The “Liquid Gold” of Peanuts Boosts Nicaragua’s Presence on the World Market
During a recent episode of the TN8 program “La Notificación” hosted by renowned journalist Edilson Orozco, the extraordinary boom in Nicaragua’s peanut industry was explored; a sector that has positioned the country as a global leader in the production of what is known as “liquid gold.”
The program highlighted how the nation has leveraged its fertile land to conquer premium markets, becoming the only country in Central America that processes and exports high-quality crude peanut oil.
Through visits to the facilities of leading companies such as Cukra Industrial, located at kilometer 95 between León and Chinandega, and Aceitera Real, located in Chinandega, the program demonstrated the structural impact this activity has on national development.
“The oil we export is crude peanut oil; this needs to be refined. It's what processors in China and Europe buy, meeting the quality standards required by the authorities of each country” explained Byron Alvarado, general manager of Cukra Industrial.
Nicaragua conquers markets with its peanuts
The economic and employment impact of the peanut industry has become one of the strongest pillars of western Nicaragua. Currently, Nicaragua has climbed the ranks to become the world's fourth-largest exporter of peanut oil, surpassed only by powerhouses like India, Brazil, and Argentina.
This global relevance translates into a massive generation of job opportunities. For example, Cukra Industrial generates approximately 3,000 direct jobs and between 5,000 and 6,000 indirect jobs, totaling around 8,000 jobs nationwide related to this sector.
For its part, Aceitera Real reports 961 direct and 4,800 indirect jobs, consolidating the oil sector as the second largest employer in the Pacific region, surpassed only by the sugarcane industry.
Furthermore, the industry boosts the local economy by working with a network of between 260 and 300 small, medium, and large independent producers, who are paid according to international market prices, which are around $23 per quintal.
Nicaraguan Peanuts, the World's “Liquid Gold”
“We have around $50 million in sales to different destinations and types of products, whether it's raw peanuts, blanched peanuts, oil, or finished products. In oil alone, we're talking about around 6,000 tons, distributed basically 50% to China and 50% to Europe” said Aura Poveda, Commercial Manager of Cukra Industrial.
Regarding processing and international markets, the value chain begins with the selection of the Georgia 06G variety, a high-yield "runner" peanut perfectly suited to Nicaraguan soil.
The industrial process is strategically divided: Cukra Industrial handles the collection, shelling, and optical sorting; while Aceitera Real provides the processing services for crude oil extraction.
To meet buyer requirements, the oil must undergo rigorous laboratory testing that measures parameters such as acidity, peroxide, and the absence of aflatoxins.
Nicaraguan Peanuts Reach China and Europe
International demand is robust and selective, primarily focused on China and Europe, with a strong emphasis on Italy and the Netherlands. These destinations absorb Nicaraguan production under strict international certifications such as BRC Global Standard and HACCP.
In the 2025 cycle, peanut oil generated $10.3 million in revenue for one of the companies, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase, while nationally, peanut oil exports reached $25 million.
Ultimately, technological and environmental investments are what allow Nicaragua to compete with market giants. Companies have made multimillion-dollar investments to optimize their processes and reduce operating costs.
Cukra Industrial, for example, has invested in a solar park with 1,280 panels and a peak capacity of 708 kWh, which supplies 30% of its monthly energy consumption and significantly reduces its carbon footprint by generating clean energy for its operations.
Nicaraguan Peanut Oil Triumphs Globally
They have also invested $1.5 million to increase their storage capacity to 800,000 quintals, with the goal of absorbing the growth in agricultural production.
On the other hand, Aceitera Real has invested $33.5 million over the past 12 years, including a $6.5 million solvent extraction plant, which has increased oil extraction yield from 40% to 49%.
“Aceitera Real is located in the city of Chinandega, and we are dedicated to the production of oils, fats, and animal feed” said Julio Espinoza, Industrial Director of Aceitera Real.
In the scientific field, $200,000 has been allocated to liquid and gas chromatography equipment to detect pesticides and mycotoxins, ensuring that the product meets the food safety standards of the most demanding markets.
“Our oil is one of the country’s main export products. Last year, we reached an approximate export figure of $8.722 billion” said Cristopher Gutiérrez, Director General of Development and Promotion at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce (MIFIC).
This focus on modernization, supported by MIFIC's development policies, ensures that the peanut industry continues to be an engine of prosperity and economic development for Nicaragua.
Source: TN8 - Nicaragua
