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The Launch of the INC Sustainability Certification

On October 13, 2025, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) took a significant step towards enhancing sustainability within the industry by launching its first-ever Sustainability Certification at its headquarters in Reus, Spain, during the pivotal event known as NUTS 2025. This certification marks a groundbreaking development for the global nut and dried fruit sector, highlighting the industry's commitment to sustainability.

A Strategic Priority

Goretti Guasch, Executive Director of INC, emphasized the importance of sustainability as a strategic priority for both the organization and the industry as a whole. While various existing certifications incorporate sustainability elements, none have been tailored to meet the specific characteristics and challenges faced by the nut and dried fruit industry. Integral to the launch, Guasch asserted, "This certification has been created by the industry, for the industry," indicating that it is a product of collective effort and insight.

Highlighting Sustainability Achievements

This newly formed certification aims not only to recognize the significant strides already made in sustainability but also to propel further advancements within the industry. It provides companies around the world the opportunity to distinguish themselves in an increasingly sustainability-focused marketplace. The certification offers criteria specifically designed to reflect the unique roles each entity plays along the value chain, thus enabling businesses to navigate sustainability priorities with clarity.

The INC Sustainability Certification establishes a structured framework that assists companies in prioritizing actions commensurate with best practices and verified sustainability standards across environmental, social, and governance dimensions.

Impact on the Global Supply Chain

During the launch, members of the INC Executive Committee discussed the profound impact the certification will have across the global supply chain. Many of the growers involved are multigenerational family operations employing agricultural methods that protect foundational resources like soil, water, air, and biodiversity. The certification acknowledges these environmentally friendly practices and builds upon them by establishing governance standards that promote fair treatment of employees and suppliers.

This initiative effectively extends the concept of sustainability from the farm level all the way to the consumer. As market demand for sustainable products surges—driven significantly by major markets such as China—the certification supports transformative changes by offering practical guidance to both small and large companies. This includes best practices for carbon footprint reduction, Zero Waste initiatives, and the use of responsible agricultural inputs.

A Necessary Move Toward Sustainability

Ashok Krishen, the INC Chairman, aptly summarized the launch by stating, "In today's world, sustainability is not a 'nice to have' — it is the right thing to do." This statement encapsulates the essence of the INC Sustainability Certification as not merely an effort to meet market demands but as a fundamental shift towards ethical business practices that ensure the industry thrives in a responsible manner.

As we look to the future, it is clear that the INC's initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable practices within the nut and dried fruit industry, facilitating its growth while ensuring the natural environment and the communities involved are prioritized. In essence, this certification is a significant leap forward in the ongoing journey towards sustainability, underscoring a commitment to responsible production and consumption in the nut and dried fruit sector.