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Edition 83. Nº 2 July 2021
Edition 83. Nº 2
INC 3D ONLINE CONFERENCE
Over 1,300 Participants
Joined to Virtually
Celebrate the Nut and
Dried Fruit Industry!
July 2021
p. 54
www.nutfruit.org
Edition 83. Nº 2 July 2021
The INC is the international umbrella organization
for the nut and dried fruit industry and the source
for information on health, nutrition, statistics, food
safety, and international standards and regulations
regarding nuts and dried fruits.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Michael Waring - Chairman
Business News 9 INC Congress 50
MWT Foods, Australia
Ashok Krishen - 1st Vice Chairman 9 Mondelēz and Olam Announce 50 The INC Congress is Back!
Olam International Limited, Singapore Partnership to Form World’s Largest
Pino Calcagni - 2nd Vice Chairman Sustainable Commercial Cocoa Farm in
Besana Group, Italy Indonesia
Riccardo Calcagni INC News 54
Besana Group, Italy 10 Plant Power: Nestlé Launches Dairy Free
Bill Carriere Milo in Asia
Carriere Family Farms, USA 54 Nut and Dried Fruit Industry Comes
Together Virtually
Karsten Dankert 12 AgriChile to Launch New Hazelnut
Max Kiene GmbH, Germany Processing Factory in Chile
Roby Danon 58 INC Takes Real Power for Real People
Voicevale Ltd, UK to the Next Level with an Expanded
Cao Derong Campaign for 2021/2022
China Chamber of Commerce, China
Joan Fortuny
Gourmet 14 61 INC Webinars & INC Releases Latest
Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (BAIN), Spain Annual Report
Giles Hacking 14 Chef Chumpol Jangprai, Thailand
CG Hacking & Sons Limited, UK 63 INC Statistical Yearbook, World Trade
Mike Hohmann Maps, & Import Border Rejections Report
The Wonderful Company, USA
Cheng Hung Kay
CHK Trading Co. Ltd., China, Hong Kong
Legal Update 17 64 The INC Returns to In-Person Events with
Anuga 2021
Mark Jansen
Blue Diamond Growers, USA
Jack Mariani
Feature Articles 22
Mariani Nut Company, USA
Mark Mariani
Global
Mariani Packing Company, USA 22 More than Just the Kernel Statistical Review 67
Stephen Meltzer
Balcorp Ltd., Canada 24 Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery 81 Special Report: Peanut Exports from USA,
Russell Mooney Providing Data for African Cashews Argentina, & India
Intersnack Procurement B.V., Netherlands
Pratap Nair 26 Developing High-Performing Varieties for
Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company, India Almond and Macadamia Growers
Osman Oz
Aegean Exporters Associations, Turkey 28 Nuts and Dried Fruits for Diet Quality Industry News 84
Antonio Pont - Honorary President and Immune Health: Evidence and
Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (BAIN), Spain Suggestions from the Scientific Literature 84 Optimizing Almond Byproduct Usage
Antonio Pont Jr. Through Innovation
Crisolar Nuts, S.L., Spain
Chen Qi
85 California Hosts International Prune
Qiaqia Food Co. Ltd., China
Jan Vincent Rieckmann
Country/Product Industry in Virtual Congress
August Töpfer and Co. (ATCO Group), Germany
Michael Rund
Spotlight 31 86 Leveraging Consumer Eating Trends
Bösch Boden Spies GmbH and Co. Kg, Germany
Hasan Sabir
31 Prunes, California
87 News from the INC Nutrition Research &
Sabirlar Findik Ihracat Ltd. Sti., Turkey
Education Foundation (INC NREF)
Dick Walden
The Green Valley Pecan, USA
Health News 44 89 Chilean Production Below Expectations:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Climate Change and Lack of Water Are
Michael Waring Chairman 44 Tree Nut Consumption Effects on Health: to Blame
Ashok Krishen 1st Vice Chairman What We Know in Children and Adolescents?
Pino Calcagni 2nd Vice Chairman 90 Meji Launches High-Cacao Macadamia
Bill Carriere Board Member Chocolate for Increasingly Health-
Giles Hacking Board Member Conscious Consumers
Jack Mariani Board Member A Chat
Mark Mariani Board Member
Pratap Nair Board Member with the Industry 48 91 Nuts for Life Update: Driving Demand
Antonio Pont Board Member for Nuts
Goretti Guasch Secretary General and 48 Jason Chen, Senior Sourcing Manager,
Executive Director Mars Wrigley, China
For all editorial and advertising enquiries: Advertisers List 94
Marc Centelles
marc.centelles@nutfruit.org
INC HEADQUARTERS The Nutfruit magazine is published three times a year by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council - INC (Fundació Privada International Nut
Carrer de la Fruita Seca, 4 and Dried Fruit 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.
Polígon Tecnoparc, 43204 Reus, Spain All the trademarks, brand identities and graphic images shown in this publication are the property of their respective owners.
Tel: +34 977 331 416 While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to press, they can accept no
Email: inc@nutfruit.org liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial,
www.nutfruit.org photographs or other materials published in the Nutfruit magazine.
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 5
JOIN THE VIRTUAL EXHIBITION
Tim Paine
Australian Cricket Captain
Joseph Ebbage - Marketing Manager
Almond Board of Australia
Peter Hayes - Chair
Almond Board of Australia
Ross Skinner - CEO
Almond Board of Australia
Go to www.australianalmonds.com.au/expo to register
and experience our Virtual Reality Trade Exhibition.
