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Peanut consumption reaches record high

Per-capita peanut consumption reached record levels for the second straight year, according to the National Peanut Board (NPB).

Calculated based on USDA and U.S. Census data, per capita peanut consumption has risen to an all-time high of 7.9 pounds in 2021. This tops the previous record of 7.6 pounds in 2020 and reflects an increase of 3%.

“People may be surprised to learn that peanut consumption was at an all-time high during the pandemic, but after more thought, it makes sense,” said  NPB President and CEO Bob Parker. “We would never wish for business growth under these circumstances; however, we take pride that peanuts have helped people meet their nutritional, convenience, financial and even emotional needs during stressful and hectic times.”

The NPB indicated that the record-level consumption is made possible through continued collaboration and efforts across the peanut industry. Farmers, buying points, shellers and manufacturers strive to supply quality products to consumers and many industry organizations work together to contribute to these accomplishments.

Driving awareness of peanuts and consumption through consumer marketing is an NPB priority. For the past several years, NPB focused on reaching the millennial generation, who can have the largest impact on peanut consumption. However, the 2021 campaign, Grow It Yourself, invited Gen Z to the table by introducing them to the wonderful world of growing their own food.

Over the past year, NPB has successfully tapped into what millennials and Gen Z love. The first activation allowed for consumers to receive a greeting card with a real peanut in it that they could grow themselves. For those who wanted a little less commitment, consumers were able to adopt their own virtual peanut plant on TikTok. Targeting a younger demographic, TikTok users were able to get a taste of what it feels like to plant, nurture and grow peanuts virtually.

“Part of the Board’s objective is to increase consumption of peanuts through promotions,” said Andy Bell, Georgia peanut farmer and 2021 NPB chairman. “That can be a challenge when peanuts are already the most popular and preferred nut. But through creative promotions, exports and new products, things are good in the peanut industry and we keep reaching new heights.”

Although only 1-2% of the population is estimated to have a peanut allergy, NPB has continued to invest heavily in this area to find solutions for peanut allergy. Since 2001, NPB has allocated more than $35 million to food allergy research, education and outreach. At the end of 2020, the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  released their Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which for the first time included a section on infants and young children. The guidelines recommend that introducing peanut foods as early as 4-6 months helps prevent potential peanut allergies. NPB continues to advocate for awareness and adherence to the guidelines with pediatricians and other influential health professionals, including support of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ continuing education course on early introduction of peanut foods.

“Peanut consumption at an all-time high, brands creating new associations for the consumer, manufacturers developing interesting and innovative new products and momentum on early introduction from the new DGAs will all help drive the incremental sales needed to continue growing peanut consumption,” said Ryan Lepicier, NPB senior vice president and CMO. “While these factors are all very different, they point back to why so many of us fell in love with peanuts and peanut butter again over the past 18 months. They meet some of our most basic nutritional needs. They provide safety in knowing we can help prevent a baby from developing a peanut allergy. And something as delicious as a PB&J can provide the comfort we need to get through challenging times.”

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