Prices Gone Nuts??

Everyone who buys nuts regularly has noticed the price increases recently. We received a memo from National Nut Company, Ltd., one of our major suppliers, about this situation.

Almond prices are up over 50% due to increased worldwide demand, as the health benefits of almonds have been successfully promoted.

Brazil nuts are likewise in high demand and prices are up over 100%. There are reports that the brazil nut tree forests are deteriorating.

Cashews are only (!) up 30% on average over last year, one of the lowest increases.

Filberts (hazelnuts) had a short crop in Turkey, 70% of the world supply, and prices are as high as 300% over last year. This is especially unfortunate, because hazelnut trees can be grown here. (Go to www.extension. umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD7280.html to learn about growing hazelnuts in Minnesota.)

Macadamia prices are due to a limited supply and the decline of the U.S. dollar and the declining Hawaiian production due to expensive land value.

Pecans are high because of damage from the severe storms that hit the south in summer 2004.

Pistachio prices are up due to a short supply in Iran, which along with California is the largest grower in the world, and a rising demand.

Lastly, even raisin prices have risen about 40% over last year.