Our 3D expo will give you the latest updates on our 2021 Australian Harvest now underway.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING
www.almondco.com.au www.nutproducers.com.au
www.brightlightagri.com
www.olamonline.com www.selectharvests.com.au
www.australianalmonds.com.au
INC Foreword
Over 1,300
Participate in the
INC 3D Online
Conference,
Uniting the Nut and
Dried Fruit Industry
MICHAEL WARING
INC CHAIRMAN
The INC Executive applies an innovative approach to member In line with the INC goal of increasing global consumption,
and industry engagement whilst maintaining the core program the INC is expanding the already successful Real Power for Real
and fundamental mission. I would like to commend them for People campaign, bringing into focus the connection between
their efforts. Moving into the second half of 2021, the industry nuts and dried fruits and attitudinal immunity, one’s ability to
continues to face significant issues in regards to shipping. This resist negativity. The expansion of Real Power for Real People
in terms of cost and reliability. INC’s response to this is under will target new audiences such as foodies, gamers, athletes,
way and we recognise the serious impact that this is having on and artists, with the purpose of encouraging consumers to
grower value, supply chain management, and the delivery of include nuts and dried fruits in their diets.
healthy food to the world. We are pleased to announce that starting this October,
In May 2021 we successfully launched the INC 3D Online the INC Pavilion is back at Anuga, marking the first in-person
Conference which brought together over 1,300 attendees event for the INC in over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic
from more than 70 countries. Headlined by the Nut & Dried began. With all of the co-exhibitor booths already taken, the
Fruit Working Groups, and the re-introduction of the INC excitement is growing, and we are thrilled to be able to plan to
Innovation Award. Congratulations to all entries and especially see you again.
the successful recipient QCIFY and their machine, QcifEye. As we return to in-person events INC intends to continue
The conference presented sessions on Sustainability, the online scene. Over the coming months, a new Webinar
Immunity, and Industry Marketing Programs. A central theme Series will begin, providing members with panels of speakers,
throughout the conference was sustainability and recognising and insights into the most pressing topics for the nut and
the importance of sustainable practices within our industry. dried fruit industry. The upcoming webinars will highlight
The conference provided a space for knowledge sharing, sustainability, and update on the shipping and logistics
networking, and a look at what is coming for our industry. I want challenges facing the industry.
to thank everyone who helped make this event the success INC continues to deliver publications that offer its
and especially our sponsors who continuously support the members volumes of relevant information, notably the launch
INC. Now we can turn our attention to the return of our in- of this year’s Annual Report of Activities, the INC Statistical
person Congress, taking place in Dubai, May 11-13, 2022. I look Yearbook, World Trade Maps, and the Annual Border Rejections
forward to meeting with you all again. Report. All these publications can be found on the INC website.
INC continues to bring awareness of the health benefits Two Executive committee meeting were held in the first
of nuts and dried fruits. We sponsored the session, Nuts, six month of 2021, and at the end of June INC held its’ Board of
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, at the 38th International Trustees annual meeting.
Symposium on Diabetes and Nutrition, which took place Be safe, keep well and thank you for your continued support
June 21-24. This session focused on the latest research and of the INC Foundation.
benefits of nuts in diabetes, metabolic syndrome prevention,
microbiota and cognition, and was chaired by Dr. Cyrill Kendall
of the University of Toronto, and Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Yours sincerely,
Chairman of the INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and
Dissemination.
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 7
8 July 2021 | NUTFRUIT
Business News
Mondelēz and Olam Announce Partnership to Form
World’s Largest Sustainable Commercial Cocoa
Farm in Indonesia
Mondelēz International, Inc. and Olam Food Ingredients have announced a new partnership to create the world’s single largest
sustainable commercial cocoa farm in Indonesia.
The partnership aims to deliver the creation of 700 jobs for local residents in an area which has limited income opportunities
due to its isolated location. Nearly half of these employment opportunities will go to women. 2,000 hectares of previously
deforested brown field land, will be planted with cocoa, shade trees, forest and fruit trees to promote biodiversity and carbon
capture. More than 1,080 hectares
have already been planted across
the total plantation area of 3,380
hectares. It also aims to provide an
area of 47 hectares which has been
identified as High Conservation Value
Forest and is being fully protected
as a vital habitat for flora and fauna,
a seedling nursery which can grow
up to one million high-yielding cocoa
seedlings each year, and access
to healthcare and education for all
employees and their families, as well
as housing, electricity, water, day care
for the 200 families who live on site. © 2020 Olam International All Rights Reserved Co. Reg. No. 199504676H
Hershey Acquires Lily's
Confectionery Brand
The Hershey Company has announced it has entered into
a definitive agreement to acquire Lily's, a better-for-you
(BFY) confectionery brand. Lily's low-sugar products
include dark and milk chocolate style bars, baking chips,
peanut butter cups and other confection products.
"Hershey is focused on developing a BFY confection
portfolio that offers a variety of choices to meet the
evolving needs of our consumers," said Chuck Raup,
President U.S. BFY snacking continues to grow faster
than mainstream segments across snacking categories
such as potato chips, ice cream and cookies.
Based today in Boulder, Colo., Lily's traces its roots
to co-founder Cynthia Tice's decision to raise awareness
about better-for-you foods by opening Center Foods,
a natural foods store, in Philadelphia in 1978. In 2012,
Cynthia launched four Lily's chocolate style bars
nationally in Whole Foods Market and today the expanded
line of bars, baking chips and other confections can be
found across the country at key retailers. The brand's
mission is to offer consumers a range of great tasting,
low sugar treats.
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 9
Business News
Plant Power: Nestlé Launches With plant-based alternatives to milk growing around the
world, and specifically in Asia, Nestlé announced the launch
Dairy Free Milo in Asia of a new plant-based version of Milo, a chocolate malt
beverage, in Asia which hit the shelves in April 2021.
Research and development teams at Nestlé revamped
the original Milo by replacing the milk with almond and
soy, to create a plant-based alternative. The other two
main ingredients, malt and cocoa, have remained in the
beverage. Each bottle offers 6.5 grams of protein and is also
low in sugar, with a combination of vitamins and minerals.
Mayank Trivedi, Head of the Dairy Strategic Business Unit at
Nestlé, said: "Milo is an iconic brand in Malaysia and across
Asia, and much-loved across generations. We want to
provide consumers with on-trend alternatives in formats
they want. That's why we're delighted to launch Milo Dairy
Free to support people's lifestyle choices."
Nestlé cites a recent survey by GlobalData, showing
that over 40% of consumers in Asia are shifting to plant-
© 2021 Nestlé based diets.
Sun-Maid Growers Sun-Maid Growers of California announced it will acquire Plum Organics, an organic
baby food and kids snacks brand, from Campbell Soup Company. Plum offers a
of California diverse portfolio of organic foods and snacks to meet the nutritional needs of babies,
tots and kids. All of Plum’s products are certified organic and non-GMO.
