The international nut and dried fruit sector has taken a significant step forward in aligning global sustainability efforts with the launch of the INC Sustainability Institute for Nuts & Dried Fruit. Announced at the 2025 INC Congress in Spain, this initiative by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) aims to drive long-term, responsible growth and deliver a positive impact across the sector. It will serve as a central hub for knowledge and collaboration, providing tools and resources to support sustainable practices throughout the value chain.
A key feature of the Institute is the newly introduced INC Sustainability Certification, designed specifically for the nut and dried fruit industry. This business-to-business tool provides a credible and practical framework for companies to demonstrate their commitment to environmental care, social responsibility, and good governance. It fills a gap in the market by offering a globally recognised, industry-specific benchmark, unlike many existing regional or generic sustainability schemes. The certification addresses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, including soil, water, and biodiversity management, emissions reduction, human rights, workplace safety, fair employment, community engagement, traceability, and supply chain oversight.
INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch noted that the program "turns intention into action and action into impact," by offering a data-driven assessment of sustainability performance and a roadmap for continuous improvement. With 80% of U.S. consumers and more than half of those in emerging markets indicating that sustainability influences their purchasing decisions, the certification could open doors to new markets, reinforce global partnerships, and validate efforts already underway within the sector.
For the Australian macadamia industry, the launch of the Institute aligns seamlessly with its ongoing commitment to sustainability. Macadamia trees in Australia are primarily cultivated in their natural habitat, where they evolved more than 60 million years ago. This ecological compatibility is reinforced by targeted investment in research, technology, and regenerative agriculture.
Australian growers focus on improving soil health through organic enrichment and groundcover, supporting biodiversity with inter-row planting to attract beneficial insects and natural pollinators, and using canopy management to ensure balanced orchard ecosystems. Significant investments have also been made in protecting waterways, including those connected to the Great Barrier Reef, by enhancing riparian zones and adopting natural orchard management methods.
By endorsing initiatives like the INC Sustainability Institute, Australian macadamia producers underscore their belief that sustainability is more than a trend—it's a business imperative. As global demand for responsibly grown food increases, particularly in markets like China and India, where 78% and 82% of consumers, respectively, value sustainability when purchasing nuts, this certification provides a powerful platform to align international standards and unlock shared value across the industry.
For more information:
Jacqui Price
Australian Macadamias
Tel: +61 1800 262 426
Email: [email protected]
www.trade.australian-macadamias.org