Peanut Market Overview, 2025-30

The global peanut market has developed through centuries of cultivation, consumption, and trade, becoming one of the most important agricultural commodities worldwide. Peanuts originated in South America and spread across Africa, Asia, and North America during the colonial period, evolving into a staple food and a profitable cash crop for millions of farmers. Today, peanuts hold a central role in diets across regions, from being ground into sauces in African cuisines to being roasted or processed into butter, snacks, and confectionery in Western markets. Their nutritional richness, including plant-based proteins, unsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins like niacin and folate, has positioned peanuts as a key ingredient in food security and nutrition programs led by organizations such as the FAO and UNICEF. Seasonal and geographical cultivation patterns are important in shaping supply, with countries like China, India, Nigeria, and the United States leading global production. In developing economies, peanuts support smallholder farmers by serving as a reliable source of income, while in developed markets, they meet rising demand for plant-based, high-protein foods. Their dual relevance highlights their unique role in bridging both food security and consumer lifestyle trends. In addition, peanuts have historically adapted well to diverse climates, making them integral to agricultural systems in Asia and Africa, where they contribute to crop rotation practices and soil health. Their versatility has made them an indispensable part of both traditional cuisines like Asian satay and African groundnut stew, and modern food categories such as spreads, protein bars, and dairy alternatives.

According to the research report "Global Peanuts Peanut Market Overview, 2030", the Global Peanuts Peanut market was valued at more than USD 74.29 billion in 2024. Several leading companies are shaping the global peanut market by investing in innovation, sustainability, and product diversification. Olam International has strengthened its position by expanding processing facilities to meet growing demand for peanuts across both domestic and export markets, particularly in Asia. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) continues to integrate sustainability by launching a regenerative agriculture initiative with J.M. Smucker in July 2024 to optimize fertilizer use and increase soil carbon on U.S. peanut farms. J.M. Smucker also introduced a new line of organic and healthier peanut butter variants in 2024, catering to health-conscious consumers who seek clean-label products. In 2023, ADM partnered with a global food company to focus on sustainable sourcing and processing, reflecting rising corporate responsibility trends. Hershey Company has leveraged peanuts through its Reese’s brand, with the June 2024 launch of jumbo peanut butter cups to target indulgence-seeking consumers. Hampton Farms, Virginia Diner, and Star Snacks Co. remain important players in the U.S. market, driving growth through retail distribution and flavored peanut innovations. According to the USDA, U.S. per capita peanut consumption rose from 2.1 pounds in 2000 to 3.1 pounds in 2021, reflecting increasing consumer adoption. Globally, the Peanut Board of the U.S. initiated export promotion programs in 2023 to expand reach into emerging Asian and Middle Eastern markets, where demand for peanut-based snacks is rising. This competitive landscape demonstrates how leading companies are adapting to evolving consumer preferences, from indulgence and convenience to health and sustainability, while simultaneously expanding global supply chains to capture emerging opportunities.

Market Drivers

• Rising Demand for Plant-Based Protein: The growing consumer shift toward plant-based diets is driving higher demand for peanuts as a protein-rich alternative. Peanuts contain around 25% protein, making them a natural fit for vegan and vegetarian diets. According to the USDA, U.S. peanut consumption per capita rose from 2.1 pounds in 2000 to 3.1 pounds in 2021, reflecting this dietary shift. Health-conscious consumers worldwide are increasingly turning to peanut-based snacks, spreads, and protein bars, which is encouraging manufacturers to introduce innovative products and expand peanut use in both food and nutritional supplements.
• Expansion of Peanut-Based Processed Foods: The popularity of processed peanut products such as peanut butter, confectionery, roasted snacks, and spreads is accelerating global market growth. In 2024, J.M. Smucker launched new organic peanut butter variants targeting health-driven consumers, while Hershey introduced jumbo Reese’s peanut butter cups for indulgence seekers. Urbanization, convenience-driven lifestyles, and growing packaged snack demand in Asia, Africa, and Latin America further boost peanut consumption. The dual appeal of indulgent treats and nutritious alternatives ensures steady demand across developed and emerging markets, making processed peanuts a critical driver of market expansion.

