A mixed bag: Global almond crop is down as premium crops take a hit, peanut production peaks

24 Nov 2021 --- Global peanut production is expected to amount to 50.5 million metric tons for the 2022 financial year, up 2% from 2021, according to the newly released Global Statistical Review of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) for tree nuts, peanuts and dried fruits.

Larger crops are expected for Nicaragua (14%), Brazil (9%), Nigeria (8%), China (4%), the US (2%) and India (1%).

Tree nut and dried fruit productions amount to 5 million and 3.2 million metric tons, respectively.

With the Northern Hemisphere harvest completed, global tree nut production for the season is forecast at 5 million metric tons, on a kernel basis, down by 8%. 

Despite the decreased volume forecast of tree nuts, production has grown 54% in the last decade and volumes are still up from 2019.

A good “off year”
Global almond production is down with the US expecting a shorter crop.

Cashew, hazelnut and macadamia crops end up between 3% and 7% up from last season. At the same time, the most significant increment is observed for pine nuts, mainly due to larger crops in China and Russia.

Macadamias are important in the production of alternative dairy. Earlier this year, the World Macadamia Organisation (WMO) officially launched in Singapore to drive greater consumer demand for macadamia nuts. The independent not-for-profit sees opportunities for macadamias in the alternative dairy category.Peanut production is up 2% from last season.

Top pistachio producing countries US, Iran and Turkey are experiencing good “off years.” The total crop is forecasted to be lower than last season. 

Global walnut production is slightly below last year’s levels as China expects an average crop and California a shorter crop following the previous year’s record. 

A smaller crop of Brazil nuts is also anticipated.

 Impacts of logistics and COVID-19
This season, the global shipment and logistics disruptions created delays and short-term supply shortages, making it challenging to monitor the situation.

However, despite COVID-19-related disruptions, overall demand remained strong, with most tree nut exports showing increments compared to the prior season and even hitting record international shipments. 

World production of dried fruit is forecasted at around 3 million metric tons, up 6%. Production is expected to increase significantly for prunes and dates and mildly for dried grapes and dried cranberries. 

Prune production is expected to recover in the US and Serbia as well as Chile and Argentina. Date production is expected to grow in all origins due to expanding new plantations in North Africa and the Middle East.

Nuts enable the supplementation of dietary requirements in formats designed for convenient consumption. In addition, the early introduction of nuts in children’s diets has been found to help prevent future allergies.

Edited by Inga de Jong

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