China Peanut Market Overview, 2030

China peanuts market stands as the largest producer of peanuts in the world, extracting millions of tonnes every year from a range of agricultural environments spanning from Shandong and Henan to Guangdong and Jiangsu. This extensive yield supports two main domestic uses edible oil processing and snack or culinary applications. Within the oil sector, a large portion of the harvest is converted into peanut oil a key ingredient in Chinese cooking that is appreciated for its high smoke point, subtle nutty taste, and beneficial fatty acid composition, which contains about 50% monounsaturated fats. Oil extraction facilities seek consistent varieties with high oil content, and this industry benefits from strong consumption in homes and food services, in to niche export markets. By-products from the oil extraction process, mainly peanut meal, are used in the animal husbandry industry, enhancing the value of the supply chain. The snack and culinary market utilize high-quality kernels, which are roasted, fried, seasoned, or sugar-coated for consumers and included in sweets, baked goods, and savory meals. Regional tastes lead to a wide variety of products from five-spice and wasabi-flavored options to candied peanuts found in local markets. Domestic needs are driven by increasing incomes, urban growth, and consumer interest in protein-rich, plant-based snacks. The classification of supply is based on kernel type Virginia, Spanish, Runner, size, and quality grade, with top grades directed towards snacks and lower grades used for oil production. Although China’s level of production provides a degree of self-sufficiency, the market remains susceptible to climatic conditions, pest issues, and changes in planted area, all of which can affect the prices of raw materials and processing profitability. Crop rotation policies, rural income support, and food safety regulations including aflatoxin standards under national GB regulations play a significant role in influencing both production methods and market dynamics.

According to the research report, ""China Peanut Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the China Peanut market is anticipated to grow at more than 4.43% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. China's peanut industry is the largest in the world, supported by extensive production in regions such as Shandong, Henan, and Guangdong, and centered around two main sources of demand oilseed crushing and snack/culinary usage. In the oil segment, varieties with high oil content are turned into peanut oil a common ingredient in homes and restaurants valued for its mild taste and high smoke point while the resulting peanut meal is utilized in animal feed. The snack and culinary sector use top-quality kernels for roasting, frying, seasoning, coating in sugar, and adding to confectionery, bakery items, and savory foods, with local flavor profiles ranging from five-spice mixes to sweet varieties. Compliance in both sectors is overseen by the State Administration for Market Regulation SAMR, adhering to national GB food safety and labeling standards, especially GB 7718‑2025 General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods and GB 28050‑2025 General Standard for Nutrition Labeling, which require clear labeling in Chinese, specified production and expiration date formats, and defined nutrition claims. Allergen management is strict peanuts are classified as one of eight major allergens that necessitate clear disclosure alongside the ingredient list, with exceptions only for highly processed derivatives that do not contain allergenic proteins. Regarding seed quality, the updated GB 4407.2‑2024 Seeds of Economic Crops Oil Species outlines requirements for varietal purity, germination rates, and moisture levels for peanut seeds used in oil production, ensuring quality consistency upstream. Domestic processors categorize supply according to kernel variety Virginia, Spanish, Runner, grade, and purpose, with premium grades being allocated for snacks and lower grades for oil production.

China Peanut market by product type is divided into Raw Peanuts and Processed Peanuts China stands as the leading peanut producer globally, with major cultivation found in regions like Shandong, Henan, Guangdong, and Jiangsu. This extensive production provides essential raw materials for various downstream uses, such as food, oil, and snack manufacturing. The raw peanut sector is closely monitored by the State Administration for Market Regulation SAMR, which is responsible for maintaining food safety, ensuring quality standards, overseeing labeling, and tracking product origins. SAMR guarantees that both locally grown and imported peanuts adhere to strict hygiene and contamination limits, including aflatoxin levels, and also enforces national requirements regarding grading, moisture levels, and storage practices. These regulations are vital due to the widespread use of peanuts and their recognition as a significant allergen in many products. After harvest, the raw peanuts enter two main processing pathways. The first involves the production of peanut oil, a key part of China's edible oil market. The peanuts are cleaned, shelled, and pressed to extract the oil, which is then refined for culinary, industrial, or cosmetic uses. Peanut oil is prized for its taste, nutritional value, and durability, making it a common choice in homes and restaurants. The second pathway focuses on snack creation, where peanuts are roasted, salted, coated, or used in sweets and baked goods. Snack-grade peanuts are packaged for retail, often in either single portions or larger packs, and sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms. The raw peanut market in China can be divided into two connected phases local production and regulation by SAMR, followed by processing into either peanut oil or snack items. This division underscores China's significant role in the worldwide peanut market, the importance of adhering to safety regulations, and the variety of end-use options that cater to both industrial and consumer needs.

