Chocolate confectionery products are usually consumed as a snack. Within this category there are a myriad of possibilities, with a wide range of products, ingredients and possible combinations. In this article we go over the chocolate confectionery trends that are driving innovation in this segment and how nuts are influencing new product launches. In general,…
It is believed that the first almond trees arrived in the Iberian Peninsula with the Phoenicians. However, it was the Romans who truly drove their cultivation forward. The current surge in consumption is driven by the substitution of animal proteins with plant-based sources and by almonds’ versatility, as it is used in numerous innovative…
The experts at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) have once again identified the main trends that will influence the food industry in 2025. Among the most prominent trends driving innovation are the rise of GLP-1 medicines, salt and sugar reduction, and personalised nutrition and others. At this point, plant-based ingredients, such as…
Mediterranean almonds, grown across the Iberian Peninsula, are globally renowned for their exceptional quality. In this context, the partnership between Dcoop and Importaco stands out as a successful model that combines local sourcing, sustainability and processing excellence, bringing our almonds to the global food industry. Watch this video to discover all the details about this…
Consumers are increasingly paying attention to product labelling, nutritional information and the sustainable origin of what they consume. Major food manufacturers are striving to reduce their environmental impact and meet their customers’ new needs, in a long-distance race to exceed expectations, differentiate themselves from competitors and find new natural ingredients that are nutrient-rich whilst having…
Held this year between 21 and 25 October in Paris, the SIAL fair is one of the top European and international food fairs and serves as a meeting point for the global food industry. It allows participants to get a close look at future lines of development in the food sector.
Nuts are becoming an increasingly popular choice for making vegan cheeses. In contrast to traditional dairy alternatives or non-fermented cheeses, which use vegetable oils or fats and polysaccharides, cheeses that include nuts, legumes or cereals are increasingly becoming a more attractive option. Have you heard of cashew cheeses? Learn all about this innovation developed…
«Sustainable,» «environmentally friendly,» «climate neutral»… All are concepts that have quickly permeated business terminology, reflecting a real concern for reducing the impact of human activity on the environment, which is particularly noticeable in the agri-food sector, among others. Integrating environmental care into food production processes is already a way of life for many companies,…
The food industry is constantly evolving towards new technologies that aid in the development of products that are more sustainable, more attractive and healthier to consumers. Nuts are an increasingly common ingredient in the development of products for the food industry. Their great versatility, nutritional properties and their ability to enhance flavour and improve the sensory appeal…
Almonds are the most consumed nuts in the world, be it as a snack or as an essential, healthy food. The almond fruit is composed of the seed, the shell, and the skin, with only 25% to 30% being the part that we traditionally consider the nut. Discover how every part of…
Nuts are an increasingly common ingredient in the development of products for the food industry. Their great versatility, nutritional properties and their ability to enhance flavour and improve the sensory appeal of products make them an increasingly popular ingredient. We start a series of case studies where we tell you how advanced technologies, such as…
Nuts are an increasingly common ingredient in the development of products for the food industry. Their great versatility, nutritional properties and their ability to enhance flavour and improve the sensory appeal of products make them an increasingly popular ingredient. We start a series of case studies where we tell you how they incorporate advanced technologies, such…
The food industry is constantly evolving towards new technologies that aid in the development of products that are more sustainable, more attractive and healthier to consumers. In this new project of the creativity and inspiration hub for professionals by Itac Professional, Importaco’s B2B brand, we highlight manufacturers who are revolutionising the way in which nut…
Importaco Nuts and Dcoop’s almond division have signed an agreement for the commercialisation of Mediterranean almonds in the distribution, Horeca channel and ingredients businesses at a global level with the aim of becoming the main players in the commercialisation of this product. The strategic signing took place at Dcoop’s facilities in Antequera (Malaga) with…
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new digital medium dedicated to our product range of chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruits and other kernels. It is a new microsite aimed at food service businesses with interesting content about this attractive product range. Specifically, the microsite goes deeper into the values of Itac Professional as…
Understanding, analysing and implementing measures to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an increasingly common strategy among the various players in the food and food service industries who want to strengthen their position in this area. In this sense, the sustainable origin of the products provided by the different suppliers is something…
Chocolates with nuts are much more than a sweet treat. Its combination of flavours and textures produces very appealing sensations on the palate, which restaurant and catering professionals take advantage of to surprise their customers with something special. Consumption of nuts with chocolate The consumption of chocolate with nuts is increasingly consolidated among…
