INCREASING CONSUMPTION OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS Dr. Izham Ahmad Chief Executive Officer International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) WHO/FAO Workshop on Fruit and Vegetables for Health 15 – 16 August 2006 – Seoul, Korea

DISCUSSION TOPICS 22 ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE 11 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION NUTRITION AND HEALTH 5 5 CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION CONSUMPTION TREND

 An important sector in many countries:  Generating income  Providing employment to both upstream and downstream sub-sectors  Earning foreign exchange  Source of nutrition and dietary requirement for a healthy population 11INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUIT INDUSTRY

Scenario during the last 5 years (2000 – 2004):  World production registered annual growth of 3.5%  Production of all fruits has increased by 19.2%  World tropical fruit market remain dynamic with significant growth in trade volumes and values  Export value for fresh tropical fruits was estimated at US $14.96 billion in 2004 TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUIT INDUSTRY

(Data Source: FAOSTAT) GLOBAL TROPICAL FRUIT PRODUCTION GLOBAL TROPICAL FRUIT PRODUCTION  Annual production growth rate:  2000 – 2004 = 3.5 %  Total Production increased by 19.2 %  from 227 million tonnes in 2000 to 270 million tonnes in ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Fruits Year (Annual Production 1,000 tonnes) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase Watermelons55,05474,92380,93088,61394,03495, Bananas58,00462,75864,34367,42168,90871, Mangoes22,93824,66724,90526,49827,13427, Other melons16,75819,57623,96025,28726,26427, Pineapples12,95714,31614,89414,96715,70816, Lemons & Limes9,56911,12311,82412,03712,44712, Papayas4,9915,8066,2326,5076,7626, Other Citrus Fruits5,0625,5045,7505,7075,7526, Grapefruit & Pomelos5,0785,3265,0624,8224,6134, Avocados2,2872,6682,8182,9933,1653, TOTAL192,699226,666240,718254,853264,788270, World Production of Major Tropical Fruits World Production of Major Tropical Fruits Watermelon registered the largest production volume during the last 5 years. With an annual growth rate 4.8%, the production of 95.3 million tonnes in 2004 accounted for 35.3 % of total global production of tropical fruits. (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

World Production of Major Tropical Fruits World Production of Major Tropical Fruits (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Production of Tropical Fruits by Regions Production of Tropical Fruits by Regions In 2004 Production by Regions:  65.9% of Global Production from Asia (178 million tonnes)  America: 19.7% (53 million tonnes)  Africa: 9.3% (25 million tonnes)  Europe: 3.6% (9.6 million tonnes)  Latin America & Caribbean: 1.3% (3.4 million tonnes)  Oceania: 0.3% (0.8million tonnes)

Region Year (Annual Production 1,000 tonnes) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Asia114,120142,595154,760167,054174,052178, America45,49948,56249,74350,99752,83153, Africa20,85422,70123,16023,64423,87525, Europe8,8328,9438,9349,2989,9269, Latin America & the Caribbean 2,6953,0813,2133,0103,3113, Oceania TOTAL192,699226,666240,718254,853264,788270, Production of Tropical Fruits by Regions Production of Tropical Fruits by Regions (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Production of Tropical Fruits by Major Asian Countries Production of Tropical Fruits by Major Asian Countries Country Year (Annual Production 1,000 tonnes) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) China45,45070,28581,21287,41893,38696, India27,69328,91028,63031,92032,16032, Philippines6,3787,6207,8488,2318,4448, Indonesia5,1645,5976,3617,1867,3987, Turkey6,1626,4626,5187,1436,7486, Thailand5,6256,2556,1655,8766,1536, Others17,64817,46618,02619,28019,76220, Total114,120142,595154,760167,054174,052178, China is the world’s largest producer of tropical fruits, accounting for 54% of world production in China is world’s largest producer of watermelons (2004=68.3 million tonnes which accounts for 72% of world production of 95.3 million tonnes) Other major produce from China are other varieties of melons and bananas. (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Production of Tropical Fruits by Countries in East Asia Production of Tropical Fruits by Countries in East Asia Country Year (Annual Production 1,000 tonnes) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (Average) China45,45070,28581,21287,41893,38696, Korea, Republic of 1,2561,2571,2201,0881,0241, Japan1,2471,1661,1381, Korea, Dem People's Rep Total48,15872,92283,78889,75895,58398, (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

