Between 2025 and 2035, the global market for nuts is expected to witness accelerated growth, increasing from USD 64,272.6 million to USD 104,693.3 million at a CAGR of 5.0%. This expansion is being propelled by the increasing consumer inclination toward nutrient-dense snacks, rising popularity of plant-based diets, and the elevated role of nuts in clean-label and functional food formulations.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Market Size (2025E) | USD 64,272.60 million |
| Projected Market Value (2035F) | USD 104,693.3 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.0% |
Almonds have secured their dominant role in the market due to their wide application range, from bakery and dairy alternatives to sports nutrition products. Meanwhile, food processors continue to integrate nuts into value-added offerings to meet evolving health and indulgence preferences.
The marketplace is witnessing transformation driven by multiple dynamics. Growth is being steered by heightened awareness around heart health, protein intake, and sustainable eating habits, placing nuts at the forefront of healthy snacking. However, supply chain complexities and fluctuating raw nut prices, due to weather impacts and geopolitical constraints, are acting as limiting factors.
Consumer trends reflect rising interest in plant-forward and keto-compatible products, with nuts providing a high-protein, low-carb base. Industry players are expanding portfolios with roasted, flavored, and coated variants while also exploring newer nut types and processing techniques to boost differentiation and shelf appeal.
Future expansion is expected to be sustained by the demand for high-quality ingredients in plant-based beverages, spreads, and confectionery applications. By 2025, the food processing sector is expected to account for over 43% of market share, and this trend will intensify by 2035 as manufacturers capitalize on the clean-label and functional food momentum.
The rise in popularity of vegan lifestyles, coupled with innovations in value-added nut-based ingredients, is expected to bolster long-term growth across both emerging and developed regions.
Premium retail formats are projected to account for 17.4% of total nuts market sales by 2025, rising steadily as consumer preference for branded, traceable, and origin-certified nut products grows. The segment has strategically shifted from conventional bulk sales toward packaged and branded SKUs with quality certifications such as Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA Organic.
The premiumization trend is particularly robust in North America and Western Europe, where nuts such as macadamia and pistachio are increasingly offered in exotic blends, flavor coatings, or nutrient-enhanced formulations. Retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market in the USA, and Waitrose in the UK, have expanded their premium nut offerings to cater to wellness-conscious shoppers.
Regulatory enforcement on allergen labeling and quality compliance, including directives under the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has supported the uptake of safer and higher-quality nut products. Meanwhile, brands like Sahale Snacks and Mavuno Harvest have aligned their portfolios to sustainability narratives, using ethically sourced and fairly traded nuts.
The segment’s continued growth is being catalyzed by innovations in resealable packaging, indulgent yet health-aligned flavor combinations, and limited-edition seasonal offerings, reinforcing consumer engagement and repeat purchases.
Functional ingredient applications of nuts in the nutraceutical sector are projected to constitute 9.6% of market revenue in 2025, with momentum expected to increase as clinical data supports nut-derived bioactives. Polyphenols, tocopherols, and omega-9 fatty acids extracted from nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts are increasingly being incorporated into functional supplements and medical nutrition formulations.
Companies such as Life Extension and Nordic Naturals have launched nut oil-based supplements targeting cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory benefits. Regulatory clarity from entities like the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Commission around qualified health claims has enabled the inclusion of nut components in EFSA-substantiated health-positioned products.
Functional formats such as encapsulated nut oils, nut protein concentrates, and fiber-rich nut powders are being developed for precise nutritional support across aging, metabolic, and cognitive health categories. The sector is also benefiting from B2B partnerships between nut processors and nutraceutical formulators focused on clean-label, minimally processed bioactive delivery systems. With increasing consumer interest in holistic wellness and preventive health, the integration of nut-derived ingredients in the nutraceutical space is poised to evolve from niche to mainstream.
Growing Demand for Premium Nuts
As per FMI analysis, consumers are looking more and more toward premium and specialty nuts as a result of high disposable incomes and changing preferences for taste. Tastes such as Macadamia, Brazil nuts, and flavored or coated almonds are being purchased more by consumers, particularly those in the urban areas seeking gourmand snacks. Exotic seasonings used in artisanal and small-batch roasted nuts, including truffle, matcha, and chili-lime, are now in vogue.
| Countries | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.7% |
| Germany | 4.1% |
| China | 3.0% |
| Spain | 5.0% |
| Italy | 5.5% |
The United States nut market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% during 2025 to 2035. Rising cafes and bakeries in the United States will drive the market in the United States. Nuts are integral ingredients in baked goods, desserts, and artisanal candies.
With health-conscious awareness in the American consumer's psyche, nut-based protein bars, energy snacks, and organic nut blends have grown in popularity. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are now becoming staple items for everyday consumption as the western world turns more and more toward plant-based diets and alternative sources of protein.
Growth in mergers and acquisitions, the expected way since 4.1% CAGR would prevail from 2025 to 2035. Companies in Germany pick up as many start-ups possible to upgrade their stakes in this premium nut market. Organics and special products like Naughty Nuts, also acquired by Bulgarian Smart Organic look for acquiring and merging.