Chocolate dragées are a temptation hard to resist for any and all chocolate lovers. The use of top quality chocolate and nuts makes them a product that cannot be missing in hospitality and catering to satisfy the palates of the most sophisticated clients. Introduction to chocolate Chocolate is made from cocoa, the fruit…
With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, for the first time, consumers had more time at home to lay back and educate themselves. They began to read more, to create new routines, and to improve their health and well-being. Functional food and personalised nutrition were two existing trends that have now only gained prominence…
Almonds are the key ingredient in the development of new nut products, accounting for more than 40% of new launches of this type, according to some studies on the industry. In this article, we talk about almonds’ extraordinary versatility and take a closer look at some examples of the development of new products that make…
Paco Torreblanca, winner of the award for best pastry chef in the world, presents us the origin, history and evolution of three well-known pastry recipes and how almonds are the key ingredient in all of them. After working on different projects, together with Michelin-starred chefs, hotel and catering schools and technological centres specialising in…
Actively participating in professional forums and associations is part of Importaco’s commitment to knowledge transfer in the fruit industry, which has helped us to position ourselves as a leading European food group. Would you like to know which are the main memberships and industry organisations in which we participate? Read more. Importaco Group…
For the food production sector, it is a must to know what drives consumer behaviours, what prompts them to choose specific foods and what motivates them to adopt certain eating habits. In this article we will go over the main consumer trends in the food industry and how they affect different generational groups. Keep reading.…
Are you interested in the plant-based food and beverage market? Do you want to know what are the most important plant-based trends? Would you like to discover what products are being launched in this industry? We invite you to keep reading this article where we also delve deeper into the way in which nuts are…
A creativity, innovation and inspiration hub for the professional sector. A new digital space where Itac Professional, B2B brand of Grupo Importaco, offers food service and food industry professionals all of the high-value material developed by the company. Nowadays, chefs and restaurants strive to renew their menus to follow gastronomical trends and satisfy…
Itac Professional once again takes a giant leap in the use of nuts by designing an innovative project focused on the development of new and creative preparations suitable for the industry based on almonds and peanuts. In this project we dive into a new universe, connecting not only with professionals of the hospitality industry, but…
Nuts are a highly attractive ingredient for professionals of the food sector due to their versatility and many properties. In this new project, Itac Professional aims to inspire and encourage formulations with nuts by sharing a few specific applications of these products in the food and restaurant industry. The project’s origin At Itac Professional,…
In 2050, over 2 billion people around the world will be over 60 years. The elderly are the fastest-growing population segment in the world, and this fact does not go unnoticed by industrial manufacturers and their new formulations. What are the ideal foods for elderly? Why does adding nuts and its processed forms in formulations…
Frozen foods are experiencing a true golden age, especially since the beginning of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their number of supermarket visits and rediscovered the wide and varied offer of frozen foods. But, where is innovation heading in this market? Do you want to know the latest frozen food trends in the food industry?…
Slivered almonds are among the most widespread processed almond forms, and the most demanded by industrial manufacturers. Want to learn about its main uses and benefits? Keep reading! The food industry is increasingly including almonds and its various processed forms, such as pastes, dices, slices and slivers, in the formulation of products and new…
The food industry is currently witnessing a new form of consumption. It must now abide by more sustainable processes and the use of innovative ingredients that are not only natural, but that also offer an added value and come from more environmentally-friendly sources. For this reason, it is vital for the entire industry to engage…
The popularity of nuts in the development of new products for the food industry grows with each passing year. In addition to the more traditional sectors that use this ingredient, such as chocolate, bakery, ice cream and nougat, there is an increasing number of manufacturers who choose to enhance their products with nuts and its…
The way we eat has been drastically changing during the last few years. The lines that once divided the moments of consumption of many food products are becoming increasingly blurry, and because of this, industrial manufacturers are working to strengthen the nutritional profile of products so that they can be considered suitable for any time…
Nut powder is seeing an unprecedented level of acceptance among consumers. This trend comes hand in hand with the boom of plant-based proteins – especially as a result of the pandemic. Growth expectations for this market in the last few years have been spectacular, and in fact, several experts and studies attribute its growth to…
Every year, food industry manufacturers continue innovating and introducing new products in an attempt to attract new market segments, diversify their offerings and align with the new trends that drive food consumption among consumers. In all of these innovations, nuts and all of its derivatives are increasingly valued ingredients by innovation and product managers. In…
Food safety certifications are today the best proof that a food product meets all quality, hygiene, safety and ingredient integrity requirements when made available for sale. For this reason, different food industries are increasingly interested in obtaining the most important certificates – those that are issued and verified by prestigious, specialised external organisations. The…
