More than 500 experts from over 20 nut-producing countries and regions exchanged experience, explored industry trends, and sought buyers during the China International Tree Nuts Conference 2018 held in Zhuhai from Aug 1 to 3.

China, one of the largest nut-consumption markets in the world, hosts the gathering annually. This year's event was held at the Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center for the first time. It was sponsored by the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs & Native Produce and organized by the Zhuhai Import & Export Chamber of Commerce.

Growers, processers, exporters, and traders from the United States, Australia, South Africa, Spain, and Mexico among other parts of the world attended. Also present were industry association representatives and government officers.

Medley of nuts and seeds

Scheduled for them were many seminars, symposiums, matchmaking meetings, analysis reports, and face-to-face business negotiations. Free samples of almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, and macadamias were on offer.

Thirty local enterprises were also there looking for business opportunities. They were eager to point out the favorable commercial environment and simplified trading procedures provided by Zhuhai, a port city designated as a cross-border e-commerce pilot zone.

Tree nuts and seeds are considered an important nutritional source of fat, minerals, and vitamins. Nutritionists say that eating a handful of nuts a day could possibly extend lives.

Eager sellers

In 2017, 2.6 million tons of tree nuts were traded globally. The 2017-18 production season produced tree nuts with a total value of $34.7 billion, an increase of 43 percent over the average figure of the past decade, according to reports.

Pino Calcagni, vice chairman of the International Nut & Dried Fruit Counciil, estimated that this season's output would exceed 4.5 million tons, up 7 percent from last year.

China consumes 21 percent of the world's pine nuts and 45 percent of its walnuts. On the other hand, it is the world's third-largest tree nut producer, and walnuts make up 95 percent of its tree nut crops. Its walnut sales have 39 percent of the world's market, the largest share.

Free tastings [Photos by Zhang Wendan / Zhuhai Daily]