This was one of the key messages shared with current and prospective pecan nut producers by Greg Mills, President of the Golden Peanut and Tree Nut Company. He was one of the speakers at the third Pecan Nut Conference in Hartswater in the Northern Cape this week.

Mills says the growing global middle class is turning to nuts such as pecans as a healthy food alternative.

“Peanuts and tree nuts are associated with claims around health. Claims that impact diabetes, impact obesity, impact heart disease, impact pre-cancerous inflammation. Consumption of peanuts, pecans, walnuts and almonds is associated with a reduction of those diseases in the general population.”

“I actually think nuts have a tremendous future if they are marketed correctly and if we present the consumer with the right information.”

He says China is the main destination for pecans produced in South Africa:

“They go out in the shell because the Chinese like to feel like they’re getting the fresh pecan when they receive it. I think China will be, as always, something of a puzzle and a mystery to us.

“But in general I have a strong faith and belief that the Chinese market will take the pecans that South Africa grows, and will find a place for a consumer to eat them so that the expansion in hectares in South Africa won’t be for nought.”

OFM News