Preliminary Program
The INC Congress provides ample opportunities for attendees to network, share knowledge and gain insight into the latest developments in the sector. Further details will become available as the event approaches.
MAY 3, 2027
- May 3, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Windsor Convention & Expo Center
CONGRESS REGISTRATION
MAY 4, 2027
- Golf: May 4, 2027 | 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Tennis: May 4, 2027 | 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- TBD
- Golf: May 4, 2027 | 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- TBD
- Golf Tournament
- Sign Up Now for the Golf Day
- Tennis: May 4, 2027 | 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
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- Tennis Guidelines
- Sign Up for the Tennis Day
Golf & Tennis Tournaments
Show off your skills to your fellow peers at the INC Golf & Tennis Tournaments!
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- May 4, 2027 | 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Windsor Convention & Expo Center
CONGRESS REGISTRATION
- May 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC)
INC SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS
MAY 5, 2027
- May 5, 2027 | 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Windsor Convention & Expo Center
CONGRESS REGISTRATION
- May 5, 2027 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
TOUR FOR ACCOMPANYING PERSONS
The Accompanying Persons’ Tour is a thoughtfully curated experience designed to showcase the culture, flavors, and charm of the congress host destination. It offers a perfect opportunity to explore local heritage, cuisine, and hidden gems in a relaxed, social setting.
- May 5, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Nutfruit Plaza
NUTFRUIT PLAZA & EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Elevate your networking experience at Nutfruit Plaza by hosting impactful business meetings and exploring our diverse exhibitors. Or, just stop by for a refreshing coffee or tea to stay energized throughout the day.
- May 5, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Nutfruit Plaza
MEETING AREA
Sponsored by Al Jameel International
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- May 5, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
- Nutfruit Plaza
MORNING COFFEE
Sponsored by Almond Board of California
All-Day Coffee Sponsored by
- May 5, 2027 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM
- Windsor Convention & Expo Center
CONGRESS OPENING
Excellence in Gastronomy Award Delivery
INC SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM: A NEW GLOBAL INITIATIVE
by Goretti Guasch, INC Executive Director
Delivery of the 2025 Golden Nut Award, as well as the Excellence in Research and Excellence in Gastronomy Awards.
- May 5, 2027 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- Hall C
- Live Q&A
WALNUTS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Bill Carriere, President, Carriere Family Farms, USA
Panelists:
- Christina Chen, Vice Chair, Chacha Food, China
- David Valenzuela, Managing Director, La Invernada, Chile
- Tatiana Calcii, Export Department Manager, Maestro Nut, Moldova
- Gunjan V. Jain, Managing Director, VKC Nuts, India
- May 5, 2027 | 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Nutfruit Plaza
COFFEE BREAK
Sponsored by Almond Board of California
- May 5, 2027 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Hall C
- Live Q&A
RAISINS, PRUNES AND CRANBERRIES ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Kevin Kilpatrick, Senior Director of International Sales, Sunsweet Growers, USA
Panelists:
- Ethan Cui, Sales Director, Lontrue Co., Ltd., China
- Sems Özgür, Operations Director, Özgür Foods, Türkiye
- Wessel Lemmer, CEO, Raisins South Africa, South Africa
- Cristian Infante, CEO, Pacific Nuts & Dried Fruit, Chile
- Seema Kedia, Senior Manager, Strategic Marketing, Ocean Spray, USA
- May 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
- Hall C
- Live Q&A
NUTRITION RESEARCH SEMINAR
Chaired by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Chairman of the INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination. Distinguished Professor of Nutrition and Director of the Human Nutrition Unit – University Rovira i Virgili (URV) and ICREA Academia Investigator, CIBERobn.
“Nut Consumption and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases: Highlights from NUTS 2025 and Preliminary Findings from the NUTPOOL Study”
Guest Speakers:
- Prof. Alison Coates, Dean of Research Programs, Graduate Research School, Adelaide University, Australia
“Weighing Up the Evidence on Nut and Dried Fruit Consumption and Weight Management”
- Prof. Cyril Kendall, Senior Research Associate, University of Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital, and Adjunct Professor, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
“Nuts in the Prevention and Control of Diabetes: An Update of the Science”
- May 5, 2027 | 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
- Hall C
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
- Brandy Niu, Vice President of JD.com and President of JD Retail FMCG, China
Future Opportunities in China’s Snack Industry and JD’s Practice: This keynote talk explores emerging opportunities in China’s snack industry through the perspective of JD, analyzing consumer trends, category strategies, and leading brand case studies. It highlights the unique vitality of China’s e-commerce ecosystem, JD’s logistics and technology capabilities, and the growing global potential of nuts as a key food ingredient.
