California Walnuts Advertorial
Nutritious nuts!
Pam Graviet, Senior International Marketing Director at California Walnuts gives insight to the company’s growth and further trends in the sector
How are California walnuts performing in the UK? Since 2011, California walnut consumption has grown almost five-fold in the UK and last year alone, the CWC saw shipments increase by 24% as consumers recognise their health benefits, quality, and versatility in desserts, breads, sauces, spreads and even as a minced meat replacement for those looking for a more plant-forward way of eating.
Are shipments to the UK being adversely affected by worldwide shipping issues? California walnuts, like almost every commodity, has felt the challenges of ongoing supply chain disruptions with shipments through March down by more than 30%. West Coast ports have been in the news as imports from Asia continue to flow, but many containers leave empty causing shipment delays for orders in process. Despite these challenges, the California walnut industry’s handlers are working diligently to secure containers and shipping dates to meet the needs of growing demand in the UK.
Why is the UK an important market for California walnuts? While walnuts are familiar to UK consumers, annual per capita consumption is still very low at 0.136kg, so there’s tremendous opportunity for growth. Last crop season, the UK was the fifth largest importer of walnuts in Europe and the demand for healthy, nutritious food is increasing. Walnuts can play a role in offering a nutrient-dense, flavourful addition to the daily diet which aligns with consumer’s desire to eat not only nutritious foods, but ones that also offer functional health benefits.
How has global supply and demand for California walnuts developed over the past year? Last year, the more than 4,500 walnut growers, many of them multi-generational family farms, produced a record- setting crop reaching 712,140MT, a 20% growth over the previous year. Even with COVID-induced lockdowns and shipping challenges, almost the entire year’s production was sold and shipped before this year’s harvest as consumer demand for wholesome, delicious foods, such as walnuts, increased.
Which countries have increased/reduced their walnut production and how is California dealing with the competition? According to data from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, China, which harvests at the same time as California, along with, Chile have seen significant growth in walnut production over the past few years in addition to some moderate growth in several other countries. Chile, being southern hemisphere producer, is contra- seasonal to the California crop. While walnuts are available from many parts of the world, California walnuts are grown, harvested and processed under stringent state and federal regulations, reputed to be the world’s toughest. Handlers also meet individual customers’ standards and specifications. A food safety control programme and quality control regime (HAACP) is in place that meets the standards imposed by all regulatory authorities. As a result, the California walnut industry has had an impeccable food safety record for more than a century and delivers high- quality walnuts year-round year after year.
10 Kennedy’s Bakery Production May/June 2022
bakeryproduction.co.uk
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