The U.S. nuts and dried fruit market displayed strong growth from 1998-2003 increasing 47% at constant prices to reach $3.2 billion in sales. The category is segmented into: snack nuts and seeds, dried fruit, and cooking and baking nuts. The nuts and seeds segment was the largest category in 2003 followed by dried fruit and cooking nuts. Consumption continues to climb as Americans continue their snacking habit, and seek more nutritious alternatives to chips and other snack items. Nuts and seeds will continue to grow as they offer a variety of uses ranging from baking and cooking ingredients to a quick snack and convenient snack option.

The category has grown in response to news regarding the heart-healthy benefits of nuts in helping to reduce coronary heart disease, as well as the inclusion of certain nuts on the approved food lists of several popular diets, including Atkins and South Beach. The category received an additional boost when the FDA approved the first qualified health claim for nuts when used in conjunction with a low saturated fat and cholesterol diet. This is good news for the industry and should have a positive impact on consumption as Americans try to battle obesity.

This Mintel report explores the hypothesis that the nuts and dried fruit category should continue to grow as Americans look for convenient, healthy snack alternatives. Manufacturers are responding by creating convenient packaging and new flavors that attract the on-the-go consumer. Retailers are positioning portable nuts at the front of registers in order to stimulate sales as well as stocking shelves not only with traditional packaging, but smaller portable nut and dried fruit snack products.

This report addresses all the key issues affecting the nuts and dried fruit market, such as how health trends are affecting sales and the benefits of on-the-go packaging. Mintel’s original consumer research penetrates attitudes about the category and examines purchasing behavior by age, gender, ethnicity and income. A six-year trend analysis predicts future growth for the market, helping you form a long-term marketing strategy.

Mintel defines the nuts and dried fruit market as those nuts and dried fruit sold in the U.S. for human consumption. These products are purchased for snacking and cooking.

Nuts: nuts may be salted, unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts, and premium nuts (cashews, pistachios), nuts in their shells, and mixed varieties.

Dried Fruit: the primary dried fruits are raisins, prunes, dates, figs, glazed fruit, and fruit chips. “Other” dried fruits include cranberries, blueberries, cherries, apricots, currants, peaches, pears, apples, and nectarines.

Excluded from this report are nuts and dried fruit which are coated (e.g. with chocolate or yogurt), and those included in cereals, candy bars, or other food products such as trail mix.

This report includes IRI InfoScan data.

A number of U.S. reports covering related sectors have been published, are planned, or are in preparation, including:

Cakes—U.S., consumer intelligence, June 2004

Low Carb—U.S., consumer intelligence, May 2004

Salty Snacks—U.S., consumer intelligence, March 2004

Functional Foods—U.S., consumer intelligence, October 2003

Slimming Meals—U.S., consumer intelligence, October 2003

Crackers—U.S., consumer intelligence, September 2003

Canned Fruit & Vegetables—U.S., consumer intelligence, August 2003

Cookies & Cookie Bars—U.S., consumer intelligence, August 2003

Attitudes to Diet & Exercise—U.S., consumer intelligence, July 2003

Sports & Energy Bars—U.S., consumer intelligence, July 2003

Healthy Snacking—U.S., consumer intelligence, July 2003

Sugar-Free Foods and Beverages—U.S., consumer intelligence, June 2003

Yogurt—U.S., consumer intelligence, June 2003

Meat Snacks—U.S., consumer intelligence, May 2003

FDA-Approved Health Claims—U.S., consumer intelligence, April 2003

Cheese—U.S., consumer intelligence, February 2003

Salty Snacks—U.S., consumer intelligence, February 2003

Smoothies & Yogurt Drinks—U.S., consumer intelligence, December 2002

Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners—U.S., consumer intelligence, November 2002

Breakfast Foods: Volume 1—The Consumer—U.S., consumer intelligence, October 2002

Soy Foods & Beverages—U.S., consumer intelligence, September 2002

Cereal Bars—U.S., consumer intelligence, August 2002

Organic Food—U.S., consumer intelligence, May 2002

Energy Supplements—U.S., consumer intelligence, March 2002