Acquires Plum “We’re excited to welcome Plum Organics’ nutritious line of baby, toddler and
Organics from kids’ food products to our imaginative world of delicious, whole fruit snacks. Our
purpose is to help mom find better-for-you food options that taste great and kids
Campbell Soup will love. Adding Plum to our innovative product lineup delivers even more choices
for her and her family,” said Harry Overly, CEO and president of Sun-Maid Growers of
Company California
Plum Organics was founded in 2007 by a group of parents on a mission to give
the very best food to their little ones. Campbell acquired Plum in 2013.
Blue Diamond Debuts Almond Flour Baking Mixes and Cups
In April, Blue Diamond Growers announced
the release of two new products, Tasty
Little Cup™ and Baking Mixes, that will
meet consumer demand for better-for-
you options in the baking aisle.
Blue Diamond’s Tasty Little Cup™
and Baking Mixes, which were made
available in May at grocery stores around
the USA, have almond flour as the main
ingredient. The product releases follow
the successful launch of Blue Diamond
Almond Flour in 2020.
Tasty Little Cup™, a gluten-free,
dairy-free option that features almond
flour as the main ingredient, appeals to
the growing number of health-conscious © 2021 Blue Diamond Growers
consumers. It is also kosher certified
and non-GMO project verified. Tasty
Little Cup™ is offered in four flavors: Blue Diamond’s Baking Mixes are made with finely sifted almond flour. Each of
Molten Chocolate Cake, Brownie with Blue Diamond’s Baking Mixes contain 10 or fewer ingredients, are dairy-free, kosher
Diced Almonds, Chocolate Cake, and certified, and non-GMO project verified. Baking Mixes are offered in four versatile
Confetti Cake. flavors: Brownie, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie, and Yellow Cake.
10 July 2021 | NUTFRUITBusiness News
AgriChile to Launch New
Hazelnut Processing
Factory in Chile
AgriChile, an agricultural subsidiary of Ferrero Hazelnut
Company, has announced a $40 Million USD investment to national production of hazelnuts to meeting the projected
open a new hazelnut processing facility in the Ñuble region growing demand over the next few years. AgriChile’s General
of Chile. This new facility will double hazelnut processing Manager, Camillo Scocco said, “this important investment
capacity and significantly increase the country’s role as a demonstrates Ferrero's continued commitment to the
hazelnut producer worldwide. development of the hazelnut industry in Chile. This year
The construction of the plant is scheduled to begin in late marks the 30th anniversary of AgriChile's presence in the
2021 with expectations to be fully operational by February country. This new plant reflects the maturity reached in
2023. In total, this processing factory will create 40 local and the development of the cultivation of this fruit in Chile, the
permanent jobs during the low season, which will increase confidence in the country, and our interest in promoting the
to 100 jobs in the high season. This represents a 10% industry in the central-south zone, an area that has natural
increase in AgriChile’s workforce. The project aims to boost characteristics to produce hazelnuts”.
Ventura Line Scorta Verde Importaco Nut Factory
Presents 100% Biodegradable Becomes Certified Zero
and Compostable Packaging Waste
Madi Ventura, an Italian company specializing in nuts Importaco Nuts Factory in Beniparrell has been certified
and dried fruits has launched a 100% biodegradable and Zero Waste by AENOR. This certification recognizes the
compostable packaging for their line Ventura - Scorta environmental management of Importaco, in which over
Verde. Additionally, the line was given the OK Compost 99% of the waste generated in the production center is
certificate, guaranteeing the compliance with EU regulation reassessed and recycled. This essential process guarantees
EN 13432 on compostability in industrial composting an eco-efficient and circular production, as it prevents
systems. Composting can significantly reduce the volume of wastes from being sent to landfills.
organic waste, while the compost produced can be used in This certification is a recognition of the commitment
agriculture. The OK compost certification comes from Tüv to sustainability by Importaco, and the company aims to
Austria for both the material and the ink used. The Scorta certify all nut production centers by 2025. The proper waste
Verde packaging comes from biopolymers and is designed management allows the creation of new raw materials and
to be industrially composted once it has been used. The guarantees economic sustainability, as well as having a
graphics, clean and clear for the final consumer, are made with positive effect on both natural resources and ecosystems.
OK COMPOST certified inks and within the limits set by the The systems to reduce, classify and recycle the waste
regulations on compostable packaging. generated by Importaco have permitted the annual
The Ventura Scorta Verde range is made up of 350-gram reassessment of 5,000 tons of waste, generating energy
bags of roasted and salted pistachios, 350-gram bags of and materials such as cardboard or plastic.
shelled walnuts, 500-gram bags of shelled almonds, and a
500-gram bag consisting of a mix, which contains raisins,
peeled almonds, shelled hazelnuts and walnuts.
Advertorial
Orienco was established in 1990 by Mr. Raymond El-Hawly in France.
It provides and has been providing value-added nut and dried fruit
services for more than 30 years, while importing products from around
the world, placing itself as a pioneer in the French market of nuts and dried
fruits.
Once imported our products are then roasted, salted, coated and
packed using private and different labels in our 20,000m² facility based in
Goussainville.
Our value has always been based on quality, respect, and integrity.
12 July 2021 | NUTFRUITJuly 2021 | NUTFRUIT 13
Gourmet
CHEF CHUMPOL
JANGPRAI,
CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING
DIRECTOR, & CHEF OF R-HAAN
IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
Chumpol Jangprai is a widely recognized
Michelin-starred chef and a true
ambassador of Thai cuisine. He is the
co-founder and executive chef of the
two Michelin star restaurant R-HANN
in Bangkok, Thailand. He has gone on
to become a celebrity chef in Thailand,
making various TV appearances
and even opening an online culinary
academy, TCA (Thai Cuisine Academy).
When did you know that you wanted to be a I think there are two main things to expect. First, I am
chef? And what steps did you first take on your opening my culinary school called Thai Cuisine Academy
culinary journey? which enables me to share my experience and knowledge
I first knew that I wanted to be a chef when I was 19 years old, with the newer generation and with those people who have
but I started cooking when I was 18. By the time, I had turned a passion for cooking. Located in Bangkok, this school
19, I made the decision that I wanted to be a professional chef. helps me transfer my skills to new people and I’m excited
My first experience in the kitchen was helping my grandmother to offer the school in-person and online. Secondly, I would
cook when I was 6 years old. At 15 years old, I began university like to expand and grow my restaurant R.H.A.N.N which is
and I would cook in the morning and then the afternoons, I currently a 2-Star Michelin restaurant. My goal is to develop
would go to school. During my third year in the university, I and create new ideas and hopefully earn the third Michelin
moved to Copenhagen to work as a cook in a Scandinavian Star. Then of course, I would like to take it to some of the
hotel and this is where I had my first true job in the food biggest cities around the world to show that we can do fine
industry. dining with traditional Thai food alongside with innovation.
