USA PEANUTS –
INNOVATION
THROUGH QUALITY
CONTENTS
INCREASE YOUR SNACK SALES – PROMOTE PEANUTS
Page 01
WHY CHOOSE AMERICAN PEANUTS?
Flavour and Shelf Life
Quality Testing
Quick Delivery Times and Port Clearance
Page 02
Page 02
Page 03
Page 03
PROMOTING QUALITY PRODUCTS
Page 04
HOW CAN THE AMERICAN PEANUT COUNCIL
HELP ME SELL MORE PEANUTS?
Contact Details
Page 05
Page 05
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT AMERICAN PEANUTS?
American Peanut Profile
Runner
Virginia
Spanish
Valencia
Page 06
Page 06
Page 06
Page 06
Page 07
Page 07
WHAT MAKES AMERICAN PEANUTS DIFFERENT?
Seed Development
Farming Practices
Customised Products and Processing
Value-Added Products
Page 08
Page 08
Page 09
Page 09
Page 10
LINKS TO OTHER EUROPEAN NUT AND SNACK
ASSOCIATIONS
Page 12
American Peanut Council
Grosvenor Gardens House, 35-37 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0BS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7828 0838 email: [email protected]
01
Increase your Snack
Sales – Promote Peanuts
Retailers looking to capitalise on
increased consumers interest in
healthy snacks can profit from
branded sales and premium private
label products that offer consumers
great taste and value … just what
you can offer with American
peanuts.
While snacking habits vary throughout Europe, there is a growing trend of increased nut
consumption.According to Euromonitor, sweet and savoury snacks sales rose 8% across
Western Europe in 2005, with nuts beating the average at a growth rate of over 11% (based
on retail sales values). Nut sales in Eastern Europe rose by 18%. Figures recently released
by the European Snack Association support this trend, with, for example, growth in the value
of peanut sales in the UK rising by 12%
Health conscious consumers are turning to peanuts, nuts and nut & fruit mixes, so why
not capitalise on this opportunity by increasing your nut offerings. Maximise repeat sales
by making sure you’re stocking the best tasting, highest quality peanuts that consumers
will want more of.
To find out more about the nutritional values and health benefits of peanuts, visit the
nutrition pages of www.peanutsusa.org.uk (available in English, Dutch and German)
or click here for a link through to the latest research update (in English language only).
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02
Why Choose American
peanuts?
FLAVOUR AND SHELF LIFE
To consumers, flavour and enjoyment are
probably the most important factors in
deciding whether to buy a snack product
again. Of course, price is important – but
no one is going to buy a peanut product
again if they have had a bad experience
of an ‘off’ or rancid taste, no matter how
cheap! For the US peanut industry, the flavour
of the peanut is of paramount importance.
The United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) has conducted studies on peanuts
grown in the US, China and Argentina,
using both trained flavour specialists and
US and European consumer taste panels.
All consumers in the panels could tell the
difference between peanuts with good or off flavours. Of particular note for peanut
manufacturers is the findings from the research conducted with consumers in Europe:
40% of the Argentine lots, and 70% of the Chinese, had ‘off’ tastes while no off flavours
were detected in the US peanuts.The most important flavour criteria for peanuts – the
‘peanutty’ flavour is highest and most consistent with US origin peanuts.
From the very start, the oil chemistry of peanuts has the greatest impact on their shelf life
potential.The fatty acid composition of peanuts changes throughout their growing cycle
as they become more mature.The ratio of oleic to linoleic acids determines the shelf life
of peanuts, with a higher oleic/linoleic ratio giving a longer shelf life. Origin comparison
studies have shown US peanuts have the highest oleic/linoleic ratio,Argentine peanuts less,
and Chinese peanuts the lowest oleic/linoleic ratio. High oleic peanuts from the USA provide
healthier, great tasting peanuts with an improved shelf life. Many of the peanuts now being
produced in the USA were naturally bred for their enhanced high oleic content traits to give
a longer shelf life.
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03
Why Choose American
peanuts?
