All News

4 NOVEMBER 2021

EU assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans ...
The Commission adopted its 2021 Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans and Turkey on their paths towards the EU. In the coming year, Albania should: complete the staffing of the veterinary service to make the service fully operational in line with tasks and functions defined by relevant regulations; establish an effective...
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3 NOVEMBER 2021

Importing and exporting organic food to Great Britain
The Uk government has published a notice to the traders in organics. Great Britain recognises the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein as equivalent for trading in organics until 31 December 2023. Food and feed certified as organic in the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will continue to be accepted as organic in GB until 31 December 2023. The EU has recognised the UK for the purpose of exporting...
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2 NOVEMBER 2021

EU and US reach agreement on the suspension of tariffs under Section 232 steel and aluminium dispute
On Sunday 31 October, the European Union and the United States announced that they had reached an agreement on the suspension off tariffs under Section 232, as well as “pausing” their Steel and Aluminium dispute before the WTO. The EU intends to suspend its retaliatory tariffs against the US which were introduced in June 2018 (first rebalancing measures), and will also suspend the additional...
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6 OCTOBER 2021

The European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency are seeking...
FRUCOM follows closely Glyphosate dossier via the publications by and/or contacts with the European Food Safety Agency, the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection, the representatives of the manufacturers and stakeholders in the food and feed chain. Glyphosate is an herbicide that is widely used in plant protection products. Glyphosate-based plant protection products are mainly used...
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17 MARCH 2023

Contaminants: mineral oil consultation
The EFSA's Unit on Feed and Contaminants has launched a public consultation on the draft scientific opinion on the update of the risk assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbons in food. This document presents a re-evaluation of the toxicity of mineral oil hydrocarbons, the assessment of dietary exposure of European citizens and, based on these, the assessment of the health risks to the EU population, link:...
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1 MARCH 2023

‘Çağlayancerit Cevizi' walnuts from Türkiye: application for registration of a PDO
On 22 February an application was published in the Official Journal of the European Union for a PDO for the ‘Çağlayancerit Cevizi' from Turkey. The application states that the defined geographical area for Çağlayancerit Cevizi is the area around Çağlayancerit Central District. According to the application, Çağlayancerit Cevizi is a walnut in medium size,...
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1 MARCH 2023

EU Public consultation on the renewal of the temporary full market access for Ukraine
The European Commission opened a public consultation on the Commission proposal for the renewal of temporary trade liberalisation measures applicable to Ukrainian products (ATM). Feedback can be given between 27 February 2023 and 25 April 2023, and the eight-week feedback period will be extended every day until this adopted proposal is available in all EU languages. All stakeholder can provide feedback...
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16 FEBRUARY 2023

Earthquake in Türkiye: OFI and EIB initiatives to provide your support
We would like to express our deepest sympathy for the people affected by the earthquake in Türkiye. If you want to provide your support, please find below two initiatives from two of our members. - OFI initiative in support of the thousands of seasonal agricultural workers and their families who live in the southeast region, to...
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15 FEBRUARY 2023

EU initiative: food hygiene – products of animal origin
The EU published its new initiative regarding food hygiene – products of animal origin (updated rules). Food hygiene rules for products of animal origin (Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004) need to be updated in light of experience gained in the practical application of the rules and new scientific advice. Accordingly, amendments will concern identification marking, including...
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3 FEBRUARY 2023

Official controls: rules on the temporary increase of official controls figs fro...
The Commission published an implementing regulation (EU) 2023/174 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 on the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the Union of certain goods from certain third countries implementing Regulations (EU) 2017/625 and (EC) No 178/2002. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 lays down rules on the temporary...
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27 JANUARY 2023

FRUCOM Q&A: OVERVIEW OF PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE REGULATION PROPOSAL
FRUCOM has prepared a Q&A accessible to members on the draft Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste presented by the EU Commission on 30 November. The proposal includes obligations for importers, manufacturers, and distributors. Some highlights: - Recyclability of packaging - Increase of recycled content in plastic...
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27 JANUARY 2023

EU joins a coalition to use trade policy to address climate change
On 19 January, the European Commission, EU Member States, and 26 partner countries launched “The Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate”, which according to DG TRADE is the first Ministerial-level global forum dedicated to trade and climate and sustainable development issues. Specifically, the Coalition aims to help with the identification of ways in which trade policy can contribute...
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20 JANUARY 2023

Packaging and Packaging Waste Proposal: Commission extends deadline for feedback
The European Commission presented on 30 November, the draft Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC. A feedback period on the proposal was opened on 01 December 2022 and has now been extended to 13 March 2023 and will continue to be extended every day...
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20 JANUARY 2023

Agreement signed by US and EU on WTO tariff rate quotas requiring post-Brexit ap...
The office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on January 17 2023 that the US and EU have signed a U.S. – EU Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Agreement. The Agreement comes subsequent to the UK departure from the EU, whereupon the EU28 WTO quotas would need to be...
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20 JANUARY 2023