Additionally, I am working on a TV show here in Thailand, but
Thai cuisine is growing around the world and also, I am helping local communities invest in restaurants
more and more people are becoming familiar and helping them to set up their own eateries and fine dining
with it, but how would you describe Thai food? establishments.
What makes it special to you?
For me, one of the best descriptions of Thai food is that it is a You are a 2-Star Michelin Chef, and
delicious food medicine in the sense that it is a healthy cuisine considered one of the top chefs worldwide.
and it is a medicinal cuisine. Secondly, I would describe Thai What does this recognition mean for you? Has
cuisine as a symphony of taste, because when done correctly, it changed your relationship with cooking
each dish should be full of so many different flavors. There and has your cooking style evolved since you
are 5 senses and 8 different tastes in which a Thai dish can started getting widespread recognition for
touch on, and it is all about combining the flavors and giving your food?
the customer a wide range of experiences. For example, in my Actually, for me, the Michelin Stars are like Hollywood awards
Massaman Curry, I use 32 ingredients and this together is a that actors and actress receive because for a chef, it is one of
symphony of flavors and tastes. the top acknowledgements in the industry. I really appreciate
the value that the Michelin Guide brings to my restaurant
You have had numerous appearances on and to know that the best chefs around the world are being
television, and you’ve become a celebrity. recognized with it. However, the Michelin Stars cannot and do
What plans do you have next? New not change my relationship with Thai cuisine and my cooking
restaurants? More TV appearances? What can style. If anything, they help me to keep energy and stay
we expect from Chef Chumpol Jangprai? motivated for developing new ideas and being better.
14 July 2021 | NUTFRUITGourmet
You value using the best quality products, so
for you, how do you ensure that you have the
freshest and highest quality ingredients?
I have a lot of contact with local farms and villages all around
Thailand, and I change my menu three times each year to
align with the three different seasons that we have here in
Thailand: summer, rainy, and winter. I do my best to match
my menu with the season to ensure the freshest ingredients
are being used, and now we are also buying directly from the
farmers and producers because this increases the quality of
our ingredients. Also, I love going to the market as much as
possible to see which products are available.
What role do nuts and dried fruits play in your
cooking and also general in the Thai cuisine?
So, nuts and dried fruits are common in Thai cuisine and often
times you’ll see them being used in appetizers, salads, and of
course in curries. I am working on a chicken cashew dish, as it
is becoming more and more popular around the world. Using
chicken and cashews together has been gaining popularity
especially over the past 30 years. The cashew nut is used a lot
in any massaman curry, and we also use peanuts quite a bit
as well. More and more we are using dried fruits now, as Thai
cuisine is considered healthy, they make great additions. We
use dried fruit a lot in deserts as a way to add sweetness.
What flavors do you appreciate from nuts and
dried fruits?
For me, nuts and dried fruits add another layer of texture to
dishes. Layers of texture in dishes are loved in Thai cuisine, and
in Thai food, we need crunchy, so nuts deliver on this aspect
Stir Fried Chicken
perfectly. Also, the dried fruits can give an aroma to dishes,
which enhances the experience of eating, but there is also
with Cashew Nuts
natural sweetness coming from the dried fruits. In conclusion,
nuts and dried fruits add to the symphony of tastes! Ingredients:
200 g Chicken breast fillets 30 g Corn flour (cornstarch)
(cut into bite-sized pieces) 8 g Garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
4 g Dried red chilies 4 g Fish sauce
(cut into bite-sized pieces) 50 g Tomato sauce
100 g Raw cashew nuts 16 g Chili sauce
½ liter Palm oil (for deep-frying) ½ tea-spoon White pepper
70 g Onion (cut into small diced) (ground)
70 g Sliced Spring onions 4 g Sugar
(scallions) 16 g Vegetable oil
QUICK-FIRE ROUND!
Steps:
What is the best part of being a chef? Part 1
1. Fill a frying pan with palm oil and turn on the heat (medium heat).
Providing customers with the best quality food.
2. Add raw cashew nuts and fry until the color turns to nice golden-
brown, remove the cashew nuts from the pan and set aside.
What is your personal favorite dish with 3. Add dried red chilies and fry for half minute until shiny and crispy,
remove from the pan and set aside.
nuts or dried fruits? 4. Coat the chicken with corn flour and fry until the color turns to nice
My massaman curry! You can use any kind of nut! golden-brown, remove from the pan and set aside.
Part 2
What is the next big gastronomical 5. Mix tomato sauce, chili sauce, fish sauce, sugar and ground pepper
together to make a stir-fry sauce.
trend in the world?
Functional and medical food. Part 3
6. Fill a sauce pan with vegetable oil, turn on the heat (medium heat),
add the chopped garlic and stir-fry for half minute.
What nuts and dried fruits do you 7. Add sauce mixture, chicken, cashew nuts, dried red chilies and
always have in your kitchen? onion. Stir-fry for 2 or 3 minutes until the onion is cooked and the
sauce is thick and glossy. Toss through the spring onions and mix well.
Cashews, peanuts, and raisins for sure! Turn off the heat.
8. Transfer to serving plate.
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 15SINCE 192 1
1 00 Y EARS OF NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT
From field to fork – a hundred years of history to look to the future
Since 1921, the Besana Group, an international leader in the processing of nuts and dried fruit, is the
leading private label supplier to the main distribution chains in Europe and worldwide. Its Industry division,
meanwhile, supplies semi-finished products to major international food companies and to the HoReCa
channel.
Besana has an integrated business model with a worldwide network of producers. This virtuous and
sustainable supply chain, from farmer to consumer, provides a supply of high quality raw materials, with
full traceability.
The Besana Group is a family business that has grown thanks to the commitment and dedication of 4
generations of the Calcagni family. Since 2020, following the integration with the Spanish group Importaco,
they have become one of the top ten companies in the European market.