(CONTINUED)
QUALITY TESTING
For manufacturers, retailers and consumers
alike, food safety is critical. Manufacturers
and retailers rely on their suppliers to provide
safe products, while consumers in turn come
to rely upon brands and retailers to ensure
the products they eat are safe from
contamination.
Multiple quality samples are taken and tested
at critical control points throughout the
entire growing and processing cycle in the
US peanut industry to ensure the highest levels of food safety and ensure compliance with
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Plans (HACCP) at each plant.As an example,
US sampling techniques allow the industry to pull a representative sample for aflatoxin
analysis.All peanut testing laboratories must either be USDA certified, or a USDA lab, and
must go through rigorous quality assurance inspection audits each year to remain certified.
The Federal-State Inspection Service is a government agency and is present in each shelling
plant to assess peanut quality of each peanut lot for the industry, looking at sizing, damage
and moisture content. Inspectors issue final USDA certificates of quality when all of the testing
is concluded.These assure customers that all quality and safety standards were met and that
the stringent guidelines for aflatoxin inspection and control were adhered to.
QUICK DELIVERY TIMES AND PORT CLEARANCE
Once the US peanuts are cleared for shipping with quality documentation, the positive-lot
identified peanuts destined for overseas markets are loaded into containers and placed onto
ships.The US storage and shipping system ensures that buyers receive the quality they require
on the date requested.
The United States and the European Union are currently working on a unique aflatoxin
agreement that allows for testing of peanuts in the US prior to shipment to Europe. Known as
‘origin certification’, this innovative procedure, which has already been affirmed by authorities
in the UK and the Netherlands, allows for faster clearance through European ports.
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Innovation Through Quality DVD,
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04
Promoting Quality
Products
Quality conscious manufacturers around the world
are using the USA quality logo to draw consumer
attention to the high quality of their peanut
products. More recently, European manufacturers
have added taglines to the logo to promote the
great taste as well.
“Whenever customers are looking for quality peanuts; true peanut flavour with
good keeping qualities, we always recommend USA peanuts”
GEOFF STREET, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SUN VALLEY LTD, UK
APC is the owner of the registered trademark “USA QUALITY” peanut logo, for peanuts
and peanut products, and has established the standards below for use of the “USA QUALITY”
peanut logo.
For kernels / inshells or product mixes: The product must include 100% US origin peanuts.
No substitution or blending of other origin peanuts is permitted if the USA Quality logo
is to be used. If the product is a mix of peanuts and other products, then the peanuts must
be 100% US origin, the remaining products may be other origin.
For peanut butter: The product must conform to the US definition of peanut butter (minimum
90% peanuts) and contains exclusively US origin peanuts – no blending or substitution of other
origin peanuts is permitted.
“We use American peanuts for our Planters and Big D branded peanut products
because it is important to our consumers to know that we deliver the World’s best
tasting peanuts, consistently and safely. The Quality USA logo reassures consumers they
are getting the best peanuts available for their money.”
BRIAN CARDY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE,TRIGON SNACKS LTD
Manufacturers and retailers selling products containing 100% US origin peanuts are invited
to apply to the APC for a license to use the logo, free of charge, on pack and on marketing
and promotion materials. Please send an e-mail to [email protected] and the
appropriate application form will be sent to you. Use of the registered trademark is strictly
monitored and illegal use by manufacturers and/or retailers will be reported to the appropriate
authorities for further action.
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05
How can the American
Peanut Council help
me sell more peanuts?
The American Peanut Council (APC)
administers a broad-based export development
programme for the US peanut industry with
the objective of increasing exports of all types
of US grown peanuts and peanut products.
The APC does not buy, sell or process peanuts.
Its resources are devoted exclusively to the
market development and dissemination
of trade information on behalf of the US
peanut industry.
The American Peanut Council undertakes its international market development programme in
cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS).
Manufacturers and retailers using and promoting products containing 100% US peanuts
are invited to apply to the American Peanut Council for marketing support.The APC
undertakes a variety of generic campaigns – ranging from promoting the health benefits
of peanuts to providing support to brands wanting to promote the US origin, great taste and
quality messages to retailers and consumers alike. If you would like to discuss your marketing
plans and enquire how APC may be able to support your promotions, please contact
Mrs Louise McKerchar, European Marketing Director.
