Almonds Lead Increase in Tree Nut Consumption
Jean C. Buzby
Susan L. Pollack
Americans increased their consumption of
tree nuts by 45 percent between the mid-1990s and
mid-2000s, with almonds being among the favorites.
Promotional programs that advertise the nutritional
value of nuts, including beneficial levels of vitamin
E and omega fatty acids, have likely contributed
to the upswing in per capita nut consumption. The
trend toward healthier eating has also played a
role, along with the increasing popularity of Mediterranean
and Middle Eastern foods that contain nuts. Strong
domestic and international demand for U.S.-grown
tree nuts has helped keep prices up despite increased
production.
The ERS food availability data
provide estimates of the food available for consumption
and are a proxy for consumption, particularly for
understanding trends over time. During 2001-06,
nut availability was sufficient to provide each
American with an average of 1 pound of almonds per
year, 1 pound of “other nuts,” a half
pound each of walnuts and pecans, a third of a pound
of hazelnuts, and a fifth of a pound of pistachios.
“Other nuts” are those that are primarily
imported rather than domestically produced and include
cashews, brazil nuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, and
many nut mixes. Cashews make up the largest share
of this category. Actual nut consumption is likely
higher because nuts in imported foods are not reported
in the availability data.
While nut consumption has generally
trended upward since 1995, the annual data for tree
nuts show spikes and deep valleys largely because
of production cycles. Nut trees are alternate bearing,
meaning that they produce a large crop one year
followed by a much smaller one the next year as
the trees replenish their nutrients. Generally,
the cycles bring big swings in crop size. Producers
have learned to moderate some of these swings in
crop size by increasing planted acreage and yields
through improved production and management technologies.
To compensate for off-year production, nut companies
and major users, such as confectioners and ice cream
manufacturers, build inventories during peak bearing
years to try to maintain a steady annual supply.
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