A century of land,
people and nuts
www.besanaworld.comLegal Update
Food Safety
EU: MLs for Ochratoxin A and Hydrocyanic Acid
In recent news from the European Federation of the Trade in Dried Fruit, Edible Nuts, Processed Fruit & Vegetables, Processed
Fishery Products (FRUCOM), the European Commission offered an update regarding the proposed changes of the Commission
Implementing Regulation (EU) 1793/2019 on the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the
entry into the Union of certain goods from certain third countries.
For Ochratoxin A, the Commission and the Member States consider appropriate the following limits: 8 ppb for dried vine
fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas) and dried figs, 2 ppb for other dried fruit (including dates), 5 ppb for pistachios placed on the
market for final consumer or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs, and 10 ppb for pistachios to be subjected to sorting, or other
physical treatment, before placing on the market. The vote is scheduled for next September 28.
For hydrocyanic acid, the discussion was still ongoing at the time of writing this piece. A maximum level of 35 ppm has been
provisionally concluded for almonds, but no final decision has been made.
EU: Changes to Border Controls
On April 21, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/608 of 14 April 2021, entered into force –amending Implementing Regulation
(EU) 2019/1793 on the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the EU of
certain goods from certain third countries.
The following provisions may affect nut and dried fruit imports: peanuts from Brazil and China (10% of control frequency for
aflatoxins) are deleted from Annex II and added to Annex I; the control frequency of aflatoxins in peanuts from India increased
10% to 50%; dried grapes from Turkey (10% of control frequency for OTA) are deleted from Annex I; and hazelnuts from Turkey
(5% of control frequency for aflatoxins) are deleted from Annex II and added to Annex I. After the modifications, the control
frequency for nuts and dried fruits is the following:
Annex I. Food and feed of non-animal origin from certain third countries subject to a temporary increase of
official controls at border control posts and control points
Frequency of identity
Feed and food Country of origin Hazard
and physical checks (%)
Peanuts1 Bolivia Aflatoxins 50
Peanuts1 Brazil Aflatoxins 10
Peanuts1 China Aflatoxins 10
Hazelnuts2 Georgia Aflatoxins 50
Peanuts1 Madagascar Aflatoxins 50
Peanuts1 Senegal Aflatoxins 50
Hazelnuts2 Turkey Aflatoxins 5
Apricot kernels3 Turkey Cyanide 50
Peanuts1 USA Aflatoxins 10
Pistachios4 USA Aflatoxins 10
Dried apricots5 Uzbekistan Sulphites 50
Annex II. Food and feed from certain third countries subject to special conditions for the entry into the Union
due to contamination risk by mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, pesticide residues, pentachlorophenol and
dioxins, and to microbiological contamination
Frequency of identity
Feed and food Country of origin Hazard
and physical checks (%)
Peanuts1 Argentina Aflatoxins 5
Hazelnuts2 Azerbaijan Aflatoxins 20
Brazil nuts6 Brazil Aflatoxins 50
Peanuts1 Egypt Aflatoxins 20
Peanuts1 Ghana Aflatoxins 50
Peanuts1 Gambia Aflatoxins 50
Peanuts1 India Aflatoxins 50
Pistachios4 Iran Aflatoxins 50
Peanuts1 Sudan Aflatoxins 50
Dried figs7 Turkey Aflatoxins 20
Pistachios4 Turkey Aflatoxins 50
1. Groundnuts (peanuts), in shell, shelled, otherwise prepared or preserved, peanut butter, groundnut flours and meals, and oilcake and other solid residues, whether or not ground
or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of groundnut oil. 2. Hazelnuts, in shell or shelled, flour, mixtures, paste, meal, powder, oil, or otherwise prepared or preserved.
3. Unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped apricot kernels intended to be placed on the market for the final consumer. 4. Pistachios in shell, shelled or roasted. 5. Dried
apricots and apricots otherwise prepared or preserved. 6. Brazil nuts in shell or mixtures containing Brazil nuts in shell. 7. Dried figs, mixtures, paste, flour, meal or powder.
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 17Legal Update
EU: ML of Cadmium in Nuts
Last March, the European Commission submitted to the World Trade Organization a draft regulation amending Regulation (EC)
1881/2006 regarding maximum levels (ML) of cadmium in certain foods. The draft sets the following ML of cadmium: tree nuts
(except pine nuts) and peanuts at 0.20 ppm and pine nuts at 0.30 ppm. The estimated date of adoption is June 2021.
USA: Senators Ask Administration’s Assistance on EU Peanut Trade Barriers
In a letter sent to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai,
nineteen U.S. Senators have requested assistance from the Administration on EU non-tariff trade barriers affecting the peanut
industry –aflatoxin testing requirements in particular.
“In recent years, the U.S. industry estimates they have lost approximately $170 million in sales into the E.U. due to difficulties
presented by these burdensome testing requirements,” the letter says. Senators urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture and
the U.S. Trade Representative to joint efforts to engage with their EU counterparts to reduce existing non-tariff barriers on
peanut exports.
Labeling
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: Allergen Labeling
On February 25, 2021, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code was amended to introduce new requirements for the
labeling of allergens in food. Allergen information is to be declared in a specific format and location on food labels, and using
simple, plain English terms in bold font.
Businesses have been given three years to implement the new requirements. A two-year stock-in-trade period will follow the
transition period. Any food packaged and labeled with existing allergen declarations before the end of the transition period may
be sold for up to two years after the end of the transition period.
Sustainability
EU To Boost Organic Production
On March 25, the European Commission presented an action plan for the development of organic production, as part of the
European Green Deal initiative. Its overall aim is to boost the production and consumption of organic products, to reach 25%
of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. Moreover, it aims to improve organic farming's performance in terms of
sustainability, with initiatives set to reduce the sector's carbon footprint, and minimize the use of plastics, water and energy.
In the EU, the area under organic farming has increased by almost 66% in the last 10 years –from 8.3 million hectares in 2009
to 13.8 million hectares in 2019, accounting for 8.5% of the EU’s total ‘utilized agricultural area’.
EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, Sustainability Impact Assessment
On March 29, the European Commission published the final version of the Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) on the
potential economic, social, environmental and human rights impact of the trade part of the association agreement between the
EU and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).
