Peanut Market Outlook, 2030

Peanuts occupy a unique cultural place in many regions, a staple snack and cooking ingredient in West Africa, a foundation for sauces and confections in Asia, a heritage snack and peanut-butter tradition in North America, and an affordable protein source in Latin America and those culinary roles underpin steady base demand even as product formats diversify; culturally driven consumption holidays, street-food traditions and local processing recipes mean demand is resilient and regionally nuanced. Current market trends show premiumization and portfolio expansion (flavored and roasted snack segments, single-origin and organic claims, and value-added peanut products such as cold-pressed peanut oil and protein isolates), health repositioning (peanuts promoted for protein, healthy fats and plant-based diets), and growing attention to sustainability and traceability across the value chain. Urbanization is a powerful accelerant: as populations migrate to cities, convenience and processed-food formats gain share, retail penetration via supermarkets and online grocery platforms increases, and snacking occasions multiply boosting demand for ready-to-eat peanut snacks, single-serve peanut butter, and ingredient sales to foodservice and packaged food manufacturers. In 2023, Olam Group, a global leader in the agriculture sector, announced an expansion of its peanut processing facilities to meet the rising demand for peanut products. Certification schemes (organic, fair-trade, non-GMO, Rainforest Alliance) can grant price premiums but raise compliance costs for smallholders, making access to finance and cooperative aggregation critical policy levers. Governments and multilateral agencies play a major role in supporting research into disease control, extension services and infrastructure for drying and storage to reduce contamination and post-harvest loss.

According to the research report “Global Peanut Market Outlook, 2030”, the Global Peanut Market is projected to reach market size of USD 94.66 billion by 2030 increasing from USD 74.29 billion in 2024, growing with 4.21% CAGR by 2025-30. The most significant growth factors is the rising awareness of the nutritional benefits of peanuts, as they are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a popular and affordable alternative protein source in both developed and developing regions; this is particularly relevant in the era of plant-based diets where peanuts are being used in protein bars, dairy alternatives, and health-oriented snacks. In 2024, J.M. Smucker launched a new line of organic and healthier peanut butter variants catering to health-conscious consumers. The expanding demand in the food and beverage industry, where peanuts are consumed not only as snacks but also as ingredients in bakery, confectionery, sauces, peanut butter, and cooking oils for example, peanut butter consumption in the United States has become a household tradition, while peanut-based sauces and street foods dominate culinary practices in Asia and Africa. Export growth is another driver, with countries like India, China, Argentina, and the United States leading peanut exports, fueled by growing international trade and the rising consumption of peanuts in emerging economies. Moreover, innovations in crop genetics and farming technology are improving yields and resistance to pests and diseases, helping address challenges such as aflatoxin contamination, which has traditionally hindered exports from Africa and Asia. In 2023, ADM entered a partnership with a major food company to enhance its peanut product offerings, focusing on sustainable sourcing and processing methods. Supporting events such as government-backed research programs, international trade fairs, and nutrition awareness campaigns are further boosting demand; for instance, initiatives by global organizations to combat malnutrition have promoted peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), such as Plumpy’Nut, which has been deployed widely in humanitarian efforts to save children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Market Drivers

• Rising Demand in Food & Beverage Industry: The strongest drivers of the global peanut market is the expanding use of peanuts in the food and beverage sector. Peanuts are widely consumed both as direct snacks and as ingredients in processed food products such as peanut butter, confectionery, bakery goods, sauces, and flavored snacks. Their high protein, fiber, and healthy fat content make them appealing to health-conscious consumers, while their versatility supports innovation in ready-to-eat and convenience food categories. The growing consumer shift toward plant-based protein alternatives further boosts peanut utilization as an affordable and nutritious option compared to animal protein sources, thereby strengthening global demand.
• Expanding Applications Beyond Food: Another significant driver is the rising application of peanuts and peanut derivatives in non-food industries. Peanut oil is increasingly being used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even biodiesel due to its natural emollient, medicinal, and energy properties. Additionally, peanut shells are being explored as biomass fuel, fillers in composites, and raw material for producing activated carbon, showing growing industrial relevance. This diversification of applications ensures that the peanut market is not solely reliant on food consumption, creating multiple revenue streams for growers and manufacturers and enhancing market resilience.

