California Walnut Commission Wind Blows at Gulfood

Gulfood, one of the world's largest food fairs, once again brought together leading institutions in the global agriculture and food sector this year, and the California Walnut Commission (CWC) delegation was among the notable participants at the fair.

The Commission, which represents the California walnut industry in international markets, strengthened its market presence at Gulfood by meeting with existing business partners and establishing new trade connections. The delegation attending the fair included Commission President Robert Verloop , Commission Vice President Pamela Graviet , and CWC Turkey and Middle East representatives Jack Jacob and Feray Alpay.

During their meetings within the framework of Gulfood, the delegation drew attention to the increasing demand for California walnuts, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. They emphasized that sustainable farming practices, traceability, and high quality standards are the most important factors differentiating California walnuts in the global market.

Commission Chair Robert Verloop stated in his assessment of the fair that Gulfood is not only a trade platform but also a strategic meeting point that shapes the future of the sector. Commission Vice Chair Pamela Graviet added that healthy lifestyle trends, plant-based nutrition, and the growing interest in functional foods are supporting walnut consumption on a global scale.

The CWC Turkey representative also pointed out that Türkiye, with its strategic location and strong food industry, is an important market and distribution center for California walnuts. The goal is to further increase collaborations with chefs, producers, and food professionals in Türkiye in the coming period.

The California Walnut Commission's active involvement in Gulfood has strengthened the brand's position in international markets and further underscored the global demand for healthy and sustainable products.

Commission Chairman Robert Verloop also answered questions from HORECA TREND Editor-in-Chief Elif Akın Yüksel . The interview covered many topics, including the production structure of California walnuts, its export-oriented approach, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Verloop stated that walnut production in California is largely carried out by multi-generational family farms, and this structure forms the basis of their commitment to quality. He noted that a significant portion of the annual production is exported, emphasizing that the Middle East market, in particular , holds remarkable growth potential.

Verloop stated that sustainability is at the heart of California walnut production, and that they focus on reducing environmental impact through long-standing methods in water management, soil health, and carbon footprint. He also noted that walnut trees contribute to carbon sequestration thanks to their long production lifespan .

The interview also covered the role of walnuts in health and nutrition. Verloop shared that the California Walnut Commission has been investing in scientific research for many years, and that there are numerous studies demonstrating the positive effects of walnuts on brain health and balanced nutrition .

Verloop stated that GULFOOD 2026 offers a strong platform for industry professionals to come together, share information, and forge new collaborations, emphasizing that the fair continues to be a strategic point of contact for California walnuts.

Source: HORECA TREND