Official Journal: ‘Châtaigne des Cévennes’ chestnuts from France granted p...
On 16 January, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/107 of 9 January 2023 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (‘Châtaigne des Cévennes’ (PDO)) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. This follows France’s application to register the name ‘Châtaigne des Cévennes’,...
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13 JANUARY 2023

Save the Date: 14 March - Next FRUCOM Sustainability Working Group Meeting on Living Wage
The next meeting of the FRUCOM Sustainability Working Group Meeting will take place on Tuesday 14 March, online, from 4.30-6.00 PM CET. It will discuss the Living Wage and Living Incomes in Complex supply chains. Further information will be shared in due course. Contact: Lebo Mofolo, lmofolo@frucom.eu
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17 DECEMBER 2022

EU political agreement reached on EU driven deforestation and forest degradation
On 6 December a political agreement between the EU Parliament and Council on the EU Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains was announced. The Regulation will see all relevant companies having to conduct strict due diligence if they place on the EU market, or export from it: palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa,...
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9 DECEMBER 2022

Pesticides: Glyphosate extended until 12/2023
The Commission published an Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2364 of 2 December 2022 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 as regards the extension of the approval period of the active substance glyphosate. On 10 May 2022 EFSA and the European Chemicals Agency (‘ECHA’) informed the Commission that the adoption of the conclusion on the peer review of the risk assessment...
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1 DECEMBER 2022

EU Council approves corporate sustainability reporting directive
The Council of the European Union has given its final approval to the corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD). This follows the adoption of the CSRD by the plenary of the European Parliament on 10 November, with 525 votes in favour, 60 votes against and 28 abstentions. Companies inside and outside of the EU will soon be required to publish detailed information on sustainability matters,...
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1 DECEMBER 2022

EU School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme: evaluation and way forward
On 24th November, the conference ‘An EU School Scheme fit for the future’ on the EU fruit, vegetables and milk scheme took place in Brussels. A consultation on the review of the scheme was launched in July. Some highlights of the recent external evaluation support study on the EU school scheme were presented. The study evaluated the scheme over a period of 4 school...
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28 NOVEMBER 2022

WTO: USA criticizes EU's MRL changes
The United States again raised concerns with the European Union's trade-restrictive processes for reducing maximum residue levels for plant protection products. The USA answers to the European Union MRLs and pesticide policies – specific trade concern 448: EU MRLs for alpha-cypermethrin, buprofezin, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diflubenzuron, ethoxysulfuron, glufosinate,...
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25 NOVEMBER 2022

NUTS 2022 conference: present and future of health research on nuts and dried fruits
The NUTS 2022 conference took place on October 20-21 in Barcelona. World's leading researchers in the field of nutrition research on nuts and dried fruits gathered to discuss the latest evidence related to the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits and future prospects. The scientific evidence associating nut and dried fruit consumption with health benefits (e.g., on cardiovascular health,...
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8 NOVEMBER 2022

New FRUCOM webpage on Nutrition
The new FRUCOM page dedicated to nutrition is online. The new section of FRUCOM website will present all FRUCOM work around nutrition. The page will give the possibility to download the public presentations of the past Nutrition and Communication Working Groups, the replies to public consultation about nutrition, and the visual contents from FRUCOM LinkedIn...
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4 NOVEMBER 2022

Stakeholder Workshop on the Sustainable EU Food System Initiative
FRUCOM participated in the Stakeholder Workshop on the Sustainable EU Food System Initiative (dedicated to Economic Operators on 18 October, which was purported to focus on Trade, transport and logistics, wholesale, and retail, food services, and financial services providers). It was the last of the seven workshops organised under the stakeholder outreach by the contractors. Following a presentation...
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26 OCTOBER 2022

EU initiative: Organic production – updated list on authorised products & substances
The Commission launched an initiative on organic production – authorised products & substances (updated list).According to EU rules on organic farming, producers can only use substances and products that respect natural systems and cycles, and protect and improve the state of soil, water and air, and plant and animal health. The Commission has established a list of authorised products...
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26 OCTOBER 2022

Commission work programme 2023: food waste, sustainable food systems
Every year the European Commission adopts its work programme to set out its key initiatives for the year ahead, which are communicated to the public. The Commission work programme for 2023 was published on 18 October, with a number of new legislative initiatives concerning food and agriculture, and trade, with a focus on sustainability. These include: Waste reduction Revision of food waste and...
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11 OCTOBER 2022

FRUCOM participates in the VII conference on almonds and hazelnuts organised by Almendrave
FRUCOM participates in the VII conference on almonds and hazelnuts organised by Almendrave This conference took place on 3rd October in Madrid in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Almendrave. Speakers and topics included: ·Ms. Goretti Guasch, Executive Director at INC and Mr. Juan Francisco Martínez, Director General Trade Policy, Ministry of Trade ·Ms. Fabienne Monning,...
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7 OCTOBER 2022

