Wholesale Groundnut (Peanut) Suppliers

Peanut types and grades for wholesale buyers

Wholesale groundnut/peanut trade operates across four major market-types and several processing grades. Virginia peanuts (also called Jumbo or ballpark peanuts) have the largest kernel size, typically ≥70/75 seeds per pound (SPO — seeds per ounce counts are used in the US; seed count per ounce of 1.5–2.0 for large Virginias). They are the premium in-shell and out-of-shell snack peanut — used for roasted whole-kernel snacks, gourmet peanut butter, and cocktail peanuts. Runner peanuts are the dominant US commercial variety — uniform medium kernel size (4–5 seeds per pod), consistent oil content (48–50%), ideal for commercial peanut butter and confectionery. Runner accounts for approximately 75% of US peanut production. Spanish peanuts are smaller-kernelled, higher in oil, and used for peanut oil extraction, peanut candy, and snack mixes. Valencia peanuts (typically 3 seeds per pod) are sweet-flavoured, used for in-shell roasted, boiled peanuts, and natural peanut butter. Commercial grades include: In-shell (unshelled), Shelled whole kernel, Hand-Picked Selected (HPS — manually sorted, highest quality for confectionery direct human consumption), Machine Cleaned (MC — mechanical cleaning, competitively priced for crushing and food processing), Splits (broken kernels), and Bold (larger kernel size specification within shelled trade).

Aflatoxin limits: the most critical compliance parameter

Aflatoxins — toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus moulds — are the defining food safety compliance challenge for groundnut buyers. Peanuts are highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination both in the field (drought stress) and in post-harvest storage (high temperature and moisture). EU maximum limits under Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 (among the world's strictest): For groundnuts intended for direct human consumption: Aflatoxin B1 ≤2 µg/kg; Total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) ≤4 µg/kg. For groundnuts to be sorted or processed before human consumption: Aflatoxin B1 ≤8 µg/kg; Total aflatoxins ≤15 µg/kg. Codex Alimentarius maximum level for total aflatoxins in peanuts intended for further processing: 15 µg/kg. US FDA action level: 20 ppb (µg/kg) total aflatoxins for human food; 20 ppb for animal feed (for some species). The practical consequences: EU border checks on groundnuts from high-risk origins (India, China, Vietnam, some African countries) are among the most frequent food safety rejections in RASFF. Buyers importing groundnuts into the EU must require ISO 17025-accredited aflatoxin analysis with statistically representative sampling (Commission Regulation (EC) 401/2006 sampling plan for peanuts) as a contractual condition.

USDA grades, size counts, and quality standards

USDA official grade standards for shelled peanuts (7 CFR Part 996, Subpart B) define grades based on: moisture content (≤9.0% for US Grade No. 1 runner shelled); total damaged kernels (foreign material, damaged, shrivelled, discoloured); and size (seeds per pound / seeds per ounce count ranges). Key US grade terminology: US Fancy Hand Picked (highest quality); US No. 1 (slightly less stringent); US No. 2; US Runner Split; and US Off Size. For HPS (Hand Picked Selected) groundnuts exported from China, India, and Argentina: HPS is the de facto standard for direct human consumption peanuts in international trade. HPS specifications typically require: moisture ≤8%; foreign matter ≤0.1%; defects ≤2%; aflatoxin B1 ≤2 µg/kg (EU) or as contracted. Bold peanuts (Blanched, larger kernel) are a premium specification used by confectionery manufacturers. Argentine peanuts are typically specified by size count (30/40, 40/50, 50/60, 60/70 seeds per ounce) and grade (Blancheados — blanched; Runner equivalents).

Peanut oil and allergen labelling requirements

Crude groundnut oil (peanut oil) is produced by solvent extraction or cold pressing from groundnut kernels. Codex STAN 210-1999 specifies refined groundnut oil composition: oleic acid 36–67%; linoleic acid 14–43%; palmitic acid 8–14%. Cold-pressed groundnut oil retains more natural flavour and commands a premium for Asian culinary applications (stir-fry). Refined, bleached, and deodorised (RBD) groundnut oil has similar heat stability to peanut oil in the unrefined form but neutral flavour. Allergen labelling is a critical compliance requirement for peanut products globally. In the EU: peanuts are one of the 14 major allergens under Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (EU Food Information to Consumers), requiring mandatory declaration on all pre-packed food products containing peanuts or peanut derivatives. In the USA: peanuts are one of the 9 major allergens under the FDA FALCPA (Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act, 2004). Cross-contact risks in shared processing and transport equipment must be documented — buyers sourcing peanuts for further food manufacturing must provide supplier allergen declarations and assess cross-contact risk.

Origin profiles: China, India, Argentina, USA, and Senegal

China is the world's largest groundnut producer and a major exporter of HPS shelled peanuts, peanut oil, and roasted peanuts. Shandong, Henan, and Hebei provinces are the primary production zones. Chinese HPS peanuts dominate global confectionery and peanut butter supply, but EU border rejections for aflatoxin exceedances from Chinese origin are common — buyers must insist on accredited pre-shipment aflatoxin analysis. India is the second-largest producer, with Saurashtra (Gujarat) and Andhra Pradesh as key regions. APEDA oversees Indian groundnut exports. India supplies high-quality Bold and Java peanuts to EU, Middle East, and Southeast Asian markets. Indian exporters have improved aflatoxin management, but buyers should still require full documentation. Argentina supplies primarily Runner-type peanuts to EU and other global markets — competitive pricing and generally lower aflatoxin risk than some Asian origins due to drier climate. Córdoba province is the major growing region. USA (Georgia, Texas, Virginia) exports primarily to Canada, EU, and Asia — USDA-graded, with well-documented food safety records. Senegal and West Africa export shelled and unshelled groundnuts to the EU — aflatoxin risk is present and varies by season and storage conditions.

Frequently asked questions