Peanuts Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2031)

Global Peanuts Market Trends and Insights

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Proteins

Peanut flour delivers 35–55% protein plus 15% dietary fiber, giving manufacturers a clean-label ingredient suited for gluten-free foods and fortified beverages. Institutional research indicates feed formulations could absorb 700,000 metric tons annually, adding USD 437 million to producer sales while enriching eggs with unsaturated fats and beta-carotene. As flexitarian diets expand across Western economies, manufacturers are integrating peanut proteins into cereals, meal-replacement shakes, and sports nutrition lines, reinforcing a steady demand base for the peanut market.

Growth of Peanut-Based Snacking Formats

Retail sales of snack nuts hit USD 5.2 billion in 2024, even as volumes slipped 2.9%, signaling clear consumer willingness to pay premiums for flavor innovations and sustainable sourcing. Flavored peanuts, nutrition-rich trail mixes, and single-serve packs line convenience stores, positioning the peanut market to capture on-the-go spending despite inflationary pressure. KP Snacks’ acquisition of Whole Earth underlines the push to revitalize the stalled nut-butter category, maintaining 43% household penetration in the United Kingdom. Similar portfolio moves are anticipated across continental Europe, where premium spreads and coated nut innovations are climbing shelf space.

Expansion of Peanut Processing Capacity

Mechanized shelling, optical sorting, and socialized service programs are lifting product consistency and output rates, closing the technology gap between U.S. and Chinese facilities. The USD 42 million Santee shelling expansion improves domestic throughput and export readiness for U.S. suppliers. In therapeutic foods, Mother Administered Nutritive Aid (MANA) Nutrition’s USD 36 million capacity boost aims to reach 3 million malnourished children annually while leveraging Georgia’s 53% share of U.S. production. 

Clean-Label Shift Boosting Peanut Flour Uptake

Global nutrition policies now mandate nutrient declarations in 95 countries, pushing producers toward recognizable ingredient lists. Peanut flour enhances protein counts in baked goods and shakes without synthetic additives, meeting clean-label thresholds while imparting distinctive roasted notes^{[1]Source: Tiefenbacher, Karl F., “Peanut Flour – an overview,” sciencedirect.com}. Scientific research optimizes roasting profiles to balance antioxidant retention with texture performance, enabling bakers to swap refined flours for nutrient-dense alternatives at incorporation levels that preserve crumb structure. Transparent sourcing initiatives tie into blockchain tracing, giving the peanut market an edge among wellness-oriented shoppers.

Climate-Induced Yield Volatility

Modeling projects 20% yield losses for peanuts by 2100 under high-emission scenarios, with drought-prone belts in the U.S. Southeast already costing USD 50 million annually^{[2]Source: Ruane, Alex C. et al., “Carbon–Temperature–Water Change Analysis for Peanut Production under Climate Change,” nature.com}. Genomics-assisted breeding delivers drought-tolerant lines, yet commercialization windows stretch beyond immediate needs, keeping supply tight during prolonged heatwaves. Senegalese trials reveal CO₂-fertilization could raise yields 19% in specific microclimates, highlighting heterogeneity that complicates global sourcing strategies. The development of high-throughput phenotyping methods is accelerating the breeding of stress-tolerant cultivars, though commercialization requires substantial investment and regulatory approval processes.

Food-Safety Recalls (Aflatoxin)

Aflatoxin alerts account for over half of EU mycotoxin border notifications, with 29% tied to Chinese shipments. Coles’ nationwide recall in Australia and Fortune Foods’ penalties of USD 1,800–USD 6 million in Taiwan during 2025 underscore commercial risk. AI-based hyperspectral imaging trials slash inspection times but remain capital-intensive for small processors. Innovative detection technologies using AI-based hyperspectral imaging and machine learning are emerging as solutions for rapid, non-destructive testing, though implementation costs remain prohibitive for smaller operations. Nanotechnology approaches for aflatoxin management show promise in research settings, but commercial deployment faces regulatory hurdles and scalability challenges.

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific commands 52.18% of the peanut market share in 2025 on an annual production of 19,000 thousand metric tons, anchored by China at 36% global output. India’s 7,100 thousand metric tons crop secures second place while urbanizing Southeast Asia scales snack-nut demand. Consumption growth inside China tightens export surpluses, occasionally firming global prices, while equipment modernization spreads unevenly across producer nations.

Africa and the Middle East deliver mixed patterns. Africa registers the fastest regional rise at 6.35% CAGR to 2031, aided by disease-resistant cultivars and new irrigation schemes. Turkey and Saudi Arabia grow import demand, though foreign-exchange swings and political tension can disrupt shipping timelines. The implementation of deforestation-free rules will reward certified suppliers, potentially redirecting flows away from low-compliance origins. Germany and France favor peanut butter and confectionery usage, while the United Kingdom sustains premium snack selections despite static volumes.

The United States exports a stable 25% of crop volume to Mexico, Canada, Europe, China, and Japan. Georgia’s 53% share of national production offers shipping engagement but heightens regional weather risk. Canada and Mexico supplement supply while expanding roasted and confectionery categories. South America shows the fastest multi-country expansion, led by Argentina’s dominance in raw-nut exports and Brazil’s projected record crop of 832,300 metric tons, up 40.6%. Córdoba’s cluster model integrates growers with crushers and port logistics, enhancing competitive landed costs. Chile remains a primary regional buyer, whereas Brazil bolsters domestic processing to serve snack and confectionery segments.