FRUCOM article on the role of dried fruit and nuts in product reformulation
The final version of the article drafted by Ms. Martina Zurli, Nutrition and Communication Advisor for FRUCOM, is available here: Dried fruit and nuts shaping the nutrition of the future The articles explains how dried fruit and nuts can have a role in positive nutrition and product...
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6 OCTOBER 2022

2022 Eurobarometer on Food Safety
EFSA published its 2022 Eurobarometer on Food Safety in the EU. This Special Eurobarometer, commissioned by EFSA, examines Europeans’ perceptions of and attitudes towards food safety and provides insights in terms of: Europeans’ interest in food safety-related topics and factors affecting food-related decisions; Awareness of and main concerns about food safety topics, as well as attitudes...
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6 OCTOBER 2022

EU report on the imports of organic agri-food products
DG AGRI published a report on EU organic imports, whose volumes were up by 2.8% in 2021. Total imports of organic agri-food products in the EU have increased from 2.79 million t in 2020 to 2.87 million t in 2021 (+2.8%). Data on imports from the UK are, however, not available for 2020 as it was de facto an EU Member State during the transition period following its departure from the EU on 31 January...
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6 OCTOBER 2022

Official Journal: European Court of Auditors special report on EU action to combat IUU fishing
The Special report 20/2022 ‘EU action to combat illegal fishing – Control systems in place but weakened by uneven checks and sanctions by Member States’ by the European Court of Auditors was published in the Official Journal on 27.9.2022 . According to this report, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing controls involve Member States checking fishing activity by their flagged...
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6 OCTOBER 2022

Food safety – recycled plastic in food packaging
The EU has published for information the initiative on Food safety – recycled plastic in food packaging (updated rules). This initiative was adopted on 15 September 2022. All materials used with food must be safe and contain no toxic contaminants. EU rules require individual authorisations for plastic recycling processes. This amendment sets out: transitional provisions, provisions for...
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6 OCTOBER 2022

UK delay on new rules on food labelling for consumers and for organics
The UK Government communicated on 20 September 2022 that it would delay until 1 January 2024, the application of its new rules on labelling for consumers and labelling for organics. In terms of the changes to rules on food labelling for consumers, operators are expected to make any required labelling changes for goods sold in Great Britain by 31 December 2023. These were expected to come into effect...
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13 SEPTEMBER 2022

Nutri score: algorithm update for solid foods including nuts, seeds and fatty fish
The international Scientific Committee of the Nutri-Score published a first report concerning the recommended update to the Nutri-score algorithm. Those changes were approved by the steering committee and will therefore be part of the new version of the Nutri-Score allowing a better discrimination for fatty fish and nuts, correction of some limitations and a better alignment between the classifications...
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9 SEPTEMBER 2022

Agri-Food Chain Sustainability Roundtable: meeting on PEF, PEFCR and sustainability labelling
The main agenda point was a discussion on the PEF and PEFCR (PEF product category rules), and setting up a sustainability labelling exchange with retailers. Among the members of the roundtable, the views on the Sustainable EU food system initiative consultation were aligned, particularly in relation to: -the need to ensure a harmonised approach, particularly in relation to labelling and standards, -not...
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6 SEPTEMBER 2022

Chilean prunes production: a new sustainability standard
The producers and processors of prunes in Chile, under the Association of Processors and Exporters of Prunes of Chile (Chileprunes), are developing a sustainability standard for the prunes sector. The project is led by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and supported by the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA), an agency of the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture. The...
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6 SEPTEMBER 2022

Contaminants: recommendation on the monitoring of mercury in fish, crustaceans and molluscs
The Commission published a recommendation (EU) 2022/1342 on the monitoring of mercury in fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 sets maximum levels for mercury in muscle meat of fish, crustaceans, bivalve molluscs and food supplements. As recent occurrence data showed that there was a margin to lower the maximum levels for mercury in various fish species, the maximum...
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31 AUGUST 2022

‘Nuez de Pedroso’ walnut: application for registration of a PDO
On 25 August, an application was published in the Official Journal of the European Union for a PDO for the ‘Nuez de Pedroso’ from Spain. The application states that the defined geographical area is continuous and homogeneous, covering a total area of 1 163 km2 and including 38 municipalities belonging to the Autonomous Community of Rioja. According to the application, ‘Nuez de Pedroso’...
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31 AUGUST 2022

FRUCOM visit to the Izmir region
The FRUCOM team is visiting the Izmir region, with the aim of studying the practical aspects of grape and fig growing, processing and trade, as well as meeting our members. We wish to thank very much the organisers for their hospitality. The FRUCOM team
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19 AUGUST 2022