According to the SIA, the EU-Mercosur agreement would have a positive impact on the economies of both blocs and could
contribute to the recovery from the economic crisis caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the report states
that the EU agricultural sector will also benefit from the agreement, with reduction of non-tariff barriers and protection of EU
geographical indications in the American countries. The report also highlights concerns about the agreement's potential impact
on environment and human rights, noting that an adequate legal framework could help address these issues.
EU: Guidance for Single-Use Plastic rules
On May 31, the European Commission published the Commission guidelines on single-use plastic products in accordance with
Directive (EU) 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. This document provides
guidance on the interpretation and implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/904, key definitions of the Directive and examples of
products to be considered as falling within or outside its scope.
18 July 2021 | NUTFRUITLegal Update
Trade News
CHINA: Suspension of China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue
On May 6, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced it will indefinitely suspend all activities
under the framework of the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue jointly held by the NDRC and the Australian
Commonwealth Government.
EU-US: EU Suspends Additional Duties on Cranberries until November
On May 31, the European Commission published the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/866 of 28 May 2021
suspending commercial policy measures concerning certain products originating in the USA imposed by Implementing
Regulation (EU) 2018/886. Under this Regulation, the EU suspends the application of additional ad valorem duty of 25% on
imports of US dried cranberries (HS Code 20089391) until November 30, 2021.
EU-US: Suspension of Tariffs over Aircraft Dispute
Following the European Union - United States Summit held on June 15, the EU and the US agreed to suspend application of tariffs
for a period of five years, being the most significant step towards resolving the longest trade dispute in the history of the World
Trade Organization (WTO). The disputes on Large Civil Aircraft (LCA; also known as the Airbus-Boeing Dispute) started in 2004.
The EU list of US origin products that had been considered for additional import duties included:
- fresh or dried hazelnuts or filberts "corylus spp.", shelled (CN: 08022200)
- fresh or dried pistachios, shelled (CN: 08025200)
- nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled (excl. coconuts, brazil nuts, cashew nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts,
chestnuts "castanea spp.", pistachios, pecans, areca "betel" nuts, cola nuts, pine nuts and macadamia nuts) (CN: 08029085)
- fresh or dried dates (CN: 08041000)
- sultanas (CN: 08062030)
- dried grapes (excl. currants and sultanas) (CN: 08062090)
- dried prunes (CN: 08132000)
- groundnuts, in shell (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked) (CN: 12024100)
- groundnuts, shelled, whether or not broken (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked) (CN: 12024200)
US-JAPAN: Trade Agreement, Third Year of Implementation
The US-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA), ratified in 2019, entered the “Year 3” of ratification on April 1, 2021. Consequently, the
following tariffs are now applying for several US nuts, nut products and dried fruits exported to Japan.
Japan Customs
Product Name Base Rate Year 3 (2021)
HS Code
Almonds (fresh or dried/roasted, no sugar) 080211200, 080212200/200819222 2.4%/5.0% Free
Walnuts (shelled, fresh or dried) 80232000 10.0% Free
Pecans (fresh or dried/roasted, no sugar) 080290300, 200819223 4.5%/5.0% Free
Hazelnuts or filberts (shelled, fresh or dried) 80222000 6.0% Free
Peanuts (shelled, other than seed) 120242091 10.0% Free
Flour, meal and powder of fruit and nuts (excl. bananas) 110630200 15.0% 5.0%
Peanut butter (contain sugar/no sugar) 200811110/200811210 12.0%/10.0% 4.0%/3.3%
Other nuts (roasted, no sugar) 200819228 5.0% Free
Cashew nuts (prep. or preserved, contain sugar) and other
200819191, 200819192 11.0% 3.6%
roasted nuts (contain sugar)
Ground nuts (excl. peanut butter, prep./preserved, contains
200811120 23.8% 7.9%
sugar)
Ground nuts (shelled, roasted/prepared or preserved), no sugar 200811292/200811299 21.3% Free
Macadamia nuts (fresh/dried, prep./preserved, no sugar) 080262000, 200819221 5.0% Free
Other nuts (prepared or preserved, no sugar) 200819229 12.0% 4.0%
Cashew nuts (prepared or preserved, no sug-ar) 200819225 10.0% Free
Preserved nuts (contain sugar) 200819199 16.8% 5.6%
Coconuts, brazil nuts, paradise nuts and ha-zelnuts (prepared
200819224 10.0% Free
or preserved, no sugar)
Prunes 081320000 2.4% Free
Dried figs 080420090 6.0% 2.0%
Mixtures of nuts or dried fruits 081350090 12.0% Free
“Other” dried fruit, excluding berries 081340029 9.0% Free
Source: USJTA Treatment for Nuts 2021, USDA GAIN Attaché Report, May 16, 2021.
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 19Advertorial
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exporting organic and conventional deglet nour dates. We offer many varieties
of dates that are harvested carefully from Algerian desert oasis. Our dates
are dedicated to serve all markets with its high standards and premium quality
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Our quality management system is in compliance with international food
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factory as well as other quality certificates such as USDA Organic, IFS, FDA, ISO
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We always aim to become a symbol of a wide range of high-quality cultivated
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products through elite local and export partners to optimally match market
requirements and customer needs. In addition of that Tayba Dates’ purpose is
to ensure that sustainable, eco-aware agricultural and packaging practices are
followed, and that everyone involved in producing the dates is fairly and properly
compensated.
The company's core values are centered on quality and sustainability. We
partner with reputable packaging factories to provide optimal packaging solutions
to ensure quality and look carefully at the approach and practices of our partner
farms.
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Advertorial
Strategic Partnerships: CoolSteam’s
Launch into Tree Nut Pasteurization
with Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella
Laitram Machinery’s CoolSteam® organoleptically-speaking, and we quickly
inauguration to the nut industry began sent a team down to New Orleans to
in 2013 with Setton Pistachio of Terra evaluate a larger volume test. The successful
Bella. Read more from Lee Cohen, General results quickly followed into Setton taking
Manager at Setton on the decision to invest delivery of the first CoolSteam® unit in the
in CoolSteam® pasteurization. industry back in 2014.
