Córdoba consolidates its global leadership in peanuts and seeks to increase domestic consumption

Córdoba peanuts are consolidating as one of the country's most competitive products, and the production chain is now seeking to boost local consumption. With more than U$S 1.1 billion caused last year, this regional economy is consolidating as an income engine. However, domestic demand remains low compared to international markets.

In Córdoba, more than 70% of the cultivated area and production is concentrated, making it the national epicenter of the activity. The last season showed a record of more than 513,000 hectares (1,268,000 acres) sown, driven by external factors and the pursuit of greater profitability. For 2025/2026, a reduction in the area is expected, with a focus on improving productivity.

Peanuts found ideal conditions in Córdoba's soils and an agricultural calendar that favors harvesting in autumn and winter. This allowed production to reach world-class quality standards and positioned Argentina as a benchmark. Competitiveness is also driven by a lower production cost compared to other countries.

The expansion of cultivation and its industrialization

Although Córdoba concentrates most of the peanuts, other provinces such as Buenos Aires, La Pampa, and San Luis have increased their participation. The genetic development of new varieties made it possible to expand planting to more southern areas, with better yields and shorter cycles. This diversified the productive geography and reduced health risks.

The industry, however, keeps its epicenter in Córdoba, where most of the processing plants are located. The necessary infrastructure for shelling, selection, and export is concentrated there. The model, according to the sector, is efficient and guarantees competitiveness compared to other countries.

With around 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, the peanut chain supports numerous towns in the provincial interior. The production complex established a "dry port" in General Deheza that facilitates exports from the interior. This reduced costs and times, and consolidated Córdoba as a world-class agro-industrial hub.

The challenge of boosting local consumption

Internationally, Argentine peanuts lead exports and reach mainly Europe, which accounts for about 80% of demand. After the pandemic, the preference for plant-based proteins increased, which further boosted external sales. The quality of the national product is recognized for its nutritional value and price competitiveness.

In contrast, domestic consumption barely reaches 700 grams (1.54 pounds) per capita per year, compared to four kilograms (8.8 pounds) in Europe or the United States. The Argentine Peanut Chamber promotes the "Maní para Mí" campaign to incorporate the product into the daily diet. The idea is for peanut butter and other derivatives to gain presence on store shelves.

Specialists highlight that a daily intake of 40 to 50 grams (1.41 to 1.76 ounces) is beneficial for cardiovascular health. They also point out that peanuts have a nutritional value comparable to or higher than that of more expensive nuts. With this potential, the industry seeks to establish it as an economical and healthy option on the Argentine table.

Innovation, training, and quality seal

The peanut ecosystem continues to bet on technological innovation to maintain its global leadership. The automation of processes and the use of artificial intelligence make it possible to improve quality and accelerate controls. The incorporation of renewable energy from peanut shells reinforces the commitment to sustainability.

In this context, the creation of the National Peanut Institute was announced, which will aim to train future workers. The proposal seeks to professionalize the sector and generate greater efficiency throughout the chain. The courses will be mainly virtual, to reach young people from different productive localities.

Another initiative is the implementation of a Quality and Origin Certification Seal for Córdoba Peanuts. With this distinction, the sector seeks to strengthen its identity in global markets. "We have the best peanuts in the world; we need a seal that identifies us," said the governor when presenting the project.