EXPORT OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS  The global export value of tropical fruits in 2004 is estimated at US$15 billion.  Although Asia is the largest producer of tropical fruits, it is not the largest exporter Asia ranks 2 nd to America in terms of volume exported However, the volume of Asian exports had increased by two folds during the last 5 years with an annual growth of 13.3% The exports from Asia in 2004 was valued at US$2.5 billion.  America is the world’s largest exporter, accounting for 46% of total export volume in 2004 Exports from America had increased from 14.4 million tonnes in 2000 to 16.5 million tonnes in 2004, an increase of 6.6% with annual growth of 1.3% The exports from America in 2004 was estimated at US$6.1 billion. (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

2000 – 2004 Export Quantity  Annual growth rate = 5.3%  Quantity increased by 30.7% from 27.5 million tonnes in 2000 to 35.9 million tonnes in 2004 EXPORT OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS 2000 – 2004 Export Value  Annual growth rate = 7.5%  Value increased by 46.2% from US$10.24 billion in 2000 to US$14.98 billion in 2004 (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

EXPORT QUANTITY OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS (1,000 tonnes) Fruit Year % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Bananas13,44415,05615,11115,03716,28015, Pineapples2,5992,9753,1683,3944,0977, Grapefruit & Pomelo2,1132,9522,8842,8253,3083, Lemons & Limes1,8322,2242,3322,6082,6422, Watermelons1,3551,4401,3631,6421,6831, Other melons1,3951,5121,4731,4841,5961, Mangoes ,0181, Other Citrus fruits Avocados Papaya Total23,74427,46727,76028,63431,50135,  Bananas dominate global export market, followed by pineapples  2004: export quantity of bananas = million tonnes = 44% of global export  Pineapples shown significant growth with export volumes increased by 163% during last 5 years (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

EXPORT VALUE OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS (million US$) Fruits Year (million US$) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Bananas4,9375,0875,2195,4306,0126, Pineapples1,2301,2131,3401,5992,1202, Lemons & Limes ,1771, Grapefruits & Pomelo , Other Melons Mangoes Avocados Watermelons Other Citrus Fruits Papayas Total9,88110,24310,57511,30813,42014, (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

EXPORT OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS Export Quantity 2004Export Value 2004 (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

EXPORT QUANTITY OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS BY REGIONS  America: largest exporting region for tropical fruits, with export volume of 15.5 million tonnes in 2004 accounting for 46% of total global exports The major fruit exported by the American region is Bananas: (In 2004 bananas exported: Ecuador = 3.96 million tonnes Costa Rica = 1.84 million tonnes Guatemala = 1.08 million tonnes Colombia = 1.3 million tonnes USA’s main exported fruit in 2004 = 1.31 million tonnes of Grapefruits  Asia is second largest exporting region, has registered a strong growth of 13.3% during last five years, with Philippines and Thailand as major exporters In 2004; Thailand’s exported 2.1 million tonnes of Pineapples Philippines’ export : Bananas = 2.12 million tonnes Pineapples = 1.5 million tonnes (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

