Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormShelled, raw kernels
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
In the United States, shelled raw peanuts are produced mainly across the Southeast and Southwest and move through drying, shelling, and grading channels before entering food manufacturing or export. Runner-type peanuts dominate commercial volumes (notably for peanut butter), while Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia types supply snack, confectionery, and specialty segments. USDA NASS production reporting identifies Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and additional states as key producing areas. Market acceptance for edible use is strongly shaped by voluntary USDA grade standards and by food-safety controls, especially aflatoxin risk management and allergen compliance expectations.
Market RoleMajor producer and domestic processing market; participates in international trade (exports and limited imports under quota controls).
Domestic RoleLarge domestic utilization in peanut butter and other food uses (snack peanuts, peanut candy, and ingredient applications).
SeasonalityPlanting typically occurs in spring and harvest in late summer through fall, with timing varying by state and growing region.
Specification
Primary VarietyRunner type
Secondary Variety- Virginia type
- Spanish type
- Valencia type
Physical Attributes- Kernel size/screening, splits/breakage, damage/defects, and foreign material tolerances are key quality attributes in U.S. grade standards for shelled peanuts.
Compositional Metrics- Aflatoxin risk management and testing are critical quality and compliance considerations for edible peanuts and peanut products.
Grades- U.S. No. 1 (Runner/Spanish)
- U.S. No. 2 (Runner/Spanish/Virginia)
- Runner Splits
- Spanish Splits
- U.S. Extra Large Virginia
- Virginia Splits
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Harvest (farmer stock) → drying/curing → shelling → sorting/sizing → grading/inspection (where used) → food processing or export packing → domestic distribution/export shipment
Temperature- Moisture and temperature control during storage and transit are important to reduce mold growth and quality deterioration (including aflatoxin risk).
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation and humidity control in storage reduce quality loss and help manage mold risk.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life and usability are sensitive to moisture management, storage conditions, and contamination control (mold/aflatoxin and pathogen risks).
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination can render edible peanuts noncompliant and lead to shipment rejection, enforcement actions, and major commercial disruption; peanuts also have notable historical risk of Salmonella-linked recalls in U.S. supply chains.Implement pre- and post-shelling aflatoxin risk controls (storage moisture management plus validated sampling/testing), require supplier food-safety programs, and maintain robust allergen and contamination preventive controls.
Trade Policy MediumU.S. tariff-rate quota (TRQ) administration and quota eligibility can materially affect the landed cost and feasibility of importing shelled raw peanuts into the U.S. market.Confirm HTS classification and quota eligibility in advance; align procurement timing and documentation with quota administration rules and broker guidance.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFor imports, failure to meet FDA prior notice and (where applicable) FSVP expectations can trigger holds, delays, or refusals at entry.Use a documented import compliance checklist (prior notice submission, importer identification, supplier approval/verification records) and conduct periodic internal audits.
Climate MediumU.S. peanut supply is exposed to weather variability (drought, hurricane impacts in coastal producing areas), which can tighten availability and shift quality outcomes.Diversify sourcing across U.S. regions and peanut types; use multi-origin contracting and buffer inventories during peak weather risk periods.
FAQ
What peanut types are most relevant for U.S. shelled raw peanut supply?U.S. commercial supply is commonly described by four peanut types: Runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia. Runner types are widely used in peanut butter, while Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia types serve snack, confectionery, and specialty uses.
Which U.S. states are key producers of peanuts used for shelled raw peanut supply?USDA NASS crop production reporting for peanuts lists major producing states including Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.
When are peanuts typically planted and harvested in the United States?USDA’s usual planting and harvesting dates handbook indicates planting is typically in spring (often April–June depending on state) with harvest concentrated in late summer through fall (often August–November depending on state).
What are the key U.S. compliance checkpoints for importing shelled raw peanuts?Imports offered for entry into the U.S. generally require FDA Prior Notice submission, and importers may need an FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) to verify the food meets U.S. safety standards and is not misbranded with respect to allergen labeling.