The launch of the 2016 International Year of Pulses in South Africa took place in the beautiful city of Cape Town at Greek restaurant Mezepoli. Guests included Nuala Lawlor, the Trade Commissioner of the Canadian High Commission, media, pulse partners and clients.
The menu demonstrated the versatility and flavour of many pulse dishes, including falafel, bean salads, hummus, chickpea and pasta rice, as well as a warm lentil salad.
David Lever of AGT Foods Africa presented the benefits of pulses to the global community, which include sustainability, health, water and the environment. “Including pulses in your diet will protect you against a number of illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It addresses global malnutrition as well as obesity, due to its low cost and nutritional value. The amount of water used to produce pulses is far less than any other crops,” he said.
Maryke Gallagher, president of the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA), spoke about the many health benefits of pulses. Beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas are nutritional powerhouses that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from six months to toddlers, teenagers, adults and the elderly. They are a good source of protein, iron and calcium and everyone should incorporate them into their diets.
Guests received a copy of the newly launched pulse recipe book Just so Easy, which features many interesting pulse recipes. People realised just how easy it is to cook with pulses and were inspired to go home and prepare pulse dishes for their families.
The following brands are partners of IYP 2016 in South Africa:
AGT Foods Africa
Dry Bean Producers' Organisation (DPO)
Pioneer Foods – Imbo / Crossbow
Pouyoukas Foods
The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)
Tiger Brands – Lion
Everyone can get involved, visit http://iyp2016.org/ for more information.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Dean Miller
Group Marketing
Tel: +27 11 762 5261
Or
Kelly Barnett
Caro Communications
Cell: +27 82 776 0231
Notes to editors
- The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) is the global not for profit trade organisation for the global pulse industry value chain. As the sole international confederation for the industry, it enjoys membership from 18 national associations (federations) and over 600 private sector members in an industry worth over $100 Billion at the retail level and over 60 million tons of pulse production and distribution in over 55 countries. GPC is headquartered in Dubai http://iyp2016.org/about-us/global-pulse-confederation-cicils-iptic
UN Assembly Resolution on the 2016 International Year of the Pulses: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/68/231&Lang=E
Upcoming Activities
For recipes, nutrition and health information please visit: www.pulses.org or follow #LovePulses on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
For industry news on IYP go to www.iyp2016.org
Promotion on Social Media
Official campaign hashtags: #LovePulses
Dedicated pulse dish hashtag #PulseRecipes
UN International Year of Pulses hashtag: #IYP2016
Handle: @LovePulses