EXPORT QUANTITY OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS BY REGIONS Region Year (Export Quantity 1,000 tonnes) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) America14,42015,52615,34116,31017,62716, Asia4,4005,1925,4865,2716,28810, Europe3,3474,7255,0035,1015,5216, Africa1,1001,4061,4091,4801,5951, Latin America & Caribbean Oceania Total23,74427,46727,76028,63431,50135, (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Region Year (Export Value million US$) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) America4,8734,6334,7794,9965,6196, Europe2,5273,1223,3673,6494,6495, Asia1,7911,8441,7991,9612,2932, Africa Latin America & Caribbean Oceania Total9,88110,24310,57511,30813,42014, EXPORT VALUE OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS BY REGIONS (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Export Quantity by Regions, 2004 Export Value by Regions, 2004 EXPORT OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS BY REGIONS (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Country Year % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate 2000 – 2004 (%) % increase (average) Ecuador4,1324,2724,3224,5435,0584, Philippines1,8472,2392,7972,2502,6963, Costa Rica2,5222,6222,5812,6102,8892, Thailand7101, ,1752, USA2,2172,6262,6792,4232,5911, Mexico1,1531,2841,2161,2331,3641, Spain1,2471,2851,3551,2851,3931, Netherlands , Guatemala7821, ,0431,0121, Colombia1,5041,5661,3471,4271,4291, Others7,0218,8888,86310,28010,91113, Total23,74427,46727,76028,63431,50135, QUANTITY OF EXPORT - MAJOR COUNTRIES (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

VALUE OF EXPORT - MAJOR COUNTRIES Countries Year % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Ecuador 1, ,0171,1891, Spain ,0361, USA ,0141, Costa Rica Mexico Netherlands Thailand Philippines Colombia Guatemala Others 3,596 4,3284,6445,0305,8567, Total 9,881 10,24310,57511,30813,42014, (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

MAJOR EXPORTING COUNTRIES (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

IMPORT OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS  Global imports of major tropical fruits during the last 5 years ( ) had increased by 25.3% with an annual growth rate of 4.5%.  Import volumes had increased from 28 million tonnes in 2000 to 35.1 million tonnes.  Bananas dominate the import market, followed by pineapples.  Global import value of tropical fruits in 2004 was estimated at US$18 billion.  50% of 2004 global imports was by European countries.  USA is the largest importing country: importing 9 million tonnes, worth US$3.4 million in 2004

2000 – 2004 Import Quantity  Annual growth rate = 4.5%  Quantity increased by 25.3% from 28 million tonnes in 2000 to 35million tonnes in 2004 IMPORT OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS 2000 – 2004 Import Value  Annual growth rate = 6.6%  Value increased by 39.7% from US$12.8 billion in 2000 to US$18 billion in 2004 (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Fruits Year % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Bananas12,52814,49413,68614,00714,92115, Pineapples3,0373,3523,5814,2374,7317, Grapefruit&Pomelo2,0142,4432,3122,6522,8823, Lemons & limes2,2153,4572,8192,8432,8372, Watermelons1,2701,3971,4131,4901,6381, Other melons1,3541,5381,5431,6061,7681, Mangoes , Other citrus Avocados Papayas Total23,49328,00026,74128,64830,76135, IMPORT QUANTITY OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS (1,000 tonnes) (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

IMPORT VALUE OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS (million US$) Fruits Year % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Bananas6,6446,6676,4726,4847,8618, Pineapples1,5281,5891,6881,9072,4762, Lemons & Limes ,0321,2501, Grapefruit&pomelo ,1071, Other melons ,0311, Mangoes Avocados Watermelons Other citrus Papayas Total12,40512,84512,88113,21216,37617, (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

IMPORT OF FRESH TROPICAL FRUITS Import Quantity 2004 Import Value 2004 (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

IMPORT QUANTITY OF TROPICAL FRUITS BY REGIONS (1,000 tonnes) Region Year (Import quantity 1,000 tonnes) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Europe10,24712,16612,40513,80715,08117, America9,31211,24610,04010,11910,50810, Asia3,6544,2583,8524,1434,6065, Africa Oceania Latin America & Caribbean Total23,49328,00026,74128,64830,76135, :  Europe is the largest importing region (50% of 2004 total imports) - major importing countries are Germany (3 million tonnes), Netherlands (2.5 mil tonnes), France (1.7 mil tonnes) & UK (1.7 mil tonnes)  USA : largest importing country: 9 million tonnes (US$3.4 billion) (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Region Year (Import Value million US$) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Europe6,7216,6086,8527,5129,63310, America3,2853,5893,6723,2154,0614, Asia2,2372,4782,1372,2422,3952, Africa Oceania Latin America & Caribbean Total12,40512,84512,88113,21216,37617, IMPORT VALUE OF TROPICAL FRUITS BY REGIONS (million US$) (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

