Top Peanut (Groundnut)-Consuming Countries (2024)

Top Peanut (Groundnut)-Consuming Countries (1)

The peanut, sometimes known as groundnut, can be classified as a grain legume or oil crop because of its high oil content. The nut is commonly grown in the tropics and sub-tropic regions and is important for both large and small commercial producers. The global peanut production has increased by an average of 20% in the last 10 years. In 2017/2018, 45.3 million metric tons were produced, up from 43.1 million metric tons the previous season, translating to a 5% increase. The top peanut producers in the world include China, India, the US, Nigeria, and Senegal. This article focuses on the top peanut consumers in the world and their consumption patterns.

Top Peanut Consuming Countries

1. China

China is not only the leading producer of peanuts but also the top consuming country. In 2017/2018, it produced approximately 18.5 million metric tons of the nuts or 41% of the total world’s production and exported about 7%, consuming the rest. In 2016, the country consumed 17.3 million metric tons, translating to a consumption per capita of 12.11 kg against an estimated 13.45 kg. The highest consumption in five years was recorded during 2016, having recorded a relatively flat consumption pattern previously. To meet the high demand for peanuts, China 170,012 metric tons of shelled nuts in 2016.

2. India

India is the second-largest peanut consuming country after China. It is also the second-largest producer and the top exporter of the nuts. India has recorded a fluctuating consumption level over the five year period beginning in 2012. In 2016, the country consumed 5.6 million metric tons of groundnuts, up from 4.0 million metric tons the previous year. India relies on local production to meet the high demand and is not among the top importers of peanuts. In 2016, the country exported over 600,000 metric tons of the nuts or 29% of the total word’s export.

3. Nigeria

Nigeria accounts for approximately 7% of the world’s peanut production, same as the US. Most of the nuts produced in the country are consumed locally. Nigeria was the third largest groundnut consumer in 2016, having consumed approximately 3 million metric tons. The consumption level has generally been flat over the last four years with insignificant variation.

4. United States

The US and Nigeria each account for 7% of the world’s peanut production. However, the US consumes slightly fewer peanuts compared to Nigeria. In 2016, 2.3 million metric tons of groundnut was consumed in the country down from 2.6 million metric tons the previous year. The US is one of the largest peanut exporters in the world, accounting for 18% of the world’s export in 2016. It exports mainly to the European Union and part of the Asian continent.

Importance of Peanuts

Peanuts are considered the 13th most important food crop in the world and the 4th most important source of edible oil. It is also an important source of vegetable protein. Although they are small in size, peanuts play vital and important nutritional role and have amazing health benefits. Groundnuts contain vitamin B3 that boosts memory and manganese which is vital in aiding blood sugar regulation.

Top Peanut (Groundnut) Consuming Countries

RankCountryConsumption (MT)
1China17,371,242
2India5,627,940
3Nigeria3,000,025
4United States2,313,684
5Indonesia1,310,520
6Vietnam669,618
7Brazil329,803
8Mexico203,355
9South Africa136,168
10Canada95,797

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Top Peanut (Groundnut)-Consuming Countries (2024)

FAQs

Which country consumes most peanuts? ›

China is not only the most dominant nation in terms of peanut production, but it is also the most dominant nation in terms of peanut consumption. Additionally, India is the world's second-largest consumer market.

What 3 countries are major peanut producers? ›

The bulk of the world's peanut production comes mainly from, China, India, Nigeria, Sudan, Burma, Argentina and Senegal. World peanut production totals about 45 million metric tons per year. The United States is the world's fourth largest producer, after China, India and Nigeria.

What country consumes the most peanuts per capita? ›

China is not only the most dominant nation in terms of peanut production, but it is also the most dominant nation in terms of peanut consumption. Additionally, India is the world's second-largest consumer market.

Which is the largest producer of Groundnut in the world 2022? ›

According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) global peanut production declined nominally in 2021/2022. China remains the most important producer.

Is America the only country that eats peanut butter? ›

But, as world travelers know, finding peanut butter in Britain does not make you a hero. Finding peanut butter in Buenos Aires, Maputo, or Manila, though, calls for a theme party. Every country has peanuts. Every country has blenders.

Which country consumes peanuts? ›

The consumption has grown at a rate of 2.53% and expected to grow further during 2019-2024. Groundnut seeds are rich source of edible oil (43-55%) as well as protein (25-28%). China and India are the largest consumer and exporters of peanuts in the world, accounting for more than 36% of the global consumption.

What city is the peanut Capital of the World? ›

Located in the southeast corner of Alabama, Dothan is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World" and is a prime location for growing peanuts.

Where is the peanut capital of the USA? ›

Dothan, Alabama, "Peanut Capital of the World." The peanuts located all over town depict various forms of peanuts | Library of Congress.

Where are the best peanuts in the world? ›

Virginia Peanuts are different from other types of peanuts when it comes to size and taste. They are the largest of all peanuts and have a distinctive crunch. They're also very flavorful. Virginia Peanuts are often called the "Ballpark Peanut" because they're sold hot at baseball games.

