A journey that begins in the field, placing territory, soil, and direct relationships with farmers at its heart.
By Cristian Menghetti, Agronomist
For many years, peanuts have been perceived as a standardized raw material, almost exclusively associated with overseas production and very long supply chains. From an agronomic perspective, however, peanuts are a crop with interesting and often underestimated characteristics, especially when grown within a well-managed and sustainable agricultural context.
In recent years, a new Italian peanut supply chain has begun to take shape. Volumes are still limited, but the approach is significant in terms of quality, traceability, and control over the raw material. It is a path that starts in the field, placing territory, soil, and direct relationships with farmers at its core.
Rethinking peanuts: from global commodity to Italian agriculture
Globally, peanut production is dominated by a few major producing countries such as the United States, Argentina, several Asian regions, and parts of North Africa. In these contexts, peanuts are cultivated on vast areas, with the primary goal of maximizing yields and reducing production costs. The result is an efficient industrial supply chain, but one that is often opaque and far removed from the end consumer.
Rethinking peanuts through an Italian lens means adopting a very different approach. In Italy, peanut cultivation involves limited surfaces and a relatively small number of growers. Overall volumes remain modest—only a few hundred tons per year—especially when compared to the millions of tons produced globally. Yet it is precisely this smaller scale that allows for much more precise agronomic control.
From a technical standpoint, certain areas of Italy offer favorable conditions for peanut cultivation: sandy, flat soils; good water availability; opportunities for mechanization; and the potential to develop a structured production chain. Peanuts are introduced into crop rotations, avoiding intensive soil exploitation and contributing to agronomic balance over the medium to long term.
Another defining feature of the Italian supply chain is the direct relationship between farmers and processing companies. This enables shared planning of sowing schedules, selection of suitable varieties, agreement on quality standards, and greater economic stability across the supply chain, reducing the uncertainty typical of production systems dependent solely on spot markets.
Variety, soil, and climate: when agriculture makes the difference
Peanut quality is the result of interaction between the cultivated variety, soil characteristics, agronomic expertise, and climatic conditions.
Peanuts originate from South America but reached Italy between the 18th and 19th centuries. In the Ferrara area, thanks to sandy and well-drained reclaimed soils, peanut cultivation adapted successfully. The crop spread mainly between the two World Wars, during the period of fascist autarky, when “national” agricultural alternatives were being sought. At that time, the so-called “common” peanut—often referred to as tripolina—was grown. The term was used both for roasted peanuts and, in popular language, for peanuts in general, referencing North Africa, where peanut consumption had long been established.
In today’s renewed Italian supply chain, the Runner variety is predominantly used. It is appreciated for its adaptability and for its good performance in processing, particularly in the production of 100% peanut spreads.
When grown in Italy, the Runner variety develops in less intensive conditions than in many foreign production areas. Yields are more balanced, soils are less stressed, and fertilization is more restrained. This allows the plant to complete its vegetative cycle without excessive forcing. Agronomically, this translates into greater seed uniformity and a more stable quality profile.
A key aspect is the role of soil. Peanuts are nitrogen-fixing plants, capable of naturally enriching the soil through symbiosis with specific bacteria. This makes them particularly valuable in sustainable crop rotations, as they help improve soil fertility and reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
Italian soils used for peanut cultivation are often characterized by excellent drainage, good organic matter content, and high biological activity. These factors support balanced plant development and have a direct impact on final product quality. Climate also plays a decisive role: warm summers, without excessive stress, allow for gradual fruit maturation, benefiting both yield and quality.
Flavor and nutritional value: the expression of raw material
From a sensory perspective, peanuts grown in Italy display recognizable characteristics. Their flavor is generally rounder and more balanced, with fewer bitter notes. This is not the result of processing techniques, but a direct reflection of raw material quality and growing conditions.
In 100% peanut spreads—where no sugars, oils, or other ingredients are added—these differences become even more evident. Agronomic quality therefore plays a central role, as there are no components capable of masking any shortcomings in the raw material.
From a nutritional standpoint, peanuts retain the typical characteristics of nuts: they are a good source of plant-based protein, contain unsaturated fats, fiber, B-group vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. Here too, the difference lies less in theoretical nutritional values and more in the overall quality of the product, linked to a shorter supply chain and careful processing.
Sustainability and global competition: a conscious choice
The new Italian peanut supply chain is built on a concrete concept of sustainability, rooted in agricultural practices rather than declarations alone. Integration into crop rotations, controlled agronomic inputs, and structured supply agreements with growers help reduce environmental impact and create a more responsible production system.
Comparison with global competitors is inevitable. Major producing countries can offer peanuts at lower prices, thanks to economies of scale that are difficult to replicate. Italian peanuts, however, compete on different values: traceability, raw material quality, direct agronomic control, continuous monitoring of facilities and production means, and a short, transparent supply chain.
For consumers, choosing products made with Italian peanuts means supporting an agricultural model that is more attentive to land and quality. It means recognizing the value of a crop that, when managed properly, can become an integral part of a more balanced and forward-looking agricultural system.