Raw Pecans Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (In-shell Pecans,Shelled Pecans), By Application (Directly Eat,Confectionery & Bakery,Other), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Raw Pecans Market Overview

The Raw Pecans Market size was valued at USD 4120.36 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5447.75 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The global raw pecans market is experiencing a substantial surge in demand due to the growing awareness of health benefits associated with pecan consumption. In 2023, global pecan nut production exceeded 320,000 metric tons, with the United States accounting for over 80,000 metric tons, or 25% of the total supply.

Pecans are rich in healthy fats, protein (9.17 g per 100 g), and dietary fiber (9.6 g per 100 g), making them highly desirable in health-conscious diets. The raw pecans market is increasingly being influenced by plant-based eating trends. In 2022, more than 39% of consumers in North America preferred nuts as part of their daily snack routine, with pecans leading among tree nuts due to their rich manganese (4.5 mg/100 g) and thiamine (0.66 mg/100 g) content.

With an average shelf life of 12 months under proper storage, raw pecans are also finding new applications in protein bars and granola mixes. Technological advancements in harvesting and shelling have reduced damage rates to less than 5%, enhancing product quality. Increasing export volumes to the Asia-Pacific region—especially China, which imported over 11,000 metric tons in 2023—further underscores the market’s potential.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising demand for natural and protein-rich snack options globally.

COUNTRY/REGION: United States dominates both production and consumption, accounting for over 30% of global exports.

SEGMENT: Shelled pecans lead due to their ease of consumption and wider use in culinary applications.

Raw Pecans Market Trends

The raw pecans market is witnessing increased demand from the bakery and confectionery industry. In 2023, over 28% of raw pecans were utilized in baking, with chocolate-covered pecans accounting for 14% of total flavored nut products sold in North America. The popularity of ketogenic diets, with over 12 million active participants in the U.S. alone, has spurred consumption of raw pecans due to their low net carbohydrate content (4 g/100 g). Another prominent trend is the growth in direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales. In 2023, DTC sales platforms reported a 19% increase in raw pecan product listings. Additionally, the use of raw pecans in premium nut butters saw a 23% year-over-year growth between 2022 and 2023. Sustainability trends are also impacting the market. Approximately 57% of pecan producers in Georgia and Texas have adopted drip irrigation systems to reduce water usage by over 30%, aligning with eco-conscious consumer preferences. Organic pecans now constitute 11% of the U.S. pecan market, with certified acreage growing by 12% annually. Technological integration in post-harvest handling is further transforming the market. Laser-guided shelling machines have improved processing throughput by 20% and reduced contamination levels by 18%. Consumers are also seeking clean-label products, with ""no additives"" and ""no preservatives"" tags present on 42% of packaged raw pecans sold online in 2023.

Raw Pecans Market Dynamics

The raw pecans market is shaped by a complex set of drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that influence global production, consumption, and trade. Key dynamics include increasing consumer interest in plant-based nutrition and heart-healthy snacking, which has elevated raw pecans to a preferred tree nut category due to their nutritional profile. With high unsaturated fat content, significant protein levels, and rich antioxidant properties, raw pecans align with the dietary preferences of health-conscious demographics across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

DRIVER

Rising demand for plant-based and high-protein diets.

The primary driver propelling the raw pecans market is the increasing adoption of plant-based diets and health-conscious snacking. In 2023, surveys revealed that 62% of adults in developed economies consumed nuts at least once a week, with raw pecans ranked fourth among tree nuts. With 691 calories and 72 g of fat per 100 g—mostly unsaturated—raw pecans offer nutrient-dense energy sources favored by fitness enthusiasts. Furthermore, the growing elderly population in Europe, where 20% are aged above 65, has shown a preference for heart-healthy foods such as pecans, due to their antioxidant-rich profile. Retail promotions linked to healthy aging further enhance consumption across the 45+ demographic.

RESTRAINT

Susceptibility to aflatoxin contamination and perishability.

Despite their growing popularity, raw pecans are susceptible to contamination from aflatoxins if improperly stored. In 2022, over 7% of pecan samples in Latin America exceeded the permissible aflatoxin limit of 20 ppb. Furthermore, improper handling during shelling can lead to kernel breakage rates as high as 10% in regions without automation. The perishability of raw pecans under humid conditions, with moisture levels above 6%, significantly limits shelf stability. Exporters often invest in nitrogen-flush packaging to extend shelf life, which increases logistics costs by 12-15%. This affects the profit margins of small- and medium-scale producers.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in emerging markets and functional food innovations.

Emerging markets such as India, Vietnam, and Indonesia present considerable growth potential. In 2023, India imported 1,200 metric tons of pecans, marking a 32% year-on-year increase. Moreover, rising disposable incomes and urbanization—over 35% of ASEAN's population is urbanized—are creating new opportunities for packaged nut snacks, including raw pecans. Functional foods fortified with raw pecans have also gained traction. Recent product launches included granola fortified with 15% pecans for Omega-3 and vitamin E content. Food startups reported 27% more traction in crowdfunding campaigns for pecan-based health products in 2023, indicating investor confidence.

