In-shell walnuts market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Portuguese in-shell walnut market volume increased from 5.8 thousand tonnes to 6.9 thousand tonnes, while production rose from 4.8 to 6.2 thousand tonnes. This initial growth was driven by a significant expansion of walnut orchard area, which grew by 39% to 5.4 thousand hectares, and the widespread planting of high-yield commercial varieties like Chandler and Howard, adapted to the local Mediterranean climate.

The market saw volatility in the following years, with production dipping to 5.1 thousand tonnes in 2020 before jumping to 7.5 thousand tonnes in 2021. That surge was supported by the inauguration of a large-scale processing factory in Évora in 2021, with an annual capacity of 6 thousand tonnes, designed to replace American walnuts in Europe. Major producer Nogam strengthened its position as the Iberian Peninsula's largest walnut grower, investing in advanced technology and certifications. Despite a temporary contraction in production and market volume in 2022, investments continued, including a new processing unit in Santarém.

By 2023, market volume reached 9.0 thousand tonnes, bolstered by increased demand due to walnut shortages in the Iberian region. The sector continued to evolve through 2024 and 2025, focusing on innovation with product launches like Nutino, expanding exports through international trade fairs, and adopting sustainable practices such as solar energy use and water recycling in processing operations.

Production in-shell walnuts in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of in-shell walnuts, 2018-2021

Portugal produced 7 540 tons of in-shell walnuts in 2021, marking a significant increase of 47.6% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 58.7%, which translates to an annual growth rate of 16.7%. The most notable decline occurred in 2020, when production fell by 17.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports in-shell walnuts from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of decline, Portugal's exports of in-shell walnuts rebounded in 2021, reaching 265 tons. This represents a year-over-year increase of 34.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 197 tons, while the largest decline of 15.5% occurred in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain and Italy were the dominant destinations for Portugal's in-shell walnut exports, accounting for 85.2% of total export volumes. Spain alone represented 65.8% of exports, while Italy accounted for 19.3%, with other partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values showed considerable volatility during this period. The peak occurred in 2018, while the lowest point was in 2020, with values fluctuating by a factor of two. In 2021, Portugal's in-shell walnut exports were valued at 1 173 thousand US dollars, an 89.9% increase from the previous year. The minimum value of 618 thousand US dollars was recorded in 2020, and the largest decline of 31.1% took place in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal's export value was highly concentrated, with Spain and Italy together accounting for 86.9% of total export revenue. Other trading partners contributed only a small fraction of the total value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports in-shell walnuts to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of in-shell walnuts increased for the second year in a row in 2021, reaching approximately 1 309 tons. This represents a modest year-over-year growth of 0.9%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 2.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest import volume was 972 tons in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 23.7%. In contrast, the most significant increase of 33.5% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, France, and Chile were Portugal's primary suppliers of in-shell walnuts, together accounting for 91.0% of total import volumes. Spain contributed 44.3% of imports, France 34.7%, and Chile 12.0%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's imports of in-shell walnuts were valued at 4 337 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 2.9% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values declined by 17.5%, with an average annual decrease of 6.2%. The lowest value was 3 359 thousand US dollars in 2019, which also experienced the largest decline of 36.1%. The most notable increase of 33.0% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and France dominated Portugal's import values, together accounting for 80.4% of total import expenditure. Spain represented 45.2% of the value, while France contributed 35.2%, with other partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021