World's First Nut & Dried Fruit Sustainability Certification Launched
The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has pioneered the world's first sustainability certification tailored to the nut and dried fruit industry. This voluntary certification is set to become a key differentiator as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure expectations rise in global agribusiness.
The $60 billion-plus global nut and dried fruit industry has faced increasing pressure from consumers, retailers, and regulators to demonstrate verified sustainability performance. The INC's new certification offers a clear pathway for companies to meet these expectations.
The certification, named the INC Sustainability Certification, integrates environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance standards. It provides clear pathways for companies to reduce their carbon footprint, minimize waste, adopt responsible water and soil management practices, and ensure ethical labor and sourcing policies.
The framework is designed to be inclusive, scaling across different regions and company sizes. It incorporates mechanisms for third-party verification, ensuring credibility and trust. The certification also creates a unified benchmark for sustainability performance across the global value chain of the nut and dried fruit industry.
The INC's new sustainability certification is a significant step towards promoting responsible practices within the nut and dried fruit industry. As demand for certified and responsibly sourced food products grows, particularly in large markets like China, this certification is expected to become a defining feature of industry competitiveness.