Market Challenges

• Climate Vulnerability in Production Regions: Peanuts are highly sensitive to weather patterns, requiring specific rainfall and soil conditions for optimal yield. Climate change, including prolonged droughts in African regions like Nigeria and Sudan, has disrupted production cycles and threatened supply stability. The FAO reports frequent fluctuations in yields due to unpredictable rainfall. Such instability directly affects farmers’ incomes and global supply chains, creating uncertainty for exporters and processors who rely on consistent harvests to meet rising demand.
• Food Safety and Aflatoxin Contamination: Aflatoxin contamination remains a persistent challenge in the peanut market. Improper storage and humid conditions can cause fungal growth that produces aflatoxins, which are harmful to human health and a major barrier to exports. Countries such as the European Union enforce strict aflatoxin standards, leading to rejected shipments from African exporters in past years. This issue increases costs for producers who must invest in advanced post-harvest handling and testing. Ensuring compliance with international safety standards is one of the toughest challenges for sustaining global competitiveness.

Market Trends

• Focus on Sustainable and Regenerative Farming: Sustainability has become a key trend, with leading players adopting regenerative farming practices to improve soil health and reduce chemical use. In July 2024, ADM and Smucker launched a regenerative agriculture initiative across U.S. peanut farms, focusing on soil carbon accrual and fertilizer optimization. Such programs are becoming central as buyers and consumers demand traceability, eco-friendly cultivation, and sustainable sourcing. This trend aligns peanuts with the broader global movement toward responsible agriculture and climate-conscious food production.
• Innovation in Value-Added Peanut Products: Global markets are witnessing rapid innovation in value-added peanut products that go beyond traditional snacks and butters. Companies are developing plant-based dairy alternatives, protein powders, and healthier snack formulations using peanuts. Olam Group expanded peanut processing facilities in 2023 to meet demand for premium products in Asia, while new peanut spreads and flavored variants continue to attract urban consumers. This trend reflects a growing push toward diversification, where peanuts are positioned as versatile ingredients in health, indulgence, and functional food categories.

The fastest growth in the peanuts market comes from processed peanuts because modern consumers increasingly prefer convenient, versatile, and value-added products such as peanut butter, roasted and salted snacks, peanut oil, and confectionery.

Processed peanuts are driving growth because they fit into evolving global food habits where convenience and health combine. Peanut butter has become a pantry staple in the United States, with the USDA noting that per capita consumption rose from 2.1 pounds in 2000 to 3.1 pounds in 2021, and this trend is now spreading to Europe and Asia. Roasted and salted peanuts have become popular as affordable protein snacks, especially in countries like China, India, and Brazil, where urban consumers seek nutritious and ready-to-eat options. Peanut oil continues to hold cultural and dietary importance in Asia, particularly in China and India, where it is used extensively in daily cooking. Beyond these, demand for peanut-based confectionery and protein ingredients is surging, driven by innovation from global food brands. For example, in 2024, Hershey launched jumbo Reese’s peanut butter cups, while J.M. Smucker introduced organic peanut butter variants targeting health-conscious buyers. Companies like Olam International have expanded processing facilities to serve the rising demand for peanut flour and protein isolates used in bakery and plant-based products. This shift shows how peanuts are no longer consumed only in raw form but transformed into diverse product categories aligned with consumer trends for health, indulgence, and convenience.

The food and beverage sector dominates peanut use because peanuts are highly versatile ingredients that meet global demand for protein-rich, affordable, and flavorful food options.

