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Nuts & dried fruits to play key role in shaping global food culture
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Monday, 15 December, 2025, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Dr K Anitha
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Market in the midst of rapid expansion
The global nuts and dried fruits market has been undergoing a remarkable transformation over the last few years, driven by changing dietary habits, rising health awareness, and the expansion of the snack foods sector. With consumers increasingly seeking nutrient-dense foods that support wellness-oriented lifestyles, nuts and dried fruits have transitioned from traditional pantry staples to premium daily snacking choices.
Industry assessments between 2023 and 2025 indicate that the global market value for nuts and dried fruits collectively surpassed US$50–55 billion, with projections showing steady growth at 5–7% CAGR over the next five years. This surge is supported by the booming demand for plant-based proteins, clean-label ingredients, and multipurpose food products that integrate seamlessly into both home cooking and food service innovations.
Rising Health Consciousness and Functional Nutrition
A primary force behind the market’s expansion is the global shift toward healthier lifestyles. Consumers across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and emerging markets are increasingly aware of the role nuts and dried fruits play in cardio metabolic health, digestive wellness, immunity, and sustainable nutrition. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, raisins, dates, figs, and cranberries have become widely recognised for their nutrient-rich profiles, with market surveys indicating that more than 60% of health-conscious buyers select nuts and dried fruits as part of their daily diet. The functional food trend, which emphasises natural antioxidants, dietary fibre, heart healthy fats, and plant-based protein, has significantly boosted the demand for these products. Almonds and walnuts, for instance, are popular for their omega-3 and vitamin E content, while dates and raisins are now valued for natural sweetness that reduces dependence on refined sugar in cooking. The result is a broad consumer base that includes fitness enthusiasts, aging adults focusing on preventive health, and young urban populations seeking nutrient-dense snacks.
Premiumisation and the Shift toward High Quality, Natural Products
The market has witnessed a strong movement toward premium and high-grade nuts and dried fruits. As consumers become more discerning, demand has shifted toward products with transparent sourcing, minimal processing, and certifications such as organic, non-GMO, fair trade, and pesticide free. The premium segment has recorded faster growth rates nearly 8–10% annually in some regions compared to the standard commodity segment. High value products like macadamia nuts, pine nuts, Medjool dates, saffron infused dried fruits, and freeze-dried berries are gaining traction among affluent buyers and gourmet food brands. Retail formats such as resealable pouches, nitrogen flushed packs, and airtight containers offer enhanced freshness, convenience, and shelf stability, aligning with premium positioning. Companies are also focusing on origin-specific branding such as California almonds, Turkish apricots, Iranian pistachios, or Afghan figs to create exclusivity and enhance consumer trust.
Growth of Plant Based Eating and Natural Protein Alternatives
Another powerful trend shaping the market is the growing popularity of plant-based diets. As individuals reduce their consumption of animal-derived products, nuts have emerged as valuable sources of natural protein and healthy fats. The plant-protein sector alone is expected to reach US$40–50 billion by 2030, and nuts are positioned as an integral component of this growth. Cashews, peanuts, and almonds are among the top contributors to plant-based protein snacks, forming the base for nut butters, dairy alternatives, protein bars, and ready to eat mixes. Meanwhile, dried fruits serve as natural sweeteners and fibre sources in vegan baking, energy balls, smoothies, and plant-based desserts. This integration across diverse product categories has strengthened the relevance of nuts and dried fruits within mainstream food innovation.
Innovation in snack foods and value-added product development
The snacking industry has been expanding rapidly, with global consumption patterns indicating a major shift from traditional meals to frequent smaller snacks throughout the day. Nuts and dried fruits have become a cornerstone of this “snackification” trend. Market reports reveal that ready-to-eat nut mixes, trail mixes, and seasoned nuts, energy bites, and infused dried fruits are among the fastest growing product lines, especially in North America and Asia Pacific. Manufacturers are experimenting with bold flavours, including chili-lime almonds, honey-roasted pistachios, smoked pecans, saffron-dusted cashews, and chocolate-coated dried fruits. Freeze-drying technology has also strengthened the dried fruit sector, enabling lightweight, crisp, nutrient-preserving snacks that appeal to both children and adults. The value-added segment encompassing flavoured, roasted, coated, and functional blends has recorded double-digit annual growth in several countries due to its convenience and novelty factor.
E-commerce and direct-to-consumer platforms redefining access
The rise of digital commerce has dramatically changed how consumers purchase nuts and dried fruits. Online channels witnessed a sharp rise in sales during the pandemic, and this momentum has continued into 2024–2025. E-commerce platforms now account for nearly 20–25% of the total retail sales in some developed markets, with subscription boxes, bulk online orders, and direct-from-farm deliveries becoming increasingly common. Digital platforms give consumers access to a wider range of premium and exotic products that may not be available in local retail stores. Transparent sourcing information, user reviews, nutritional breakdowns, and customisable mixes have enhanced consumer confidence and purchasing convenience. Small and mid-sized producers have benefited immensely from this shift, as digital marketplaces allow them to compete with major brands by highlighting unique varieties, organic options, and artisanal products.
Regional market dynamics: Growth patterns across continents
North America remains one of the largest markets for nuts and dried fruits, driven by strong demand for healthy snacks, protein-rich diets, and functional foods. The United States leads in almond consumption, while walnuts and pecans continue to grow in popularity. The region also shows significant uptake in flavoured and gourmet nut offerings. Europe’s market is shaped by increasing demand for organic, sustainable, and premium products. Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands are major consumers, especially of raisins, apricots, and mixed nuts used in breakfast cereals and confectionery products. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, supported by rising incomes, urbanisation, and traditional use of dried fruits in festive seasons, sweets, and baked goods. China and India are dominant consumers of cashews, pistachios, and dates, while Japan and South Korea lead in demand for premium and snack-sized nut products. Middle Eastern countries contribute significantly to global date production and consumption. Nuts and dried fruits are integral to the region’s cuisine, gifting culture, and health-conscious lifestyle trends. Africa continues to expand its cashew production capacity, offering new opportunities for export growth.
Supply chain challenges and price volatility
Despite sustained growth, the industry faces notable challenges. Climate change has disrupted production patterns in key producing regions such as California (almonds and walnuts), Iran (pistachios), and Turkey (hazelnuts and apricots). Water scarcity, extreme weather events, and fluctuating crop yields contribute to price volatility. Transportation costs, labour shortages, and geopolitical tensions have also influenced import–export dynamics. These factors have pushed manufacturers and buyers to diversify sourcing regions, adopt climate-resilient farming practices, and invest in advanced storage and processing technologies. This integration has expanded the market’s reach beyond traditional consumers, attracting younger demographics and food-service companies. This diversification of applications has strengthened demand consistency throughout the year.
Future Outlook: Market set for continued growth
Looking ahead, the nuts and dried fruits market is projected to maintain strong momentum with expectations of reaching US$70–80 billion by 2030, driven by premiumisation, food innovation, and sustained health focused consumption. As consumer preferences continue to shift toward sustainable, nutrient-rich, and convenient foods, the industry is well positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Future trends are likely to include personalised nut mixes, fortified dried fruits, low-sugar innovations, climate resilient crop varieties, and AI-driven supply-chain management. With the convergence of wellness, sustainability, and technology, nuts and dried fruits will continue to play a central role in shaping global food culture.
(The author is assistant professor, Department of Pharmacology,
School of Pharmacy and Technology Management (SPTM),
SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-be-University, Shirpur)
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