BARCELONA, Spain, December 14, 2016 (PRNewswire) — World tree nut production forecast for 2016/17 is expected to reach 4.02 million MT, representing a 5.77% crop growth. These data refer to figures on a kernel basis, except for pistachios, which are in-shell basis. Pistachios appear to be the crop which will experience the biggest increment this season, by 34%, up to 703,700 MT.
World peanut production has been forecast at 41.26 million MT, up 1.83% from the 2015/16 season (in-shell basis). World production excluding crushing for oil is expected to account for approximately 24 million MT.
The estimated world production of dried fruit in 2015/16 reached more than 2.7 million MT. A 4.41% production growth has been forecasted for the 2016/17 season, up to 2.9 MT. In relative terms, dried apricots and sweetened dried cranberries are expected to register the greatest growth (12% each).
The top three producers of tree nuts and dried fruits are the US, Turkey and China. As California, the world's leading almond producer, faced fourth consecutive years of historic drought, superior economics of almonds attracted new plantings. Regarding China, currently leading walnut production along with the US, crop forecasts are very promising for the coming years, given the introduction of premium high yielding varieties. With reference to Turkey, in 2016/17 the hazelnut total supply is forecast at 317,500 MT, accounting for 70% of world supply.
World Nut and Dried Fruit
Production 2016/17 Forecast (MT)
Almonds 1,170,013
Walnuts 847,559
Pistachios 703,700
Cashews 694,600
Hazelnuts 387,590
Pecans 121,397
Macadamias 44,511
Brazil Nuts 26,800
Pine Nuts 22,550
Tree Nuts[1] 4,018,720
Peanuts[2] 24,000,000
Raisins, Sultanas & Currants 1,342,000
Table Dates 882,000
Prunes 184,200
Dried Cranberries[3] 184,000
Dried Apricots 169,450
Dried Figs 139,500
Dried Fruits 2,901,150
[1]Kernel basis, except pistachios which are in-shell basis.
[2]In-shell basis. Peanuts crushed for oil production not included.
[3]Sweetened dried cranberries. Data available from 2013 onwards.
Source: INC International Nut and Dried Fruit Council.
About the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council
INC members include more than 700 nut and dried fruit sector companies from over 70 countries. INC is the leading international organization regarding nuts and dried fruit health, nutrition, statistics, food safety, international standards, and regulations.