Walnuts market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish walnut market saw significant expansion from 2018 to 2021, driven by a wave of new walnut orchard plantings that began in 2017-2018. These plantings, which take several years to become productive, gradually increased domestic output. The launch of the 'Nueces de España' quality brand also supported national and international commercialization. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when adverse weather conditions caused a sharp drop in the harvest, reducing market volume. However, production rebounded strongly in 2021, rising by an estimated 30% as weather conditions normalized and newer plantings started to bear fruit.

Market volume contracted again in 2022 due to water scarcity and further adverse climatic events that affected both crop quality and yield. Although the total walnut cultivation area had doubled over the preceding decade and irrigation was expanding to improve productivity, the immediate harvest suffered. Concurrently, competition from imported Californian walnuts exerted downward pressure on domestic prices, contributing to a notable decline in the market's value. By 2023, physical production continued its upward trend as more new orchards matured and agronomic practices improved, but falling average prices led to a further decrease in the market's monetary value.

Underlying trends shaped the market's evolution throughout the period. The growing consumer preference for organic, non-GMO, and clean-label products increased demand for minimally processed walnuts. E-commerce opened new sales and marketing channels for brands. To mitigate drought risks and enhance fruit quality, growers increasingly adopted irrigation management. While the sector faced structural challenges from import competition, strategic efforts like the 'Nueces de España' branding and sustained investment in orchard area aimed at strengthening the domestic industry's position.

Production walnuts in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain was among the world's leading walnut producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 18th globally by production volume.

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Spain produced 17,110 tonnes of walnuts, a slight reduction of 2.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 15,180 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 17,540 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 3.6% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 15.5% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's walnut production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 90,262 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate year-on-year increase of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 67,725 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 26.4% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 28.1% rise.

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

Exports walnuts from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's walnut export volumes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1,842 tonnes, marking a 27.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal (33.7% of exports in kind), Italy (15.8% of exports in kind), and Algeria (9.3% of exports in kind) remained the main buyers of walnuts from Spain, collectively accounting for 58.8% of total exports in kind.

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

Spain's walnut export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports registered 9.7 million US dollars, amounting to a robust decrease of 22.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 44.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -17.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal (40.4% of exports in value terms), Italy (13.5% of exports in value terms), and Germany (9.4% of exports in value terms) together absorbed 63.3% of total walnut exports from Spain in value terms, making them the primary destinations.

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

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

Imports walnuts to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain imported 29,100 tonnes of walnuts in 2020, marking a moderate decrease of 9.1% compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 28,899 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 32,035 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 10.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (61.5% of imports in kind), Chile (14.8% of imports in kind), and France (12.9% of imports in kind) consistently held leading positions in Spain's import structure by volume, jointly accounting for 89.2% of total flows.

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

Spain's walnut import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 159.5 million US dollars, representing a small loss of 2.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (62.2% of imports in value terms), Chile (16.2% of imports in value terms), and France (8.7% of imports in value terms) were the main suppliers of walnuts to Spain, together comprising 87.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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