Market Trends of United States Nuts Industry
Surge in Demand For Healthy Snacking
The increasing demand for functional, better-for-you snack mixes or trail mixes, with an emphasis on those offering a clean label, protein, and all-natural ingredients, is one of the major factors driving the growth of the nuts market in the country. The per capita consumption of nuts has been increasing at a steady pace, owing to increasing consumer indulgence in healthy snacking. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, during the period 2020/21 the per capita consumption of pistachios (shelled) in the United States was 0.6 pounds which were higher than the consumption during the previous year which was 0.48 pounds in 2019/20. Moreover, a national shift away from traditional sources of protein, like red meat, has made the protein-packed nut an increasingly popular foodstuff among American consumers. The country's self-sufficiency in nut production and its wide availability across both on-trade and off-trade distribution channels, make it easily accessible to consumers.
Apart from healthy snacking, the plant-based diet followed by the ongoing trend of veganism is actively supporting the market's growth and will continue to do so during the forecast period as well. Also, the clean-label trend and availability of nut mixes, and seasoned nuts with clean-label claims such as organic, better-for-you, and others are further accelerating the growth of the market studied. Furthermore, as American consumers crave a multi-sensory experience and seek adventurous flavors, bold blends, and interesting textures in nut mixes, an increasing number of manufacturers, such as Blue Diamond Growers, existing in the market are actively expanding their product offerings to cater to the consumers demand nutritious yet flavorful on-to go snacking options. With a naturally subtle flavor and various versatile forms, almonds support continued innovation in the snack mix category.
Wide Application and Functionality
The diverse applications of tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, cashew, pistachio, and others, ranging from an ingredient in food and beverage products to wholesome snacks and increased awareness about its benefits among American consumers, have played a significant role in accelerating its growth. As high-protein products enter the mainstream, the focus is more on the source of protein such factors are expected to drive the market during the forecast period.
Moreover, government agencies recognize peanuts as one of the ready-to-use therapeutic foods. The market players are trying to incorporate some superfoods into it to create value for the product. As the consumers in the market are reprioritizing their value for money, the demand for almond-based snack mixes is increasing, as they are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In addition, they act as a great source of proteins, fibers, and healthy fats, while having low amounts of sugar. The high protein and fiber diet is one of the ongoing trends in the country. According to Progressive Grocer, in 2021 the sales value of snack nuts in the United States was USD 4.6 billion and the sales value of baking nuts was USD 1.1 billion. In addition, sourcing sustainable ingredients, developing sustainable packaging, and traceability are the most determining factors in this market. Thus, resulted clean-labeled in the emergence of organic and clean-labeled packaged nuts offered by manufacturers, such as Tierra Farm Certified Organic in the marketplace for both cooking and snacking.
