Pecan growers are reporting a surge in demand for their nuts, with shipments increasing by more than 48 million pounds in the past year. The increase in demand is being driven by a number of factors, including the health benefits of pecans, their versatility in cooking, and their growing popularity as a snack food.

Pecans are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A and E. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Pecans can be eaten fresh, roasted, or ground into flour. They can also be used in a variety of recipes, including pies, cookies, and salads.

The demand for pecans is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing popularity of healthy eating, as well as the growing popularity of pecans as a snack food. Pecan growers are working to meet the growing demand by planting new trees and expanding their operations.

Increasing production is still a hurdle that keeps most growers at a minimal expansion rate. With the longer wait period between planting and commercial production the financial burden that comes with expansion of pecan orchards is high enough to keep the majority of growers limited to the amount they can expand each year. 

Investment in long term growth has been top of mind over the last decade as growers have invested heavily in marketing and health related studies to highlight the health benefits of pecan consumption in humans with a focus on cognitive functions, and heart health. These programs are funded by growers paying in assessments to promotion boards. 

The new American Pecan Promotion Board has also allowed growers to assess imported pecans as well, to help fund studies. Like an orchard the industry has been experiencing slow steady growth for some time now but increases in demand have been outpacing the supply capacity and growers have felt the pressure to increase the supply.