“Setton tested a variety of technologies Laitram’s equipment is a core part of our
and traveled the world several times in quality and food-safety infrastructure and as
search of the right equipment. We never we’ve added additional units and increased
did find a suitable technology available at capacity, Laitram has incorporated several
that time in the nut industry. In the process of our design needs into their controls or
of searching for alternatives, I found on the equipment.
internet a company in New Orleans offering Laitram delivers reliable, high quality
a steam-based shrimp cooker. Given the engineered equipment and their customer
highly sanitary stainless-steel design and service is delivered in a similar manner. From
the belt-driven continuous pasteurization the sales offer process through installation
process, we sent Laitram a single 25-pound for each unit, Laitram has in our experience
box of raw pistachios to determine been thorough, responsive, and exceeded
the viability. The product came back our expectations whenever we’ve needed
virtually unchanged after pasteurization, them.”
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 21Feature Articles
More than Just the Kernel
DELILAH F. WOOD, LENNARD F.
TORRES, ZACH MCCAFFREY, TINA G.
WILLIAMS, BOR-SEN CHIOU, COLLEEN
M. MCMAHAN AND WILLIAM J. ORTS
Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research
Center, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),
Albany, California
Agricultural residues are a sustainable, renewable, and economically viable source
of high-value carbon. This carbon may be used to make products including single-
use, bio-degradable packaging1, composite automotive2 or construction panels,
water filtration, energy storage and gas capture materials, and supports for catalyst
synthesis.
In response to the demand for biobased materials3, our USDA- Figure 1a
ARS team developed the “Zero Waste” program to develop USDA Bioproducts Research Unit Zero Waste program in graphic format.
technologies enabling conversion of nut shells and hulls into
consumer goods (Figure 1a).
Thermal conversion of biomass provides an opportunity
for the processing of agricultural waste into high-value
products. Torrefaction (Figure 1b) is a low-temperature
conversion process that may be used as a treatment for fillers
in composites. Torrefaction benefits material properties by
increasing miscibility, reducing moisture, providing high bulk
and energy densities, increasing heating value, and improving
grindability, thereby saving energy.
Advanced activated carbon is currently derived from
imported coconut or petroleum-based precursors. Nutshell-
derived carbon has been proposed as an alternative feedstock
source for production of biobased activated carbon, using
a two-step process: pyrolysis and activation. Similar to
torrefaction, pyrolysis (Figure 1b) is a thermal process that
heats a material above its decomposition temperature, typically Figure 1b
above 300 °C, in a low oxygen environment. The pyrolysis Heat treatment and relevant thermal processing characteristics.
step removes all volatile materials, leaving only a carbon
structure and trace element impurities behind. Activation is a
high temperature process that uses a gas to etch the carbon
structure by oxidation of the carbon surface and increase pore
volume. The longer the material is exposed to thermal energy
and the process gas, the more surface area and pore volume is
developed.
Nutshell activated carbon are porous structures that have
high surface areas (high surface area = high reactivity) that
are advantageous for advanced carbon applications including
lithium-ion batteries, ultracapacitors, and absorbed natural gas
storage. USDA-ARS and partners are investigating the technical
and economic feasibility of using nut shells as a feedstock for
the manufacture of domestic sustainable activated carbon,
eliminating agricultural residues from landfills, and generating
new revenue for nut growers and processors. It can also result in
exciting new markets for nut byproducts.
22 July 2021 | NUTFRUITFeature Articles
raw biomass is that they remain stable rubber compounds may be suitable for
Nutshells serve as multi-functional when blended with plastics during higher some industrial applications and offer an
fillers in plastic composites. Sawdust temperature processing (typically above important step toward 100% biobased
and minerals, such as talc and calcium 130 oC). rubber compounds, tipping the scale of
carbonate, are traditionally used to Natural rubber composites from novel filler sourcing from nonrenewable
produce filled plastic composites. torrefied nut shells may be used as a to more sustainable resources.
However, nutshell biomass can serve the “green” filler for rubber. Non-renewable Research continues to develop
same function. Biomass can be used to carbon black is a commonly used filler processes to tailor biomass properties
displace expensive plastic resin (thereby in rubber compounds4. The use of for incorporation into commercial
reducing dependency on petroleum torrefied almond shells as fillers in natural products. The use of biomass meets
use) and to lend strength and structure rubber compounds was evaluated for increasing market demand for biobased
to composites. Although raw nut shells partial and full replacement of carbon content in materials and reduces the
may be successfully incorporated into black. At all replacement levels, mixing environmental impact of petroleum-
plastics, torrefaction of biomass creates and processing proceeded generally based precursors.
fillers that are less hydrophilic (compared without issues. When torrefied almond
to raw biomass) and reduces issues with shells were used solely as the filler
blend compatibility, odors, off-gassing, (full replacement of carbon black), the
and microbial degradation associated physical properties of the composite References
1. World Centric https://www.worldcentric.com/
with raw biomass fillers. Torrefied nut material were not equivalent to carbon (accessed 1/26/2021).
shell-plastic composites, have higher black filled controls, as expected, mostly 2. Ford Motor Co. Ford to turn McDonald's coffee
waste into sustainable autocomposites. https://
stiffness and better heat resistance than due to particle size differences between
www.compositesworld.com/articles/ford-to-
unfilled plastics. Torrefied shells, usually carbon black and the biomass-derived turn-mcdonalds-coffee-waste-into-sustainable-
a dark brown or black color, also serve filler. The highly porous structure from autocomposites (accessed 1/26/2021).
3. van der Hoeven, D. New biobased materials Bio-
as a pigment for a uniform composite torrefaction may allow entrapment of based News [Online]. https://news.bio-based.eu/
color, an advantage when blending with rubber during mixing (i.e., the rubber can new-biobased-materials/ (accessed 1/26/2021).
4. McMahan, C.; Torres, L.; Wood, D.; Orts, W.;
multi-colored recycled plastics. Another “grip” the particle surface). Nevertheless, Wagner, C., Almond production residues as natural
advantage of using torrefied shells over torrefied almond shell-filled natural rubber fillers. Rubber World 2020, pp 28-31.
Advertorial
Nuts About Borna
We are Borna, a young British company based in the UK, and
we know our nuts! We serve both local and international
markets so everyone can get their hands on our nutty
goodness – we’ve become leaders in innovative pistachio,
almond and cashew products. Our range of fresh, aromatic
flavours stretches across premium nuts, artisan butters and
nutritious milk-alternative drinks. We’re on a mission to open
your mind to the wonderful world of nut products.
