Chestnuts market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Over the 2018-2023 period, Italy's chestnut market volume expanded by 37% to reach 74.9 thousand tons. This growth was driven by a more than doubling of domestic production to over 70 thousand tons, while imports halved. The implementation of stricter food allergen labeling rules and updated European regulations for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products in 2018-2019 laid the groundwork for higher quality standards and consumer trust.

Following a contraction in 2020-2021 that brought market size down to 49.2 thousand tons, the market rebounded sharply. By 2023, vigorous anti-counterfeiting activities by Italian authorities and a reported 7.2% rise in the value of geographical indication products acted as key drivers, boosting both production and demand for authentic Italian chestnuts.

Production chestnuts in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy was one of the world's leading chestnut producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking sixth globally by production volume.

Top producers of chestnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of chestnuts, 2017-2020

Italy's chestnut production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 49 750 tonnes of chestnuts, marking a substantial rise of 24.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 6.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.3%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 32 790 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 38.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Chestnut production in Italy increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 230.5 million US dollars, representing a strong uptick of 20.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 9.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 157.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 38.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 21.4%.

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

Exports chestnuts from Italy

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, chestnut exports from Italy increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 17 191 tonnes, up by 19.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 11.2%, with an average annual increase of 3.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 389 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Switzerland were the core markets for Italy's chestnut exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 21.5% of exports, France for 20.9%, and Switzerland for 15.1%, together representing 57.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, chestnut exports from Italy increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 79.6 million US dollars, representing a significant increase of 16.1% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 8.3%, with an average annual increase of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 68.6 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Switzerland, and France were the main buyers of Italian chestnuts in value terms. Germany accounted for 23.7% of exports, Switzerland for 19.2%, and France for 14.9%, together comprising 57.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports chestnuts to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's chestnut import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy imported 25 000 tonnes of chestnuts, reflecting a steep drop of 29.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 12.9%, with an average annual growth of 4.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 36 651 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 67.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Portugal, and Spain were the key sources for Italy's chestnut imports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 27.5% of imports, Portugal for 21.0%, and Spain for 19.8%, together taking 68.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed volatility during these years, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1.8 times from 2017 to 2018. In 2020, chestnut imports into Italy totalled 65.6 million US dollars, amounting to a contraction of 34.2% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 118.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 80.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Portugal, and Spain formed the core of Italy's chestnut imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 30.5% of imports, Portugal for 20.6%, and Spain for 18.8%, together taking 69.9% of total import flows.

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

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