Chestnuts market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Switzerland's chestnut market volume grew from 2 613 t to 2 951 t. This expansion was supported by sustained local promotion, including the large annual Fête de la Châtaigne in Fully with its extensive market of regional producers, which stimulated consumer interest and demand for chestnuts and related products.

Market volume then stabilized around 2 950 t through 2021 and 2022. During this period, the market value experienced significant fluctuations, rising to 18.8 million $ in 2021 before dropping to 16.7 million $ in 2022. The sharp value decline in 2022 aligned with reported overproduction in neighboring France, which lowered import prices and allowed Switzerland to source higher physical volumes at a reduced cost.

In 2023, market volume declined to 2 782 t, while its value increased to 18.7 million $, indicating a rise in unit prices. Major local promotional events continued their regular scheduling, maintaining a baseline of consumer engagement for the product.

Production chestnuts in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland ranked 18th globally in chestnut production volume.

Top producers of chestnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of chestnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Switzerland produced 265.0 t of chestnuts, showing no change from the previous year. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 177.0 t, which marked the largest decline of 33.2%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production rising by 49.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Switzerland's chestnut output was valued at 1 373 K $ US, a significant drop of 14.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.7%, averaging 0.9% per year. The lowest value was in 2018 at 1 060 K $ US, with the largest decline of 20.7% that year. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 1 611 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 52.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports chestnuts from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during these years. In 2019, Switzerland exported 32 t of chestnuts, the lowest volume, with the largest decline of 46.3%. By 2020, exports rose to 62 t, a substantial increase of 91.9% year-over-year, resulting in a 1.9-fold difference between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and France were the primary markets for Switzerland's chestnut exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 53.3% of exports, Germany for 23.4%, and France for 22.3%, together making up 99.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Switzerland exported chestnuts worth 322 K $ US, a dramatic increase of 63.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 18.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 197 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 45.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 361 K $ US.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy and Germany dominated Switzerland's chestnut exports in value terms, together accounting for 82.9% of total flows, while other destinations contributed smaller shares.

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

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

Imports chestnuts to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

Switzerland's chestnut imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 2 748 t, up 5.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 9.4%, averaging 3.0% per year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 2 496 t, which saw the largest decline of 0.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy remained the main source for chestnut imports to Switzerland, accounting for 71.7% of total volume, with the rest distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Switzerland imported chestnuts valued at 16 175 K $ US, a modest gain of 6.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 15 257 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the dominant source for chestnut imports to Switzerland in value terms, accounting for 75.3% of total flows, while the remaining share was spread across several smaller markets.

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

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