Recently, almonds, cashews, and walnuts have been a part of functional foods and dietary supplements, therefore high demand has been observed in the market. Higher recognition regarding health benefits for cardiovascular and cognitive stature boosts up the sale of nuts in Germany.
China is anticipated to experience CAGR of 3.0% during the period of 2025 to 2035 for the nuts market. Demand is expected to surge for macadamia nuts. The nut, which is highly healthy and easy to consume as a snack, is increasing market size.
Consumer integration of nuts into their diet is rising since the richness of nuts with proteins, fiber, and healthy fats has increased the demand for it. Its usage in bakery and confectionery products is also increasing, particularly in premium desserts and festive sweets. Nut-based packaged snacks such as trail mixes and nut bars are growing fast in China owing to the busy urban lifestyle.
The market in Spain is likely to grow at a 5.0% CAGR between 2025 and 2035, primarily driven by the tremendous growth in the production of almonds in the country. The country is adding very high areas to almond cultivation and is likely to add more than 16,000 new hectares to the market.
Organic nuts, especially almonds and hazelnuts, are sought after by health-conscious consumers. This includes an increase in nuts use within the bakery, confectionery, and dairy industries, which positively impact sales in Spain. Other positive factors driving the market are plant-based diets and natural protein sources preferences.
The market is expected to be growing at 5.5% CAGR in the years between 2025 and 2035 based on the growth of health benefit awareness. One of the principal consumers of Italy is hazelnuts and almonds, whose consumption has increased incrementally over time. Recently, the demand for protein bars and nut-based snack foods has risen as a more healthy substitute compared to the common snack foods.
While functional food manufacturers are opting for nuts as part of their product lines, they would also attract health-conscious consumers. Italian confectionery is increasingly using nuts in chocolate and dessert preparations, which will help in increasing the market size.
The nut market in India is expected to grow between 2025 and 2035 with the rise in consumption of nut-based sweets and snacks.. Demand for nut-enriched protein bars and energy snacks increases among the fit enthusiasts and professionals. Festivals are now being complemented with almond, cashew, and pistachio-sweet confections.
Companies are launching innovation nut-based products in the categories of confectionery that adapts changing demands of the market. For example, Kookie Jar launched a caramelized nuts and honey-flavored Diwali special dessert in November 2023, which reflects an increased use of nuts in the food culture in India.
The global nut industry is dominated by a few of the players that have significant ownership positions across the majority of the production, processing, and distribution chain. Nuts are grown worldwide; however, because Tier 1 companies hold supply chains in which they vertically integrate, because of proprietary breeding practices, and have large retail relationships, these Tier 1 players have significant sway.
The concentration of the almond industry is mostly in California. Firms, for example, Blue Diamond Growers, take center stage processing and exporting it. Advanced agriculture techniques, rigid quality control mechanisms, and the largest global network of distribution establish standards for an industry like the firms of Blue Diamond. Analogous to that, large-scale corporations controlling the pistachio industry have their grip on supplies with vertically integrated operations from growing to retail packaging.
Cashews are mainly produced in Vietnam, India, and Africa, relying on a few major processors for shelling and refining to maintain quality and adhere to international standards. Hazelnuts, which are mainly grown in Turkey, are also largely controlled by a few processing firms that have supply contracts with the large multinational food and confectionery companies for long-term supply.
Strategic investments in research and development enable Tier 1 companies to increase productivity, manage climate risks, and develop new varietals that are optimized for higher yields and pest resistance. Advanced logistics further solidifies the position of industry leaders through temperature-controlled storage and just-in-time shipping to ensure consistent supply to major retailers.
The market is highly competitive in 2024, where key players, such as Mondelez International and Olam Group, innovated their portfolios. In this regard, Mondelez introduced new flavors and healthier options to meet the growing demand for snacks that match consumer health trends, while Olam Group emphasized organic and sustainably sourced almonds, responding to the rising preference of consumers for ethical products.
Companies such as Hormel Foods and Kraft Heinz also made strategic moves. For instance, Hormel acquired a local almond-based snack brand for enhancing its presence in the marketplace, while Kraft Heinz tied up with a health-focused startup to develop nut spreads based on plants. Sustainability has become one of the primary differentiators of the industry with Diamond Foods in the lead; it invested significantly in eco-friendly packaging and brought down its carbon footprint.
Treehouse Foods also got an edge in competition by sourcing nuts through regenerative agricultural practices, which appeals to the environmentally conscious consumer.
Major Developments
BSS crossed the USD 1 billion mark in sales for the first time in its history during fiscal year 2024. Net sales grew 6.7% to USD 1.07 billion. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, net sales grew 18.0% to USD 276.2 million.
The nuts market is expected to grow at 5.0% CAGR during the study period.
The factor is rising demand for premium nuts.
Peanut is being widely bought in the country owing to its rising demand among consumers who are willing to pay more for premium products.
Prominent players include Diamond Foods, Inc., Mariani Nut Company, and others.
Nuts Market
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