Walnuts market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The walnut market in Western Europe showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2022, culminating in a peak volume of 111 thousand metric tons in 2022. This expansion was primarily driven by rising consumer demand for healthy, plant-based snacks, particularly in Germany and Italy where household consumption of walnuts increased. The growing trend toward organic products and the emergence of new segments like walnut milk further stimulated market growth, while e-commerce channels provided wider access to walnut products for consumers.

Market volume fell sharply to 66 thousand metric tons in 2023, largely due to significant supply constraints. Adverse weather conditions, including late frosts and summer drought, resulted in a poor walnut harvest in France, a key producing country within the region. Global climatic extremes and related production shortfalls, notably a 26% harvest decline in Chile, further tightened imported supply and contributed to the market contraction.

Throughout the period, the European market remained reliant on imports from the United States, Chile, and Moldova to meet demand. Efforts to strengthen domestic production through new cultivation projects and improved varieties were underway in Italy and Germany, aiming to reduce import dependence. Consumer preferences continued to favor regional and organic walnuts, shaping product offerings, though the market remained susceptible to global climatic and trade disruptions.

Production walnuts in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

Walnut production in Western Europe increased in 2020, following a two-year decline. In that year, 43 298 tonnes of walnuts were produced, representing a 7.1% increase compared to 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 23.2%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 40 440 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 18.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of walnut production in Western Europe rose in 2020 after two consecutive years of reduction. In 2020, output was valued at 417.4 million US dollars, marking a significant 25.7% increase from the previous year. Despite this recent growth, production value decreased by 18.8% overall between 2017 and 2020, equivalent to an average annual decline of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 332.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest year-on-year decrease of 26.2%.

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

Exports walnuts from Western Europe

Exports in kind, t

Western Europe exported 45 906 tonnes of walnuts in 2020, showing a modest 5.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 14.4%, with an average annual reduction of 5.1%. The lowest export volume occurred in 2018 at 37 791 tonnes, which also experienced the largest year-on-year decline of 29.6%. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant increase, with exports growing by 28.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom were the largest buyers of walnuts from Western Europe, though none dominated the market individually. Italy accounted for 21.4% of exports in volume, Spain for 13.1%, and the United Kingdom for 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 40.4% of total exports, with the remaining share distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of walnut exports from Western Europe reached 306.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 7.8% year-on-year increase. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 2.8%, with an average annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 284.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest year-on-year drop of 11.7%. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 321.9 million US dollars.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of walnut exports in value terms remained highly diversified. Italy accounted for 15.2% of export value, Spain for 11.4%, and the United Kingdom for 8.7%. Combined, these three countries represented just 35.3% of total export flows, while a wide range of smaller markets made up the remaining 64.7%.

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

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

Imports walnuts to Western Europe

Imports in kind, t

Walnut imports into Western Europe declined in 2020 after two years of growth. Imports totaled 89 464 tonnes in 2020, down 1.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 6.0%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 90 884 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 7.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Chile, and Moldova were the leading suppliers of walnuts to Western Europe. The United States accounted for 42.2% of imports in volume, Chile for 16.5%, and Moldova for 9.9%. Together, these three countries represented 68.5% of total import volume during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of walnut imports into Western Europe reached 620.9 million US dollars, indicating a substantial 18.8% increase compared to 2019. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 522.7 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest year-on-year decline of 18.0%. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 637.8 million US dollars.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and Moldova formed the core group of suppliers for walnut imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 40.7% of import value, Chile for 19.4%, and Moldova for 10.6%. Combined, these three markets represented 70.7% of total import flows.

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

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