Cracking Open the India Opportunity

Back to March 2024

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)

Driving export opportunities is a significant area of focus for the American Pecan Council. In particular, India presents a great opportunity to reach a growing, heavily vegetarian country where general awareness about pecans is low, but interest in nuts, especially U.S. nuts, is high—not just for cultural holidays, weddings, or gift-giving, but for nutritious snacking and ingredient solutions. Additionally, 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.

In January, the American Pecan Council teamed up with the Texas Pecan Growers Association, along with the Georgia Pecan Growers Association and the Western Pecan Growers Association, to host five prominent Indian nut importers from Mumbai and New Delhi for an up-close, educational look at the U.S. pecan industry and how the entire value chain can offer a high-value, nutritious product for Indian consumers.

To kick off the three-state tour, importers attended a welcome reception at the Indian Consulate of Atlanta. There, they had an opportunity to meet with the Consul General of India, Senator Jon Ossoff, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Tyler Harper.

Over the next few days, importers met with more than 65 members of the pecan industry in Georgia, Texas, and New Mexico, learning about different varieties—something they weren’t aware of previously. They also had a chance to sample each region’s distinctive flavors. Importers also met with University of Georgia professors Dr. Lenny Wells and Dr. Ronald Pegg, who provided a rich history of pecan production and reinforced the importance of proper packaging, handling, and shelf life and their effect on a quality product. These visiting importers also had the opportunity to learn more about the latest nutrition research around pecans from Dr. Amit Dhingra from Texas A&M University.

In El Paso and Las Cruces, importers toured plant facilities and orchards. The final stop included a culinary dinner experience in Dallas where pecans stole the show from appetizer to dessert.

After the experience, importers shared that they were impressed by the industry and there is “true potential” for American pecans in India. They believe Indian consumers are hungry for wholesome, nutritious snack options, and the taste and health benefits of pecans will make it a unique and sought-after exotic nut. These importers are excited to grow the American pecan presence in India.

The American Pecan Council

The American Pecan Council (APC) is a group of pecan growers and shellers who are dedicated to growing, harvesting, and processing America’s native nut. Founded in 2016 through a Federal Marketing Order, the APC’s mission is to promote the many benefits of the American Pecan and help tell its story. With oversight by the USDA, APC aims to build consumer demand, develop markets and establish industry standards. APC is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and funded by pecan handlers in 15 pecan-producing states. To learn more visit www.AmericanPecan.com.