A field survey conducted by 'Emirates Today' in major retail outlets revealed the presence of about 37 brands of nuts of various kinds. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are among the most in-demand types of nuts. The survey also showed a significant diversity in the origin of these nuts and the countries supplying the local market. Locally packaged brands in the UAE markets hold the largest shares of the commercial offering. The survey also revealed the mechanism of nut display in markets, as they are sold loose 'by weight', in bags, in containers, and in various flavors to suit different tastes. Two retail sector officials told 'Emirates Today' that nut sales usually see a significant increase during the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, with rates exceeding 60% compared to regular days. In detail, a field survey by 'Emirates Today' in major retail outlets in Dubai and Sharjah showed the existence of about 37 brands of nuts of various kinds. The survey revealed a large diversity in the source countries of these nuts, with India, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Lebanon, and products from Latin American countries like Chile and Brazil being prominent. Products packaged in the UAE markets captured the largest shares of the market's offerings. The survey also showed the diversity of nut selling methods; some are sold loose (kilograms and their fractions), while others are displayed in plastic, metal, or glass containers or bags of different weights. The most prominent nut products available in markets include: walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, Brazilian nuts, as well as a mixture of Asian nuts from countries like the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan. The survey also showed a large number of nut products from brands affiliated with 'cooperatives' and 'hypermarkets', with each brand sold exclusively within the outlet, usually at lower prices to encourage consumers to buy them. Nuts are sold in retail outlets with different flavors: salted, roasted, unsalted and unroasted, smoked, and others with pepper, lemon, caramel, and 'barbecue' flavors. Some are also sold with sesame seeds mixed with dried fruits or coated in chocolate. Nuts are also available in markets with health specifications for consumers following special diets or those on a diet, as these products are characterized by low salt, or are free of oils or any artificial colors. According to the survey, organic Brazilian nuts are the highest-priced in the markets, with a 250-gram package costing about 50 dirhams. Generally, organic nut products are sold at higher prices than their traditional counterparts, and loose nuts (by weight) are usually sold at lower prices than packaged products, whether in bags or containers, while peanuts are the least expensive type of nuts in the markets. Sales Increase. The sales manager of a retail outlet, Mohammed Bashir, told 'Emirates Today': 'Nut products usually see a rise in demand during the seasons of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, with sales exceeding 60% during that period compared to regular days.' He added that 'almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are among the highest in demand among nut types, as they are included in many meals prepared by expatriates residing in the country.' He explained that 'most orders are for loose nuts compared to canned or packaged ones, as they are cheaper, and they give the consumer the freedom to buy the weight they need and the budget they set for it, without being tied to the weights and prices of packaged products.' On his part, the purchasing manager of a retail outlet, Dilip Vishal, said that 'the nut markets in the country witness a large diversity and variation, which meets the different needs of consumers of various nationalities.' He explained that 'nut products see a high demand during the seasons of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, due to the association of these products or their inclusion in meal components, or their increased consumption during that period,' noting that 'the growth rate of nut sales during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr reaches about 60% compared to regular days.' He attributed the wide availability of nuts packaged in the country to the fact that many supplying companies prefer to package these products locally after importing them, to get greater financial returns compared to the cost of importing them canned ready-made from their countries of origin. Nuts.. Health Benefits. Nuts generally contain many health benefits, with a good percentage of vitamins and minerals beneficial to the body that maintain heart health and prevent many diseases. Nuts also help in lowering bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure, thanks to their content of unsaturated fatty acids. Among other health benefits of nuts is their help in weight management and feeling full, thanks to their richness in fiber and healthy fats, which contributes to weight control, as well as the fact that the body does not absorb all their calories. Nuts contain substances that help support brain health, especially walnuts, which contain vitamin E, 'omega-3' fatty acids, and antioxidants, which help protect the brain and enhance its functions with age. Nuts are also beneficial for diabetics, as they are an ideal choice because they are rich in healthy fats that help regulate blood sugar levels, especially with their low carbohydrate content. They are also beneficial for bone and nerve health due to their magnesium and potassium content, which helps strengthen bones and support nerve health. In contrast, reports warn that some nuts may be harmful to people who may be allergic to certain types of nuts. In addition, 'excessive' consumption of some nuts at large rates threatens rapid weight gain. Reports also warn that improper storage of nuts exposes them to high moisture, which leads to exposure to fungi that secrete fungal toxins, and thus increases health risks. Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from nuts that contain fungi or have a foul odor. Nut Brands. 'Bayara', 'Lulu', 'Halabi', 'Best', 'Al-Rifai', 'Cranchos', 'Seboger', 'Woodstock', 'Carrefour', 'Union', 'Original Food', 'Sharjah Coop', 'Pacey', 'Nigeria', 'Ding Dong', 'Agrovino', 'Mawa', 'Criketa', 'My Fine', 'Goodness', 'Ziba', 'Earth Gods', 'Prime Nuts', 'Nuts Nuts', 'American Harvest', 'Al-Douri', 'Liwa Gate', 'Mina', 'Pics', 'Los Pinos', 'Master', 'Organic Larder', 'Nature's Choice', 'Nourier', 'Kastania', 'Elan', 'Madhur'.. The local markets witness the display of about 37 brands of nut products of various kinds.. Organic Brazilian nuts are the highest priced.. the price of a 250-gram package is about 50 dirhams.