Countries Year Annual Growth Rate (%) % increase (average) Japan1,5611,8241,7631,9111,9682, China , Korea, Republic of MAJOR ASIAN IMPORTING COUNTRIES  JAPAN is the largest importer in East Asia imports : Bananas = 1.1 million tonnes; Grapefruits = 0.73 million tonnes; Pineapples = 0.37 million tonnes  CHINA imports in 2004: Bananas = 0.67 million tonnes; Watermelons = 0.33 million tonnes (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

3 3 CONSUMPTION OF TROPICAL & SUBTROPICAL FRUITS Consumption of fruits plays an important role in providing a nutritious diet Recommended daily intake of fruits is more than 400 grams per day or equivalent to about 150 kg per person per year (FAO/WHO Expert Consultation 2003) This section examines the consumption trend of major tropical and subtropical fruits during the last five years

GLOBAL CONSUMPTION TREND  Increasing trend in global consumption of tropical & subtropical fruits  : annual growth rate of 3.3%  Annual consumption increased by 18% from 193 million tonnes in 2000 to 228 million tonnes in 2004 (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

GLOBAL PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION  Healthy increasing trend in per capita consumption  : average annual per cap. consumption = 34.4 kg/yr  2004 global per cap. consumption = 36 kg / yr = 24% of recommended intake of fruits (150 kg/yr) (Data Source: FAOSTAT)

WORLD CONSUMPTION TREND of MAJOR TROP. & SUBTROP. FRUITS  : Annual consumption = 213 million tonnes with growth rate of 3.3%  Watermelons rank highest in global consumption:  Average annual consumption of 71 million tonnes; Annual Growth Rate of 4.9% (Data Source: FAOSTAT) Fruits Year (1,000 tonnes) % of 2004 Total Annual Growth Rate (%) Annual Average ('000 tonnes/y r) (average) Watermelons44,66961,50166,65172,93377,38178, ,441 Bananas47,58852,21953,20456,53457,41059, ,770 Mangoes20,59322,13822,29823,81224,14822, ,045 Other melons13,43515,93619,85320,91621,85022, ,191 Pineapples12,05513,18713,60014,21214,79414, ,096 Lemons & Limes8,96611,22611,04311,07211,30711, ,164 Papayas4,2804,9705,3295,5885,7985, ,506 Other citrus4,5994,9875,1835,3805,5375, ,328 Grapefruit&pome lo 4,4404,3354,0944,2644,2744, ,280 Avocados1,9942,3372,4882,6132,8122, ,590 Total162,617192,836203,743217,325225,312227, ,411

PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION of MAJOR TROP. & SUBTROP. FRUITS  Per capita consumption of most major tropical fruits has shown positive increases  Watermelons rank highest in per cap. consumption of 12.3 kg/yr in 2004, with 3.9% annual growth rate (Data Source: FAOSTAT) Fruits Year (kg/cap/yr) Annual Growth Rate (%) Annual Average (kg/cap/yr) (average) Watermelons Bananas Mangoes Other melons Pineapples Lemons & Limes Papayas Other citrus Grapefruit&pomelo Avocados Total

REGIONAL CONSUMPTION of MAJOR TROP. & SUBTROP. FRUITS  Asia registered the highest consumption quantity with an annual average of 137 million tonnes per year.  Can be attributed to the fact that Asia is the largest producer. (Data Source: FAOSTAT) Region Year (1000 tonnes) Annual Growth Rate (%) Annual Average ('000 tonnes/yr) (average) Asia96,084120,150129,896140,800146,605145, ,660 America33,72837,59938,15138,51839,81740, ,865 Africa16,97618,43018,90319,41919,45120, ,391 Europe13,13913,81113,69715,53516,36617, ,429 Latin America & Caribbean 1,9352,0142,1562,1492,2152, ,178 Oceania Total162,617192,836203,743217,325225,312227, ,411

