Chestnuts market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The chestnut market volume in Southern Europe increased from 290.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 315.0 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was driven by the expansion of chestnut orchard areas, supported by international demand for healthy foods and government planting incentives. Favorable climatic conditions and quality planting material further boosted production. The introduction of new grafted chestnut varieties in experimental regions promised future yield improvements. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global distribution channels in 2020, consumer interest in chestnuts remained strong due to health and wellness trends.

Market volume declined to 306.1 thousand tons in 2021 and stabilized at 303.5 thousand tons in 2022. Adverse weather conditions in 2022, including water shortages and high temperatures, reduced fruit size and quality, limiting supply for the processing industry. The sector responded by focusing on increased value-added processing, promoting organic and sustainable products, and pursuing professionalization to enhance competitiveness.

In 2023, the market recovered to 307.6 thousand tons. In value terms, the market experienced volatility, with a sharp drop in 2020 due to pandemic-related disruptions, followed by a rebound to $2.3 billion in 2023, reflecting both volume recovery and price adjustments.

Production chestnuts in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chestnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of chestnuts, 2017-2020

Chestnut production in Southern Europe has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Southern Europe produced 323.9 thousand tons of chestnuts, marking a modest 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 133.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 32.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Chestnut output volumes varied 2.3 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, the value of chestnut production in Southern Europe reached 1 191 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate uptick of 3.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 122.4%.

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

Exports chestnuts from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Chestnut export volumes from Southern Europe have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 41 061 tons, representing a 1.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 3.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 46 376 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of chestnut exports in kind was scattered, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant. France accounted for 19.8% of exports in kind, Germany for 8.9%, and Switzerland for 5.2%, together making up just 33.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Chestnut export volumes from Southern Europe have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 150.9 million US dollars, marking a 2.2% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 181.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 13.7%.

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

The structure of chestnut exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 points to a diversified set of partners. France accounted for 19.1% of exports in value terms, Germany for 12.6%, and Switzerland for 8.8%, jointly making up only 40.6% of total flows. The remaining 59.4% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports chestnuts to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Southern Europe's chestnut import volume has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Southern Europe imported a total of 32 151 tons of chestnuts, which is 18.6% lower compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 25.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 40 791 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 59.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, chestnut imports in kind were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. Turkey accounted for 21.7% of imports in kind, Chile for 5.0%, and China for 2.2%, together making up just 28.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Chestnut import volumes in Southern Europe have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 87.7 million US dollars, down by 30.9% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 140.0 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 59.1%.

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

The structure of chestnut imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 points to a diversified set of partners. Turkey accounted for 24.2% of imports in value terms, Chile for 3.2%, and Bulgaria for 2.4%, jointly making up only 29.8% of total flows. The remaining 70.2% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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