Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormShelled, raw kernels (size grade 50/60)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupNuts and seeds / oilseeds
Scientific NameArachis hypogaea
PerishabilityLow
Growing Conditions- Warm-season crop requiring frost-free growing period
- Well-drained soils (often sandy loams) to support pod development underground
- Yield and quality sensitive to drought/heat stress and to excessive humidity during drying/storage
Main VarietiesRunner, Virginia, Spanish, Valencia
Consumption Forms- Roasted/snack kernels
- Peanut butter and pastes
- Confectionery and bakery inclusions
- Crushed/granulated ingredient for food manufacturing
- Edible oil and meal (depending on grade and destination)
Grading Factors- Kernel size count (e.g., 50/60 kernels per ounce) and uniformity
- Splits/broken kernels and damaged/discolored kernels
- Foreign matter and admixture
- Moisture condition at shipment
- Aflatoxin (and related mycotoxin/contaminant) compliance status by lot
Planting to HarvestTypically about 4–6 months from planting to harvest depending on variety and agro-climate
Market
Shelled raw peanut kernels (50/60 count) are a globally traded groundnut product used for roasting/snack lines, confectionery, peanut butter, and ingredient manufacture. Global production is concentrated in Asia and Africa (notably China, India, and West Africa), while large-scale export programs are led by Argentina, India, Brazil, and the United States. International trade is strongly shaped by buyer specifications on kernel size/defects and by strict food-safety compliance, especially aflatoxin risk management. Major import demand is centered in large processing and consumer markets in Asia and Europe, with the Netherlands acting as a key EU entry and re-export hub for kernels.
Major Producing Countries- 중국Among the largest global producers of groundnuts (FAOSTAT).
- 인도Among the largest global producers; significant domestic use plus exportable kernel supply (FAOSTAT).
- 나이지리아Major producer in West Africa; production largely domestic/regional with export potential varying by quality and compliance (FAOSTAT).
- 미국Large producer with established export-oriented kernel supply chains (FAOSTAT; UN Comtrade trade flows).
- 미얀마 [버마]Significant producer (FAOSTAT).
- 수단Significant producer; output and exportability can be sensitive to climate and logistics (FAOSTAT).
- 세네갈Important West African producer with notable groundnut sector (FAOSTAT).
- 아르헨티나Major producer with strong export focus for kernels (FAOSTAT; UN Comtrade trade flows).
- 브라질Notable producer and exporter of shelled groundnuts (FAOSTAT; UN Comtrade trade flows).
Major Exporting Countries- 인도Top exporter of shelled groundnuts under HS 120220 in recent UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 아르헨티나Top exporter of shelled groundnuts under HS 120220 in recent UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 브라질Among leading exporters of shelled groundnuts under HS 120220 in recent UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 미국Among leading exporters of shelled groundnuts under HS 120220 in recent UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 네덜란드Major re-export and distribution hub for peanut kernels into Europe; prominent exporter under HS 120220 in UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 중국Notable exporter under HS 120220 in UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
Major Importing Countries- 중국Among top importers of shelled groundnuts under HS 120220 in UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 네덜란드Major EU entry and distribution hub for peanut kernels; among top importers under HS 120220 (via WITS, 2023).
- 인도네시아Among top importers under HS 120220 in UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 멕시코Among top importers under HS 120220 in UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 베트남Among top importers under HS 120220 in UN Comtrade reporting (via WITS, 2023).
- 독일Major EU consumption/processing market; among top importers under HS 120220 (via WITS, 2023).
Supply Calendar- United States:Sep, Oct, NovMain harvest window in the Northern Hemisphere; dried and stored for year-round shipping.
- Argentina:Apr, May, JunSouthern Hemisphere harvest supports counter-seasonal supply to Northern Hemisphere buyers.
- India (kharif crop):Oct, Nov, DecMajor harvest period in many producing states; availability depends on drying and grading capacity.
- India (rabi/summer crop):Mar, Apr, MaySecond crop cycle supports additional exportable kernel supply when quality and compliance conditions are met.
- China:Sep, OctKey harvest period; domestic processing and demand influence export availability.
