The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) hosted more than 1,300 industry professionals representing 65 countries at its annual flagship congress, held in Macao, China, from May 12–14, 2026.
Opening the event, INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch outlined the organization’s three major focus areas: boosting global consumption of nuts and dried fruits, securing an official health claim, and driving sustainability initiatives across the sector. She also introduced the INC’s new Southeast Asia campaign aimed at Gen Z consumers, detailed the strategy for achieving a health claim for nuts, and announced that the INC Sustainability Certification program is now fully active and certifying businesses.
According to preliminary estimates shared during the congress round tables, worldwide tree nut production for the 2026/27 season is expected to remain largely unchanged at around six million metric tons. Almond production is forecast to rise by 3%, while walnuts are likely to stay nearly flat at 0.15% growth. Hazelnut output could increase significantly by 39%, whereas cashew production may dip slightly by 3%. Pistachio production is projected to decline by 36% because of the crop’s off-year cycle. Strong increases are anticipated for Brazil nuts (+81%) and pine nuts (+63%), while peanut production may ease by 6%. Dried fruit production overall is expected to climb 11%, supported by a 22% increase in raisins and a 52% recovery in apricot output.
Beyond weather-related concerns, participants highlighted ongoing shipping challenges, higher logistics expenses, geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and trade restrictions as major issues affecting the industry.
The congress also featured presentations from Brandy Niu, Vice President of JD.com, who explored growth opportunities in China’s snack market, and Jason Fu, chief AI specialist at Feishu, who discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future digital workforce. In addition, the Nutrition Research Seminar presented research highlighting the role of nuts and dried fruits in supporting diabetes prevention and healthy weight management.
During the INC Awards ceremony, Chacha Food and Three Squirrels received the Corporate Golden Nut Award. Cao Derong, President of the China Chamber of Commerce (CFNA), was honored with the Honorary Golden Nut Award. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Cheng Hung Kay and Weng Yangyang. Chef Jack Lin earned recognition for Excellence in Gastronomy, while Cyril Kendall of the University of Toronto received the award for Excellence in Research.
Closing the congress, INC Chairman Ashok Krishen described the 43rd INC Congress in Macao as a major success and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to promoting the nutritional value of nuts and dried fruits, expanding consumption worldwide, and advancing sustainability across the industry.
Opening the event, INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch outlined the organization’s three major focus areas: boosting global consumption of nuts and dried fruits, securing an official health claim, and driving sustainability initiatives across the sector. She also introduced the INC’s new Southeast Asia campaign aimed at Gen Z consumers, detailed the strategy for achieving a health claim for nuts, and announced that the INC Sustainability Certification program is now fully active and certifying businesses.
According to preliminary estimates shared during the congress round tables, worldwide tree nut production for the 2026/27 season is expected to remain largely unchanged at around six million metric tons. Almond production is forecast to rise by 3%, while walnuts are likely to stay nearly flat at 0.15% growth. Hazelnut output could increase significantly by 39%, whereas cashew production may dip slightly by 3%. Pistachio production is projected to decline by 36% because of the crop’s off-year cycle. Strong increases are anticipated for Brazil nuts (+81%) and pine nuts (+63%), while peanut production may ease by 6%. Dried fruit production overall is expected to climb 11%, supported by a 22% increase in raisins and a 52% recovery in apricot output.
Beyond weather-related concerns, participants highlighted ongoing shipping challenges, higher logistics expenses, geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and trade restrictions as major issues affecting the industry.
The congress also featured presentations from Brandy Niu, Vice President of JD.com, who explored growth opportunities in China’s snack market, and Jason Fu, chief AI specialist at Feishu, who discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future digital workforce. In addition, the Nutrition Research Seminar presented research highlighting the role of nuts and dried fruits in supporting diabetes prevention and healthy weight management.
During the INC Awards ceremony, Chacha Food and Three Squirrels received the Corporate Golden Nut Award. Cao Derong, President of the China Chamber of Commerce (CFNA), was honored with the Honorary Golden Nut Award. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Cheng Hung Kay and Weng Yangyang. Chef Jack Lin earned recognition for Excellence in Gastronomy, while Cyril Kendall of the University of Toronto received the award for Excellence in Research.
Closing the congress, INC Chairman Ashok Krishen described the 43rd INC Congress in Macao as a major success and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to promoting the nutritional value of nuts and dried fruits, expanding consumption worldwide, and advancing sustainability across the industry.