Market Challenges

• Climate Sensitivity and Crop Diseases: Peanut cultivation is highly dependent on favorable climatic conditions, requiring warm weather and consistent rainfall. Any disruption, such as drought, floods, or unpredictable climate patterns, can severely impact yield and supply consistency. Additionally, peanuts are vulnerable to crop diseases like leaf spots, rust, and Aspergillus infection, which leads to aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins not only reduce the quality of peanuts but also pose serious health risks, leading to stricter quality checks and trade barriers. These agricultural risks create uncertainty in production and limit consistent growth.
• Trade Barriers and Price Volatility: Another major challenge in the peanut market lies in global trade dynamics and price fluctuations. As peanuts are exported across various regions, tariffs, sanitary regulations, and quality certification standards significantly impact international trade. For example, strict residue and aflatoxin limits imposed by the EU and other developed markets often act as barriers for exporters from developing countries. Furthermore, peanut prices fluctuate due to shifts in supply-demand balance, crop performance, and competition from alternative oilseeds like soybeans and sunflower, making profitability unpredictable for farmers and suppliers.

Market Trends

• Growing Popularity of Peanut-Based Snacks and Plant Protein Products: A major trend shaping the peanut market is the increasing consumer demand for healthy, protein-rich snacks and plant-based diets. Peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and flavored snack varieties are gaining traction, particularly in North America, Europe, and emerging Asian markets. Additionally, plant-based protein powders and peanut-derived ingredients are being incorporated into functional foods, catering to fitness enthusiasts and vegan consumers. This shift highlights peanuts’ adaptability to modern dietary trends and positions them strongly in the clean-label and natural food movement.
• Technological Advancements in Peanut Processing and Farming: The industry is also witnessing rapid innovation in both farming practices and processing technologies. Precision farming, improved seed varieties, and mechanized harvesting are enhancing peanut yields and reducing losses, especially in developing nations. On the processing side, advanced roasting, flavoring, and aflatoxin detection technologies are improving product quality, safety, and shelf life. Moreover, value-added peanut products such as organic, non-GMO, and allergen-reduced peanuts are being introduced to tap into premium consumer segments, signaling a trend toward higher-quality and more diverse offerings.

Raw peanuts lead the global peanut industry because they serve as the primary and most versatile form, widely used across food, oil extraction, confectionery, and export markets.

Raw peanuts dominate the global peanut industry largely because they represent the most fundamental and versatile product type, acting as the foundation for multiple downstream applications across food, beverages, oils, and industrial uses. As an unprocessed form, raw peanuts are highly demanded by food processors, confectionery manufacturers, and snack companies, as they can be roasted, boiled, fried, or ground into a wide range of value-added products such as peanut butter, peanut snacks, peanut flour, and confectionery coatings. This versatility allows raw peanuts to cater to both domestic consumption and export demand in numerous regions, especially in Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe. Furthermore, raw peanuts are a key input in edible oil extraction, particularly in Asian countries like China and India, where peanut oil is considered a staple cooking medium due to its rich flavor and nutritional value. The growing popularity of plant-based diets, protein-rich snacks, and natural ingredients has further boosted the demand for raw peanuts, as they are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Another critical factor driving their dominance is cost-effectiveness; raw peanuts are more affordable compared to processed forms, making them attractive to both bulk buyers and small-scale consumers, especially in price-sensitive markets across Asia and Africa. Additionally, raw peanuts hold a strong position in international trade, with exporters in India, Argentina, and the United States supplying large quantities to regions like Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, where demand for roasted or processed peanuts is rising. Their long shelf life and ease of transport in bulk quantities also contribute to their popularity in global markets. Governments in key producing countries often support peanut cultivation through subsidies and research programs to improve raw peanut yields and pest resistance, ensuring steady supply for both local industries and exports.

Food & Beverages lead the global peanut industry because peanuts are a highly versatile ingredient widely used in snacks, confectionery, bakery, spreads, sauces, and edible oils, making them essential across food consumption patterns.

The Food & Beverages segment dominates the global peanut industry because peanuts have become an indispensable ingredient across a vast range of culinary applications, from traditional dishes to modern packaged foods, driving consistent and large-scale demand. Peanuts are consumed directly in the form of roasted, boiled, or fried snacks, which are particularly popular in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while in developed markets like North America and Europe, peanut butter and peanut-based spreads are household staples. Their widespread use in bakery and confectionery products, such as cookies, chocolates, protein bars, and candies, further amplifies their relevance in the food industry, as manufacturers utilize peanuts for their taste, crunch, and nutritional benefits. Additionally, peanuts are a major source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, aligning with the global trend toward high-protein diets and plant-based nutrition, which has significantly boosted their use in health foods and functional beverages. Peanut oil, extracted from raw peanuts, is also an important component of the food and beverages sector, especially in Asian countries like China and India, where it is valued for its flavor, cooking stability, and health profile. The segment is further fueled by changing consumer lifestyles, urbanization, and the rising popularity of on-the-go snacking, where peanuts serve as a convenient, affordable, and nutrient-dense option. Food companies are increasingly innovating with peanut-based products, from peanut protein powders and dairy alternatives to ready-to-eat snack mixes and flavored coated peanuts, which are gaining traction among younger demographics and health-conscious consumers worldwide.

