APC’s Aims to Boost India Exports with Reverse Trade Mission
Prominent nut importers from India visited cities in Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas to learn more about the U.S. Pecan Industry.
The group of pecan industry representatives and Indian nut importers gather for dinner in Dallas, Texas, at the end of the tour. (Photo courtesy of APC)
“We’re excited to open up our farms and doors to these importers from India,” said Larry Don Womack, APC Chair. “Our industry believes this isn’t just an opportunity to grow demand for U.S. pecans overseas, but can also build our industry’s standing in the global agricultural sector and grow economic opportunities here and internationally.”
The first stop on the three-state tour included Atlanta and Fort Valley, Georgia, where importers participated in a welcome reception hosted by the Consulate General of India, Atlanta. They then went on to learn more about the history and proper handling of U.S. pecans, visited an orchard, and met many of Georgia’s pecan growers and suppliers. Activities were co-hosted by APC and the Georgia Pecan Growers Association.
In El Paso and Las Cruces, importers saw pecan orchards and toured multiple processing facilities. They also met with growers and suppliers in Las Cruces to learn more about the local industry courtesy of the Western Pecan Growers Association.
The tour wrapped in Dallas where expert chefs showed importers the versatility of pecans in global cuisine in a custom culinary experience hosted by APC and the Texas Pecan Growers Association.
The APC thanks these state and regional organizations for their collaboration and looks forward to deeper partnerships with all pecan industry groups.
The Importance of Pecans and International Exports
Driving export opportunities is a significant area of focus for APC. India presents a great opportunity to reach a growing, heavily vegetarian country where general awareness about pecans is low, but interest in nuts, particularly U.S. nuts are high – not just for cultural holidays, weddings or gift-giving, but for nutritious snacking and ingredient solutions.
“India’s population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by the end of this decade, and with the recent tariff reduction, it’s a critical moment for U.S. pecans to secure a foothold there,” said Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council. “We think educational opportunities like these can catalyze one of the world’s youngest and fastest growing markets to choose the health benefits and taste of pecans and bring our industry both short- and long-term sales.”
In addition to hosting importers in the U.S. to learn about the entire pecan industry, APC is also focusing international promotion efforts in-country in India, China, Germany and the U.K. with a series of retail partnerships (online and in-store), trade shows, influencers and social media aimed at growing awareness of U.S. Pecans as a good for you and tasty snack option.