CONTACT DETAILS
Mrs Louise McKerchar
Vice-President, European Marketing Director
American Peanut Council
Rooms 157-159, Grosvenor Gardens House
35-37 Grosvenor Gardens
LONDON SW1W 0BS
UK
Tel:
+44 (0) 20 7828 0838
Fax:
+44 (0) 20 7828 0839
e-mail: [email protected]
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Innovation Through Quality DVD,
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06
Want to Know More
about American
Peanuts?
AMERICAN PEANUT PROFILE
The main peanut growing areas
in the USA are Georgia,Texas,
Alabama, the Carolinas, Florida,
Virginia, New Mexico, Oklahoma
and Mississippi.Although
commonly referred to as nuts,
peanuts are actually from the
legume family – you could say “the
nut that’s really a bean”.The plants
grow close to the ground and after
flowering, produce ‘fruit’ below
the soil surface which become
the inshell peanuts.
US peanuts fall into four basic types:
Runner,Virginia, Spanish and
Valencia. Each of these peanuts is
distinctive in size and flavour.
RUNNER
Runners have become the dominant peanut type grown in the US due to the introduction
in the early 1970’s of a new variety, the Florunner, which was responsible for a spectacular
increase in peanut yields. Runners have rapidly gained wide acceptance because of their
attractive kernel size range; a high proportion of runners are used for peanut butter.
Runners are grown mainly in Georgia,Alabama, Florida,Texas and Oklahoma.
VIRGINIA
Virginias have the largest kernels and account for most of the peanuts roasted and eaten
as inshells.When shelled, the larger kernels are sold for salted snack peanuts.Virginias
are grown mainly in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina and West Texas.
Virginia type peanut production has however been falling in recent years.
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Innovation Through Quality DVD,
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07
Want to Know More
about American
Peanuts?
(CONTINUED)
SPANISH
Grown mainly in Oklahoma and Texas, Spanish-type peanuts have smaller kernels, covered with
a reddish-brown skin (darker than other varieties).They are used predominantly in
confectionery, but are also used for salted peanuts and peanut butter.They have a higher
oil content than other varieties, which is advantageous when crushing for oil.
VALENCIA
Valencias usually have three or more small kernels to a pod, rather than two.These kernels
have a sweet flavour and are usually roasted and sold in the shell.They are grown mainly
in New Mexico.
US Peanut Production
in Metric Tons
2004
2005
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Mississippi
New Mexico
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia
278,600
182,000
915,000
–
29,750
178,500
51,150
56,100
387,750
52,000
306,625
205,200
1,076,250
22,400
31,350
144,000
52,800
84,000
455,000
33,000
Total US
2,130,850
2,410,625
For a list of current US suppliers, click here
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2006
Forecast*
189,600
138,000
718,750
21,000
32,300
141,900
36,000
86,000
271,250
24,800
1,630,400
08
What Makes American
Peanuts Different?
From seed development through farming
practices to shelling and food safety, the
American peanut industry leads the world
in innovative technology to produce
a consistently great tasting, safe product
for delivery to consumers.
The USA peanut industry, through its
continuing investments in research and
technology, is committed to providing the
world with the highest quality, most flavourful, and safest peanut possible. It is a team effort
using industry-leading technology like the world’s most comprehensive seed development
programme, innovative tote bag packaging, and climate-controlled storage.The entire industry’s
commitment to innovation through quality takes every measure to ensure that consistency,
safety and quality are present in every aspect of USA peanut production.
SEED DEVELOPMENT
USA peanut seeds are constantly being
improved with the world’s most
comprehensive seed development system,
to ensure high yield, consistent quality and
great flavour. It takes 8-12 years to develop
a variety for farmers to grow and US seed
breeders consult with farmers, shellers,
domestic and international peanut
manufacturers to establish the traits that they
are looking for in future peanut varieties.All
varieties being developed are tested and
evaluated for yield, grade, size, disease
resistance, shelling ability, oil chemistry,
flavour and processing characteristics.
