Chestnuts market in Europe, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the European chestnut market volume expanded from 309 thousand tons to 340 thousand tons. This growth was supported by rising global demand for natural and plant-based products, which increased consumption. However, production faced persistent challenges from aging chestnut groves and diseases like ink disease and chestnut gall wasp, which limited more robust expansion. Investments in mechanization in Italy, aimed at easing harvest and pest control, helped maintain output during this period.

Market volume declined to 336 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 328 thousand tons in 2022. This contraction was primarily driven by widespread fungal diseases, such as Gnomoniopsis castaneae, which caused fruit rot and reduced yields. In 2022, severe drought and high temperatures in Spain and Galicia significantly damaged crops, lowering both production quality and quantity, while similar weather impacts and disease pressure affected other European regions.

A modest recovery to 331 thousand tons occurred in 2023. Despite continued adverse weather and disease challenges, the market was buoyed by sustained consumer interest in chestnut-based foods and cosmetics. The expansion of organic farming areas and investments in biodegradable packaging in France and Germany also contributed, reflecting a broader trend towards sustainable production and consumption.

Production chestnuts in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chestnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of chestnuts, 2017-2020

European chestnut production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, Europe produced 333.5 thousand tons of chestnuts, representing a moderate 4.6% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 129.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 31.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied by a factor of 2.4 between the low in 2017 and the peak in 2018. In 2020, the value of chestnut output in Europe was 1 098 million US dollars, showing a measured decline of 3.6% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 212 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 6.1% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 143.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports chestnuts from Europe

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, European chestnut export volumes have rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 52 998 tons, marking a 5.5% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall decreased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 50 239 tons, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 5.3% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, the United States, and Canada remained the top buyers of European chestnuts by volume. Switzerland accounted for 5.6% of exports in kind, the United States for 2.6%, and Canada for 1.6%, collectively representing 9.8% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of chestnuts from Europe have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 174.5 million US dollars, which is 2.7% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 208.6 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 14.0% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 9.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, European chestnut exports in value terms were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Switzerland led with 8.8% of exports in value terms, followed by the United States at 4.0%, and Canada at 2.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 15.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports chestnuts to Europe

Imports in kind, t

Chestnut deliveries to Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Europe imported 58 999 tons of chestnuts, showing only a marginal fluctuation from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 14.9%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Chile were the primary suppliers of chestnuts to Europe by volume. Turkey accounted for 14.2% of imports in kind, China for 4.9%, and Chile for 3.3%, collectively making up 22.4% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's volume of chestnut imports has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Europe imported approximately 202.1 million US dollars worth of chestnuts, which is 13.2% less than in 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 249.2 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that same year with a 24.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Chile accounted for the largest share of European chestnut imports by value. Turkey represented 13.8% of imports in value terms, China 2.3%, and Chile 1.9%, together comprising 18.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Europe in value, 2017-2020