Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw (dried; in-shell or shelled kernels)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Raw peanuts in Lebanon are primarily supplied through imports for downstream roasting, packing, and retail distribution, with bulk handling through local shops and roasteries as well as factory packaging. UN Comtrade mirror data (via WITS) shows Lebanon imported both shelled and in-shell raw peanuts in 2023, with China and India among key origins and additional supply from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Egypt depending on the subheading. Food-safety compliance is a central market constraint because nuts are routinely screened for mycotoxins (notably aflatoxins), and shipments can be delayed or rejected if results are non-compliant. Storage and handling discipline (moisture control and clean, dry warehousing) is especially important because poor conditions raise mold and aflatoxin risk.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and processing market)
Domestic RoleImported raw peanuts are used by roasteries, bulk nut/dry-goods shops, and processors for roasting/packing before consumer sale.
SeasonalityMarket availability is typically year-round due to imports and the storability of dried peanuts, but quality risk increases with extended storage under humid/warm conditions.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Kernel size uniformity and low split/damage rates are common buyer acceptance drivers for roasted/packed output.
- Low foreign matter and insect damage are important for bulk-roasting and packing efficiency.
Compositional Metrics- Mycotoxin compliance (notably aflatoxins; and in some controls ochratoxin A screening for nuts) is a key import and market-surveillance consideration in Lebanon.
- Moisture control is critical to reduce mold growth and downstream aflatoxin risk during storage and distribution.
Packaging- Bulk sacks for industrial/roastery use (with lot identification for testing and traceability).
- Downstream retail packs after local roasting/packing operations.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Import arrival → authority inspection/testing (mycotoxins) → warehousing (dry storage) → roasting/packing (local factories and roasteries) → retail distribution and point-of-sale sampling.
Temperature- Cool, dry storage conditions reduce mold growth and mycotoxin formation risk during longer holding periods.
Atmosphere Control- Humidity control and ventilation in storage are important to prevent condensation and localized moisture build-up that can promote aflatoxin-producing molds.
Shelf Life- Dried peanuts can be stored for extended periods, but quality and safety risk rise if moisture increases during transport or warehousing.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance is a deal-breaker risk for raw peanuts supplied to Lebanon because nuts are routinely tested for mycotoxins; contaminated lots can be delayed, rejected, or trigger market actions, and risk is amplified by poor drying/storage conditions.Use approved suppliers with documented post-harvest drying and storage controls; require pre-shipment and arrival-lot aflatoxin testing; maintain dry warehousing and humidity control to prevent mold growth during holding.
Regulatory Compliance MediumInspection/testing and documentation mismatches can delay clearance and increase demurrage/quality degradation risk, especially for bulk lots destined for local roasting/packing.Align paperwork and lot identifiers across invoice/packing list/COA; pre-agree sampling/testing plans and hold/release criteria with importer and labs.
Logistics MediumLong dwell times or suboptimal storage during transport/warehousing (humidity ingress, condensation, pest exposure) can degrade kernels and increase mold/mycotoxin risk before roasting/packing.Specify moisture-protective packaging/liners for bulk, monitor container conditions, and minimize time-to-warehouse with verified dry storage.
Sustainability- Food loss and waste risk increases when storage conditions (humidity/temperature) are poorly managed, because mold growth can render lots non-compliant for sale.
FAQ
Which countries are the main suppliers of raw peanuts to Lebanon?UN Comtrade data via WITS for 2023 shows shelled raw peanut imports (HS 120220) were sourced mainly from China and India, with additional supply from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Egypt. In-shell raw peanut imports (HS 120210) were sourced mainly from India, Egypt, and China.
What is the biggest trade-stopping risk for raw peanuts in the Lebanese market?Aflatoxin contamination is the most critical risk because nuts are screened for mycotoxins and non-compliant lots can be delayed or rejected. Lebanon-focused research and official communications describe routine inspection/testing for aflatoxins, and Codex provides a dedicated code of practice for preventing and reducing aflatoxin contamination in peanuts.
Which Lebanese authorities are involved in oversight of nut safety?Lebanon-focused research describes inspection and laboratory testing of imported nuts by the Ministry of Agriculture before admission to the country, and the Ministry of Economy & Trade has publicly described taking market samples from roasters, factories, and points of sale for aflatoxin/ochratoxin compliance checks.