Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormShelled (fresh or dried kernels)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Shelled almonds in Peru function primarily as an import-supplied nut ingredient and retail snack product. UN Comtrade data (via WITS, HS 080212) indicates Peru imported about USD 7.0 million and 1,470.75 tonnes of shelled almonds in 2022, with the United States as the dominant supplier. Exports from Peru for the same HS code appear small in 2022, consistent with an import-dependent market role. Market access and continuity depend mainly on meeting Peru’s import clearance steps and food safety expectations (notably contaminant risks relevant to nuts).
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and food manufacturing market)
Domestic RoleImported nut kernels used for retail snacking and as an ingredient for bakery, confectionery, and food manufacturing
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by stored product characteristics and continuous import flows.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Kernel integrity and size uniformity (whole vs broken)
- Absence of insect damage, foreign matter, and off-odors
- Color consistency appropriate to product form (natural vs blanched)
Compositional Metrics- Moisture management to reduce mold risk and quality degradation during storage
- Oxidative rancidity control (freshness management during storage and distribution)
- Contaminant compliance expectations for nuts (e.g., mycotoxins) aligned with applicable standards and importer requirements
Grades- Whole kernels vs pieces (manufacturer and retail specifications)
- Natural vs blanched (skin removed) presentations based on end use
Packaging- Food-grade sealed bags (often vacuum or inert-gas flushed in industrial practice) within cartons for transport
- Bulk packs for food manufacturing and smaller packs for retail distribution
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin processing (shelling/sorting) → export packaging → ocean freight → Peru import clearance → importer warehousing → distribution to retail and food manufacturers
Temperature- Ambient shipment is typical, but protection from high heat helps reduce rancidity risk during storage and inland distribution.
Atmosphere Control- Oxygen exposure management (tight sealing; potential inert-gas practices) supports quality retention in long storage and transit windows.
Shelf Life- Quality is sensitive to moisture ingress and heat exposure; extended storage increases rancidity risk if packaging integrity and warehouse conditions are poor.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighMycotoxin (aflatoxin) and microbial contamination risks associated with tree nuts can trigger border holds, rejection, or downstream recalls if testing fails or documentation is inadequate; this is a primary deal-breaker risk for shelled-almond imports into Peru.Use qualified suppliers with robust preventive controls; require lot-level COAs (including mycotoxin testing as relevant), implement incoming inspection/testing, and maintain strict warehouse moisture and pest controls.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMissing or incorrect import permissions or mismatched documentation can delay or block clearance; SENASA notes that some plant products require a PFI and that commodities without established requirements may require a pest risk analysis before authorization.Confirm SENASA phytosanitary requirements for the exact product form/processing level, secure PFI (when required) before shipment, and align exporter documents to the approved import conditions.
Supply Concentration MediumPeru’s shelled-almond imports are heavily concentrated in U.S. origin in 2022 (UN Comtrade via WITS), increasing exposure to origin-side shocks (crop issues, policy or logistical disruptions) that can tighten supply and increase prices.Qualify secondary origins and maintain multi-origin supplier options aligned with Peru’s import requirements.
Documentation Gap LowTraceability or lot-identification gaps can complicate investigations and increase the cost and scope of any withdrawal action in retail or manufacturing channels.Enforce shipment-level lot coding, retain samples, and align importer ERP records to supplier batch IDs.
Sustainability- Supply-chain exposure to water-stress and climate variability in major origin regions can affect availability and price for Peru when imports are concentrated by origin.
Labor & Social- Importer due diligence may request basic labor-rights and supplier-code compliance documentation for food supply chains; requirements are typically buyer-driven rather than Peru-mandated for this product.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety systems
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
Is Peru mainly an importer or exporter of shelled almonds?Peru is mainly an importer. UN Comtrade data via WITS (HS 080212) shows Peru imported about USD 7.0 million in 2022, while exports were under USD 0.1 million in the same year.
Which origin country supplies most shelled almonds imported by Peru (HS 080212)?The United States is the dominant supplier. WITS (UN Comtrade) shows the United States accounts for the large majority of Peru’s HS 080212 import value and volume in 2022, with smaller imports from Chile and Spain.
What is a key regulatory step to import plant products into Peru that may apply to shelled almonds?SENASA indicates importers of plant products may need a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI), processed through Peru’s single window (VUCE), depending on the commodity’s phytosanitary requirements and risk category.