The use of nut flours keeps growing in the industry as consumers show a greater interest for gluten-free products as part of cereal-free or low-carb diets, such as keto and paleo diets. But what are the benefits of making formulations with this ingredient? What are the main applications of this product in the food industry?…
Every year, companies of the food industry work to define and plan their strategy in relation to their presence in food & beverage trade shows. Despite the fact that trade shows were deeply affected in 2020 by the Covid-19 pandemic, this sector is expected to recover in 2022 and everything points to them being, once…
Importaco Group established the Importaco Terra company in 2015 with a clear goal: to start an agricultural integration project that would boost agricultural development through the Spanish-variety almond cultivation. All under a more sustainable supply chain management model. What are the hallmarks of this company? How has it evolved throughout the last few years? Keep…
Both if you work in the purchasing or procurement department of an industrial food company and if you work in the quality department, the content of this article will be of great interest to you. In this text you will find everything you need to know about the different peanut types and the main aspects…
Food traceability is a key component of food safety, a process that enables processors and manufacturers painstakingly track and trace each product and ingredient from their origin to their final application. Controlling the supply chain traceability is crucial both during daily operations and during crisis management situations or product recalls. What are the risks of…
Walnuts are taking a leading role in the food industry – especially in the field of new product developments. The versatility of this nut makes it ideal to be part of a myriad of novel foods. In this article you will find information about the benefits of this ingredient and we will delve deeper into…
The ice cream industry is experiencing a period of great creativity and innovation. The impact of the Coronavirus, the lockdowns and the restrictions to the hospitality industry have led many people to consume ice creams at home. In this regard, according to Mintel, 45% of consumers see ice creams as their favourite indulgence, which further…
The evolution of lifestyles, the demographic landscape, environmental awareness, cultural changes and a higher awareness among consumers in relation to their diet have had a deep impact in the way we eat. In Europe, many consumers are choosing to snack on something throughout the day, which implies a great opportunity for manufacturers. In this article…
According to a global study conducted by Innova Market Insights, 42% of consumers choose almonds as their favorite ingredient in chocolate products1. Chocolate consumers’ preference for almonds is not new, but it is true that new food trends are favoring their inclusion in more products such as bars and snacks. They are also a key…
The food industry is working to offer in their catalogues more alternative dairy products that can satisfy new food trends and can also offer new, superior consumption experiences. what are these dairy alternative products? In the search for the perfect ingredient for this growing category, nuts keep rising to the top with each passing…
Raw and processed peanut, as well as peanut butter, are ingredients that are becoming increasingly common across different segments of the food industry. This growth is driven by changes in the consumption patterns of consumers, who compel manufacturers to update their offer with plant-based ingredients that are more respectful of the environment and provide new…
The food industry has evolved during the latest years toward the use of natural, high quality ingredients specifically designed to offer a unique flavour and texture to the products. In processes for the manufacturing of ice cream, cakes, chocolates and specialties such as cereals and cookies, it is increasingly common to add innovative solutions such…
One of the most significant added values of a food provider is its high level of specialisation. Specialisation leads to a greater knowledge of the product at every level, and that knowledge fosters a better customer service. Moreover, this specialisation fosters a total control over the product’s traceability – a requirement that is essential in…
The bakery and pastry industry is experiencing a moment of significant innovation in the search for the perfect balance between offering healthy and indulgence products. What are the main bakery industry trends? Changes in lifestyle during the last few years have encouraged a series of trends that are leading manufacturers to introduce new, more natural…
We are pleased to announce that, this July 2020, we completed the integration of the Italian company Besana through the purchase of 51% of its share capital. The Spanish food company Importaco reached an agreement with the Italian company Besana to strengthen its focus on natural products, such as hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts and seeds,…
What are nut butters? Over the past few years, the popularity of nut and seed-based butters has increased considerably. A few years ago, peanut butter was the most widely consumed nut spread used as an alternative to dairy butter, but the development of technology and consumer awareness of the nutritional properties of nuts and seeds…
At Itac Professional, the B2B brand of Importaco, we are constantly working to innovate our product range of nuts for the Food Industry. With the aim of providing specific solutions to each segment of the Food Industry, we regularly include various products in our catalogue, essentially based on nuts, which can help industry professionals to…
Peanut can be used in many forms as an ingredient in the food industry. At Itac Professional we are expert peanut producers, and our products for this sector include processed peanuts in different forms, which is perfect for industries such as snacks, ice creams, baked goods, breakfasts or chocolate. In this article we tell you…
