Jan 30, 2024American Pecan Council works to boost India exports
To grow the U.S. pecan industry’s global relationships to drive exports, the American Pecan Council (APC) conducted its first reverse trade mission with Indian nut importers in key growing regions.
The mission aimed to give importers an up-close, educational look at the U.S. pecan industry and how the full value chain can offer a high-value, nutritious product for Indian consumers, according to a news release.
“We’re excited to open up our farms and doors to these importers from India,” Larry Don Womack, APC chair, said in the release. “Our industry believes this isn’t just an opportunity to grow demand for U.S. pecans overseas, but can also build our industry’s standing in the global agricultural sector and grow economic opportunities here and internationally.”
The first stop on the three-state tour included Atlanta and Fort Valley, Georgia, region where importers participated in a welcome reception hosted by the Consulate General of India, Atlanta. They went on to learn more about the history and proper handling of U.S. pecans, visited a Lane Southern Orchards grove and met many of Georgia’s pecan growers and suppliers. Activities were co-hosted by APC and the Georgia Pecan Growers Association.
In El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, importers saw pecan orchards, including Stahmanns Pecans and toured multiple processing facilities. They also met with growers and suppliers in Las Cruces to learn more about the local industry courtesy of the Wester Pecan Growers Association.
The tour ended in Dallas where expert chefs showed importers the versatility of pecans in global cuisine in a custom culinary experience hosted by APC and the Texas Pecan Growers Association.
Driving export opportunities is a significant area of focus for APC. “India presents a great opportunity to reach a growing, heavily vegetarian country where general awareness about pecans is low, but interest in nuts, particularly U.S. nuts, are high – not just for cultural holidays, weddings or gift-giving, but for nutritious snacking and ingredient solutions,” according to the release.
“India’s population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by the end of this decade, and with the recent tariff reduction, it’s a critical moment for U.S. pecans to secure a foothold there,” APC CEO Anne Warden said in the release. “We think educational opportunities like these can catalyze one of the world’s youngest and fastest growing markets to choose the health benefits and taste of pecans, and bring our industry both short- and long-term sales.”
In addition to hosting importers in the U.S. to learn about the entire pecan industry, APC is also focusing international promotion efforts in-country in India, China, Germany and the U.K. with a series of retail partnerships (online and in-store), trade shows, influencers and social media aimed at growing awareness of U.S. pecans as a good for you and tasty snack option.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, and funded by pecan handlers in 15 pecan-producing states, the APC is a group of pecan growers and shellers dedicated to growing, harvesting and processing America’s native nut. Founded in 2016 through a Federal Marketing Order, the APC’s mission is to promote the many benefits of the American Pecan and help tell the story of this truly unique nut. With oversight by the USDA, APC aims to build consumer demand, develop markets and establish industry standards.