B2C channels lead the global peanut industry because direct sales to consumers through retail, supermarkets, e-commerce, and local vendors dominate peanut consumption as snacks, cooking ingredients, and household staples.

The B2C channel is the leading distribution type in the global peanut industry because peanuts are primarily consumed at the household level, making direct-to-consumer sales through retail networks, supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms the most effective way to reach end users. Unlike B2B channels, which largely serve processors, food manufacturers, and exporters, B2C channels directly target individual consumers who purchase peanuts for everyday use, whether in raw, roasted, salted, flavored, or processed forms such as peanut butter and snack packs. The dominance of B2C is strongly linked to the fact that peanuts are widely consumed as affordable, ready-to-eat snacks and cooking ingredients across diverse geographies, from street food markets in Asia and Africa to packaged retail products in North America and Europe. With growing urbanization, changing dietary habits, and the rise of on-the-go lifestyles, consumers increasingly prefer convenient packaged peanuts available through modern retail outlets and e-commerce platforms. Supermarkets and hypermarkets stock a wide variety of peanut-based products, including flavored roasted peanuts, confectionery, energy bars, and spreads, allowing consumers to experiment with different product formats. The rapid growth of e-commerce has further accelerated B2C dominance, as consumers now have easy access to premium peanut-based products and specialty items like organic, gluten-free, or protein-enriched peanut snacks. Another factor is that peanuts fit into both traditional consumption patterns and modern health trends, driving continuous household demand across urban and rural areas. For instance, in Asia-Pacific, raw peanuts and peanut oil are kitchen essentials, while in Western countries, peanut butter and snack packs are pantry staples, creating a stable demand base for B2C sales.

Asia-Pacific leads the global peanut industry due to its vast cultivation base, favorable agro-climatic conditions, and strong demand from food, oil, and snack industries.

The Asia-Pacific region holds a dominant position in the global peanut industry, primarily because it combines large-scale production capabilities with strong consumption demand, making it both the largest producer and consumer market. Countries like China, India, and Vietnam are among the world’s top peanut producers, benefiting from favorable agro-climatic conditions, fertile soils, and long-established farming practices. In particular, India and China together account for the majority of global peanut output, supported by their extensive agricultural land, affordable labor, and government initiatives promoting oilseed cultivation. The region’s dominance is further fueled by the crucial role of peanuts in local diets, where they serve as a versatile ingredient in food staples, snacks, sauces, confectionery, and even as a source of edible oil. Rising population growth, rapid urbanization, and expanding middle-class incomes across Asia-Pacific are driving higher consumption of peanut-based snacks, peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and confectionery, further cementing the region’s leadership. Additionally, peanuts play a significant role in the edible oil industry in Asia-Pacific, where peanut oil is widely used in cooking, particularly in China and India, offering a natural and healthy alternative to synthetic oils. Beyond domestic consumption, the region is also a major exporter of raw and processed peanuts, with countries like India and Vietnam catering to growing international demand, especially from Europe and North America. The availability of cost-effective labor and efficient supply chains enhances the region’s competitiveness in exports. Moreover, supportive government policies in countries such as India, which encourage oilseed cultivation through subsidies and minimum support prices, provide additional momentum to the peanut industry.

• July 2024: ADM and Smucker launched a regenerative-agriculture initiative across U.S. peanut farms focusing on soil-carbon accrual and fertilizer optimization.
• June 2024: The Hershey Company, under its brand Reese, launched the jumbo peanut butter cups. The cups contain iconic Reese's peanut butter with a good amount of chocolate. This innovation provides sweet, filling satisfaction to those looking for a no-sharing option.
• September 2022: Researchers from ICRISAT collaborated with scientists from the Junagadh Agricultural University to create India's first "Spanish type" high oleic peanut. Comparing it to the original Virginia-type cultivars reveals its advantages. As a result of the new peanut line's high production, drought tolerance, and resistance to foliar diseases, Indian peanut export potential will be improved as well as the revenue of farmers and dealers.
• January 2020: Life's Grape, a family-run enterprise in California, invented peanut butter-dipped grapes that were dried on vines. The product is low in sodium, gluten-free, sulphur-free, and Kosher, and it comes in resealable pouches. The company launched this new product line in order to diversify its extensive menu of offerings and to suit the expanding consumer demand for cutting-edge snacks.
• November 2019: PB2 Foods, Inc. introduced a new kind of protein powder intended primarily for use in shakes and smoothies. New plant-based protein powder called PB2 Performance Peanut Protein and PB2 Performance Almond Protein are the two versions that are offered by the company. The goods are non-GMO, gluten-free, Kosher, and vegan-certified.

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