India’s Need for Nuts

India’s almond imports for marketing year (MY) 2009/10 (September/August) is forecast at a record 53,000 tons (inshell basis), which is nearly 8% higher than last year’s imports. India’s walnut production for MY 2009/10 (October/September) is forecast at 35,000 tons (kernel weight basis), down 5% over last year due to the downswing in the production cycle of the crop.

Walnut exports during MY 2009/10 are forecast at 15,500 tons, down 6% from an earlier forecast of 16,500 tons, but up 2,100 tons over last year due to good domestic supply conditions and competitive pricing of Indian walnuts in international markets.

Almonds are one of the most preferred nuts in India as they are traditionally considered to be ‘high in energy’.

Australian almonds appeal to India

Assuming normal weather, India’s MY 2009/10 (September/August) almond production is estimated at 1,100 tons (kernel weight basis), while MY 2010/11 almond production is forecast higher at 1,200 tons due to an upswing in the production cycle. Yields of almonds in India are low, ranging from 1,000-1,500 nuts/tree/year. Shelling rates vary from 20-30% for hard shell varieties and 40% for thin-shelled varieties.

Almond consumption in MY 2009/10 is revised higher to 53,000 tons from an earlier estimate of 45,000 tons due to large supply and expected lower prices of almonds vis-à-vis other competing nuts.

Assuming steady growth in domestic demand, brisk trade activity and a normal US almond crop, consumption in MY 2010/2011 is forecast at 58,000 tons, up 9% over the previous year. The MY 2008/09 consumption estimate is also revised up to 49,000 tons as market sources reported higher off-take of almonds vis-à-vis other competing nuts.

India’s almond consumption has grown steadily over the last few years due to their competitive prices (as compared to other nuts), growing demand across confectionery, cosmetic, snack, and healthcare products, as well as a rise in nutritional and health awareness about almonds among the 300 million plus middle-class population in the country. However, higher prices for essential commodities and lack luster trade activity during the festive season may temper consumption prospects.

Average wholesale prices of almonds (shelled) in Delhi wholesale market.

• Popular varieties

Almonds are one of the most preferred nuts in India, traditionally considered to be ‘high in energy’ and recommended for children, recuperating patients and physically active people.

The Californian non pareil almond variety is the most price competitive almond in the Indian market. Consumers have a preference for this variety on account of its bigger size, uniform ‘eye’ shape and sweetness.

Non-pareil and carmel varieties from Australia are also growing in popularity due to their quality, taste and competitive prices. Other varieties such as Mamra and Qumi (Iranian varieties) are traditionally preferred in Rajasthan and Gujarat and enjoy a high price premium over other varieties. Most almonds are sold to consumers in ‘loose’ form by weight. About 5% of all almonds sold are processed and sold in consumer packs at the retail level.

• India’s growing almond imports

Despite the forecast for lower US almond crop this year, India’s almond imports for MY 2009/10 are forecast at 53,000 tons (shelled basis), up 8% over last year. This is due to an estimated increase in global exports of almonds and high beginning stocks of US almonds coming into the new season.

Assuming a normal US almond crop and a stable Indian rupee visà- vis the US dollar, imports in MY 2010/2011 are forecast to grow by 4,000 tons to 57,000 tons. Based on information from market sources, Post’s MY 2008/09 import estimate has been raised to 49,630 tons from an earlier estimate of 41,500 tons. This is largely due to relatively lower prices resulting in strong consumer off-take of almonds vis-àvis competing nuts.

India’s market demand for almonds is almost met through imports. During MY 2008/09, the share of US almonds in the total import market dropped by 4-80% due to increases in imports from Australia, Afghanistan, and Iran. Imports from the US and Australia are mostly in-shell non-pareil and carmel almonds, while imports from other origins are mostly shelled almonds.

• Opportunities lie in India’s middle-class population

India is the fourth largest export market for California almonds after Spain, Germany and China. Marketing opportunities exists in the southern and eastern states of India. With increased health awareness among the expanding middle-class population, almonds are finding a place in daily diet as a healthy snack.

However, with the Indian economy expected to grow at 6% per year in fi scal 2009-10 (as compared to 6.5-7% in fi scal year 2008-09), the demand for Californian almonds is likely to be moderate (assuming prices for essential commodities stay relatively stable for the rest of the year).

Average wholesale prices of walnuts (In shell) in Delhi wholesale market.

Walnut production in India

Post forecasts India’s walnut production for MY 2009/10 (October/ September) at 35,000 tons (in shell basis), down 5% over last year due to a downswing in the production cycle. The walnut crop has cyclical production with year to year fluctuations ranging between 5-20% depending on the weather.

Assuming normal weather and growing conditions, MY 2010/11 walnut production is revised up to 38,000 tons due to the expected upswing in the production cycle. Post continues to forecast walnut production for MY 2008/09 at 37,000 tons.

• Yields

Walnut production in India is mostly confined to Jammu and Kashmir, although Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have small share in total production. Poor orchard management, uneven produce, lower yields and long waits for trees to mature have kept walnut area and production almost stagnant. Lower yields are compared to other horticultural crops grown in the region. Walnut yields are low ranging from 18-50 kg/tree/year with the nut size varying from 24-32 mm). Market sources state that nut size this year is up by more than 5% this season over last year. Indian walnuts are classifi ed as hard, medium or thin shell (Kaghazi) is the typical harvest season with market arrivals peaking in late October.

• National snack

Walnut consumption in MY 2009/10 is forecast at 21,000 tons as compared to 20,200 tons in MY 2008/09, mostly due to large carry forward stocks and anticipated lower market prices vis-à-vis other dry fruit and nuts.

Anticipating good supply conditions and stable prices for walnuts, MY 2010/11 consumption is forecast at 21,500 tons. Normally 45- 50% of the production is consumed domestically and the remainder is exported. Nearly half of domestic consumption occurs during the festive season (September-January).

Major processing facilities, mostly shelling and peeling, for walnuts are available in Jammu and Kashmir. Typically, most walnuts are consumed raw as a snack. According to industry sources, better consumer packaging (vacuum packs) has contributed to the growth of year round snack consumption of walnuts.

Market sources report that the growing awareness about the health benefi ts of walnuts is also encouraging year round consumption. About 10% of domestic consumption goes to the bakery, confectionery and ice-cream industries. Around 2-3% of walnuts (normally rancid nuts) are used for oil extractions by soap and cosmetic manufacturers.

Domestic prices of walnuts during the fi rst four months of MY 2008/09 were relatively firm compared to the corresponding period last year. However, lower export demand and strong supplies have depressed domestic prices since December 2008 (Chart 2). Anticipating healthy demand this festive season, walnut prices in MY 2009/10 are likely to remain stable.

India's walnut exports to rise

Walnut exports during MY 2009/10 are forecast at 15,500 tons, down 6% from an earlier forecast of 16,500 tons. This is up 2,100 tons over last year due to good domestic supply conditions and competitive pricing of Indian walnuts in international markets.

Furthermore, the depreciating value of the Indian rupee vis-à-vis the US dollar is also likely to support exports. During MY 2010/11, walnut exports are forecast higher at 17,000 tons largely due to an expected increase in domestic production and a likely revival in overseas demand.

Market sources say MY 2008/09 exports have been revised down by 4,100 tons to 13,400 tons, on account of increased competition from overseas suppliers and an overall slowdown in the global economy. The major export destinations in MY 2008/09 were Egypt, Spain, Netherland, Germany, France and the US.

Traditionally, Indian walnuts have a strong market in the EU and Middle East countries due to flavor, quality and natural production – Indian walnuts are typically grown in rocky terrains under rainfed conditions and not as contiguous plantations, and cultivated with very limited use of fertilizers/pesticides.

More than 95% of the walnuts are exported as kernels (40% light halves; 40% amber halves/light broken; and the balance as amber halves) in vacuum packs. Market sources report that the US (California), Mexico, Ukraine, Chile and China are major competitors in the EU market.

Walnuts, like most other dried fruit and nuts, are imported to India without restrictions under the Open General License (OGL), subject to an effective import duty of 30.9%. Notable exceptions to this rule are imports originating in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries and Afghanistan.

Given strong domestic production and high tariffs, opportunities for imports are negligible. There are no restrictions on walnut exports. Most of the walnuts are shelled or vacuum packed, transported inland via rail and road and shipped in containers overseas.

www.fas.usda.gov

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Living Healthier Longer

Studies show tree nut phytochemicals and nutrients improve one’s healthspan.

BY MARK DREHER, PHD, CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT, NUTRITION SCIENCE SOLUTIONS

Comprehensive biomedical review articles published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007 and the British Journal of Nutrition in 2006 suggest that regular consumption of tree nuts such as almonds, Brazils and cashews is associated with a longer healthspan, which is defi ned as a period of one’s life during which he/she is generally healthy and free of serious illness.

Human studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 and the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2008 also suggest that the level of nut intake is inversely associated with the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and excessive weight gain.

Scientists believe that as tree nuts are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals (health promoting bioactive constituents in plants), they can be consumed to improve one’s healthspan and reduce oxidative and inflammatory stress and satiety. This article reviews the latest science on tree nut phytochemical and nutrient constituents and their effects on chronic diseases and weight control.

Due to their heart-healthy benefi ts, tree nuts are included in multinational dietary guidelines and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nut and nut-containing products health claim for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Nut science

Table 1 summarizes key tree nut phytochemicals. While many of these components remain to be identified and characterized fully, broad categories such as carotenoids, phenolics, and phytosterols are highlighted in a report in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008.

• Carotenoids

Carotenoids consist of a polyisoprenoid structure with degrees of conjugated double bonds. There are over 600 plant carotenoids such as beta carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin found mostly in colorful fruit and vegetables. They are found to reduce the risk of agerelated cataract and macular degeneration, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The study found pistachios to be the richest nut source of carotenoids, which are mainly in the form of lutein and zeaxanthin.

• Phenolics

The chemical structure of phenolics is derived from hydroxyl groups conjugated to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring. Phenolics such as resveratrol (stilbenes), flavonoids, anthocyanin and ellagitannins may reduce the risk of several chronic diseases due to bio-mechanisms such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-carcinogen cell signaling. Phenolics are commonly found in nuts with almonds, hazel nuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts being the richest sources of phenolics.

• Phytosterols

Phytosterols, with chemical structures similar to cholesterol, are found in the oil fraction of nuts. They are known to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and lower plasma cholesterol. Phytosterols are commonly present in most tree nuts with the highest amounts found in almonds, cashews, pine nuts and pistachios.

Keeping diseases at bay

Tree nut nutrients combine with phytochemicals to help improve one’s healthspan. Tree nuts contain mainly unsaturated fats (monoand polyunsaturated fatty acids) with low levels of saturated fat and no cholesterol. In 2007, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that tree nuts can help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.

A significant body of biomedical studies has consistently found nuts to promote a longer healthspan by helping to lower the risk of chronic diseases and weight gain.

• Cardiovascular health

A published epidemiological study in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 1992 showed that eating a handful of nuts (28 grams) five or more times per week can reduce the risk of a heart attack and death from cardiovascular diseases by as much as 50%. Emerging research suggests that tree nuts can help protect one against inflammation and improve arterial function, which slows the development of atherosclerosis.

A study published in Clinical Nutrition in 2009 reported observations that consuming nuts could potentially lower the risk of hypertension in males. Due to their heart-healthy benefi ts, tree nuts are included in multi-national dietary guidelines and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nut and nut-containing products health claim for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

• Type 2 diabetes

A prospective study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2002 found that tree nut intake was inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. A level of protection with up to four or more servings of nuts per week was observed. Another study in the Journal of Nutrition in 2009 found that frequent nut consumption was associated with lower coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in women with type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical studies also showed that nuts enhance glycemic control, improve cholesterol profile and help stabilize body weight, thereby reducing diabetes risks and improving diabetic conditions.

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Incorporating nuts in food applications

Tree nuts can be consumed as snacks or as part of a meal. They can be eaten whole, chopped or slivered; fresh, roasted or flavored. They can be incorporated into spreads, butter and paste, and be used to coat protein bars.

They can be mixed into dishes, sauces and baked goods.

Food processors have much to gain when using tree nuts in their product formulation as:

1. Nuts are naturally rich in healthy oils, protein, dietary fiber, other nutrients and phytochemicals, providing a cleaner and healthier label.

