San Diego Receives for the First Time the World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress

BARCELONA, Spain, May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council celebrates, from yesterday until Wednesday, and for the first time in San Diego, the World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress which represents the largest international gathering of food professionals, suppliers, traders and buyers dedicated to the nuts and dried fruits business. More than 1,400 attendees from 60 countries have met at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, making it the largest event of the sector in history.

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The Congress has begun with the speech of Mark Mariani, INC Chairman, and the Jack Mariani, Congress Co-Chairman, and the delivery of the Award Excellence in Gastronomy to Christopher Kostow, Executive Chef of The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa, and winner of 3 Michelin stars.

The first day of the Congress has been featured by Steve Junqueiro, Co-President of Save Mart Supermarkets. Being invited as a keynote speaker, Junqueiro has offered a conference focused on the future of American supermarkets. He has mentioned food transparency, convenience, connectivity and local and sustainable supply as vital points for costumers. He stated that "62 % of millennials feel that online content drives their loyalty to a brand" and added that "emotionally connected customers are four times more likely to shop first at their preferred retailer."

Afterwards, round tables have provided participants with relevant and updated information about crop forecasts. Mark Jansen, who chaired the almonds' round table, claimed that the industry has entered a positive period. "What we are anticipating is a growing trend-line of around 5 to 6 % in terms of growth across all almonds growing regions. And we look for worldwide demand growing to 5 - 6 % rates as well". "I would say that what we are seeing in the near future is a healthy equalization between supply and demand growth", added. Michael Hohmann, chair of the pistachios' round table, said that industry expects consumption to increase next year, as consumers are looking for more and more snacks.

Today, Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, from Land IQ, will participate in the Scientific Seminar focused on statewide spatial mapping of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and dried plums in California and water resources. In addition, the Nutrition Research Update, featured by Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, Prof. Salas-Salvadó and Dr. Cesarettin Alasalvar, will serve to review the scientific studies supporting the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits.

INC press contact, [email protected], +34-932-419-150

SOURCE International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC)