Peanut Butter Manufacturing in European Union 2026: Industry Statistics & Trends

The peanut butter manufacturing industry in the European Union, primarily categorized under NACE Rev. 2 class 10.39, represents a specialized and growing segment of the European food processing sector. The market is highly centralized in Northwest Europe, where the Netherlands serves as the primary trade hub, importing raw groundnuts and exporting finished products. According to official figures compiled by the Centre for the Promotion of Imports (CBI) using Eurostat data, total European peanut butter imports grew from 42,000 tonnes in 2018 to 60,000 tonnes in 2022, representing the latest comprehensive product-specific dataset available. The market is currently characterized by a steady exp

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What does the Peanut Butter Manufacturing in European Union industry cover?

This industry comprises establishments engaged in processing, roasting, grinding, and blending groundnuts into peanut butter and related pastes. Within the European Union's economic classification system, these activities are legally categorized under NACE Rev. 2 class 10.39 (Other processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables). Specific production data is monitored under PRODCOM code 10.39.23.30, which explicitly covers prepared or preserved groundnuts, including peanut butter.

• •Legally categorized under NACE Rev. 2 Class 10.39 and monitored via PRODCOM code 10.39.23.30.
• •Monitored under international trade nomenclature Harmonized System (HS) code 20081110 (Peanut butter).
• •Covers bulk industrial peanut paste for B2B food processors, private label supermarket contract manufacturing, and branded B2C consumer products.

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The supply chain and manufacturing infrastructure are heavily concentrated in Western Europe, with the Netherlands acting as the primary hub due to major port facilities like Rotterdam. Raw peanuts are imported globally, processed locally, and distributed across the EU. Private label manufacturing dominates a substantial portion of overall production volume, servicing major European supermarket chains.

• •The Netherlands is the dominant regional exporter, shipping 44,000 tonnes of peanut butter to European buyers in 2022 (CBI).
• •Belgium and Germany serve as secondary regional processing and shipping hubs, exporting 6,700 tonnes and 3,200 tonnes respectively in 2022 (CBI).
• •The industry is supported by large-scale, automated contract manufacturers capable of customizable recipe formulation.

What drives demand in the industry?

Consumer demand in the EU is fundamentally driven by health and wellness trends, with peanut butter increasingly valued as a high-protein, plant-based nutritional source. The expansion of vegetarian, vegan, and athletic consumer bases has transitioned peanut butter from a traditional breakfast spread to a functional dietary staple. There is also rising demand for premium, single-ingredient formulations that exclude added palm oil, sugars, or emulsifiers.

• •Rising preference for healthy fats and plant-based proteins among EU consumers.
• •Strong growth in organic segments, with total EU imports of organic processed fruits, vegetables, and nuts (including peanut butter) rising from 327,000 tonnes in 2023 to 360,000 tonnes in 2024 (European Commission).
• •Clean-label consumer movements favoring 100% pure nut butters with zero palm oil.

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The European market is highly competitive, featuring prominent consumer brands, dominant B2B private label processors, and niche artisanal producers. Consolidation is a key theme, as exemplified by the September 2025 acquisition of major Dutch manufacturer Bredabest B.V. by Spanish chocolate producer Natra. Large multinational conglomerates and dedicated regional processors compete directly for shelf space and commercial contracts.

• •Swartberg B.V. (founded in 1905, based in Rotterdam) is a premier private label manufacturer and producer of the PCD Peanut Butter brand.
• •Bredabest B.V. (acquired by Natra in September 2025) operates as one of the largest B2B ingredient suppliers and retail peanut butter manufacturers in Europe.
• •Maas-Intersales B.V. operates state-of-the-art processing facilities in Western Europe, specializing in private-label nut spreads and peanut butter.
• •Unilever plc controls substantial market share in the Benelux retail space through its heritage Calvé brand.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The market outlook remains positive, with manufacturers investing in sustainable practices and high-efficiency machinery to offset rising ingredient costs. Technical product innovations include on-the-go squeeze packs, flavor infusions (e.g., chili, sea salt, chocolate), and functional formulations targeted at fitness demographics. Sustainability is a primary focus, forcing manufacturers to source raw ingredients ethically and transition to recyclable packaging.

• •Increased focus on zero-palm-oil formulas, driving R&D into natural stabilizers to prevent oil separation.
• •Adoption of eco-friendly operations, such as Swartberg and Bredabest utilizing solar arrays and reusing peanut shells for energy generation.
• •M&A activity, such as the Natra-Bredabest transaction in late 2025, reflects the high strategic value of nut-based portfolios.

How is the industry regulated?

Peanut butter manufacturing in the European Union is governed by strict food safety regulations, particularly regarding the control of aflatoxins in imported groundnut shipments. Companies must adhere strictly to EU food hygiene and traceability standards, and are often subject to GFSI-recognized third-party audits. Furthermore, localized regulatory debates continue to influence packaging, especially regarding the use of the word 'butter' for plant-based products in specific Member States.

• •Strict regulatory limit on aflatoxin levels in imported groundnuts, heavily monitored under Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
• •Mandatory adherence to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles under General Food Law Regulation (EC) 178/2002.
• •Widespread manufacturer compliance with European food safety standards including IFS (International Featured Standards) and BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard).

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Netherlands) - Groundnuts European Market Potential Report 2023 ·
• Eurostat (European Commission) - Prodcom List 2024 / 2026 Regulations ·
• European Commission - Organic Imports Database 2024 ·
• Official Journal of the European Union - Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/665