_ Where Do Our Beloved Peanuts Stand in the Middle of this Tariff War / 04
The International Peanut Community Unites at the 2025 IPF in Seville / 06
. With 377 participants from 31 countries, the 2025 International Peanut Forum proved a resounding success once again.
_
Market Trends
Where Supply and Demand Meet / 12
. Among the most anticipated moments of the International Peanut Forum are the market presentations delivered by trade experts. We have summarized the key points of each presentation for an easy read.
_
Science and Technology
_ Advances in Peanut Research and Challenges Ahead: aagb 2025 in Goa / 18
The Peanut Breeding Programs at icrisat / 24
. Of course, the India-based icrisat research institute played a leading role in organizing the 2025 aagb . One of its leading scientists, Dr Janila Pasupuleti, gave us her take on the event.
_
Laws and Regulations
How Would a Trade War Affect Peanuts? / 26
. Uncertainty seems to prevail as many countries are negotiating with the US Administration.
Uncertainty in the Markets / 34
. What do the leaders of the main peanut institutions around the world think about the current tariff situation?
_
Industrial Processing
_ Moisture and its Dangers / 38
. An excess of humidity can be a significant problem for peanuts during sea journeys
_ Protecting Peanuts from Humidity / 41
_
Peanut Market Data
_ Charts & Tables / 43
_ Market Trends
This section of the wpm deals with the dynamics of the demand and supply of peanuts in the international markets. We will try to keep track of the changes in peanut consumption in the main areas of the world, the factors that can affect production, and the price shifts of the various peanut products.
_ Industrial Processing
This area of the magazine focuses on shellers as well as companies transforming peanuts into consumer products. We will focus on current industry standards, quality issues, new technologies and the different industrial solutions adopted by producing countries. A special section will be dedicated to new products and tools for peanut processing developed by the best manufacturers.
_ Science and Technology
The activities of the universities and other research institutes engaged in scientific research on peanuts are of paramount importance for the future of the business. We will follow the main discoveries, from the latest issues concerning peanut genetics to the development of projects on pathogens or the impact of peanut consumption on human health. The consequences of scientific research on the future of the industry are hard to overstate, so we will be putting them in perspective in order to try to understand where the sector is heading in the long term.
_ Laws and Regulations
The Laws and Regulations section of World Peanut Magazine analyses the impact of new legislation and regulations affecting the production and trade of peanuts. The main issues treated in this section are governmental measures directly affecting international trade (such as the introduction of tariffs or quotas), health safety issues (such as the establishment of Maximum Residue Limits for certain substances) but also legislation impacting distribution, packaging and sales.
_ Peanut as a Superfood
This section offers peanut professionals news and insights into the world of peanut consumption and all its aspects. Typical news is related to findings concerning the nutritional values of peanuts, the impact of peanut consumption on human health, and the development of peanut-based food.
_ Peanut Farming
The primary production is where the peanut business starts, of course, so we will have a dedicated section for all events, activities, techniques and equipment related to growing peanuts in different parts of the world. The general idea is to bring farming in the producing countries closer to all peanut professionals so that they can have a better grasp of the business from a grower’s perspective and maybe on what the future of peanut farming may look like.
Nº 15
Where Do Our Beloved Peanuts Stand in the Middle of this Tariff War?
The International Peanut Forum , held in Seville in April, provided a valuable opportunity for members of the global peanut community to meet face to face and exchange insights, helping everyone better understand where the market stands.
Beyond the usual supply and demand discussions—which were thoroughly addressed throughout the event—this year introduced a new recurring topic: the potential trade war sparked by President Trump, and efforts to anticipate its implications for our sector.
So far it appears that only US exports to China have been directly affected, with increased import taxes imposed by China on American peanuts. July will be a key month, however, as the temporary suspension of US import taxes will expire, and the outcome of bilateral negotiations between the US and other countries will determine what comes next. Mexico? Canada? Europe? No need to remind anyone that these three markets account for 65% of US peanut exports – so we recommend keeping a close eye on developments.
But let’s not forget about other nuts, especially those that compete with peanuts. Consider a scenario where the US imposes taxes on cashew imports, or the EU introduces tariffs on American almonds and pistachios. Such measures could significantly impact these markets, shift relative prices, influence demand—either positively or negatively—and ultimately affect global peanut consumption. Another indirect consequence of this tariff war could be its effect on sea freight prices. With expectations of a short-term contraction in international trade, the demand for shipping space may drop, potentially increasing the availability of vessel capacity. Could this lead to lower sea freight rates? Over time, trade may shift toward new markets, changing demand along specific routes and further influencing freight costs.