Who grows the most peanuts in the US? ›

Georgia is the largest producer of peanuts in the U.S. Alabama is ranked second. The first peanuts grown in the United States were grown in Virginia.

Who is the largest producer of peanuts in the US? ›

In the United States, the major peanut producing states that grow 99% of the U. S. peanut crop: Georgia (which grows about 42% of all U. S. peanuts), followed by Texas, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

What countries have the most peanut allergies? ›

The prevalence of peanut allergy is variable worldwide. The highest rates are seen in westernized countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where the prevalence is approximately 1 to 2 percent [1-10].

Who is the largest peanut producer in the world? ›

World production of peanuts was approximately 47 million metric tons in 2020, with China being the world's largest producer. The United States is the fourth largest producer (2020) and exports about 25-30% of production.

Who is the largest exporter of peanuts? ›

The top 3 exporters of Peanuts are India with 87,851 shipments followed by United States with 65,268 and China at the 3rd spot with 18,616 shipments.

Who is the largest exporter of Groundnut? ›

India exports most of it's Groundnut peanuts to Vietnam, United States and Malaysia and is the largest exporter of Groundnut peanuts in the World. The top 3 exporters of Groundnut peanuts are India with 2,649 shipments followed by Netherlands with 508 and United States at the 3rd spot with 504 shipments.

Why does Russia not allow peanut butter? ›

This is a myth started by the show Stranger Things. In reality, Russia has never implemented a ban on peanut butter, but it was very difficult to find during the 1980s era of the Soviet Union because of trade problems with non-communist countries.

Why are Americans obsessed with peanuts? ›

With their hearty nutritional and caloric value along with their sweet and delicious taste, peanuts have become the obvious choice of snack and food for many Americans. As the infographic explains, peanuts and peanut butter actually contains 30 nutrients and phytonutrients that our bodies need to function.

Why do Americans love peanut butter so much? ›

We love peanut butter because it tastes great! Creamy, crunchy or beyond the jar, for us peanut butter fanatics there is a special place among our taste receptors for that signature peanutty flavor. That's why we gravitate toward foods like peanut butter chocolate cheesecake, and peanut butter cottage cookies.

Are peanuts from Europe or America? ›

The peanut, while grown in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world, is native to the Western Hemisphere. It probably originated in South America and spread throughout the New World as Spanish explorers discovered the peanut's versatility. When the Spaniards returned to Europe, peanuts went with them.

Does Mexico use a lot of peanuts? ›

Peanuts are the most popular of the nuts in Mexico.

What state eats the most boiled peanuts? ›

When or why Southerners started boiling peanuts no one knows exactly. But good ideas have a way of spreading and, today, Southerners know how great boiled peanuts are. Not only are boiled peanuts called “the caviar of the South,” but they are also the official state snack of South Carolina.

Where is the world Largest peanut? ›

The small town of Durant is proud to be home to the World's Largest Peanut. It is commemorated with a statue on the corner of the lawn outside City Hall.

Why is Virginia known for peanuts? ›

The first known commercial peanut crop was grown in 1842 in Virginia's Sussex County, close to the present-day town of Waverly. The sandy, loamy soil of the region was the perfect consistency for growing peanuts, and over the next four decades, Virginia would become the top producer of peanuts in America.

What U.S. city is known as the peanut City? ›

Known as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” Dothan is the center of a 100-mile radius where more than half of all peanuts in the United States are grown. Every Fall, the city hosts the National Peanut Festival, a two-week event to honor local peanut farmers and celebrate the harvest season.

Where do Costco peanuts come from? ›

They are also known as the “ballpark” peanut and are featured in gourmet snacks. Virginia peanuts account for about 15 percent of total U. S. production and are grown mainly in southeastern Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Texas.

Does the U.S. import peanuts? ›

The average annual imports of peanuts are less than 0.5 percent of U.S. consumption. Two thirds of U.S. imports are roasted unshelled peanuts. The major suppliers are Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and Canada. The principal suppliers of shelled peanut imports are Argentina and Canada.

What states do peanuts grow best? ›

In the United States, the top 10 peanut producing states are Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The top peanut producing counties in Alabama are Houston, Baldwin, Henry and Geneva.

Will peanuts grow in Florida? ›

Peanuts are grown commercially in 15 states: Georgia, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, California, and Tennessee.

Where does the U.S. export peanuts to? ›

Canada, France, and the United Kingdom are the largest markets for U.S. peanut exports.

What African American invented the peanut? ›

George Washington Carver was an American agricultural scientist and inventor, sometimes known as the “Peanut Man”.

Where is the peanut Capital of the world? ›

Located in the southeast corner of Alabama, Dothan is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World" and is a prime location for growing peanuts.

Did Europe bring peanuts to America? ›

It probably originated in South America and spread throughout the New World as Spanish explorers discovered the peanut's versatility. When the Spaniards returned to Europe, peanuts went with them. Later, traders were responsible for spreading peanuts to Asia and Africa.

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