REGIONAL PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION  The Latin America & Caribbean region has the highest rate 50kg/cap/yr in  In America, the average per capita consumption is 48 kg/yr  Asia is third in ranking with an average of 38 kg/cap/yr. (Data Source: FAOSTAT) Region Year Annual Growth Rate (%) Annual Average (kg/cap/yr) (average) Latin America & Caribbean America Asia Oceania Europe Africa Total

CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRIES  China is the largest trop. fruit consuming country with a annual growth rate of 6% during the last 5 years.  The other large consuming countries are India and USA (Data Source: FAOSTAT) Country Year Annual Growth Rate (%) Annual Average (1,000 tonnes/yr) (average) China39,81861,30370,52375,82680,89483, ,351 India23,74724,72624,49027,19927,28526, ,006 USA10,99212,19011,34411,21311,52612, ,670 Brazil7,9978,3529,42910,39611,04310, ,017 Mexico5,6196,8367,3077,1237,5487, ,223 Indonesia4,3204,8225,4946,2116,3446, ,790 Nigeria4,5404,8854,8904,9034,9004, ,896 Iran, Islamic Rep of3,4383,3723,4893,9894,1024, ,836 Philippines3,8914,5264,1755,0335,0573, ,551 Egypt2,7633,5043,3403,2413,2013,3273,323 World162,617192,836203,743217,325225,312227, ,411

PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRIES  Ecuador has the highest per cap consumption rate of 104 kg/yr  Dominican Republic is second highest with 87 kg/cap/yr (Data Source: FAOSTAT) Country Annual Growth Rate (%) Annual Average (kg/cap/yr) (average) Ecuador Dominican Republic Cuba Mexico China Iran, Islamic Rep of Brazil Haiti Venezuela,Bolivar Rep of Philippines World

4 4 NUTRITION AND HEALTH Why Tropical Fruits?  full of vitamins and minerals  contain micronutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidants  high in dietary fibre

FUNCTIONAL FOODS “… foods possess physiological benefits beyond basic nutritional functions. … market for functional foods is being driven by a growing consumer understanding of diet/disease links, aging populations, rising health care costs, and advances in food technology and nutrition” - WHO Phytochemicals found in Tropical Fruits together with the recognized nutrients act synergistically to lower the risk of diseases By: Samir Samman Proceedings of the International Technical & Trade Seminar on Tropical & Subtropical Fruits

INNOVATION FOR NEW AND PROCESSED PRODUCT TYPES OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN TROPICAL FRUITS Limonine in guava and lime have the potential to conjugate carcinogens and facilitate their excretion Isoprenoid products such as carotenoids, found in mango and papaya, can also act as antioxidants Phytosterols in pineapple and avocado, which interfere with the absorption of cholesterol, provides protection against cardiovascular disease Boron in avocado has an oestrogenic effect and a range of biological actions

PROTEIN TYPESFUNCTION / USAGE IsoleucineFor growth, intelligence development and nitrogen balance LeucineIncrease muscular energy levels and stimulate brain function LysineForming blood antibodies, improves circulatory system and promotes cell growth MethionineMetabolizing fats and lipids for healthy liver and calm the nerves ThreonineImproves competence of intestines and aids digestion TrytophaneEnhances the B group vitamins and improves nerve fibres as for emotional stability and calmness ValineAssists co-ordination of muscular system and improve mental capacity CystineAids with pancreatic health, stabilizes blood sugar and alleviating food allergies Glutamic AcidReduce the craving for alcohol and stabilize mental health TyrosineSlow the ageing of cells and suppresses hunger, coloration of hair and skin, and sun-burn protection Protein in Papaya