In this issue of World Peanut Magazine, we cover the International Peanut Forum—a staple event for peanut professionals worldwide— and review the market supply and demand scenarios shared during the sessions in Seville. We also report on the Advances in Arachis through Genomics and Biotechnology (AAGB) meeting, held in Goa, India, in March. We explore the possible developments in the current tariff confrontation and their implications for the peanut trade. And last but not least, we address a critical challenge in peanut shipping: moisture issues in containers.
The International Peanut Community Unites at the 2025 ipf in Seville.
With 377 participants from 31 countries, the 2025 International Peanut Forum was once again a great success.
The vibrant city of Seville in southern Spain provided a stunning backdrop for this year’s IPF, while the Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento, a premier resort with a prime location and spacious facilities, served as the perfect venue for the forum and the many networking opportunities among peanut industry professionals.
We are pleased to share photos capturing some of the most memorable moments from the event.
Where Supply and Demand Meet
Among the most anticipated moments of the International Peanut Forum are the market presentations delivered by trade experts. We have summarized the key points of each presentation for an easy read.
// China Demand Kobe He
China Metaintl Corporation
While peanut oil consumption (which absorbs 55–60% of peanuts in China) remains stable, edible peanut sales have been strongly affected by the overall decline in consumption, with 2024 marking a five-year record low. The domestic market shows a growing preference for high-oleic peanuts (now planted on 10% of the total peanut area) and organic products (33,000 hectares dedicated in 2024). Kobe did not offer much encouraging news for prospective exporters: China’s planted area has grown steadily in recent years, supported by government policies, and the country is now close to selfsufficiency.
China Supply
Xu Nan
Qingdao Foodlink Co Ltd
Xu provided a long-term perspective on Chinese peanut production, which has increased by 18% over the past 10 years, reaching nearly 20 million tons (19.23 million metric tons in the 2023–24 season), with an additional 774,000 tons of imports.
// India Demand
Khushwant Jain
Former Chair of IOPEPC
Consumption trends in India are clearly on the rise: from 5.9 million tons in the 2015–16 season to 8.74 million tons in 2024–25. Oil accounts for 35% of total production, kernels for 40%, with the remainder divided among exports (10%), seeds (12%), and other uses (3%). The growing demand for peanuts is largely driven by consumers’ increasing preference for healthy meals and plant-based proteins.
India Supply Rutuparna Dole
IOPEPC
India remains the world’s second-largest peanut producer, accounting for about 20% of global supply (a little over 11 million tons), nearly half of which comes from Gujarat. The planted area has been expanding, aided by government initiatives, and breeding programs are favoring, as in China, high-oleic varieties. India’s primary export markets are in East Asia: Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand together account for almost 75% of total exports.
//
South Africa Demand
Andreas Snyman
GWK
In South Africa, peanut consumption is roughly split between peanut butter (which declined after a Covid-era surge) and kernel snacks (roasted or fried), each representing about half of total consumption. Import specifications are strict, aligned with EU standards. Some African-produced peanuts are imported and sold through informal markets.
South Africa Supply
Adri Botha
South Africa Groundnut Forum
There are four main peanut-producing regions in South Africa, with the North West and Free State provinces together accounting for more than 80% of production, each with over 20,000 hectares. In 2025, the total planted area grew significantly to over 48,000 hectares, a 17% increase compared to 2024, with an expected production of 67,000 tons—potentially reducing the need for imports (which typically average around 20,000 tons, mainly from Brazil and Argentina over the past decade).
United Kingdom Demand
Chris Daws
Zertus UK
In 2024, the 19 million UK nut consumers purchased 45,000 tons of peanuts. Following a pandemic-era boom, peanut sales declined in 2023–24—not due to fewer consumers, but because individual consumption decreased. Peanut butter remains strong, especially in the natural, non-stabilized segment. The UK market is still dynamic, continually seeking new products, packaging innovations, and brands.
Russia Demand Sergei Khaesh
Agroimpex
Russia represents a significant market with an estimated annual consumption of 150,000 tons, divided among confectionery (60%), snacks (35%), and peanut butter (5%, but growing rapidly by 10–15% annually). Consumers are very price-sensitive, and much of the market is handled by traders, given the complexity of local regulations affecting imports and food distribution.
