Pecan nuts are a valued agricultural product with deep roots in North America, known for their robust demand across global markets. As a high-quality ingredient, pecans are essential in industries ranging from snacks and baking to specialty oils and cosmetics. Their distinct cultivation and harvest processes require precise sourcing to ensure quality and consistency. As global interest in diverse and high-value crops grows, pecans continue to play an important role in the supply chains of businesses seeking reliable, premium-grade nuts. Find access to trusted pecan suppliers on Nutrada.
Pecans come from the Carya illinoinensis tree, primarily grown in the southeastern United States. With their smooth, rich taste and tender texture, pecans are a preferred ingredient in pies, snacks, and desserts. Pecan suppliers distribute both raw and processed pecans across global markets, ensuring that this high-demand nut is readily available for food manufacturers and consumers alike. Brazil nuts on the other hand, with their firm texture, offer another option for businesses looking to diversify their nut offerings.
Pecans are commonly available in a range of forms, including whole nuts, halves, pieces, and meal. Varieties like Desirable, Stuart, and Pawnee differ slightly in flavor, size, and oil content, providing options for different culinary uses. In addition to raw pecans, processed forms such as roasted, salted, or candied pecans are widely popular, catering to snack and dessert markets.
The different size grades for pecans primarily refer to the number of halves per pound, with the larger nuts having fewer halves per pound. Some of the most common pecan size grades, are:
Each of these grades serves different market needs, with larger sizes often going to premium applications and smaller halves and pieces used in more processed foods.
The pecan harvest season typically occurs between October and December in the United States, with the timing influenced by climate and tree variety. During this period, mature nuts fall from the trees, allowing them to be collected for processing. This seasonality impacts the pecan supply chain, with suppliers planning around peak harvest times to maintain consistent quality and availability.
The United States, particularly states like Georgia, Texas, and New Mexico, is the leading producer of pecans, accounting for the majority of the world’s supply. Other pecan-producing countries include Mexico and South Africa, each bringing unique characteristics to the nuts they produce based on local growing conditions.
Pecans have deep cultural roots in North America, where they were first cultivated by Indigenous peoples. In recent years, U.S. pecan production has shown variability. In 2022, the United States produced approximately 275 million pounds of pecans, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. However, in 2023, production decreased by 4% to 264 million pounds.
According to Cornell, Georgia and New Mexico are prominent producers, with Georgia producing 126 million pounds in 2022 and New Mexico 79 million pounds. In 2023, New Mexico led with 100 million pounds, followed by Georgia with 88.3 million pounds.
Global demand for pecans has been on the rise, driven by their health benefits and versatility in various food products. The U.S. remains a significant consumer, with increasing interest in pecan-based products like nut butters and dairy alternatives. International markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, have also shown growing demand, contributing to the expansion of pecan exports.
Bulk pecans are commonly supplied in vacuum-sealed 30lb (13.6kg) cartons, multi-layer sacks, or bulk totes. Depending on processing needs, suppliers offer whole pecans, halves, broken pieces, and pecan meal. Some industrial buyers also require roasted or flavored pecans for snack production.
Buying pecan nuts in bulk helps manufacturers and food brands reduce costs, secure stable pricing, and ensure consistent quality across production batches. Pecans are naturally high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making them a popular ingredient for health-focused and premium food markets. Their extended shelf life of up to 24 months when stored properly in cool, dry conditions ensures long-term usability.
However, pecans are more perishable than some other nuts due to their high oil content, requiring strict storage control to prevent rancidity. Additionally, U.S. harvest yields heavily impact pricing, making long-term contracts with suppliers essential for bulk buyers.
Through Nutrada, businesses can source high-quality bulk pecans from verified wholesalers, ensuring reliable supply, competitive pricing, and processing options suited to industrial needs.
For businesses in need of high-quality pecans, Nutrada provides a reliable platform to connect with trusted pecan suppliers, exporters, and wholesalers. Whether you require whole pecans, pieces, or specialty varieties, Nutrada makes it easy to source premium pecans to suit your specific business needs. Explore Nutrada to secure dependable pecan suppliers and ensure a seamless supply chain for this exceptional nut.