Those who have yet to encounter pili nuts are not alone. This creamy, fatty nut is native to northern Australia and is also cultivated in the Philippines, the volcanic soils of the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia. It has recently made its way into the American market. Lavva, a company dedicated to this tropical nut, has secured $16 million in funding since its inception in 2017, as reported by Food Navigator.
In the U.S., pili nuts are relatively rare compared to more familiar options like walnuts, almonds, and cashews. They were virtually unknown in the plant-based dairy segment until Lavva emerged in 2018. Since its retail launch, the brand has gained shelf space in over 2,000 stores and transitioned from niche health food outlets to mainstream retailers such as Target, Kroger, and Sprouts. During this time, Lavva has also ventured into the dessert category with its rich Molten Lavva yogurt line and is now introducing milk. Food Navigator noted a trademark application early this year, hinting at potential expansion into additional product categories.
Traditionally, the pulp of pili nuts is utilized as a vegetable, while the kernel is a popular ingredient in various Filipino dishes. The increasing popularity of this crop can be attributed to its alignment with several trending demands. It can be cultivated with minimal fertilizers, according to Trade Winds Bicol. The nutritional profile of pili nuts is also generating considerable interest. According to Lavva, pili nuts are “the lowest carb in nature” and boast the highest concentration of vitamin E and magnesium among all nuts. Scientific research supports these claims, indicating that a serving of pili nuts provides the daily recommended intake of manganese and copper, is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, amino acids, and Omega 3s, and is linked to reducing inflammation.
However, it’s the high fat content that imparts a creamy taste to Lavva’s products, similar to dairy, allowing the brand to introduce a plant-based milk with no added sugar. In contrast, sugar has become a major concern for consumers in recent years, with 52% actively seeking products with low sugar content, according to Mintel data. Lavva claims to deliver a no sugar added formulation while maintaining an indulgent flavor. A 2017 Comax Flavors survey found that when it comes to plant-based dairy alternatives, flavor is the primary reason for purchase (48%), followed by perceived health benefits (36%). Lavva’s new milks seem to fulfill both criteria, making them appealing to consumers seeking healthy and flavorful options in the expanding plant-based dairy market.
One potential obstacle for pili nuts is their price. The Comax Flavors survey indicated that 37% of consumers consider price when shopping, a concern that has intensified as employment levels remain high during the pandemic. This could pose challenges for Lavva, which Food Navigator reported is priced up to 20% higher than larger competing brands in the plant-based sector. Given the competitive landscape, which includes plant-based milks made from oats, almonds, soybeans, coconuts, and cashews, pili nuts must act quickly to promote their health benefits, including high calcium content, to consumers who may be unfamiliar with the product before they are deterred by the price.