// USA Demand
Anne Marie De Lorenzo
Mars Wrigley
In 2024, average peanut consumption in the US saw a slight decline (7.3 pounds per person compared to 7.7 pounds in 2023). Peanut butter remains the dominant form of consumption (nearly 60%), followed by peanut candies (17%), snacks (16%), in-shell peanuts (6%), and other products (2%). The typical peanut consumer is older than average, predominantly male, and white. Current trends include growing interest in new products and flavors, gut health, precision wellness, and plant-based proteins.
USA Supply
Brian Lepicier
National Peanut Board
Peanut production is projected to rise again in 2025, with the planted area reaching 1.95 million acres (approximately 789,000 hectares), an 8% increase over 2024. Peanuts are gradually replacing cotton, wheat, and especially soybeans. US growers face rising production costs, however, while peanut prices remain low, and shorter crop rotations may increase the risk of diseases.
Nicaragua Supply
Joaquin Zavala
Peanut production in Nicaragua is almost entirely export-oriented, particularly to Europe. Favorable conditions—high temperatures, good rainfall, and sandy soils—support good yields, but expansion is limited. The planted area has remained stable at 40,000–50,000 hectares. With yields of around 4.5 tons per hectare, total production consistently exceeds 200,000 tons. Expectations for 2025 are positive, with forecasts anticipating either neutral conditions or a La Niña event later in the year.
//
Comasa
// Brazil Supply
José Rossato
Peanut Chamber of Brazil
In 2024, Brazil’s peanut exports fell sharply (-24%) due to severe earlyyear drought, halting steady growth since 2019. Nevertheless, the planted area rose by 20% for the 2024–25 season, reaching a record 380,000 hectares. If yields hold at 3.5 tons per hectare (in-shell), Brazil will surpass 1.3 million tons in production. Future expansion looks promising, with new production areas opening in Minas Gerais and especially Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, where costs are lower.
// Argentina Supply
Diego Yabes
Argentina Peanut Chamber
The 2024–25 season saw a record planted area of 490,000 hectares, with much of the growth centered in Buenos Aires province (now almost 18% of total production). Despite drier conditions in January and February, generous March rains helped offset the deficits. Heavy April rains, however, could hinder harvests and reduce yields, compounding risks from earlier frosts. At the time of the conference, the expected yield was 2.47 tons per hectare (kernel). If confirmed, Argentina’s 2024–25 production would total 1.713 million tons (in-shell).
Advances in Peanut Research and Challenges Ahead: AAGB 2025 in Goa
The global peanut research community gathered in Goa, India, from March 23 to 25 this year for the latest Advances in Arachis through Genomics and Biotechnology (AAGB) meeting.
With nearly two decades of collaboration since its first gathering in China in 2006, the AAGB continues to provide an opportunity for integrating research strategies, fostering international collaboration, and promoting the exchange of advanced knowledge in peanut science. This year’s meeting brought together over 250 attendees (120 attending in person and 130 joining virtually) from around 20 countries, highlighting the event’s growing reach and the shared global commitment to advancing peanut research.
The meeting opened with remarks from Charles Chen, Ryan Lepicier, Steve Brown, Baozhu Guo, Himanshu Pathak, and Manish Pandey, who all emphasized the importance of working together to address shared challenges, particularly those arising from complex environmental interactions. They called for continued efforts in critical areas such as aflatoxin management, drought tolerance, and enhancing flavor and nutritional traits.
There were ten thematic scientific sessions, with the participation of very well-known experts from around the world. Sessions included genomics; pangenomics (the study of all the genes across different individuals of a species to understand its full genetic diversity); trait mapping and gene discovery; genomic assisted breeding; food safety, nutrition, and quality; functional genomics; gene editing; and other frontier technologies.
The opening plenary session highlighted the evolving global challenges faced by agriculture, including land degradation, loss of biodiversity, food and energy crises, and the pressures of a growing world population. These global concerns translate into more specific goals for the peanut industry, including the development of stresstolerant varieties, improvements in quality traits (such as shelf life, aflatoxin resistance, and nutritional enhancement), and advancing sustainability practices, all while increasing productivity.