- May 5, 2027 | 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
- Hall C
- Live Q&A
BRAZIL NUTS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Edward Danon, Director, Voicevale, UK
Panelists:
- Michael Barrett, Global Sales Director, White Lion Foods and Truly Nuts! Global, Peru/Brazil
- Emma Eyao, Sales Manager, Jonason S.E. Pine Nuts Food Co., Ltd., China
- Abdulkadir Cikmaz, Managing Partner, Kahraman Agro DMCC, Türkiye
- Yiyi Zhang, Secretary General, Tree Nuts Sub-Chamber, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA), China
- Lucas “Luke” Blaustein, President & CEO, American Peanut Council, USA
- May 5, 2027 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
- Lower Ground Floor
WORKING BUFFET LUNCH
Sponsored by
ANYSORT PANEL SESSION
Speakers:
- Hayley Brashier, Industry Team Leader for Thermal Applications, Laitram Machinery, USA
- Jitendra Pandya, Asia Pacific Sales Manager, Laitram Machinery, USA
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SPONSORED PANEL SESSION
Speakers:
- Hayley Brashier, Industry Team Leader for Thermal Applications, Laitram Machinery, USA
- Jitendra Pandya, Asia Pacific Sales Manager, Laitram Machinery, USA
Sponsored by
RAISINS SOUTH AFRICA PANEL SESSION
Chaired by Wessel Lemmer, Chief Executive Officer, Raisins South Africa
Speakers:
- Dr. Kobus Hartman, Maximum Residue Level and Agrochemical Expert
- Dr. Ferdie Botha, Chief Operation Officer, VDC Raisins
- Peter Kuilman, Chief Executive Officer, RedSun Raisins
- Nico Koch, Managing Executive: Fruit, PepsiCo
- Peter Scheuer, Chief Executive Officer, Scheuer Import GmbH & Co.KG
Sponsored by
- May 5, 2027 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- May 5, 2027 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Grand Hyatt Hotel
WELCOME COCKTAIL
Congress participants will have the opportunity to walk through the Galaxy Resort shopping mall to reach the venue, a 10–15 minute walk with hostesses marking the way, to the Grand Resort Deck entrance. Buses are also available, departing from the GICC starting at 5:30 PM.
Sponsored by
MAY 6, 2027
- May 6, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Windsor Convention & Expo Center
CONGRESS REGISTRATION
- May 6, 2027 | 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
TOUR FOR ACCOMPANYING PERSONS
The Accompanying Persons’ Tour is a thoughtfully curated experience designed to showcase the culture, flavors, and charm of the congress host destination. It offers a perfect opportunity to explore local heritage, cuisine, and hidden gems in a relaxed, social setting.
- May 6, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Nutfruit Plaza
NUTFRUIT PLAZA & EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Elevate your networking experience at Nutfruit Plaza by hosting impactful business meetings and exploring our diverse exhibitors. Or, just stop by for a refreshing coffee or tea to stay energized throughout the day.
- May 6, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Nutfruit Plaza
MEETING AREA
Sponsored by Al Jameel
Sponsored by
- May 6, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
- Nutfruit Plaza
MORNING COFFEE
Sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds
All-Day Coffee Sponsored by
ALMONDS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Clarice Turner, President and CEO, Almond Board of California, USA
Panelists:
- Craig Duerr, Vice President of Sales, Campos Brothers, USA
- Brenton Woolston, Managing Director, Almondco, Australia
- Antonio Mejías, Key Account Manager, DCOOP, Spain
- Sameer Bhanushali, Managing Director, Ashapura Commodities, India
- Zheng Fang, Purchasing Manager, Shanghai Chiyuan Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., China
- May 6, 2027 | 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
- Hall C
- Live Q&A
PECANS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Eduardo Alfaro, Vice President, Procurement, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., USA
Panelists:
- Lalo Medina, President, Pecan Grove Farms, USA
- Romulo Garza, CEO, Star del Norte, Mexico
- Andreas Snyman, Executive Manager, GWK, South Africa
- Mitch Yu, Purchasing Manager, Overseas Division, Three Squirrels, China
- Edson Ortiz, Director/CEO, Divinut, Brazil
- May 6, 2027 | 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Nutfruit Plaza
COFFEE BREAK
Sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds
All-Day Coffee Sponsored by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
All-Day Coffee Sponsored by
PISTACHIOS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Mike Hohmann, Executive VP and CFO, Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds, USA
Panelists:
- Mia Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, USA
- Behrooz Agah, Member of the Board of Directors, Iran Pistachio Association, Iran
- Ozan Yeşilyer, Trader, Tiryaki, Türkiye
- Norbert Gasser, Founder and CEO, Fruitservice, Italy
- Tianjin Lin (Linda), General Manager, Hangpai Food, China
MACADAMIAS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Mike Hohmann, Executive VP and CFO, Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds, USA
Panelists:
- Mia Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, USA
- Behrooz Agah, Member of the Board of Directors, Iran Pistachio Association, Iran
- Ozan Yeşilyer, Trader, Tiryaki, Türkiye
- Norbert Gasser, Founder and CEO, Fruitservice, Italy
- Tianjin Lin (Linda), General Manager, Hangpai Food, China
PINE NUTS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Mike Hohmann, Executive VP and CFO, Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds, USA
Panelists:
- Mia Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, USA
- Behrooz Agah, Member of the Board of Directors, Iran Pistachio Association, Iran
- Ozan Yeşilyer, Trader, Tiryaki, Türkiye
- Norbert Gasser, Founder and CEO, Fruitservice, Italy
- Tianjin Lin (Linda), General Manager, Hangpai Food, China
- May 6, 2027 | 1:00 PM - 02:30 PM
- Lower Ground Floor
WORKING BUFFET LUNCH
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SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN VISIT
Sponsored by
- May 6, 2027 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- May 6, 2027 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Touring Building at Guanabara Bay
CASUAL BUFFET DINNER
Early buses depart from the GICC at 6:00 pm for those wishing to enjoy the views before dinner, with additional buses running later. Dinner will be served from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
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MAY 7, 2027
- May 7, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Windsor Convention & Expo Center
CONGRESS REGISTRATION
- May 7, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Nutfruit Plaza
NUTFRUIT PLAZA & EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Elevate your networking experience at Nutfruit Plaza by hosting impactful business meetings and exploring our diverse exhibitors. Or, just stop by for a refreshing coffee or tea to stay energized throughout the day.