In China, peanuts by applications are divided into Food & Beverages, Animal Feed and Industrial Peanut Oil for Biofuel, Cosmetics are employed in a variety of ways, highlighting the crop's adaptability and economic significance. The main use is within the food and beverage F&B industry, where peanuts are featured in snacks, sauces, and spreads. Snack options encompass roasted, salted, coated, or flavored peanuts, which are typically available in both single-serving and family-size packages catering to retail and convenience buyers. Peanuts find their way into both traditional and contemporary sauces, like peanut dipping sauces or stir-fry pastes, along with spreads such as peanut butter, which is becoming increasingly favored by city dwellers. These uses take advantage of peanuts’ flavor, texture, and protein, while being monitored by SAMR State Administration for Market Regulation to maintain food safety, hygiene, and allergen labeling rules. A further use is for livestock feed, as peanut meal the by-product after oil extraction serves as a protein-dense supplement for animals and aquaculture. This area aids in the sustainable use of peanut supply chain by-products and bolsters China’s agricultural feed market. Peanut oil is another vital use, relevant for both culinary and industrial functions. In cooking, peanut oil is favored for frying and can be used in dressings due to its stable fat composition and unique taste. Industrially, it also plays a role in biofuels, contributing to renewable energy strategies. The SAMR oversees the safety, quality, and labeling of peanut oil for both food and industrial purposes. China’s peanut usage divides into three primary areas F&B, which emphasizes snacks, sauces, and spreads; feed, utilizing peanut meal as a nutrient-rich supplement; and oil, which supports food and biofuel industries. Each of these areas operates under the supervision of SAMR, ensuring quality, safety, and effective use of this versatile crop.

In China, the peanuts market by distribution channel is divided into B2C and B2B frameworks, which reflect the country's extensive domestic market and its status as a leading global provider of peanut products. In the B2C area, retail stores and online sales platforms are the main contributors to snack purchases. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and a growing number of online stores offer a variety of peanut products, such as roasted and flavored peanuts, coated snacks, peanut butter, and spreads. Online shopping sites like Alibaba's Tmall and JD.com have made it easier for both city and countryside shoppers to access products, providing home delivery and a wide range of items, including high-quality and niche products. Packaging comes in options from single servings for convenience to larger packs for families, accommodating various consumer needs. The B2C distribution system is under close supervision by the State Administration for Market Regulation SAMR, which upholds food safety, labeling, and allergen laws to protect consumers and ensure quality. The B2B segment includes processors, wholesalers, and distributors that cater to both local and international markets. Processors acquire raw or partly processed peanuts in large quantities, turning them into oils, snacks, candies, sauces, and spreads for foodservice and export markets. Wholesalers and logistics companies assist with large-scale distribution to restaurants, hotels, canteens, and institutional clients. This segment is also strictly regulated by SAMR, which guarantees adherence to hygiene protocols, traceability, and safety standards, especially for export products. The distribution of peanuts in China features a two-channel system B2C retail and e-commerce fueling consumer snack purchases, while B2B processors and wholesalers serve local foodservice and export needs. Both channels depend on regulatory monitoring and efficient logistics to ensure extensive market reach, product quality, and compliance with national and international regulations.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Peanut Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Raw Peanuts
• Processed Peanuts

By applications
• Food & Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Industrial (Peanut Oil for Biofuel, Cosmetics)

By Distribution Channel
• B2C
• B2B Show more