We provide the finest produce (it’s not just our
opinion, we’ve won awards such as Great Taste and
SIAL Paris Innovation Award) across the UK and Europe,
and we’re certified up to our ears. We’re with the British
Retail Consortium (BRC), the trade association for retail
businesses, whose purpose is ‘to make a positive difference
to the retail industry and the customers it serves today
and, in the future,’. We’re also an accredited member of
the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), the
‘international source of information on nuts and dried fruits
for health, nutrition, food safety regulations and quality
standards’. We’re part of the Vegetarian Society UK too, and
we have a Vegan and KLBD Kosher Worldwide Certification
(told you we were certified!). Wholesale in Europe was our
main focus back when we started in 2014, and it’s still a huge If you’d like to hear from us and request more information
part of what we do today. on our offers, please email info@bornafoods.com
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 23Feature Articles
Remote Sensing and
Satellite Imagery Providing
Data for African Cashews
JAMES OBAROWSKI
James Obarowski is Country Director at TechnoServe based in Kampala, Uganda. He
has more than 15 years’ experience developing supply chains and partnerships for
food and agriculture in emerging markets that create shared value for farmers, small
business, and industry. James is currently working on green economy initiatives and
improving collaboration between technology companies and the agriculture industry.
Emerging technology solutions combining aerial and
phone imagery with machine learning could solve
long-standing challenges in getting accurate, timely
data for trade and investment decisions in the global
nut and dried fruit industry.
Market data is a critical input for the industry. In most cashew-producing One of the first challenges
nut and dried fruit industry, whether countries in Africa, reliable data on the we encountered was in mapping
regarding production, demand, or number of farmers, production area, farms. Most cashews are grown
quality. Yet for a number of products, and productivity are simply unavailable by smallholder farmers with highly
data is often scarce, late, or unreliable. or are speculative estimates. Annual irregular, intercropped farms. This is an
This is due to several factors, harvests are typically estimated especially hard problem for a computer
including products that are wild-grown, post-season based on patchy trade to understand and solve, and as a result,
grown by huge numbers of small data and anecdotes from the biggest most existing technology providers have
producers, or produced across many traders. Furthermore, buyers and sellers focused on large farms like this:
geographies which may lack the capacity frequently disagree on the quality
to collect and publish statistics and of a given lot of products, leading to
monitor quality. These challenges can disputes, breakdowns in trust, and
be compounded when different entities higher transaction costs. This forces
are using different standards, making both business and government to guess
available data difficult to combine into a where, when, and how much to invest.
big picture. Fortunately, there is a promising
But, while some issues may persist solution using emerging technology. The
until public policy is able to fill in the gaps, availability of aerial imagery and digital
emerging technology in satellite and data is increasing exponentially, while
aerial imagery, combined with mobile machine learning to analyze that data has
phone capabilities, hold the promise begun to mature.
of “lifting the veil” and improving TechnoServe set out to see if we
business intelligence in the industry. This could harness this evolving technology to
technology may even become standard improve production and income for the
in developing future market reports. more than 70,000 smallholder cashew
With more than 20 years’ experience1 farmers we work with in Benin. Partnering
working in the cashew sector in Africa with the University of Minnesota and
and India, the international development Planet Labs (a satellite data provider),
nonprofit, TechnoServe, has become we formed an advisory board across the
deeply familiar with the challenges spectrum of technology companies to
in determining basic facts about the help us chart a course.
24 July 2021 | NUTFRUITFeature Articles
But our cashew farms in Africa look more like this: years. This suggests that production will continue to increase
by 30%-50% over the next five years, because younger, more
recently planted trees are more productive.
This demonstration is only the start. We are currently
working to expand our analysis to all of Benin, and soon after,
to Mozambique, where cashews also represent an important
crop to smallholder farmers and the national economy. As
we do so, we are working to connect this analysis to other
farm data. In Mozambique, TechnoServe has assisted the
government in setting up a national digital farmer and
traceability database covering 200,000 farmers to help
improve input subsidies; across several countries, we produce
or contribute to national yield surveys.
By combining this data, we are trying to both improve
its accuracy and to produce new statistics, including quality
Overcoming that technical challenge required us to deploy and disease monitoring and eventually, yield forecasts. We
our teams on the ground to manually map a large area in are also looking to expand to other tree crops facing similar
minute detail. The research team at University of Minnesota data challenges, such as coffee. Most importantly, we are
then further refined this map. Although this work took collaborating with private software providers to put tools
months, it paid dividends –with a large sample, the machine directly in the hands of buyers, extension officers, and supply
learning program was able to learn enough to identify cashew chain managers to access relevant, timely, and detailed
plantations in new areas with 85% accuracy. market information to aid in decision-making and manage
their farmer and supplier networks. Based on our experience,
it appears likely that satellite data will become a key basis for
agricultural statistics, like those published by INC, for crops
like cashew in the next few years.
TechnoServe is also developing and releasing tools at the
individual transaction level, including the Caju app3, available
in English, French, and Portuguese. The app was designed
with the small-scale African farmer and village trader in mind,
to improve understanding and measurement of basic quality
aspects at the farmgate and post-harvest storage level.
In support of TechnoServe’s mission to eradicate poverty
through business solutions, we are interested in solving the
market and supply chain challenges that limits the growth
A satellite image covering central Benin
and profitability of the nut and dried fruit sector in emerging
Plantation
markets. Key to achieving that mission is partnering with the
Forest private sector to identify the barriers and develop market-
Urban based solutions. If you have an idea or a challenge you are
Background looking to solve, contact us!
1 https://www.technoserve.org/our-work/agriculture/cashew/
2 https://www.technoserve.org/blog/technology-innovation-and-climate-
smart-cashew-production/
3 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rw.wiredin.cnqa
The algorithm’s identification of cashew
plantations (orchards) within that image
For the first time, we were able to produce a detailed
map of cashew plantations2 without the expensive and
laborious process of sending extension workers to comb
the countryside to identify and map the farms. Even better,
because historical data is available, we were able to learn
some high-level facts about production trends. For instance,
we saw that in this area of central Benin, the amount of land
planted with cashew had increased by 30% over the past five
July 2021 | NUTFRUIT 25You can also read