- May 7, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Nutfruit Plaza
MEETING AREA
Sponsored by Al Jameel
Sponsored by
- May 7, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
- Nutfruit Plaza
MORNING COFFEE
Sponsored by George Packing Company
All-Day Coffee Sponsored by
- May 7, 2027 | 8:30:00 AM - 9:30 AM
- Hall C
- Live Q&A
CASHEWS ROUND TABLE
Chaired Ümit Ergin, Senior Vice President, Nuts Sales Europe, Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), Netherlands
Panelists:
- Vigneshwar Rajkumar, Managing Director, Dorado Nuts, Cote d’Ivoire
- Vu Thai Son, CEO, Long Son Joint Stock Co., Vietnam
- Abel Santos, Managing Director, Intersnack Procurement, Netherlands
- Ranjeet Wallia, President, CHI Commodities Handlers Inc., Canada
- Halit Inan, Manager, Bravo Nuts Company, Jordan
DATES, APRICOTS AND FIGS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Ogan Ceryan, Board Member and Executive Director, Anatolia AŞ, Türkiye
Panelists:
- Nurettin Kirlioglu, General Manager, Kirlioglu, Türkiye
- Ahmed Boujbel, General Manager, Boudjebel, Tunisia
- Eric Yu, CEO, Wonder Holding Group, China
- James Weaire, Managing Director, Chelmer Foods, UK
- May 7, 2027 | 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Nutfruit Plaza
COFFEE BREAK
Sponsored by Guangdong Nan Xing Rainbow Nut Co., Ltd
HAZELNUTS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Vittorio Friedmann, Senior Trader, Voicevale, UK
Panelists:
- Hasan Sabir, General Manager, Sabirlar, Türkiye
- Jorge Mohr, Co-Founder and Director, Nefuen Trading, Chile
- Larry George, President, George Packing Company, USA
- Cheng Lu, Deputy General Manager, CHK Trading Co., Ltd., China, Hong Kong
- Riccardo Calcagni, CEO, Besana Group, Italy
- Levan Bolkvadze, CEO, GPR and Agritrade, Georgia
- May 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 11:15 PM
- Hall C
- Live Q&A
INC AWARDS: SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATION
Delivery of the 2026 Sustainability & Innovation Awards.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Chaired by Alex Whyte, Executive Chairman, Green Farms Nut Company, South Africa
Panelists:
- Yuxiu Chen, CEO, Yunnan Macadamia Industry Development Group Co., Ltd., China
- Ben Adams, CEO, Marquis Macadamias, Australia
- Matti Spiecker, Founder & Director, Limbua, Kenya/Germany
- Thomas Nottebohm, Managing Director, Mayan Gold Macadamia, Guatemala
- Beatriz Camargo Leal, Director, QueenNut Macadamia, Brazil
PEANUTS ROUND TABLE
Chaired by Alex Whyte, Executive Chairman, Green Farms Nut Company, South Africa
Panelists:
- Yuxiu Chen, CEO, Yunnan Macadamia Industry Development Group Co., Ltd., China
- Ben Adams, CEO, Marquis Macadamias, Australia
- Matti Spiecker, Founder & Director, Limbua, Kenya/Germany
- Thomas Nottebohm, Managing Director, Mayan Gold Macadamia, Guatemala
- Beatriz Camargo Leal, Director, QueenNut Macadamia, Brazil
- May 7, 2027 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
- Lower Ground Floor
WORKING BUFFET LUNCH
Sponsored by
- May 7, 2027 | 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM
- Lower Ground Floor
CHRIST THE REDEEMER VISIT
Sponsored by
- May 7, 2027 | 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- May 7, 2027 | 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Windsor Convention Center
GALA COCKTAIL, DINNER & BALL
Important Information:
- Attendance at the Gala Dinner is exclusive to registered congress participants and accompanying persons.
- Seating is open, but if you’d like to reserve a table:
- Reservations can only be made in groups of 10.
- Two groups of 10 will be seated next to each other at a 20-person table.
- Reservations will only be confirmed after all 10 guest names have been submitted.
- Avoid guest overlap—ensure your guests are not already included in another reservation.
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