The genomics, pangenomics, and trait mapping sessions revealed remarkable progress in the application of modern breeding tools. Researchers reported advances in mapping resistance to early and late leaf spot diseases and pre-harvest sprouting through
GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies), as well as employing pangenomics and seed chip technologies to achieve highresolution mapping for traits such as tomato spotted wilt virus resistance. Other highlights from these sessions included the identification of genes related to peanut branching habit, oil content, bacterial wilt resistance, shell strength (critical for minimizing losses in the in-shell market), cold tolerance, and resistance to stem rot through both conventional and MAGIC (Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross) populations. Additionally, the use of epi-mutagenesis to generate genetic diversity without changing the DNA sequence itself was explored.
During the genome editing session, the technology was presented as a powerful tool being used by different peanut-producing countries to study traits such as oleic acid levels, phytate content, and drought tolerance. There was a strong consensus that genome editing holds great promise for the future of peanut production, with a recognition of its potential to accelerate breeding programs, enhance crop quality, and address climate-related stresses more effectively than traditional methods.
During the food safety, nutrition, and quality session, aflatoxin emerged as the predominant issue for most peanut-producing countries. Current efforts are focused on mitigating aflatoxigenic fungi through competitive exclusion, designing field screening experiments, and analyzing pangenomes for Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus to elucidate genetic diversity and aflatoxin production.
Increasing sustainability, reducing yield gaps, enhancing seed quality and access, and keeping updated with evolving agricultural policies were also cited throughout the conference as key priorities for the future. Work presented by ICRISAT reflected this, with an emphasis on increasing resource-use efficiency to reduce food insecurity, minimize agriculture’s environmental footprint, and enhance system resilience.
A discussion panel focused on outlining a roadmap for groundnut improvement over the next decade. The participants emphasized that it is important to remember that consumer demands drive the entire peanut value chain, from processors to growers. On the other hand, another important message came from this round table: although there are globally shared challenges, there’s a need to tailor breeding objectives to specific regional needs, including, for example, the dual-use of peanuts for grain and fodder, recognized as a growing issue in some countries’ breeding programs, or focusing on nutritional quality rather than solely on yield in regions such as Africa.
The main message across sessions was clear: scientific discoveries must be translated into tangible products that can directly benefit growers and the broader peanut value chain. In this context, artificial intelligence, for example, is emerging as a transformative force in agriculture, and its potential was clearly illustrated with the presentation of tools like Plantix, an app boasting a 93% accuracy rate in diagnosing pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies across 45 crops, including peanuts. By generating GPS-based data, this app opens new opportunities for more precise, targeted interventions and services on a global scale, offering a glimpse into how AI could reshape crop management and decision-making in the near future.
AAGB 2025 in Goa reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration, innovation, and the need for the peanut industry to remain adaptive and consumer driven in an increasingly complex and dynamic global environment. As challenges evolve, research and innovation continue to stand as central pillars when it comes to finding solutions and exploring new opportunities. With a strong foundation of global cooperation and a shared commitment to advancing science, the peanut community is well positioned to shape a more resilient and sustainable future for the industry.
The Peanut Breeding Programs at icrisat
The India-based icrisat research institute played a leading role in organizing the 2025 aagb. One of its leading scientists, Dr Janila Pasupuleti, gave us her take on the event.
AAGB-2025 at Goa brought together researchers mostly from India to discuss the development of genomic tools and their use in peanut breeding and additional applications such as understanding pathogen diversity of Aspergillus flavus and other pathogens, and in seed systems for quality assurance (QA). ICRISAT peanut breeding uses genomic tools (genotype data) for selection of parents for crossing, hybridity confirmation of the F1s of the crosses, forward breeding to select the target trait, and line identification. ICRISAT peanut breeding shares elite breeding lines with national partners in Asia and Africa annually; the material is also shared on demand with public and private sector partners across the globe. Hence line identification with genotype data is essential.
The first high oleic acid groundnut cultivars released in India in 2020, ICGV 15083 (Girnar 4) and ICGV 15090 (Girnar 5), were bred by ICRISAT using genomic tools. Three more HOA peanut cultivars were released after this.
ICRISAT peanut breeding is moving in the direction of using Genomic Selection for yield, early vigor that is critical in the areas of drought tolerance and late leaf spot resistance. ICRISAT is also supporting the national breeding programs in India and Africa to use genomic tools in peanut breeding.
How Would a Trade War Affect Peanuts?