COUNTRYFUNCTION / USAGE CubaCold, stomach and intestinal disorders Ghana & Central Africa Toothache, wounds, intestinal cramps, diarrhoea, rheumatism, vertigo, nausea, kidney infections, colds, mouth inflammations, fevers, epilepsy, cholera,bronchitis, coughs and colds, insomnia and the leaves against worms MalaysiaDermatitis, hysteria, epilepsy, diarrhoea, emmenagogue fevers PhilipinesWounds, sores, astringent, childbirth. Fruit juice to strengthen the heart TrinidadDiarrhoea, stomach and intestinal disorders (infusion) HaitiStomach and intestinal disorders, antiseptic, astringent diarrhoea, piles, wounds, skin diseases, epilepsy New GuineaAgainst itching insect bites TongaStomach-aches TahitiSkin tonic West Indian Islands Epilepsy, coughs Guava – A Healing Remedy Worldwide

COUNTRYFUNCTION / USAGE BrazilHaemorrhoids, mouth inflammations, diarrhoea ChinaDiabetes MexicoStomach-aches, diarrhoea (Infusion from leaves and bark), ulcers and wounds, swellings HawaiiDiarrhoea (chew the fresh young leaves) Chile & PeruChewing the leaves for the strengthening of the gums PanamaChew the leaves against toothache SamoaThe leaves as cough medicines and as an antidote against all kinds of poisonings AsiaIn some south Asian countries as well as in China, a narcotic psidium drug is produced by feeding exclusively guava leaves to insects, particularly to grasshoppers. The excrement of the insects is collected, kneaded to small balls, dried and stored airtight. Some of these “pills” are dissolved in hot water and taken if required Guava – A Healing Remedy Worldwide (Continued) Source : Papaya & Guava as Medicine – A Safe & Cheap Form of Food Therapy (Pelanduk Publications 2001)

Campaigns for Increasing Fruit Consumption

“5 A Day” National Programme: increasing the availability of fruit in schools and worksites, changing national policies to influence fruit intake, reaching poor and disadvantaged population groups to reduce health inequities. ( WHO No communicable Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Department [NPH] 2003 ) Campaigns for Increasing Fruit Consumption

United States “5 A Day Program” One in five Americans eats his/her five a day fruits & vegetables. Fruits consumption of 5 to 9 servings a day will lead to healthy lifestyles. Awareness of this recommendation has increased from 22% in 1992 to 40% in ( US Department of Agriculture )

European “5 A-Day” 20 out of 25 European nations fail to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) produce consumption standards. Three effective interventions:  Workplace fruit (free fruit to employees)  School fruit snack (parent paid) and  Catering initiatives at worksite restaurants The UK Department of Health is promoting the ‘5 A-Day’ logo as part of a wider message drive to improve the overall health of the British people. ( UK Department of Health )

Philippines “Give-Me-Five Program” Promotion fruit and vegetable growing through backyard gardening Promotion higher consumption of fruit among the middle-aged and elderly population of the country. The per capita consumption of fruits in the Philippines is very low – 0.02kg per day. ( Philippines National Nutrition Council )

5 5 CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION 1.Development of the industry The tropical and subtropical fruit industry is a vibrant industry with healthy expansion in production, international trade and consumption. The industry should be further exploited for the development of new products, especially processed products as these fruits are highly perishable. Development of new innovations for the extraction of phytochemical, nutraceuticals and metabolites found in tropical fruits.

2.Development of a “Global Information System” Tropical and subtropical fruits are important sources for human nutrition. However, of late there are numerous claims on the health benefits and disease prevention properties of these fruits. There is a need to develop a credible and reliable information system to educate the consumers on the consumption of fruits and their benefits – development of a well-informed society. The Information System could also include statistics on production, international trade, consumption on major and minor fruits.

3. Partnership Projects The following partnership projects are proposed for further development of the tropical and subtropical fruit sector; i.Tropical Fruit Consumption Campaign & Human Health ii.Conservation and Utilisation of Traditional Fruit Species iii.Nutritional Studies:  Nutrient Contents of fruit species  Epidemoiological Studies  Phytochemicals / Metabolites in Fruits iv.Organic Fruit Cultivation v.Global Information System Production Trade Consumption Nutrition and health

T H A N K Y O U for your kind attention ….5 servings of tropical fruits a day, keep the medicine man away! Linking People, Technology & Market