Tree nut production to increase by 6% in 2018/2019 season
The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has updated the 2018/19 crop and production fore…The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has updated the 2018/19 crop and production forecasts for almonds, Amazonia (Brazil) nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, dates, dried apricots, dried figs, dried cranberries, prunes and dried grapes (raisins, Sultanas and currants).
In the 2017/18 season, world tree nut production was estimated at 4.2 million metric tons, and it is forecast to amount to ca. 4.5 million MT in 2018/19, representing a 6% annual growth in overall production (crop figures expressed on a kernel basis, except for pistachios, which are in-shell basis). After overcoming last season shortage, Brazil nut crop is anticipated to experience the biggest increment this season, returning to a normal production of 29,000 MT. The forecasts point to a 21% increment in pistachio and 19% in macadamia total crops, adding up to ca.709,200 and 60,200 MT, respectively. The expected rise in pistachio production is mainly explained by the US is experiencing a strong “on-year” and Turkey bouncing back from a poor harvest the prior season. Pecan and almond crops are forecast to reach ca. 158,500 MT and over 1.3 million MT; respectively, 10% and 9% higher than those of 2017/18.
World peanut production in 2018/19 is forecast at over 37.1 million MT (in-shell basis), slightly down from the previous season as the top producing countries are expecting lower crops. However, average yield is foreseen to be higher in China owing to increased planting of high-yielding varieties. Harvest outputs in the US are indicating high yields and quality as well.
The estimated world production of dried fruit in 2017/18 reached more than 3 million MT and it is forecast to be risen by 5% in 2018/19, amounting to over 3.1 million MT. In relative terms, table dates, dried grapes and sweetened dried cranberries are expected to register the greatest growth (8%, 7% and 6% respectively).
