
With the June festivities approaching — a period in which peanuts are featured in dishes such as paçoca, pé-de-moleque and roasted peanuts — the ideal opportunity arises to explore the true dimension of this grain that transcends the world of delicacies. With undeniable pride, we reiterate: peanuts are originally from Brazil! They have established themselves as a strategic and expanding crop in Brazilian agribusiness, generating significant economic and social impact. This article aims to present the current panorama of the sector, its relevance and the projections that solidify Brazil's position as a global power in this market.
Production and planted area: a giant that never stops growing
Peanuts, in addition to being a cultural tradition, have become one of the most dynamic crops in national agriculture. Brazil ranks 8th among the largest producers in the world, with the state of São Paulo standing out as the largest producer, accounting for more than 90% of national production, taking advantage of the rotation with sugarcane, favoring gains in productivity and sustainability, since peanuts enrich the soil with nitrogen and help control nematodes.
The 2023/24 harvest was estimated at around 734 thousand tons, a significant increase compared to previous years. The 2024/25 harvest is expected to exceed 1.18 million tons, an increase of 60% compared to the previous harvest. The increase is the result of an increase in the planted area (279 thousand hectares) and an average productivity that should reach 4,209 kg/ha. The use of certified seeds, cultivars with high oleic acid content and more efficient mechanization further strengthened the production chain.
The expansion is not limited to São Paulo: Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais have been gaining prominence, showing that peanuts adapt well to different regions and can be a profitable alternative in soils less suitable for other crops, such as soybeans.
Domestic market and exports: strength inside and outside
Domestic consumption of peanuts in Brazil is significant and growing. With a per capita consumption of 1.6 kg per year, it is below countries such as the United States (6.7 kg) and China (13 kg). In Brazil, peanuts are consumed raw or in confectionery products such as paçoca, pé-de-moleque and various sweets, however, there is great potential for expansion, especially with the popularization of products such as peanut butter — now seen as a healthy and nutritious food.
In the international market, Brazil has been gaining significant market share. In 2024, we exported 227 thousand tons of peanuts, with highlights to markets such as Russia (27), Algeria (18%) and the Netherlands (9%). In the peanut oil scenario, Brazil has consolidated itself as the 2nd largest exporter in the world, exporting around 110 thousand tons, around 75% of national production, with China as the main destination.
Exports not only strengthen the trade balance but also generate jobs and income for thousands of families in the interior of the country. The appreciation of the exchange rate and high global demand are factors that reinforce Brazil's leading role in this scenario.
Peanuts: flavor and health in the same package
In addition to its economic importance, peanuts also stand out as a functional food and a health ally. Rich in proteins, fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and other essential nutrients, they contribute to the proper functioning of the body and can be part of a balanced diet from childhood.
Studies indicate that its consumption can help with weight control, improve heart health, prevent blood sugar spikes and even contribute to brain health and the prevention of Alzheimer's. Its oil, naturally free of cholesterol and rich in antioxidants, has been shown to be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular and neurological diseases and even certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon and prostate cancer.
Another advantage is sustainability: peanuts, as a legume, require less water than other oilseeds, fix nitrogen in the soil and their production emits less CO₂ when compared to animal sources of protein. This makes them not only a healthy food, but also a smart choice for the environment.
Challenges and opportunities: building the future of peanuts
Despite the progress, the sector faces challenges that need to be overcome to ensure sustainable competitiveness. Strict control of aflatoxins (toxic substances produced by fungi) is essential to access demanding markets such as the European Union. In addition, logistics needs to be improved, especially to transport the product from new production areas to the industrial hubs concentrated in São Paulo.
Another point of concern is the production cost, which is higher than that of soybeans. However, the profitability of peanuts, combined with their agronomic potential — such as soil improvement and pest control in rotation with sugarcane — makes this investment worthwhile.
The outlook is encouraging. Expansion into new areas, increased domestic consumption and the conquest of new international markets indicate that peanuts will continue to grow strongly. Continued investment in research, innovation, infrastructure and quality will be crucial to further consolidate Brazil as a global power.
When you savor your paçoca or pé-de-moleque this São João, remember that, in addition to tradition, peanuts are also a driving force behind Brazilian agribusiness — and a superfood. They generate jobs, strengthen the soil, boost exports and, on top of that, are good for your health. With growing production, robust exports and a growing domestic market, peanuts are establishing themselves as one of the pillars of Brazilian agribusiness — with flavor, tradition, nutrition and, above all, a promising future, the fruit of a genuinely national legacy.
Sources: Itau BBA. Agro Radar: The peanut market. Sao Paulo, 2025; The Peanut Institute.
