Trade visit to Ivory Coast raises voice and presence of nut industry
The Peanut and Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) recently returned from a milestone international trade visit, focused on meetings with major cashew processors, influential government officials, and business leaders in Ivory Coast (Ivory Coast/IVC). placed. The trip, aimed at exchanging information with Ivory Coast’s nascent cashew processing industry, also provided context, understanding and strengthened relationships within the global nut community.
The Cotton and Cashew Council of Ivory Coast has invited Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO of PTNPA, to this high-profile multi-day event. Shaughnessy was coached by Losseni Kone of Ivory Cashew and joined by PTNPA member Michael Coughlin of Coughlin Insurance Services.
“Despite our different languages, we can learn a lot from each other and better understand that despite our different geographies and cultures, food safety and open markets are common priorities. I did,” Shaughnessy said. “International cooperation in both import and export is key to the continued growth and success of our industry. We look forward to further deepening the relationships formed during this highly insightful experience. We are excited about this and look forward to continuing to expand the voice of the American nut industry on the world stage.”
Visiting locations such as Abidjan, Tumoudi and Yamoussoukro, Mr. Shaughnessy and his delegation toured cashew processing facilities and received government guidance from Prime Minister Robert Bougre-Mambe, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Covenant Kouassi Adjumani, and President of the Ivorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I met with them. Mr. Faman Touré of the industry, Dr. Adama Coulibaly, Secretary General of the Cotton and Cashew Council, and Ms. Jessica Davis Ba, U.S. Ambassador to Ivory Coast.
Throughout the three-day tour, PTNPA and the delegation led briefings attended by hundreds of media and members of the public. The discussion focused on food safety systems and the expectations outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), as well as hopes and dreams for business growth in the U.S. market. PTNPA highlighted the U.S. regulatory environment, industry best practices, and opportunities for continued partnership and commercial expansion.
“We are very impressed with the progress Ivory Coast’s cashew processing industry has made in building a robust economic engine while also respecting the United States’ rigorous food safety standards,” Shaughnessy said. Ta. “The Ivorian government and businesses clearly recognize the importance of food safety in building customer confidence in their products. Over the past five years, the IVC cashew industry has successfully increased exports to the US market. They seem to have quickly put in place a full-fledged program to do so, and we look forward to continuing to support their efforts.”
Ivory Coast is a major producer of cashew nuts, with an estimated production of 1,225,935 tons in 2023. With government support, the sector hopes to increase production by 50% by 2030.
“The passion and energy of the people working in Ivory Coast’s cashew industry is captivating and inspiring,” Shaughnessy said.
Celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2024, PTNPA’s mission is to actively advance the nut industry through professional networking, advocacy, and education. PTNPA’s vision is to represent all members and be the “voice of America’s nut industry.”
“The Ivory Coast experience provided an opportunity for PTNPA to connect with the emerging nut industry, share best practices and gain insight into new market opportunities,” said PTNPA Chairman and Horizon Nut Company said Joel Perkins, CEO of. “Expanding our global relationships as an industry will expand our voice and strengthen our understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing nut industry representatives around the world, and will continue to serve PTNPA members as a whole.” It will bring benefits.”