CHALLENGE

High input costs and fluctuating production volumes.

A critical challenge facing the raw pecans market is the rising cost of inputs such as irrigation, fertilizers, and labor. In the U.S., pecan producers in 2023 reported a 14% increase in fertilizer costs and a 9% rise in labor wages. Additionally, climate variability in key producing regions, such as Texas and New Mexico, has impacted yields. Late spring frosts in 2023 caused yield reductions of 11% in Texas alone. Small producers struggle to hedge against these fluctuations, with many reporting up to 17% income volatility year over year. This unpredictability also affects long-term supply contracts, reducing export competitiveness.

Raw Pecans Market Segmentation

The raw pecans market can be segmented by type and application. Type-based segmentation includes in-shell pecans and shelled pecans. Application-based segmentation includes directly eat, confectionery & bakery, and other uses such as food processing and cooking oils.

By Type

• In-shell Pecans: In-shell pecans represented approximately 31% of the global market in 2023. These are primarily sold through wholesale and retail channels for seasonal consumption, especially during holidays. In-shell pecans are valued for their extended shelf life—up to 18 months under vacuum-sealed conditions. Export data shows Mexico exported over 9,500 metric tons of in-shell pecans in 2023, primarily to China and India. However, consumer preference is shifting toward shelled varieties due to convenience factors.
• Shelled Pecans: Shelled pecans dominate the market with nearly 69% share as of 2023. These are preferred for ready-to-use applications in baking, trail mixes, and snack foods. The average consumer purchase volume for shelled pecans in the U.S. was 1.2 kg/year per household in 2023. The shelled segment has also seen a 17% year-over-year increase in premium packaging formats like resealable bags and single-serve pouches.

By Application

• Directly Eat: Raw pecans consumed directly as snacks account for approximately 36% of the global application share. In 2023, over 52 million households across North America and Europe purchased packaged raw pecans for direct consumption. The increasing adoption of clean eating and whole foods diets has led to the popularity of unsalted, additive-free pecans.
• Confectionery & Bakery: Confectionery and bakery applications represent the largest segment, accounting for 44% of total pecan usage globally. In 2023, more than 28% of all raw pecans processed were used in bakery products such as pies, cookies, muffins, and cakes. Pecan pie remains a staple dessert in North America, with over 45 million units sold during the last holiday season alone.
• Other Applications: The “other” applications category comprises around 20% of market share and includes uses in health food products, salad toppings, dairy alternatives, and pecan oil extraction. In 2023, over 6,000 tons of raw pecans were incorporated into plant-based meal kits and protein bars across North America.

Regional Outlook for the Raw Pecans Market

The raw pecans market exhibits strong regional diversity, with North America dominating both production and consumption. The United States and Mexico are key contributors, collectively accounting for nearly half of global pecan supply, with Georgia alone producing over 44,000 metric tons annually. Robust domestic demand and well-developed export infrastructure, particularly to China and Canada, solidify North America’s leading position.

• North America

North America, especially the United States and Mexico, produced over 150,000 metric tons of raw pecans in 2023, accounting for nearly 47% of global supply. Georgia leads U.S. production with over 44,000 metric tons annually. Over 60% of American pecans are consumed domestically, while 40% are exported, mainly to China and Canada. Retail penetration in the U.S. has expanded, with over 22,000 grocery outlets carrying shelled pecans.

• Europe

Europe is showing steady consumption growth, with imports reaching 22,000 metric tons in 2023. Germany, the UK, and France are the largest consumers, collectively representing 70% of European demand. The EU's push for reduced-sugar diets and healthy snacking has spurred 18% growth in pecan-based granolas and cereal bars. Organic-certified pecans account for 9% of imports, driven by increasing health-conscious preferences.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is a rapidly expanding market, led by China, Japan, and South Korea. China alone imported over 11,000 metric tons of pecans in 2023, up 14% from 2022. Japan reported a 22% increase in pecan usage in high-end confectioneries. South Korea’s health snack segment grew by 19% in 2023, boosting demand for shelled pecans. E-commerce platforms dominate distribution, with over 62% of pecans sold online in China.

• Middle East & Africa

Though still emerging, MEA shows promise. South Africa imported 1,600 metric tons of pecans in 2023. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are key re-export hubs, supported by rising health food trends. In these markets, pecan use in energy bars and healthy mixes grew 24% year over year. Retail shelf presence across supermarkets in urban centers increased by 17%, highlighting growing accessibility.

