Shelled walnuts market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish shelled walnut market began the period with production growth, reaching 12 299 t in 2019. This increase was supported by new walnut plantation investments from companies like Nueces de Mediotajo and Nueces de Ronda, which expanded cultivation areas. The entry of Nueces Íberas in 2019, focusing on organic shelled walnuts and short supply chains, added further momentum to national output.

After a slight dip in 2020, production recovered to 12 440 t in 2021, likely due to maturing plantations from earlier years. However, output fell in 2022 and 2023 to 10 033 t, despite ongoing planting efforts by Nueces de Ronda. Throughout this period, the 'Nueces de España' association, led by Francisco Caballero, actively promoted Spanish walnuts on international markets, contributing to rising exports.

Market volume in kind fluctuated between 25 531 t in 2018 and 27 846 t in 2023, with a peak of 29 503 t in 2021. In value terms, the market contracted from $211 million to $156.5 million over the same period, reflecting price adjustments. Private sector initiatives in cultivation and processing were the primary drivers of market dynamics.

Production shelled walnuts in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain ranked as the 12th largest producer of shelled walnuts in the world, placing it among the global leaders in this category.

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Spain produced 11 604 tonnes of shelled walnuts, marking a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.3%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11 120 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 12 299 tonnes. The most significant year-on-year growth was observed in 2019, when production surged by 10.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Spain's shelled walnut production value rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 91 382 thousand US dollars, representing a 15.9% increase compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, the overall production value decreased by 7.1%, averaging an annual decline of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 78 840 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 14.0% during the period.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports shelled walnuts from Spain

Exports in kind, t

The export market for shelled walnuts from Spain experienced notable fluctuations. In 2020, exports totaled 796 tonnes, showing a sharp decline of 42.6% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 772 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 1 388 tonnes. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 79.8%. The difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018 was 1.8 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for Spain's shelled walnut exports in volume terms were Portugal, accounting for 49.4% of exports, Algeria with 7.1%, and Germany at 6.5%. Together, these three countries represented 62.9% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of shelled walnut exports from Spain amounted to 6.3 million US dollars, indicating a 29.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 35.5%, with an average annual reduction of 13.6%. The largest drop was recorded in 2018 at 34.6%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 39.8% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, the main buyers of Spanish shelled walnuts by value were Portugal, which accounted for 51.6% of exports, France with 7.3%, and Germany at 6.4%. Collectively, these three markets made up 65.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, Spain's import volume of shelled walnuts declined. In 2020, imports reached 15 663 tonnes, a 6.3% decrease from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, overall imports increased by 12.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 708 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 10.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Chile dominated Spain's shelled walnut imports in volume, together accounting for 81.4% of the total. The remaining share was distributed among other countries, each with smaller contributions.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain imported shelled walnuts valued at 121.6 million US dollars, up by 4.1% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 116.9 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 125.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 7.0% drop, and the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 5.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile were the main sources for Spain's shelled walnut imports by value, jointly representing 81.9% of total imports. Other partners accounted for the remainder.

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

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