2. Nut purees are low in saturated fat and serve as a trans fat-free alternative to butter and margarine.

3. Nuts provide an alternative source to animal protein.

4. Nuts create a variety of flavors and texture.

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www.nutriscisolutions.com

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Lightening Up

Research shows tree nuts such as almonds, Brazils and cashews are effective in weight management.

BY MARK DREHER, PHD, CONSULTANT, INTERNATIONAL TREE NUT COUNCIL NUTRITION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

While weight-conscious consumers in the past see nuts to be laden with calories, new research shows that tree nuts, when added in moderation to one’s diet, can aid in weight control and help enhance the effectiveness of a weight-loss diet. Here’s the science behind the claims.

Studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2006 found that a diet with tree nuts could reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 3-19%, compared to Western or low-fat diets.

Diet know-how

There is much debate on finding the effective diet program, as traditional programs advocate small portion sizes and a low-calorie, low-fat intake. Such programs put nuts at bay and dieters are encouraged to restrict themselves from eating nuts or to avoid them totally.

However, popular weight-loss diets are typically hard to maintain for an average person in the long term. These diets lack clinical evidence to substantiate their effectiveness, leading many dieters to encounter the 'yo-yo effect', where they gain the weight lost as a result of their inability to stay on a particular diet for a period of time. Consumers are also bombarded with advice that is either based on short-term weight loss clinical evidence or hypothetical guesses that did not adequately consider taste and long-term weight loss.

Recently, a new research spanning over two years revealed that reduced-calorie diets can result in meaningful weight loss regardless of the proportion of fat, protein or carbohydrate consumed. Two randomized clinical studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2009 and the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2005 determined that calorie-controlled low-fat, moderate-fat, or high-protein diets had similar weight-loss results, if people were to stay on the diet for a longer period of time.

Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2008 has found that a moderate-fat Mediterranean-diet including nuts can result in as much or more weight loss than a low-fat diet plan. The findings confirm that one’s ability to stick to a diet over time is important to weight loss and moderate nut consumption could help.

Debunking myths

Much research has been conducted on the functions and benefits tree nuts such as almonds, Brazils and cashews have on weight management. Here are some findings.

• Eating nuts enhances health

A review of numerous clinical studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2006 found that a diet with tree nuts could reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 3-19%, compared to Western or low-fat diets. A review article published the same issue suggested that tree nuts can enhance glycemic control and reduce type 2 diabetes risk.

• Frequent, moderate tree nut consumption does not lead to weight gain

Substituting nuts for other foods that are equivalent in the number of calories will not cause weight gain. A review article in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007 assessed seven major epidemiological studies and concluded that frequent nut consumers weighed the same or less than infrequent nut eaters. In 2009, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher nut consumption was not associated with greater weight gain during an eight-year study among healthy middle-aged women.

A clinical study published in the International Journal of Obesity Related Metabolic Disorders in 2003 also revealed that adding almonds to the existing diet, without adjusting calorie intake or physical activity levels, resulted in lower body weight.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2008 found a moderatefat Mediterraneandiet including nuts can result in as much or more weight loss than a low-fat diet plan.

Weight control

Various studies have provided five reasons why tree nuts enhance weight control.

1. Clinical research published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2008 determined that tree nuts can help satisfy hunger longer, resulting in a spontaneous reduction of food intake at other times of the day. This might be due to the amount of protein and/or dietary fiber present in nuts.

2. A literature review published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2006 found tree nuts to help lower the glycemic response to meals (rate of blood glucose rise), which appears to promote weight control or loss in overweight people.

3. A clinical trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 found that tree nuts may be relatively indigestible, which appears to result in lower calorie absorption. This may in part be associated with greater dietary fat excretion by frequent nut consumers.

4. A literature review in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 concluded that one’s energy expenditure might increase when digesting tree nuts.

5. A clinical study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2008 suggests that tree nuts can help dieters enjoy their food more than those on traditional low-fat diets, thereby enabling nut eaters to stay on their diets longer.

In conclusion, daily moderate tree nut consumption (of up to about 1.5 ounces) may assist dieters in healthy, weight control strategies, backed with clinical evidence that supports a positive role for nuts in weight management and reducing the risk of chronic disease such as cardiovascular diseases.

www.nuthealth.org

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