Peanuts are deeply integrated into daily diets worldwide, making the food and beverage industry their largest application segment. They serve as a protein-rich base for snacks, spreads, oils, bakery goods, and confectionery, which explains their central role in global food manufacturing. In Asia, peanut oil remains a cooking essential, while in the West, peanut butter has achieved iconic household status. The U.S. Peanut Board reports that 94 percent of American homes consume peanut butter, reflecting its mainstream popularity. In Africa and Asia, peanuts are part of traditional cuisines, used in soups, sauces, and street foods, highlighting their cultural and nutritional significance. The snack industry has also accelerated peanut usage, with companies innovating in peanut bars, chocolates, and flavored snack packs to cater to urban lifestyles. For example, Mars, Nestlé, and Hershey continue to introduce peanut-based chocolates and bars to tap into the growing demand for indulgent yet protein-dense treats. The growing plant-based and healthy eating movement has further expanded peanut applications, with peanut flour and protein used in shakes, bakery, and meat alternatives. Foodservice and packaged food sectors are also leveraging peanuts to meet demand for affordable yet nutritious food solutions, making food and beverages the largest and fastest application area for peanuts globally.

B2C dominates peanut distribution because rising urbanization, retail expansion, and e-commerce adoption have made direct-to-consumer sales the primary channel for peanut products.

The B2C channel leads because peanuts, whether raw or processed, are primarily consumed in households and by individuals seeking affordable protein and convenient food solutions. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores have become major outlets for packaged peanuts, peanut butter, and snacks, especially in countries like the U.S., China, and India. With retail chains expanding in emerging economies, consumers now access a wide range of branded peanut products. E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba have accelerated B2C growth by making peanut-based items more accessible, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when online grocery shopping surged. Brands such as Kraft Heinz, J.M. Smucker, and local startups use direct marketing and e-commerce to promote peanut butter, organic spreads, and protein bars directly to health-conscious consumers. Moreover, peanut snacks and roasted varieties are strongly marketed as impulse buys in convenience stores, contributing to the segment’s dominance. In countries like Nigeria and Brazil, traditional B2C street vendors and small shops also play a crucial role in distributing roasted and flavored peanuts. The channel’s strength lies in its ability to deliver directly to end-consumers in multiple formats, ranging from modern online retail to traditional marketplaces. With growing consumer preference for packaged, branded, and value-added peanut products, B2C remains the fastest expanding and most influential distribution channel globally.

The Asia-Pacific region is leading and growing fastest in the global peanuts market mainly because it is both the world’s largest producer and one of the highest consumers of peanuts, driven by strong agricultural traditions and high demand in local diets.

Across Asia-Pacific, peanuts are deeply woven into agriculture, cuisine, and trade, making the region central to the global peanut market. China and India together account for more than half of the world’s peanut production, supported by favorable climatic conditions, vast farmlands, and centuries-old farming practices that sustain large harvest volumes. In China, peanuts are used not only as snacks and cooking ingredients but also as a primary source for peanut oil, which remains a staple in household kitchens. India similarly relies on peanuts for edible oil production and street food culture, where roasted and fried varieties are consumed daily. Beyond these two giants, countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar are strengthening their role in global supply chains, exporting peanuts and processed products to meet rising demand in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Rapid urbanization and the spread of modern retail in Asia-Pacific have created a surge in packaged peanut-based foods, including peanut butter, protein bars, and confectionery. Rising middle-class populations in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are fueling higher consumption of ready-to-eat peanut snacks and spreads, reflecting changing lifestyles and convenience-driven food habits. The region is also witnessing significant investments in processing facilities, with companies like Olam International and local cooperatives expanding operations to capture the growing demand for both domestic and export markets.

• In January 2025, Gelgoog successfully completed the delivery of the USA peanut butter production line project, marking the company's first delivery project milestone in the new year.
• In January 2025, in honor of the Lunar New Year, Meet Fresh presented new Peanut Butter sweets including shaved ice or a hot warm drink, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
• In January 2025, Purely Elizabeth increases cookie granola portfolio with new peanut butter cookie granola. The Peanut Butter Cookie Granola debut comes at a time when the granola category has reached approximately $1.3 billion in sales, with Purely Elizabeth leading the way with an outstanding 85% year-over-year growth rate.
• In May 2024, Jif, America's number one peanut butter brand, is introducing its largest flavor innovation named Jif Peanut Butter & Chocolate Flavored Spread, which combines the creamy richness of Jif Peanut Butter with the sweetness of chocolate flavor.

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