Uncertainty seems to prevail as many countries are negotiating with the US Administration.
The possibility of a global tariff war has become one of the most hotly debated economic issues since the inauguration of the new US administration in January.
By early April, many countries were preparing to face “reciprocal tariffs,” and in some cases, the proposed import taxes—calculated based on US trade surpluses or deficits—were steep and likely to have an immediate and tangible impact on trade. Amid ongoing financial market volatility, a broad 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs was announced on April 10. Nevertheless, a 10% baseline tariff on most goods from most countries is now in place, while the ultimate outcome of the confrontation between the US and China—who are now imposing tariffs exceeding 100% on each other—remains unclear.
Uncertainty continues to cloud not only US-China trade but also relationships with many other regions. EU exports to the US remain subject to the 10% ad valorem tariff, and the European Commission has already announced countermeasures. Many in the industry are wondering what will happen in July, when the 90-day suspension expires. Even Mexico and Canada—exempt from the 10% tariff under the USMCA agreement negotiated by the previous Trump administration—cannot be entirely confident that new trade obstacles won’t arise.
We sought to understand the immediate impact of these developments on peanut trade, along with potential scenarios for key peanut product categories in the near future. The tables on the following pages report the US exports by destination and peanut category.
As a major player in the global peanut market, the US is uniquely positioned to be significantly affected. It is one of the world’s top producers and exporters, a key consumption market, and an important center for technological and scientific advances in the sector. We have summarized US peanut exports over recent years, broken down by destination and product category.
Four markets—Canada, Mexico, the EU, and China—accounted for roughly 87% of US peanut exports in 2024. Other notable destinations included the UK, Japan, and South Korea. In the case of China, most exports consist of in-shell peanuts (HS 1202.41), and volumes have declined in recent years: from 270,000 tons in 2020 to around 100,000 tons annually, including in 2024. While 90,000 tons may seem minor in the context of China’s vast market (which could potentially replace US supply with imports from India), high tariffs could block access for US exporters looking to offload lower-quality products.
The biggest markets for US peanuts remain Canada and Mexico longstanding partners under NAFTA and now the USMCA. In 2024, these two countries accounted for half of all US peanut exports, totaling 265,000 tons, primarily in shelled peanuts (HS 1202.42), but also including significant amounts of peanut butter (HS 2008.1110) and other processed peanuts (HS 2008.11). Products covered under USMCA, such as peanuts, are exempt from the general 10% tariff. Still, the outlook remains uncertain. Mexico appeared to reach a swift agreement with the US administration in 2025, and trade between the two nations currently seems stable. However, tensions have been higher with Canada. Back in February, amid fears that US-Canada trade could be hit with new tariffs, the Canadian government released a list of potential retaliatory targets—including prepared peanuts from the 2008.11 HS category, which totaled 23,562 tons in 2024.
A similar situation is unfolding in the EU. While negotiations with the US continue, the European Commission has drawn up a list of US products that could face retaliatory tariffs if talks fail. Among them is peanut butter, which was previously subject to tariffs during trade tensions under the earlier Trump administration. While peanut butter is a relatively minor EU import, worsening tensions could endanger a broader category of trade—just under 100,000 tons of in-shell and shelled peanuts combined.
Other key markets—including the UK, Japan, and South Korea—collectively imported 37,000 tons of US peanuts across all categories in 2024. Trade negotiations with each of these countries are ongoing. Hopefully, these discussions will prove successful, but as of late April, a great deal of uncertainty still hangs over the future.
US exports of peanuts (metric
Source: World Trade Organization
IMPORTING COUNTRIES
IMPORTING COUNTRIES
Uncertainty in the Markets
What do the leaders of the main peanut institutions around the world think about the current tariff situation?
Richard Owen President of the American Peanut Council
“Markets do not like uncertainly, whether it’s the stock market or commodity markets. The wave of tariff announcements by US President Trump in March and April demonstrates that. Had there been one announcement, global markets could have reacted accordingly. But there were multiple tariff adjustments, with both increasing and decreasing percentages. There is currently a 10% across-the-board tariff for imports into the United States, minus products covered by the US-MexicoCanada Agreement. That tariff is scheduled to increase in early July unless countryby-country negotiations lead to a different tariff schedule. A number of countries have instituted reciprocal tariffs in retaliation. The risk is that US peanuts become less competitive into certain markets such as Europe, Asia, and other regions. That becomes an opportunity for major exporting countries like Brazil and Argentina, who stand to gain a larger foothold in markets where the US has a sizable presence.
