Trends in the nut industry

There are several trends in the nut industry that may affect the geographic location as well as the quantity and character of nut oils. Some of these are as follows. 

There is a worldwide trend for more nuts to be harvested from planted trees rather than from wild or native trees. While the pecan industry in the United States is highly developed, almost half of the crop is from wild seedling trees. The plants are in more suitable locations and the yield is more predictable. Several more decades will be required to replace all of the native trees with improved cultivars. 

A similar situation exists in India with the production of English walnuts in Europe with the production of hazel nuts in Brazil with reference to Brazil nuts with black walnuts, butternuts, and heart nuts in the Appalachian Mountains and with other nuts around the world including coconuts. Pine nuts have hardly begun to be planted. 

There is a trend towards growing cultivars and individual nut trees that are more sturdy and resistant to adverse climates including winds, sun scald and frosts. This is a project for nurserymen and horticulturists in the tree nut growing areas of the world. Annual tropical storms, spring frosts and tornados often destroy entire crops of nuts of susceptible cultivars. 

Nuts are becoming more international as to grading and oil quality. Peanuts from Georgia (USA), China and South Africa are competing on the European market. Standards for nut size, color, freedom from mold, aflatoxin, insects and rancidity are being developed. 

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