Market of dried fruits and edible nuts

The tradition of consuming dried fruits as healthy snacks is not something new. These fruits have the majority of their water content removed either naturally or artificially and are nutritious and have a longer shelf life. Today the consumption of dried fruits and edible nuts is widespread, with raisins, dates, and prunes making up most of the global sales.

What’s trending in dried fruits and edible nuts market?

• Drop in almond prices

Almond being the most consumed edible nut in the European and North American market has seen a gradual increase in its oversupply. As a result of mismatch between the demand and supply, almond prices have been gradually decreasing. Buyers in this market can grab hold of such opportunities by introducing new almond-based products.

• Preference for sultana over raisins in the chocolate industry

To contribute to the new product line and add variations in the flavor major suppliers such as Cadbury have replaced raisins with sultana. The other benefit of sultana is that it costs relatively lower than raisins. As a result, buyers are benefitting from a flexible supply of dried fruits to enhance their product line.

• Growing investments in packaging and processing machines

As consumers become brand conscious and international trade guidelines become strict regarding packaging, suppliers have to invest in packaging and processing machines. This sharp rise in demand can be attributed to the rise in exports to countries such as China, the US, and the Netherlands. Suppliers have been looking at packaging options including zip lock packaging, tray sealing, and laminated packaging.

• Development of high-yield peanut varieties

Peanut crops, in general, have a lifespan of about five months and require a vast amount of nutrients to grow. Buyers have to look out for high yield varieties to ensure a constant supply of dried fruits and edible nuts.