By Clint Thompson
Pecan consumption is up across the U.S. which is a positive sign for Southeast growers.
Serena Schaffner, chief marketing officer American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board, highlighted pecan marketing and consumption on Wednesday at the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference and Trade Show in Perry. She noted that retail sales are up 4.7% and intent to consume pecans is also up 4%.
Schaffner attributed the increase to a couple of factors, most notably pecan’s nutritional benefits.
“I think over the past year, we’ve seen consumption grow for pecans. Consumers are demanding more, and I think that has to do with a few things,” Schaffner said. “One, there’s a real nutrition kick that’s happening right now among consumers and they’re looking for really nutrient dense and rich foods to be able to eat. Pecans and tree nuts are also, in general, starting to fill that need, especially when people aren’t snacking anymore. They may be eating a little bit less but making those calories count. We’re seeing that, and it’s helping to drive that consumption for pecans.
“The other thing that we’ve done, particularly for our organization, is focus our strategy beyond holidays. We’ve always been loved for pecan pies. There’s nothing wrong with that. But we want to make sure we’re giving people more reasons to reach for pecans every day.”
According to the Georgia Pecan Commission, pecans are rich sources of B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B-6. Almost 60% of the fats in pecans are monounsaturated and another 30% are polyunsaturated.
Pecans are also recognized as heart healthy by the American Heart Association. Pecans are also an excellent source of vitamin-E, a strong lipid soluble antioxidant.