Enthusiastic Welcome for International Peanut Forum

More than 200 delegates from 25 countries attended the recent 2010 International Peanut Forum (IPF) in London. Hosted by the American Peanut Council, the IPF welcomed peanut producers, distributors, processors and manufacturers from around the world who were keen to hear the latest updates on critical issues for the industry, from product innovation and nutrition and worldwide supply to food safety, legislation and sustainability.

On the supply side, three mega-trends – health and wellness, convenience and indulgence – were set to impact positively on demand for peanuts, predicted Carla Ogeia Lewis from Mintel. A new addition was the increasing importance placed on Ethics and Sourcing by consumers who are looking for more ‘natural’ nutrition that focused on inherent goodness of the fresh ingredients and wholesome foods with clear provenance. Even in a recession, consumers are looking to treat themselves with nutritional products that offer clear health benefits. On-pack peanut claims such as low/no/reduced cholesterol and no additives/preservatives had both shown significant growth worldwide, as had innovative spicy and savoury flavours such as wasabi and chilli.

Patricia Kearney of The Peanut Institute outlined further support for the health benefits of peanuts. Underpinning a wide range of recent studies were the results of a systematic review of more than 600 studies that showed that peanuts and their constituents reduced the risk of heart disease. This meta-study was supported by research that linked peanuts and peanut ingredients, including peanut proteins and peanut oils, with a variety of functional components such as resveratrol, phenolics, flavonoids and phytosterols. In another development, research into Commercial Runner Peanut Cultivars in the United States had shown that their vitamin E content was more than 26% higher than previously shown by the USDA, with a new value of 3mg/ounce being adopted.

The growing value placed on Ethics and Sourcing, highlighted by Mintel, was supported and validated by Adrian Greet from Mars. As a regionally significant peanut buyer around the world, Mars recognizes and supports work by the peanut industry to enhance peanut sustainability, reduce land use requirements through higher yield, reduced water and chemical inputs and improvements to quality, flavour, texture and size. This research and adoption of a sustainable business model is critical for peanuts to remain a competitive choice for farmers and a fully sustainable crop in the future.

More information
www.peanutsusa.com

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