In 2014/2015 dried fruit global manufacturing has exceeded 3,7 millions tons, according to Inc-International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation appraisal. The production increase is remarkable: +8,5% compared with the previous year, +56% compared with 2004/2005. Almonds show the best supply and demand results. Sure enough, almond’s production redoubled in the last ten years.
Global dried fruit marketplace is continuously expanding. But manufacturers are still facing prices problems, supply chain complications and raw material quality shortage. Italy’s production of hazelnuts, almonds and pistachio nuts is fair. As for the importing global market, Italy stands in the 9th place. “The worst problem for dried fruit marketplace – Italian manufacturers say – is represented by raw materials prices instability. Prices are often conditioned by speculation and therefore it’s difficult to make predictions”.
HARVEST PREVISIONS – Prices instability is primarily due to weather conditions. Harvests predictions are very uncertain, depending on the supply area. In California, dried fruit best global exporter, drought problems seem to have come to an end. Last winter’s copious rainfall allow good harvest previsions. This cannot be said when it comes to South America. In Chile, walnuts harvest will be scarce as a consequence of an excessive amount of rain. Same situation for butternuts harvest in Argentina. Sure enough, butternuts harvest situation is creating many worries on the global marketplace. As for hazelnuts, harvest previsions are good, with stationary or decreasing prices. Cashew nuts are still very expensive instead, due to scarce harvest and a rising demand.
ITALIAN MANUFACTURERS STRATEGIES – Some of the most important Italian dried fruit companies have developed a specially made production chain. In this way, they can have a constant supply of good quality, ecologic raw material. Piemonte special hazelnuts is a typical example of this kind of strategy.