Pumpkin Seed Market Trends with Gino Hartounian

Elisa Louis and Donny Edson are talking with Gino Hartounian of Mixed Nuts Inc. They are diving into the world of pumpkin seeds. What started as a simple partnership with Smirk’s, exploring mixed nuts and sunflower seeds took an unexpected turn. Gino’s connection with Smirk’s led to the discovery of a hidden gem: pumpkin seeds.

Gino Hartounian, of Mixed Nuts, Inc. based in Los Angeles, joins us. As a family-owned business, Mixed Nuts specializes in dry oil roasting, flavoring, and mixing of various nuts, seeds, trail mixes, and dried fruits. With their vertically integrated operations, they are able to provide high-quality products at competitive prices. Gino’s expertise and passion for the industry make him the perfect guest to delve into the latest trends and insights in the pumpkin seed market. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn from one of the best in the business.

Donny mentioned the technology that Mixed Nuts Inc. uses to support food safety. They process both nuts and seeds, but they are done in completely different areas of their building so there is no possibility for nut allergens in the seeds area. Hear how Gino and the team at Mixed Nuts Inc. have also helped Smirk’s meet other needs for their clients.

Gino grew up in the business and wasn’t always sure that following in his dad’s footsteps was the right thing for him, but after college, he decided to jump in and go for it. Learning from his dad and uncle who have over 60 years of experience combined has been a great opportunity.

The Pumpkin Seed Market

The global market for pumpkin seeds was valued at 1.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to 4.2 billion in 2032. These numbers include seeds, oils, powder, and seed extracts. This is a strong growth category. This is a great deep dive into the uses and types of seeds available as well as the other uses for pumpkin seed-related products.

  • Discover the latest pumpkin seed market trends to stay ahead of the competition and meet customer demands.
  • Uncover the diverse uses and derivatives of pumpkin seeds, unlocking new menu possibilities and product innovations.
  • Explore the unique specifications and varieties of pumpkin seeds to ensure the perfect fit for your culinary creations.
  • Learn about the seasonal aspects of pumpkin seed harvesting, empowering you to plan accordingly and source the freshest ingredients.
  • Understand the key differences between pumpkin seeds and pepitas, allowing you to confidently differentiate your offerings and provide informed choices for your customers.

Are you a food manufacturer or packager? Then this episode is perfect for you! Join us as we chat with Gino Hartounian about the latest trends in the pumpkin seed market. From the grading system to the different varieties, we’ll explore how pumpkin seeds are making waves in the food industry.

Discover the versatility and allergen-free properties of pumpkin seeds and get inspired by innovative uses like pumpkin protein powder and seed butter. Learn about the growing popularity of pumpkin seeds as a healthier alternative to other nuts and seeds and find out how the United States is increasing production to offer an alternative to Chinese-produced seeds.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate pumpkin seeds into your products or spice up your culinary creations, this episode will provide valuable insights and tips. Tune in now and stay ahead of the curve in the pumpkin seed market!

If you have questions or want more information about the products featured in the market report, please reach out via email; whatsnew@smirks.com 

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