New traits currently coming from the US program include high oleic peanuts, giving extended
shelf life and increasing the beneficial monounsaturated fat profile.
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Innovation Through Quality DVD,
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09
What Makes American
Peanuts Different?
(CONTINUED)
FARMING PRACTICES
Using the advances from decades of research and
development, the USA peanut industry uses the latest
farm management software, global satellite positioning
systems, and advanced farming equipment as well as
skilled farmers and personnel with years of training,
experience and knowledge. Our customers’ stringent
quality concerns are addressed by the expertise and good
management practices of our skilled professionals before,
during and after every crop is planted.
USA peanut growers utilise an innovative integrated pest management strategy of pesticides,
biological control, and crop management techniques to produce a safe and flavourful peanut.
This integrated strategy, based on decades of research and field tests blends the most effective
methods of pest control to eliminate unnecessary pesticides.This advanced system allows USA
peanuts not only to pass the standards of regulatory agencies throughout the world, but to
have the lowest levels of pesticide residue possible.
CUSTOMISED PRODUCTS AND PROCESSING
Utilising modern techniques, custom processors
are able to provide their customers with a range
of services, including:
Blanching
(removal of the red skin from around the peanut kernel)
US technological advances mean that blanched peanuts
offer better quality including fewer splits, less foreign
material, and greater uniformity of flavour and colour.
Cleaning and Sizing
Greater uniformity is provided through the removal of defects, foreign material, and
additional sizing.
Flavouring and Coatings
Customised flavourings and coatings can be developed for whole or split peanuts.
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What Makes American
Peanuts Different?
(CONTINUED)
VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS
New value-added products have been developed which have a number of applications including
bakery, confectionery and the general consumer market.Among these are:
Peanut Flour
Made from raw peanuts which have been cleaned, blanched
and electronically sorted to select the highest quality peanuts,
the nuts are then roasted and naturally processed to obtain a
lower fat peanut flour with a strong roasted peanut flavour.
Peanut flour is used in confectionery products, seasoning
blends, bakery mixes, frostings, fillings, cereal bars and
nutritional bars. Because the flour is partially defatted,
it works well as a fat binder in applications such as
confection centers. Using peanut flour at a level of
4-8% in a formulation has been found to extend the shelf
life of confections and can contribute a peanut flavour to the product. Peanut flour, because
of its high protein content (45%–50%), is a good protein source in addition to its function
as a flavouring agent.
Peanut Oil (arachis oil)
Peanut oil is extracted from shelled and crushed peanuts
by one or a combination of the following methods: hydraulic
pressing; expeller pressing; and/or solvent extraction.
Highly aromatic 100% peanut oil and peanut extract
also are available.These products have a strong roasted
peanut flavour and aroma. Suggested applications for
these products include flavouring compounds, confections,
sauces and baked goods.
Roasted Peanuts
Roasted peanuts are available in several different packages and roast variations. Different
coatings can be applied to the peanuts prior to and after roasting to provide a variety
of products including such flavours as honey, smoked, sweet, hot and spicy, and salty.
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What Makes American
Peanuts Different?
(CONTINUED)
Peanut Butter
A variety of different peanut butter products is currently available. Peanuts are roasted,
blanched and sorted before grinding into a creamy consistency. Peanut butter produced
in the US contains a minimum of 90% peanuts; sweeteners and salt can be added to enhance
flavour while small amounts of stabilizers are used to prevent oil separation.The small amount
of stabilizer used does not contribute trans fatty acids to the product. Peanut pieces can
be added to provide a crunchy style. Custom formulations also can be developed to modify
the texture or sweetness or to add flavouring.
Peanut butter is available in consumer-ready packaging or in institutional/catering containers
for use in bakery and confectionery products.
Peanut paste, which is 100% ground peanuts, is used in a variety of industrial food recipes
and is available from processors.
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12
Links to Other
European Nut & Snack
Associations
www.peanuts.org.uk
British Peanut Council
www.esa.org.uk
European Snack Association
www.nutfruit.org
International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Federation
www.aboutnuts.com
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About Nuts
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