Using seeds allows us to add texture, consistency and colour to our recipes, making them more attractive and tasty. And, as they’re 100% vegetable-based, we can use the seeds for vegan and vegetarian dishes, in powder or hydrated form. On our blog, we’ve already shared an article about how you can use seeds in your…
A snack can be defined as something we consume between meals or as an appetizer at meetings, with a cocktail, or at parties. Many of these snacks are sold in vending machines located in shopping centres, train stations, airports, gyms, hospitals, schools, or universities. This new way of consuming snacks and nuts (among other things)…
Seasonings, batter and breaded coatings, crocants and desserts… Itac Professional dried fruit and nut cocktails have so many commercial culinary uses, apart from being a great snack, and they’ll help you give your dishes a really distinct flavour. Would you like to know what their secret is? It’s simply the great variety of tastes and…
Nuts are some of the most popular food items at Christmas time, and, for that reason, shouldn’t be missing from your restaurant’s festive menu. Incorporating them into your Christmas recipes will help you give a festive touch to your recipes. Nuts, among the most popular food items at Christmas Although we can enjoy…
Spain is an innovative international market leader in all areas of the gastronomic sector (cuisine, service, menus, product processing, etc.). Its cuisine has become one of its main hallmarks. For this reason, Spain is at the top of the list of the countries with the best restaurants in the world. Another of the direct reasons…
The nutritional and sensory properties of nuts make them a fundamental part of the food industry. From the most traditional cuisine to the most innovative lifestyles, these foods can form an important part of any recipe repertoire. Now you can multiply their possibilities and potential applications by using them in paste form: discover the possibilities…
The almond’s taste, smell, colour, and texture make it a versatile nut that’s essential for pastries, bakeries, retail, and also for use in the best restaurants in the world. However, it could be used even more widely if you knew all its different processed formats and how you can use them in your recipes. …
According to the International Dry Fruit Council (INC), global peanut production has fluctuated between 37.1 and 43.2 million tonnes over the past five years. The largest producers are China, India, USA, Nigeria, Argentina, Indonesia and Senegal. Spain, even though it doesn’t export this product, has a real market presence in the nut handling and processing…
When people eat out, whether in a restaurant, at events, or in a gourmet market, you’ll always give your customers a really sweet impression if you offer them a chocolate treat to finish off their meal. In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that there’s always room for something sweet, especially if it’s petit-fours or…
DEHYDRATED INGREDIENTS: GOURMET PRODUCTS FOR CREATIVE DISHES A good chef should know when to use the more unusual ingredients to give a special touch to their dishes. With that in mind, as nuts producers experts, we’re going to give you a few tips about how to use our best gourmet products in your menu. …
In recent years people have been talking more and more about the power of the internationalization of Spanish gastronom, whose indisputable key to success is its quality. Of course, as in other sectors, factors such as price or brand size also play a fundamental role in its worldwide competitivity. We’re now going to delve into…
Held this year between 21 and 25 October in Paris, the SIAL fair is one of the top European and international food fairs and serves as a meeting point for the global food industry. It allows participants to get a close look at future lines of development in the food sector.
The free from food that today’s consumer is looking for The search for a healthier lifestyle has popularized new forms of food such as vegetarianism, veganism, macrobiotics, etc., but what exactly do we mean when we talk about free from food? Free from food is basically food that excludes substances such as potential allergens or…
The new ITAC Professional Food Service catalogue, dedicated to the restaurant industry, has been released and is designed to offer freshness and maximum quality to all of its clients. ITAC Professional, part of the Importaco brand, is dedicated to the manufacture and distribution of nuts and other snacks and has created a network of…
For more than thirty years the PLMA (Private Label Manufacturers Association) Trade Show in Amsterdam has brought together retailers and manufacturers not only to showcase the latest developments in the food sector, but also to help generate synergies between its different players. This is how new ideas are born that help distributors and manufacturers in…
Our ITAC PROFESSIONAL label collaborated with the Centro Superior Hostelería Mediterráneo (CSHM) training centre in supplying raw materials for the I Cooking Contest Promoting Natural Products and sitting on the contest judging panel.
We at Importaco are pleased to announce the launch of a new website for our ITAC PROFESSIONAL brand which, from October 2018, will provide all the relevant information to the professionals operating in the Food Service and Industry markets both in Spain and abroad.
Our ITAC PROFESSIONAL brand now has the Chocolate Delights catalogue available on its website which includes the largest range of chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruits.
Once the almonds are harvested and the cold weather sets in, the almond trees must start their winter rest, shedding their leaves and entering the vegetative stage until they start flowering, where the vegetative activity restarts once the warmer temperatures arrive.
Once the almonds are harvested, the product starts to be prepared at the factory where the almonds are shelled. This industrial process consists of separating the kernel from the shell, thus obtaining their valuable fruit.
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