Specification
Major VarietiesRunner, Virginia, Spanish, Valencia
Physical Attributes- Shelled raw peanut kernels graded by size count; “50/60” commonly denotes 50–60 kernels per ounce
- Kernel shape/size presentation matters for roasting and snack applications (uniformity, low split rate)
Compositional Metrics- Moisture and water activity specifications are central to mold prevention and quality retention during storage and shipment
- Aflatoxin testing and lot segregation are common buyer requirements for export kernels
Grades- UNECE marketing standard framework for peanut kernels (DDP-36) is referenced in commercial quality control discussions for raw/roasted kernels
- Buyer specifications typically set tolerances for foreign matter, damaged kernels, splits, and size count (e.g., 50/60)
Packaging- Export shipments commonly use moisture-protective packaging (e.g., lined bags/cartons) with emphasis on preventing re-wetting and contamination
- Container moisture management (e.g., desiccants/ventilation practices) is used to reduce risk of condensation-related quality loss
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Harvest -> drying/curing -> shelling -> cleaning and sizing (count grading such as 50/60) -> sorting/inspection and aflatoxin testing -> export packing -> container shipping -> destination quality checks -> roasting/processing -> retail/foodservice ingredients
Demand Drivers- Industrial roasting and snack manufacturing requiring consistent kernel size and low defect rates
- Peanut butter and confectionery manufacturing demand for clean, uniform kernels
- Ingredient use in bakery, sauces, and ready-to-eat mixes where size grade supports process control
Temperature- Quality preservation depends more on cool, dry storage than on refrigeration; heat accelerates rancidity and quality loss
- Moisture control across the warehouse-to-container chain is critical to prevent mold growth and aflatoxin risk escalation
Shelf Life- Shelf life is generally long when kernels remain dry and protected from oxygen, heat, and light; rancidity and off-flavors are key deterioration modes
- Insect infestation and cross-contamination risks during storage/transit are managed through sanitation, monitoring, and compliant fumigation practices where allowed
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a deal-breaker risk for shelled raw peanut kernels in global trade: lots can face border holds, rejection, or destruction if contaminant limits or sampling requirements are not met. Risk increases with drought stress, delayed harvesting, poor drying, and humid storage/transport conditions, making compliance a primary determinant of market access.Apply Codex aflatoxin-prevention practices across pre-harvest to storage; enforce rapid drying and moisture control, implement robust sampling/testing plans, and segregate/trace lots by risk and test status.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport requirements for contaminants (including aflatoxins) and documentation can vary by market and may change, creating compliance and contract risk for exporters and importers.Maintain market-specific compliance matrices, align contracts to destination limits and test methods, and use accredited laboratories with clear chain-of-custody.
Quality Deterioration MediumOxidation-driven rancidity, taint, and texture degradation can occur if kernels are exposed to heat, oxygen, or moisture cycling during storage and transit, reducing suitability for premium roasting and ingredient applications.Use moisture/oxygen-protective packaging where appropriate, manage warehouse and container temperatures, and minimize transit-time and port dwell exposure.
Climate MediumYield and quality are sensitive to rainfall variability and heat, with drought conditions increasing stress-related quality issues and potentially amplifying aflatoxin risk through crop and storage pathways.Diversify sourcing across hemispheres and agro-ecologies, monitor seasonal climate outlooks, and prioritize suppliers with proven drying/storage infrastructure.
Sustainability- Post-harvest loss prevention: inadequate drying and storage can drive waste and rejections, increasing the effective footprint per usable ton
- Water stress and yield variability in rainfed systems; irrigation dependence in some producing regions
- Crop-rotation and soil-health considerations; peanuts can contribute to nitrogen fixation but may still require careful pest/disease management inputs
Labor & Social- Smallholder livelihoods and price volatility exposure in major producing regions, influencing supply reliability and quality investment
- Worker health and safety in shelling, sorting, and processing facilities (dust control, machinery safety, food safety culture)
FAQ
What does the “50/60” size grade mean for shelled raw peanuts?In international kernel trade, “50/60” commonly indicates there are about 50 to 60 peanut kernels per ounce, which is used as a practical sizing convention for buying and processing specifications.
Which countries are leading global exporters of shelled groundnuts (raw kernels)?Recent UN Comtrade reporting for HS 120220 shows India, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States among the top exporters, with the Netherlands also prominent as a European distribution and re-export hub.
What is the single biggest trade risk for shelled raw peanut kernels?Aflatoxin contamination is the most critical risk because it can cause border rejections and serious food-safety issues; controlling it depends on good agricultural practices, rapid drying, controlled storage, and reliable sampling/testing aligned with Codex guidance.