Why American Pecans are finding a place on UAE tables

DUBAI – June 10, 2025: As UAE consumers become more conscious about nutrition, provenance and premium food experiences, America's native tree nut is gaining quiet momentum across retail, hospitality and gifting segments.

The UAE's relationship with nuts runs deep. From pistachios and walnuts to almonds and cashews, nuts have long been part of everyday snacking, festive gifting, and hospitality traditions across the country.

Now, a lesser-known variety is beginning to attract attention among consumers, chefs and food retailers alike: the American pecan.

While almonds and pistachios have traditionally dominated shelves and snack bowls, industry observers say growing consumer interest in nutrition, premium ingredients and diverse culinary experiences is creating opportunities for newer nut categories in the UAE market.

This shift comes at a time when the Middle East and Africa nuts market continues to expand. Valued at approximately USD 3.49 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach USD 5.11 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5 percent.

Within this growth, the UAE stands out as one of the region's most sophisticated food markets. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that combine health benefits, quality, authenticity and traceability — trends that are reshaping purchasing decisions across retail, hospitality and foodservice sectors.

The American pecan aligns closely with these evolving preferences.

Grown across 15 states in the United States, including Georgia, Texas, New Mexico and California, the American pecan is the only major tree nut indigenous to North America. The United States produces more than 300 million pounds annually, accounting for approximately 80 percent of global production.

Its history stretches back centuries. Native American communities harvested pecans long before commercial cultivation emerged, making it one of North America's oldest cultivated food crops.

Today, pecans are increasingly appearing in premium bakery products, healthy snacks, gourmet gifting collections and restaurant menus around the world.

Global demand reflects this momentum. According to research firm ReAnIn, the global pecan market is expected to grow from USD 2.55 billion in 2025 to USD 3.82 billion by 2032. Other market studies indicate strong growth across value-added categories including pecan butter, pecan oil and plant-based dairy alternatives made from pecans.

Much of this demand is being driven by consumers seeking nutrient-dense foods that fit modern lifestyles without compromising on taste.

Research indicates that rising nutritional awareness and greater culinary experimentation are encouraging wider consumption of tree nuts across the Middle East and Africa. In the UAE, where global food trends are often adopted quickly, consumers are becoming increasingly receptive to premium ingredients that offer both functionality and flavour.

Sumit Saran, Country Representative, American Pecans, UAE, said, "The UAE consumer is one of the most knowledgeable food consumers in the world. When they discover the American pecan - its nutritional depth, its versatility, its heritage - the response is immediate. They don't ask why they should eat it. They ask why they haven't been eating it all along."

The growing interest is also being reflected within the UAE's hospitality sector, where chefs and restaurateurs continue to experiment with premium ingredients that can elevate guest experiences.

At Bondz by Maska, the recently opened speakeasy lounge in DIFC, American Pecans feature across several menu offerings.

Nitesh Manghnani, co-founder of Bondz by Maska, said, "The American pecan's combination of flavour and nutritional integrity made it a natural choice for our menu. It's a premium ingredient that resonates with a DIFC audience that expects both quality and a story behind what they eat."

Industry stakeholders believe this reflects a broader trend across the UAE's food and beverage sector, where consumers increasingly value ingredient provenance and authenticity alongside taste and presentation.

For a market traditionally dominated by pistachios, almonds, walnuts and cashews, the American pecan offers something different — a product with a rich heritage, a distinctive flavour profile and growing relevance in today's health-conscious food landscape.

As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for food innovation, premium retail and culinary excellence, the American pecan's quiet rise may be only just beginning.