Every December, TradeScope takes a group of European dried fruit and nut buyers to California and New Mexico. It is a great trip because we visit excellent processing plants and there is a strong demand in Europe for almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, raisins and prunes.
The return on investment for the December 2015 trip was quick. One of the Dutch snack company participants was very impressed with the certification, robust processes and product quality associated with one of the Californian walnut processors. Since that time, the company has bought 20 containers of walnuts valued at over $4 million. Before the trip, they sourced their walnuts from non-US origins.
A testament to the power of relationships and personally viewing excellent US facilities.