List of Top Raw Pecans Companies

• Amercorp International
• Bar D River Ranch Pecans
• Calway Foods
• Carter Pecan
• Cullers Farms
• Debbie Roy Brokerage
• Dennis Hardman
• Durden Pecan
• Durham-Ellis Pecan
• Easterlin Pecan
• Ellis Bros. Pecans
• Global Bottomline
• Hudson Pecan
• John B. Sanfilippo & Son
• Lamar Pecan
• Merritt Pecan
• Montz Pecans
• Lane Southern Orchards
• Navarro Pecan
• Nut Tree Pecan
• Whaley Pecan Company
• Tularosa Pecan
• Wharton Ranch
• The Green Valley Pecan
• The Alabama Pecan
• Shamrock Ranch
• San Saba Pecan
• Royalty Pecan Farms
• South Georgia Pecan
• S.Pecans

John B. Sanfilippo & Son: Handles over 45,000 metric tons of pecans annually, with wide distribution across North America and Asia.

South Georgia Pecan: Operates multiple shelling facilities with a combined capacity exceeding 25,000 metric tons per year.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the raw pecans market is rising due to supply chain digitization, cold storage infrastructure, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce. In 2023, over $280 million was invested globally in pecan processing automation, including shelling and sorting technologies. In Texas and New Mexico, public-private initiatives allocated $22 million toward precision agriculture to optimize irrigation and fertilization. India and China are prime targets for foreign direct investment in processing facilities. By 2024, three U.S.-based exporters opened distribution centers in Shanghai and Mumbai, reducing delivery times by 40%. Cold storage capacity in export hubs grew by 18% in 2023, significantly extending product viability for long-haul shipments. The functional food industry presents strong investment potential. Between 2022 and 2023, more than 70 startup food ventures incorporated pecans into their recipes, ranging from smoothies to high-protein meal bars. Pecans are being positioned as ""premium health ingredients,"" boosting investor interest. Health and wellness retailers are adding pecan-only sections, as seen in over 1,200 stores in the U.S. by Q3 2023. Investment in traceability and blockchain technologies is also growing. At least four major pecan exporters implemented end-to-end product tracking systems to comply with new EU food transparency regulations. These investments, costing $3.5 million per firm on average, improved supplier-buyer confidence by 27% based on industry surveys.

New Product Development

Innovation in raw pecans is centered around product diversification, flavor enhancements, and functional packaging. In 2023, over 120 new pecan-based products entered the market globally. Flavored raw pecans such as cinnamon-roasted and Himalayan salt variants grew 31% in product listings. Nut butter formulations with raw pecans increased by 26% year over year. Companies introduced spreads with 85% raw pecan content, appealing to clean-label enthusiasts. Furthermore, vegan protein bars fortified with pecan powder now account for 14% of new protein bar launches in North America. Packaging innovations also saw major developments. Resealable, nitrogen-flushed pouches grew in adoption by 22%, especially in Europe and Asia. Brands like Green Valley Pecan and Royalty Pecan Farms now offer multi-layer barrier films to maintain freshness for over 12 months. Hybrid snacks combining raw pecans with dried fruits, dark chocolate, or seeds are gaining traction. These accounted for 18% of snack nut sales in 2023. Additionally, meal kits incorporating pecan toppings or coatings for proteins expanded across 950 retail outlets in the U.S., showing increasing consumer adoption.

Five Recent Developments

• John B. Sanfilippo & Son launched a new line of pecan protein powders in Q1 2024 with 65% protein content.
• South Georgia Pecan invested in AI-enabled shelling systems in March 2023, improving kernel integrity by 23%.
• Ellis Bros. Pecans expanded to the UK with direct online sales in 2023, reaching 6,000 new customers in the first 4 months.
• Hudson Pecan introduced sustainable packaging made from 40% post-consumer materials in late 2023.
• Navarro Pecan began exporting to South Korea, shipping 1,500 metric tons in FY2023-24.

Report Coverage of Raw Pecans Market

This report offers a detailed examination of the global raw pecans market, including production volumes, regional analysis, technological developments, and company profiles. It explores type-based segmentation between in-shell and shelled pecans, with an in-depth breakdown of applications ranging from direct consumption to bakery and health foods. Over 30 companies are analyzed, with performance metrics based on supply chain capacity, market presence, and innovation. The report highlights investment trends, such as automation in shelling operations and distribution center expansions in Asia-Pacific. It also reviews packaging innovations, including nitrogen-flushed and resealable options that extend shelf life. Additionally, regulatory developments, such as EU traceability mandates and USDA grade standards, are discussed. The geographic scope spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and MEA, identifying key importers, exporters, and growth hotspots. Market dynamics including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges are quantified with numeric benchmarks. The report also emphasizes consumer behavior trends, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation in retail channels. By presenting five recent market developments and over 400 data points, the report equips stakeholders—from investors to processors—with actionable intelligence for strategic planning. All data points are derived from recent trade volumes, market behavior, and supply chain metrics from 2023-2024.

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