INC Awards, a highlight of the event, acknowledged outstanding contributions within the community. The Corporate Golden Nut Award went to Chacha Food and Three Squirrels. Other esteemed recognitions included:

• - Honorary Golden Nut Award: Cao Derong from the China Chamber of Commerce.
• - Lifetime Achievement Award: Recipients Cheng Hung Kay and Weng Yangyang.
• - Excellence in Gastronomy: Chef Jack Lin.
• - Excellence in Research: Professor Cyril Kendall from the University of Toronto.

Looking Forward

As the congress wrapped up, INC Chairman Ashok Krishen reflected on its success, reiterating the commitment to promoting both the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits and sustainable practices within the industry. The INC continues to be a pivotal organization, channeling efforts toward enhancing the global presence of nuts and dried fruits while ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.

This year’s event not only reaffirmed the significance of collaboration but also illuminated a path forward for the sector to thrive amidst various challenges, ensuring the voice of the industry is heard loud and clear as they journey towards a promising future.