By Denise Purcell

The $3.2-billion nuts and dried fruit market is primed to benefit from a number of U.S. lifestyle trends, according to Mintel International.

Americans are investigating more healthful snack options as they battle obesity. This movement is led primarily by adults over age 45—a segment that will represent more than 30 percent of the population by 2010. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) qualified health claims for almonds, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans as reducing coronary heart disease—in addition to its regularly suggested five servings of fruits a day—may boost sales even further.

Meanwhile, diets such as Atkins and South Beach, which stress low-carb, high-protein foods, have boosted nut sales. Although this lift does not extend to dried fruits or products such as sunflower seeds, portability makes them appealing as snacks—and responds to consumers’ continuing quest for convenience items. Possibilities exist for packaging innovations such as car-cup-holder-shaped packs and single nut dispensers. Ease of use of nuts and dried fruit as a healthful ingredient in quick meals such as salads is also a plus.

Denise Purcell is managing editor of Specialty Food Magazine.