As the trade war evolves, we could very well see a re-alignment of suppliers and buyers. Assuming the tariff wars subside, will we revert back to the original trading alignment? Only time will tell.”
Zhang Jun
Department of Cereals and Oils, China Chamber of Commerce of I&E of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA)
“Since the beginning of this year, the issue of US tariff policy has been a focus of attention. At present, the tariff on Chinese imports from the United States has reached 125%, which means that bilateral trade is almost cut off. In 2024, China imported a total of 760,300 tons of peanuts, mainly from Sudan, Senegal, and the US. Among them, 93,000 tons were imported from the US, accounting for 12.2% of the total import volume.
“The trend of tariff issues is still unclear. China is one of the world’s most important peanut importers, and after the imposition of tariffs, the competitiveness of American peanuts in the Chinese market has declined. Importers may increase imports from other peanut producing countries such as Argentina and Brazil to meet domestic market demand. However, it is also important to be vigilant that the increase in tariffs will have an impact on the supply and demand relationship of the international peanut market, leading to price fluctuations.”
Jose Rossato President of the Peanut Chamber of Brazil
“We believe new partnerships can be built by having a common agenda as a defense in this unstable world. New strategic alliances such as the agreement between Mercosul and the European Union can be accelerated and represent a great opportunity for Brazil and Argentina.”
Diego Yabes President of the Argentina Peanut Chamber
“I am convinced that most, if not all, peanut operators strongly favor free international trade, where competition is based on the quality of production rather than political or fiscal factors. In Argentina, for example, we eagerly anticipate the ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which would allow us to export more valueadded peanuts to our main markets. We are also working with the governments of the Mercosur countries to request a reduction of the tariffs in China.
“Recent developments have been unpredictable, with the situation changing several times over the past few weeks, making it difficult to foresee the final outcome. When we arrived in Seville for the IPF, expectations were high that a range of tariffs would be imposed on US imports. However, this decision was later revoked. Still, it appears likely that at least some level of tariffs will impact the foreign trade of the United States and several other countries. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain ready to adapt to new risks and opportunities as they arise.”
Moisture and Its Dangers
An excess of humidity can be a significant problem for peanuts during sea journeys
The harmful effects of excess moisture on peanuts—much like with all grains—are well known. It encourages the development of mold and bacteria, and in extreme cases can render the product inedible for humans and even unsuitable for animal feed. Moreover, the mold and the decay it triggers often attract insects, which can multiply and cause irreparable damage to the stock. Moisture may also produce unpleasant odors, thus affecting the overall quality of the grain.
Growers and shellers around the world have long learned how to manage peanut moisture and invest significant resources to ensure the farmstock reaches the appropriate humidity levels at both the storage and processing stages. However, things become more difficult to control once peanuts are shipped overseas and must endure what may be a lengthy sea voyage in containers. At this stage, a common and serious threat is condensation.
Several factors contribute to condensation inside shipping containers. One of the most common is temperature fluctuation—for instance, between day and night, or when the container travels through different latitudes and seasons. In these cases, cooler air holds less moisture than warm air, resulting in the “dew point,” where excess humidity condenses into water droplets. This phenomenon is especially common on routes from South America to Europe, where containers pass through stark climate differences.
The amount of open space in the container is another important factor: the more empty space there is, the greater the likelihood of moisture accumulation, which increases the risk of condensation. In some cases, poor ventilation may also play a role. Adequate airflow helps stabilize the internal temperature of the container. In certain countries, however, regulations may prohibit keeping vents open, further limiting ventilation. Other contributing elements include the inherent moisture content of the cargo itself and the characteristics of the packaging material.
So what measures can be taken to minimize condensation and the resulting increase in moisture? A few key precautions can make a substantial difference.
Pallets are typically used to stack big bags of peanuts in containers. The material of these pallets is important—they should be made from plastic (but sending plastic pallets in the container one-way is extremely expensive) or treated and very dry wood to avoid absorbing moisture and later releasing it into the surrounding air.
The use of desiccants is also highly effective. These devices absorb moisture from the air and typically contain materials like silica gel, calcium chloride, or clay. Alternatives include moisture traps—containers filled with waterabsorbing materials that physically capture excess humidity—or, in more extreme cases, dehumidifiers, which actively remove moisture from the air and vent it out of the container through hoses.