Update to EU listing of 3rd countries for seafood import into the EU
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1389 of 2 August 2022 amending and correcting Annex IX to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 as regards the lists of third countries or regions thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of certain fishery products was published in the Official Journal: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/1389#ntr4-L_2022210EN.01000101-E0004 The...
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19 AUGUST 2022

New MLs for ochratoxin A (OTA)
The Commission published the Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1370 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of ochratoxin A in certain foodstuffs. Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin naturally produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium and is found as a contaminant in a wide variety of foods, such as cereals and cereal products, coffee beans, dried fruits, wine and grape...
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19 AUGUST 2022

Draft agendas and hotel reservation FRUCOM in-person dinner and meetings 13-14 O...
In consultation with the FRUCOM President Mr. Olivier Hottlet, further to the doodle consultation and SAVE THE DATE, we are pleased to announce the upcoming FRUCOM in-person events. The venue: The entire event will be held at the Thon hotel EU, rue de la Loi 75. 13th October 6.00 PM CET - cocktail 7.00 PM CET - dinner 14th October 9.30-11.00 AM - Dried Fruit and Nuts Working Group (draft...
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8 AUGUST 2022

FRUCOM final reply to the EU consultation on a Sustainable EU food system initiative
FRUCOM's reply to the questionnaire and position paper about the EU consultation on a sustainable EU food system initiative have been submitted to the EU Commission consultation page and directly to the EU officials. The main points of FRUCOM's position were the following: All definitions used must be clear, logical, and convincing. The methodologies developed or...
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8 AUGUST 2022

FRUCOM final reply to the EU consultation on the Review of the EU school fruit, ...
FRUCOM's reply to the questionnaire and position paper about the EU consultation on the review of the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme have been submitted to the EU Commission consultation page and directly to the EU officials. The main points of FRUCOM's position were the following: FRUCOM fully supports the EU school scheme as a tool to promote healthy habits among the younger...
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22 JULY 2022

Chestnuts “Castagna di Roccamonfina” PGI application
On 1 July, the application for the registration of ‘Castagna di Roccamonfina’ as a Protected Geographical Indication was published in the Official Journal. ‘Castagna di Roccamonfina’ is reserved for fruit (chestnuts) belonging to the cultivar Primitiva (or Tempestiva), Napoletana (or Riccia, or Riccia Napoletana), Mercogliana (or Marrone), Paccuta and Lucente (or Lucida) cultivars...
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14 JULY 2022

EFSA plant health newsletter on horizon scanning, information on pests for hazelnuts and walnuts
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its new Plant Health Newsletter on Horizon Scanning. The newsletter gathers together published articles and updates on plant pests that have been identified as potential threats to crops, forests and parks in the European Union. The newsletter is produced in cooperation with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and EU Member...
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13 JULY 2022

The future of nutrition in a nutshell: presentation by Martina Zurli
FRUCOM Nutrition and Communication Advisor Martina Zurli attended a conference on Nutrition, Food Science and Health Management. The theme was 'Modification of Life Style by Innovation in Nutrition & Health'. The focus of the presentation was the health benefits of nuts and the role they could play in the nutrition of the future. The presentation can be found here: https://prezi.com/i/wig89x_8p5x3/future-of-nutrition-in-a-nutshell/ Contact:...
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8 JULY 2022

FRUCOM visits Interra farm - use of pesticides and precision farming technologies
On 1st July FRUCOM attended the Interra farm visit organized by Syngenta. On the farm the visitors were shown first-hand how farmers are trying to achieve more sustainable productive agriculture and good environmental stewardship in practice. The farm tour included new information on precision farming technologies and their zero impact ambition, including new techniques on boom sprayers for more precise...
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7 JULY 2022

UK Food Standard Agency annual report on food standards: most failures are assoc...
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have published Our Food: An annual review of food standards across the UK. It is the first in a series of reports due to be published annually. The report describes the key changes in food standards from 2019 to 2021, a period when the UK’s food system was affected by Brexit and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence...
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7 JULY 2022

Latest EU monthly agri-food trade report: EU trade balance remains positive
The latest EU agri-food trade report was published on 28 June, and covers developments until March 2022. The report has a special focus on the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine for agri-food trade in March 2022. The import growth for the fruit and nuts category in March 2022 was led by the substantial increase in apples and pears imports (+226% in value). EU sunflower seeds...
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1 JULY 2022

Official Journal: ‘Giresun Tombul Fındığı’ (PDO) – hazelnut from Turke...
On 20 June, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/939 of 13 June 2022 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (‘Giresun Tombul Fındığı’ (PDO)) was published in the Official Journal. This follows Turkey’s application to register the name ‘Giresun Tombul Fındığı’, which was published...
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23 JUNE 2022

