Shelled walnuts market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Hungarian shelled walnut market volume grew consistently from 2 322 tonnes to 3 892 tonnes. This expansion was supported by the continuous increase in domestic walnut orchard area, which reached 7 100 hectares, with 5 000 hectares being productive. The early maturity of Hungarian walnuts made them a premium product on EU markets, while rising consumer prices reflected strong demand. A decline in the competitiveness of domestic production during this period led to a significant rise in import volumes.

Market growth slowed in 2022, with volume stabilizing at 3 821 tonnes, before contracting to 3 316 tonnes in 2023. A record domestic harvest of over 15 000 tonnes in 2022 was offset by a negative EU trade balance and rising imports, particularly from Ukraine and Romania, as global droughts and plant diseases tightened supply. In 2023, spring frosts and worsening diseases damaged 20-30% of the country's orchards, reducing availability and pushing retail prices above 5 000 HUF per kg, which contributed to the market's decline.

Factors for 2024 and 2025 indicate continued market pressures, with import volumes remaining high due to weak harvests and sustained dependency on foreign supply. Consumer preferences shifted toward health-conscious options, but the competitiveness of Hungarian walnuts was challenged by their large size, which is less suitable for retail packaging. Despite these challenges, consumer demand for walnuts remained resilient.

Production shelled walnuts in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary ranked as the 19th largest producer of shelled walnuts globally.

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2018-2021

In 2021, Hungary produced 2 833 tonnes of shelled walnuts, marking a 10.3% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with an 8.6% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 21.0%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Shelled walnut production in Hungary rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 18 618 thousand US dollars, up 17.3% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 6.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15 167 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports shelled walnuts from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's shelled walnut exports totaled 321 tonnes, showing a sharp year-on-year decline of 32.0%. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 49.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -20.3%. The largest decrease was in 2019 at 38.9%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2020, at 22.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy were the top buyers of Hungarian shelled walnuts by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 33.1% of exports, France for 12.1%, and Italy for 9.9%, together making up 55.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's shelled walnut exports were valued at 2 111 thousand US dollars, down 27.7% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 55.6%, with an average annual decline of 23.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 2 088 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 56.1%. The most significant increase was in 2020, at 39.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, France, and Slovakia were the main buyers of Hungarian shelled walnuts by value. The United Kingdom represented 32.5% of exports, France 10.2%, and Slovakia 9.7%, collectively accounting for 52.4% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Shelled walnut imports into Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 1 380 tonnes, a strong 12.9% rise from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports surged by 118.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Ukraine was the leading supplier of shelled walnuts to Hungary, holding 74.9% of total imports in kind, while other partners had relatively smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imported shelled walnuts were valued at 7 121 thousand US dollars, up 8.1% year-over-year. The minimum value was in 2019 at 3 844 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.7%. The most significant increase was in 2020, at 71.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Ukraine was the primary source for shelled walnut imports by value, accounting for 70.1% of total flows, with other markets forming a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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