Shelled walnuts market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for shelled walnuts in Portugal experienced significant growth, rising from 4 292 t in 2018 to 5 489 t in 2023, despite annual fluctuations. This expansion was fundamentally driven by the continuous increase in walnut orchard area, which began a notable upscaling in 2018 and boosted domestic production capacity over the period.

Market contractions, such as those in 2020 and 2022, were influenced by adverse weather conditions that damaged harvests, particularly affecting the key Chandler variety and impacting overall yields and quality. In contrast, the strong recovery and peak in 2021 were supported by a surge in demand for specific high-value varieties like 'Franquette,' which saw prices rise by 20%, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and quality focus.

The market structure evolved with new investments, most notably the entry of Companhia do Lucriz with a major 165-hectare walnut plantation in 2023. Concurrently, the growing global supply and export of Brazilian pecans introduced additional competitive dynamics, influencing supply conditions and consumer choices within the Portuguese market.

Production shelled walnuts in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal ranked 20th globally in shelled walnut production between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2018-2021

In 2021, Portugal produced 3 296 tonnes of shelled walnuts, representing a 38.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 56.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.0%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, when production fell by 9.8%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the value of shelled walnut production in Portugal reached 21 756 thousand US dollars, marking a 54.0% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production value increased by 24.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 14 127 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 26.5%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point, while they peaked in 2020 at 167 tonnes, creating a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, shelled walnut exports from Portugal amounted to 81 tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 51.2% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports growing by 91.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Spain, and Denmark formed the core export markets for shelled walnuts in volume terms. Italy accounted for 56.8% of exports, Spain for 12.9%, and Denmark for 7.4%, together representing 77.1% of total export flows.

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

After two years of growth, Portugal's shelled walnut exports declined in value. In 2021, exports reached 537 thousand US dollars, falling by 45.7% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value decreased by 7.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 988 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 68.7% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Angola, and Denmark led the export structure in value terms. Italy accounted for 46.8% of exports, Angola for 13.1%, and Denmark for 10.1%, together representing 70.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal imported 2 410 tonnes of shelled walnuts, showing a 4.5% increase year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 3.4% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 6.0% rise.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Chile, Spain, and Germany were the primary suppliers of shelled walnuts to Portugal in volume terms. Chile accounted for 32.0% of imports, Spain for 23.1%, and Germany for 19.4%, jointly representing 74.6% of total imports.

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

After two years of contraction, Portugal's shelled walnut imports increased in value. In 2021, imports were recorded at 17 135 thousand US dollars, showing a slight gain of 1.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 13%, with an average annual decline of 4.5%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 16 900 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 13.5% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Chile, Spain, and Germany—together accounted for 75.1% of total shelled walnut imports to Portugal in value terms.

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

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