Monitoring EU agri-food trade report: positive trade balance for preparations of...
The latest EU agri-food trade report covers developments until February 2022. Notable highlights are: -The total value of EU agri-food trade was 28.3 billion in February 2022, an 18% increase compared to the same month last year. -Exports rose by 11% to 16.6 billion, while imports grew by 30% to reach 11.7 billion, reflecting a trade balance of 4.9 billion. This marks an increase...
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3 JUNE 2022

EU Green Deal Webinar: A Virtual Discussion on the EU Farm to Fork Strategy Effe...
On 8 June 2022, a webinar on the EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy and its effects on EU-Turkey Agricultural Relations will be held by the Turkish Ministry of Trade. The webinar will start with the opening speech of the Deputy Trade Minister of Turkey, Mr. Mustafa Tuzcu. Among the speakers, there will be EU Commission members, representatives of EU and Turkey private sector umbrella organizations,...
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2 JUNE 2022

Advances in Fig Research and Sustainable Production - a book by Moshe A Flaishman and Uygun Aksoy
The non-profit intergovernmental organization CABI published the book “Advances in Fig Research and Sustainable Production”. The book, available from June 2022, is edited by Moshe A Flaishman and Uygun Aksoy. It contains 29 chapters written by international experts, with section on History, Biology and Orchard Management, Fruit Ripening and Postharvest Management, Pests and Diseases, Omics...
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30 MAY 2022

FRUCOM attends the Annual General Meeting of The Nut and Dried Fruit Association
On 20th May, FRUCOM participated in the Annual General Meeting of The Nut and Dried Fruit Association (NDFTA). The meeting was attended by over 50 delegates, NDFTA members were also present. The Meeting allowed participants to discuss in further detail their common issues. It was also an opportunity to update delegates on FRUCOM work and the state of play of issues such as food safety, different projects,...
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23 MAY 2022

EU Consultation: possibility to include nuts and nut-based drinks in the EU scho...
The EU Commission has started a public consultation on the review of the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme as a part of the Farm to Fork Strategy. The scheme has been applicable since 2017 and has supported the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and milk products to schoolchildren and educational activities to encourage the adoption of healthy habits. The consultation is in...
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20 MAY 2022

Freshfel event: discussion on Farm-to-Fork: pesticides, new genomic techniques, ...
On 18 May FRUCOM attended the annual Freshfel event. Mr. Franc Bogovic, the member of the Parliament’ Committee on Agriculture, highlighted his institution’s position on F2F: while it agreed with the Commission’s proposal, it refused to include specific target levels on pesticide or fertilizers’ reduction. A farmer himself and a former Minister for agriculture in Slovenia,...
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9 MAY 2022

Highlights of the International Peanut Forum 2022
On 27-29 of April we participated in International Peanut Forum (IPF) 2022. IPF provides an opportunity to learn from farmers, shellers, exporters, brokers, dealers, manufacturers and service suppliers from around the world. The IPF theme for 2022 is 'From Inspiration to Innovation' with the conference program covering key areas of interest to all segments of the peanut supply chain, including research...
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3 MAY 2022

FRUCOM visit to Raisins SA
On 13 April, FRUCOM’s Lebo Mofolo (trade and sustainability advisor), undertook a day visit to the facilities of Raisins SA in Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa. Raisins in South Africa are primarily grown in the Northern Cape region, along the Orange River valley of which compromises 90% and the Olifants river 10% in the Western Cape. The climate and location mean that the raisins are naturally...
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28 APRIL 2022

EFSA Scientific Opinion on nutrient profiling, includes nuts and seeds
On 19 April, EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) published its scientific advice on nutrient profiling for harmonised mandatory front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling and on the setting of nutrient profiles. A public consultation was launched on 15 November (see previous FRUCOM communication). The...
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13 APRIL 2022

European Union Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries discuss EU food security, ...
A meeting of the EU’s Council of Agriculture and Fisheries ministers on 7 April discussed the Commission communication on safeguarding food security, which was published on 23 March 2022. The Ministers considered the impact of the war in Ukraine on food security, highlighting the importance of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in ensuring that EU food security is maintained. A key aspect...
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8 APRIL 2022

Launch of a roundtable on sustainability
FRUCOM has contacted several food and drink associations to invite them to jointly set up an informal exchange platform on sustainability. Participating organisations at the moment: Freshfel, Profel (processed fruit and vegetables industry), EU Snack Association, Fefac (feed compounders). Discussion is ongoing with Copa-Cogeca and FoodDrinkEurope. The participants have identified some other associations...
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5 APRIL 2022

Pesticides in food: new EFSA report published
EFSA’s latest annual report on pesticide residues in food covers more than 88,000 food samples collected in the European Union in 2020.The EU MACP covers the most consumed food products by EU citizens as indicated in the EU MACP Regulation (EU) 2019/533 and sampled randomly. The listed food products are distributed across a 3-year cycle, so that every 3 years the same products are analysed. A...
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29 MARCH 2022

