almonds and hazelnuts

The Chilean fruit industry has created two new product committees for the almond and hazelnut industries.

The news was announced by the Chilean Walnut Committee, which will coordinate activities within both organisations.

The establishment of the two new committees is aimed at better representing Chilean almonds and hazelnuts as well as providing a platform from which to boost the interchange of information and opinions on the two nut groups.

Currently there are an estimated 13,000ha planted with hazelnuts in Chile which points towards a major production boost in the coming years.

In a separate move, the association of Chilean prune processors and exporters (Apecs) has re-launched with a new name and image.

Operating as the Chilean Prunes Association, the organisation aims to refresh its own image as well as that of the Chilean prune industry, according to a news statement from the group.