MEDIA RELEASE 22 May 2009

World industry leader to visit & network with local market

Mr Jack Mariani, President of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), and co-founder of Mariani Nut Co, will be the special guest speaker at this year's Australian Nut Industry Council (ANIC) conference. The conference, "Growing for Success", takes place at the Langham Hotel, Melbourne on August 20.

The INC is a non-profit association, whose mission is to increase global awareness and consumption of tree nuts, peanuts, and dried fruits. Mr Mariani is also a co-founder of Mariani Nut Company, one of the largest and most influential, privately-held, walnut and almond processors in the world.

ANIC President, Brenton Woolston, said that attracting such a high profile and knowledgeable speaker - given his expertise of world nut markets and historical trends, is a testament to the Australian industry's future.

Recent figures show the export value of the Australian tree-nut industry will more than double by 2012 and may increase as much as 500% within 12 years" Mr Woolston observed, noting that it is imperative for Australian producers and marketers to continue to enhance their skills and networks.

Research shows the demand for nuts continues to grow worldwide, with Australian consumption increasing by 50% in dollar terms and 39% by volume during the past five years.

World demand for tree nuts is growing at about 4% a year, well above natural population growth," Mr Woolston said. This expansion is coming from an increasing awareness of the health benefits of tree nuts and an increasing prosperity in developing economies."He then went on to say "an increasing number of consumers are becoming aware that eating tree nuts is also good for your health."

Mr Woolston also highlighted the fact that each of the nut-producing industries has a strong, well-organised association, with each industry being well supported by its growers in the planning and funding of research and marketing.

An insight into the nutritional aspects of tree nuts, including the latest research findings and health messages will be provided by keynote speakers Linda Tapsell, Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wollongong, and Director of its Smart Foods Centre and Lisa Yates, Dietitian and Program Manager for Nuts for Life.

The ongoing importance of freeing up international nut trade by reducing tariff and other barriers will be another key topic at this year's Australian Nut Industry conference. ANIC trade negotiation representative Chris Joyce believes an industry-specific strategy could have more success than broader trade negotiations.

Mr Joyce, who has attended numerous rounds of negotiations facilitated by the World Trade Organisation, said progress at the WTO level remained slow.

"Trade barriers are the biggest impediment to growth in some overseas markets," he said, and it is vital that every opportunity is maximised in this regard.

A list of impressive guest speakers will cover a range of issues at the day-long conference, including product innovations and market updates from users, retailers, manufacturers, food service providers and snack makers.

Program details are now available on the conference website - www.anic2009.com

For more information on the Australian Nut Industry Council Conference please visit www.anic2009.com or contact the Conference Secretariat
on 02 9290 3366 or email anic2009@icms.com.au