Shelled walnuts market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Italian shelled walnut market expanded, reaching a peak volume of 26 359 t in 2019. This growth was driven by significant investments in new walnut orchards and innovative processing equipment, such as optical sorting lines, alongside rising consumer demand for healthy snacks. The supply chain was strengthened by companies like New Factor, which managed key processes from shelling to marketing, helping to meet demand that consistently exceeded domestic production, which had declined to around 12 000 t.

Following the peak, market volume gradually eased, stabilizing around 25 000 t between 2020 and 2022. Persistent production challenges from climate change limited Italian harvests, increasing reliance on imports. In 2022, new European marketing rules introduced mandatory origin labeling for shelled nuts, enhancing transparency. The market value in monetary terms began a steady decline from 2020 onward, influenced by international price movements and rising logistical costs.

By 2023, market volume had softened further to 24 782 t, with value dropping to 187.4 million US dollars. Climate-related factors continued to affect availability and quality, while evolving consumer preferences increasingly favored convenient, health-oriented products like shelled walnuts. These trends, along with ongoing regulatory evolution for greater transparency, shaped the market landscape into 2024.

Production shelled walnuts in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy consistently ranked 8th globally in the production of shelled walnuts.

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Italy produced 18 240 tonnes of shelled walnuts, showing relative stability compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 15 774 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 18 340 tonnes. The most significant decline was observed in 2018, dropping by 13.3%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2019, rising by 16.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's shelled walnut production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 182.3 million US dollars, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.9%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Shelled walnut exports from Italy declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 850 tonnes, marking a 3.5% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 908 tonnes, with the largest increase of 15.4% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the top destinations for Italy's shelled walnut exports in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 23.1% of exports, the United Kingdom for 22.8%, and Germany for 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented 53.4% of Italy's total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Italy's shelled walnut exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 8 493 thousand US dollars, showing a 4.4% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports decreased by 4.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 10 655 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 19.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, falling by 16.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the largest buyers of Italian shelled walnuts in value terms. Belgium contributed 27.9% of export value, the United Kingdom 19.9%, and Germany 6.5%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 54.3% of Italy's total export value.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy imported 8 056 tonnes of shelled walnuts in 2020, representing a gradual contraction of 9.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 5.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 7 341 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 with 8 899 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 21.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, the United States, and Germany were the main suppliers of shelled walnuts to Italy in volume terms. Chile accounted for 29.9% of imports, the United States for 24.7%, and Germany for 11.1%. Together, these three countries comprised 65.7% of Italy's total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Italy's shelled walnut imports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 8 493 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 4.9% drop from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 13%, with an average annual decline of 4.5%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Chile, the United States, and Germany stood out as the primary sources for Italy's shelled walnut imports in value terms. Chile represented 32.5% of import value, the United States 23.7%, and Germany 13.3%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 69.5% of Italy's total import flows.

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

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