Pecans have an image problem. They have a lack of visibility, unlike the massive marketed almonds, pistachios and walnuts.
It’s not about flavor, nutrition or plate appeal. In terms of flavor and nutritional quality, pecans rank highly, according to Southeast Farm Press.
“In 1963, the pecan crop was 365 million pounds worldwide. Last year, it was 273 million. In comparison, almonds produced 162 million pounds back then and now produce 2 billion. Pecan growers are getting their tails kicked in the marketplace. I’d like to see that change,” said Mike Adams, owner of Royalty Pecan Farms in Caldwell.
Adams is president of the American Pecan Board, a self-supported group of growers, shellers and accumulators that represents all 15 states that grow pecans.
“A comprehensive marketing strategy will increase the demand,” Adams said. “There will be more consumers eating our products, and the biggest increase will come in our domestic market. Our competition has full-time professional staffs that look out for their interests every day. The pecan industry has no one to look out for us. This puts us at a big disadvantage. The time is now to take control of our future.”