In-shell walnuts market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European in-shell walnut market volume contracted in 2019, falling to 382.6 thousand tons from 425.3 thousand tons the previous year. This decline coincided with a sharp rise in exports, which more than doubled to 62.6 thousand tons, as the natural protection and longer shelf life of in-shell nuts made them increasingly preferred for international shipment. Despite pandemic-related supply chain disruptions in 2020, sustained demand for walnuts as healthy snacks helped the market volume stabilize and slightly recover to 389.1 thousand tons.

A significant expansion began in 2021, driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards healthy and convenient foods, which increased demand for walnuts in bakery, confectionery, and snack applications. This trend, alongside a recovery in domestic production to 391.2 thousand tons, pushed the market volume to 439.8 thousand tons. Growth continued into 2022, with the market reaching a peak of 483.5 thousand tons, supported by a further rise in European production to 424.3 thousand tons even as adverse weather conditions affected crop quality and tightened supply.

The market retreated in 2023 to 409.7 thousand tons as European production fell to 373.8 thousand tons. This decline occurred despite rising domestic consumption, particularly in the in-shell and shelled walnut segments, which reinforced the region's structural reliance on imports from major global producers. The 2024 campaign was marked by continued production challenges in key countries like Spain and France due to climatic factors, while strengthened EU phytosanitary and quality controls on imports aimed to ensure food safety.

Production in-shell walnuts in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

European in-shell walnut production has declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, production reached 348.6 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 368.6 thousand tonnes, which represented a 5.2% increase that year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 4.4%.

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

Exports in-shell walnuts from Europe

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 20 844 tonnes, which was a 53.9% decline. The peak occurred in 2019 at 62 585 tonnes, representing a substantial 200.3% increase. In 2020, European in-shell walnut exports totaled 36 807 tonnes, showing a 41.2% decrease from the previous year. The overall amplitude between the peak and trough was threefold.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated European in-shell walnut exports. Turkey accounted for 18.7% of exports by volume, Iraq for 4.1%, and Azerbaijan for 3.2%. Together, these three partners represented just 26.0% of total export volumes, with numerous smaller markets each holding modest individual shares.

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

In 2020, European in-shell walnut exports were valued at 107.6 million US dollars, reflecting a 23.0% decrease from the previous year. The most notable increase occurred in 2019 at 2.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 32.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 12.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, European in-shell walnut export values were relatively evenly distributed. Turkey represented 6.2% of export value, Switzerland 3.3%, and Iraq 1.2%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for only 10.7% 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 in-shell walnuts to Europe

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Europe imported 77 373 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, representing a significant 16.8% decline compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 92 950 tonnes, which marked a 19.8% increase that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 15.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States, Chile, and Australia remained the primary sources for European in-shell walnut imports by volume. The United States accounted for 42.0% of imports, Chile for 15.5%, and Australia for 3.2%. Together, these three partners represented 60.7% of total import volumes.

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

In 2020, European in-shell walnut imports were valued at 242.5 million US dollars, showing a 14.1% decrease from the previous year. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018 at 23.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 5.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 30.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States, Chile, and Australia accounted for the largest share of European in-shell walnut import values. The United States represented 40.2% of import value, Chile 15.8%, and Australia 3.8%. Together, these three countries comprised 59.9% 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