Discussion with the special representative for Australian Agriculture
FRUCOM was invited to a working lunch with the Australian official representatives. Among issues raised: the EU Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork and sustainability commitments by the Australian government and the food chain, progress on the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the EU food safety norms, in particular in relation to pesticides and import controls on foods of non-animal origin. Mrs Caroline...
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23 MARCH 2022

European Parliament Trade Committee meeting: exchange on the Corporate Sustainab...
The European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade held its meeting on 21-22 March. On the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive proposal of February 2022, the following was noted from members of the European Parliament: -Commission is preparing a proposal on restricting products made from forced labour legislative (market restriction) before September 2022. Ms...
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17 MARCH 2022

FRUCOM final reply to the EU consultation on front-of-pack nutrition label, orig...
This final reply was adopted at the meeting of the FRUCOM Working Group on nutrition and communication. The position paper covers front-of-pack nutrition label, comments on nutri-score, nutrient profiles, origin labelling and date marking. They have been submitted to the EU Commission consultation page and directly to the EU officials. To download the text of the position paper: FRUCOM...
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11 MARCH 2022

9th Expo Ciruelas Secas - trends and market potential, innovation and technology
The 9th edition of Expo Ciruelas Secas organised by The Association of Prunes Processors and Exporters of Chile will be held on 22nd March 2022 from 8.00 to 14.00 hrs (CLT). The event will gather experts both from world of prunes production and export and will be broadcasted virtually. Among the topics of the meeting, new trends, market potential and technological applications in the prunes sector. Please...
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4 MARCH 2022

Stakeholder forum on acrylamide-possible new benchmark levels and maximum levels
On 24rd February FRUCOM participated in a stakeholder forum on acrylamide. According to the Commission, the issues for discussion are: ·The establishment of new possible benchmark and maximum levels for foodstuffs This stakeholder forum included participants from the European Commission, the Member States, industry and other members of the food supply chain. Food safety is number one priority...
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1 MARCH 2022

European Commission: Proposal for a Directive on supply chain due diligence
On 23rd February, the European Commission has published its much anticipated Proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. Under the proposed directive, the Commission would proposed due diligence rules and obligations that would apply to the three groups of companies (large EU companies – Group 1; smaller EU companies in high impact sectors – Group 2; and...
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24 FEBRUARY 2022

Plant-based diet for health and environment - review by WHO
WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) published a factsheet reviewing the evidence of the impact of plant-based diet on health and environment. As part of a healthy lifestyle, a diet that is predominantly plant-based and low in...
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23 FEBRUARY 2022

Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 21 February 2022 discussing on sustainable foods systems
EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers gathered in Brussels on 21.02.2022 for the second Council meeting under the French Presidency. The target of the meeting was to exchange of views on ways to strengthen coherence between the European Green Deal and the CAPi in order to support the transition to sustainable foods systems. Sustainability will be featured more prominently when it comes to setting...
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17 FEBRUARY 2022

Farm to Fork: new possible rules for micro-organisms used in plant protection products
On 10.02.2022 the Member States endorsed four legal acts which will simplify the process of approval and authorisation of biological plant protection products which contain micro-organisms. The objective is to provide farmers with tools to substitute chemical plant protection products. Micro-organisms are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. This is seen as sustainable solutions to protect crops...
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15 FEBRUARY 2022

Trade and Sustainable Development study published by the European Commission
On 10 February, the European Commission published the study on a comparative analysis of trade and sustainable development instruments in trade agreements from around the world. The study was carried out by the London School of Economics, and is part of the EU’s review into its own 15-Point Action Plan document on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD). As part of this process, the European...
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10 FEBRUARY 2022

Monitoring EU agri-food trade: developments until October 2021, big decreases in...
The latest EU agri-food trade report was published on 4 February, covering the period January-October 2021. EU 27 agri-food trade (imports and exports) during this period totalled €268.1 billion, a 6% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The biggest increase in EU trade with third countries concerned the US, which grew by €2.4 billion or 7%. Exports to the United...
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1 FEBRUARY 2022

FORCED LABOUR AND DUE DILIGENCE – POSITION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Sabine Weyand, the Director-General of the Directorate General for Trade at the European Commission gave a briefing to the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) on 25 January 2022, addressing the position of the Commission on upcoming legislation on sustainable corporate governance (supply chain due diligence obligation) and forced labour. Commission has noted...
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1 FEBRUARY 2022

CIVIL SOCIETY DIALOGUE MEETING: SABINE WEYAND, DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR TRADE, EC
On 25 January, a Civil Society Dialogue meeting on EU Trade Policy (including MC12 update), was held with the Director-General for Trade, Sabine Weyand. Sabine Weyand’s takeaways in terms of the trade and policy developments of the past 12 months: ·Pandemic disruption to supply chains and resilience, and realignment of supply chains (just in time to just in case); ·Pronounced...
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25 JANUARY 2022