Insulating the container can also help reduce condensation. Materials such as fiberglass or foam boards can be applied to the ceiling, walls, and floor to stabilize the interior temperature.
Protecting Peanuts from Humidity
We
spoke with Mariano Bertolani, Regional Sales Manager for South America of EPG Industries LLC
EPG Industries LLC—a company with operations in the US, Europe, and South America—specializes in solutions for protecting goods during shipment. EPG has worked extensively with peanuts and participated in the International Peanut Forum (IPF) in Seville in April. We spoke with Mariano Bertolani, Regional Sales Manager for South America, about the challenges of condensation and possible solutions.
We all know the problems excess moisture can cause to peanuts… Yes, and during sea freight it’s very difficult to completely avoid condensation. It’s always present, especially on routes from South America to Europe, and particularly between October and March. With such significant temperature fluctuations—plus frequent rain—it’s impossible to prevent it entirely.
Which products are most vulnerable to humidity during shipping?
In my experience, coffee and cocoa suffer the most. Moisture can cause severe damage. We work with both, especially coffee—we even assist with Starbucks’s shipments from Colombia. But, of course, peanuts are also highly vulnerable to mold and the other consequences of humidity.
What are your most popular moisture-prevention products for peanuts?
We offer a wide range of products, and it really depends on how much protection the exporter wants, and the expected severity of weather conditions. Most desiccants are made from silica or calcium chloride. We mainly use calcium chloride—it can absorb between 100% and 280% of its own weight in water, compared to silica, which manages only 40–50%.
What’s the most important tip you give your customers?
Besides using devices to absorb humidity in the air, it’s crucial to protect the ceiling of the container. That’s often where moisture forms, before it drips down and causes mold on the walls. We provide special blankets that help with this—they absorb actual water, not just humidity. They’re made of micro-perforated polyethylene and filled with super-absorbent pearls. Some of these blankets can absorb up to 106 liters of water
How much do these protective accessories cost?
It depends on the item and the specific problem you’re addressing. Prices can be as low as $20 per container, while the most expensive setups I’ve seen run up to $200. But the important thing to consider is that alternative protective materials—like cardboard panels— can cost the same or even more, while offering far less effective protection.
peanut exports of brazil - kernels (mt)
eu 27 imports, tm (shelled - 1202.42) &
TOTAL JAN-MAR 65,220 - 56,680 - 55,164 - 52,374
TOTAL JAN-FEB 2023. 98,654 - 2024. 110,271 - 2025. 104,515
eu 27 imports, tm (prepared hs 2008.11)
TOTAL JAN-FEB 2023. 4,882 - 2024. 4,268 - 2025. 4,602
china future prices (settle value - rbm)
peanut exports of argentina - kernels (mt)
This issue of the World Peanut Magazine has been completed thanks to the efforts of:
Tracy Grondine, Louise McKerchar, Richard Owen
USA
American Peanut Council,
Zhang Jun China
China Chamber of Commerce of I&E of Foodstuffs
Jane Zheng China
Qingdao Shengde Foods Co.
LTD
José Rossato
Brazil Camara Setorial do Amendoim
Janila Pasupuleti
India icrisat
Anne Marie De Lorenzo
USA
Mars Wrigley
Brian Lepicier
USA
National Peanut Board
Joaquin Zavala
Nicaragua Comasa
Kobe He China
China Metaintl Corporation
Xu Nan China
Qingdao Foodlink Co. Ltd.
Kishore Tanna, Rutuparna Dole, Khushwant Jain
India
IOPEPC
Sergei Khaesh
Russia Agroimpex
Andreas Snyman
South Africa GWK
Adri Botha
South Africa
South Africa Groundnut Forum
Chris Daws
UK Zertus
Renata Cantoro
Argentina fma (Argentina Peanut Foundation)
Gabriela Alcorta
Soledad Bossio
Javier Martinetto
Diego Yabes
Edoardo Fracanzani
Sebastián Della Giustina
Argentina
cam (Argentina Peanut Chamber)
Graphic Design and illustrations. Sebastián Della Giustina. ese-estudio.com.ar · @ese.estudio.ok
Typography. Journalist by Sergio Rodriguez / Work Sans by Wei Huang / Noto Sans /