Study on agri-food imports and their role in the EU supply chains, including dried fruits and nuts
On 20 January, the European Commission published a study on the role of agri-food imports and their impacts on EU supply chains. The study, by contractors Ecorys and Wageningen University Research, provides an analysis on the impact of agri-food imports on EU agricultural production and on other parts of the agri-food value chain, including the economic, social and environmental implications. It covers...
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19 JANUARY 2022

The EU removes the authorisation to use titanium dioxide (E 171) in foods
The Commission has published regulation (EU) 2022/63 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171). In light of the conclusion of the 2021 the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) opinion about the safety of titanium dioxide (E 171) when used as a food additive, it is appropriate to remove the authorisation...
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19 JANUARY 2022

Sustainability, food labelling, healthy lifestyle promotion: Conference on the Future of Europe
On 7-9 January, the Panel “Climate change, environment / Health” had a meeting in Warsaw, Poland. Citizens panels are components of the Conference on the Future of Europe, that gives European citizens the opportunity to debate on Europe’s priorities and put forward their proposals. The Conference is placed under the authority of the three institutions, represented by the President...
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11 JANUARY 2022

Programme of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union
As France took over the rotating presidency of the European Council, it presented its programme for the next six months. On trade, the programme of France includes a focus on: -Enhanced EU trade strategy under the “An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy” -WTO reform -Ensuring that trade policy imperatives take better account of sustainable development and the achievement of...
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11 JANUARY 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA): EFSA's draft opinion on new tolerable daily intake (TDI) open for comments
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has re-evaluated the risks of bisphenol A (BPA) in food and proposes to considerably lower the tolerable daily intake (TDI) compared to its previous assessment in 2015. The TDI is an estimate of the amount of a substance (expressed on a kilogram body weight basis) that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable risk. In its 2015 risk assessment...
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4 JANUARY 2022

Canned food: convenient, sustainable and nutritious - an article by Jennette Higgs
FRUCOM asked Jennette Higgs, Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian from Food to Fit Ltd., to produce an article about the advantages of including canned products in our diet. Link to the article: Nutritional health benefits of canned food...
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23 DECEMBER 2021

Nutrient profiles and labelling: EU Commission’s new public consultations
On December 13th, the EU Commission launched two public consultations as follow up of the F2F strategy. The initiatives focus on ‘nutrient profiles’, (namely thresholds for certain nutrients such as fats, sugars and/or salt to regulate the use of health claims) and on the revision of rules on labelling information, i.e., product origin, front-of-pack nutrition labelling, and date marking. The...
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21 DECEMBER 2021

Sustainable water management: FRUCOM Sustainability Working Group Meeting, 12th January
Next FRUCOM Sustainability Working Group meeting will be held on January 12th from 16.30-18.30 CET. It will focus on sustainable water management and water footprint for FRUCOM products. Confirmed speakers: Joan Girona (PhD), Senior Researcher at...
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17 DECEMBER 2021

FRUCOM’s products in the kitchen – Wholewheat spaghetti with canned sardines...
Inspired by the famous Sicilian recipe pasta con le sarde, this pasta dish combines canned sardines, and canned tomatoes, raisins and pine nuts, for a balanced, nutritious yet cheap meal. Get plenty of nutritional benefits using only a few ingredients: canned sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamins D, canned tomatoes are high in fiber and source of and vitamin C, raisins are...
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13 DECEMBER 2021

Online Dried Fruit Meeting - 15 December
The Dried Fruit Meeting about the developments and latest trends in the Turkish and German Dried Fruit Market and Industry will be held on December 15th 2021 from 2 to 3.15 pm CET. The meeting will be moderated by Anna Boulova, FRUCOM's Secretary general. The complete programme of the meeting is available here: Read more
7 DECEMBER 2021

FRUCOM activities: factory visit and meetings
On 23rd November, the FRUCOM representatives Ms. Anna Boulova and Ms. Katri Saari visited FRUCOM and Almendrave member Importaco in Valencia. This visit included a tour of the Technology Centre, meetings on quality and food safety, integrated agriculture, sustainability and communication, as well as the factory tour. We would like to thank very much our hosts for the fruitful discussion and hospitality. Contact:...
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7 DECEMBER 2021

Public Consultation: Food safety – recycled plastic in food packaging (updated rules)
The European Commission has published a public consultation on a Draft Regulation on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 282/2008. The Feedback period runs from 06 December 2021 - 03 January 2022 (midnight Brussels time) The Commission plans to adopt the regulation during Q1 of 2022 The Draft Regulation lays down rules...
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30 NOVEMBER 2021

FRUCOM’s products in the kitchen – Vegan asparagus quiche
This is a vegan version of the classic French recipe of quiche. So simple and easy to prepare with a few ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Enriched of vitamins K, A and C by canned asparagus, this is a good way of introducing vegetables in your daily diet. Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, its absorption is optimal when eaten with fats, here provided by cashews. This...
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23 NOVEMBER 2021

FRUCOM products in the kitchen - Ashura, a Turkish dessert
Described as one of the oldest dessert in the world, Ashura is a traditional Turkish recipe, which is vegan and can easily be made gluten free using gluten free grains such as oat, amaranth, quinoa or buckwheat. With plenty of nutritious ingredients such as hazelnuts, high in vitamin E, dried apricots and raisins high in potassium, it is perfect as a rich dessert but also for a energetic breakfast...
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23 NOVEMBER 2021

Nutrient profiles: EFSA's new public consultation
On November 15th , EFSA launched a public consultation on its draft scientific opinion on harmonised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling, nutrient profiles and health claims on foods. The opinion also includes scientific considerations regarding food groups whose consumption is encouraged by dietary guidelines in Member States. Among these groups, are starchy foods, fruits and vegetables,...
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23 NOVEMBER 2021

Deforestation: FRUCOM products not included in final Commission legislative prop...
The European Commission published on 17 November its legislative proposal on deforestation-free products ( Regulation to minimise EU-driven deforestation and forest degradation) The regulation initially targets the following six commodities: beef, wood, palm oil, soya, coffee and cocoa. Some...
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16 NOVEMBER 2021

FRUCOM products in the kitchen - Bulgur salad with zucchini, mint, mackerel and pistachios
Pistachios in a savoury recipe? Why not! This is a perfect way to include nuts in our daily diet. Incredibly easy, tasty and nutritious at the same time, this salad can be prepared in advance, and it is a balanced and complete meal. The combination of the nutritional benefits of pistachios, high in monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium and fibres, and mackerel, high in omega 3 fatty acids, with the...
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16 NOVEMBER 2021

The EU proposes contingency plan for food supply and food security
The EU intends to step up coordination at European level to ensure citizens do not face food shortages during crises. The COVID-19 crisis has shown the resilience of the agricultural, fisheries, aquaculture, and food sectors, avoiding that the health crisis also resulted in a food security crisis. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), for instance, provided tools...
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16 NOVEMBER 2021

FRUCOM/SACAR selected for the EU advisory group on the EU-UK Trade Agreement
The EU Commission, DG Trade received around 90 applications for this new domestic advisory group, DAG. They have now been split into six sectors: Industry, General business federations, Agriculture, Processed Agricultural Products (PAP), Transport and Services. ·There is one EU DAG, and there will be one DAG on the UK side (still pending). ·The EU DAG is a body independent from the...
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4 JUNE 2021

Nuts, dried fruit, fibre, antioxidants and EU nutrition and health claims regulations
There are two important nutritional attributes common to nuts and dried fruit that have a great deal in common when it comes to the EU nutrition and health claims regulations (NHCRi ). Surprising as it may seem, they are non-other than fibre and antioxidants! Both are limited by what we can say about them, despite being significant aspects of nutritional health and wellbeing. The reason for this limitation...
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18 MAY 2021

Really Easy Figgy Cake, a sweet indulgence that’s also good for you!
Each 107g portion is high in fibre, vitamin E, phosphorus and manganese; and also a source of vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin B12, biotin, copper and selenium. For the full nutritional content for this recipe, see attached: Figgy cake extract Really Easy Figgy CakeIngredients for 8...
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8 MARCH 2021

Nuts and dried fruit - which is their potential to contribute to normal immune function?
Which is the role of nuts and dried fruit in terms of their potential to contribute to normal immune function? Here is a short article, written for Frucom members by the nutritionist Jennette Higgs, around the topic of immunity and diet. It provides some accurate and helpful nutrition and health information in the context of nuts and dried fruit and explains how to avoid misleading or overstating...
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15 FEBRUARY 2021

A recipe highlighting FRUCOM products' health benefits: Hazelnut Raisin Topper Recipe
his recipe, developed by Jennette Higgs from FoodtoFit, illustrates the combined nutrition and health benefits of hazelnuts and raisins. Combining raisins with hazelnuts adds a complementary sweetness. This Hazelnut Raisin Topper is a natural, easy to make nutritional supplement that can be positioned as a useful, nutrient boost to many diets/meals/snacks. Being a simple and short recipe with no cooking,...
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1 FEBRUARY 2021

Baking Europe publication on the benefits of dried fruit, nuts and peanuts
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12 MAY 2020

Benefits of consuming nuts and dried fruit
FRUCOM asked Jennette Higgs, Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian from Food To Fit Ltd., to produce a summary of scientific literature describing nutrition benefits of consuming nuts and dried fruit. Link to the document: A brief overview on the...
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8 APRIL 2020

COVID-19: Communications and measures from the EU institutions to tackle the con...
The European Commission published several communications in order to tackle the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe. Please see the communications below: Communication from the Commission about border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability...
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