Walnut Market Size & Share [2033]

Walnut Market Overview

The Walnut Market size was valued at USD 5688.88 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7628.6 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The global walnut market is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing consumption, rising health awareness, and expanding applications across food and beverage sectors. In 2024, total global walnut production reached approximately 4.2 million metric tons, with over 1.3 million metric tons produced in China alone, representing more than 30% of the global output. The United States followed with 760,000 metric tons, accounting for 18% of global supply. Iran contributed 450,000 metric tons, while Turkey produced 290,000 metric tons. The global walnut export volume reached over 1.1 million metric tons in 2023, with major exports from the U.S., Chile, and China.

Consumption patterns have shifted in favor of shelled walnuts, which accounted for 62% of total walnut consumption worldwide in 2024. Health-driven demand has also grown significantly; more than 68% of walnut consumers cite cardiovascular benefits as a key purchasing reason. Demand for organic walnuts increased by 23% year-on-year, with 190,000 metric tons classified under certified organic production. The food industry remains the largest end-user, utilizing over 3.3 million metric tons of walnuts annually for bakery, confectionery, and ready-to-eat snacks. These dynamics underscore a robust, data-driven evolution of the walnut market across production, export, and end-use segments.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising demand for health-focused and plant-based snacks has driven walnut consumption across all regions.

Country/Region: China remains the dominant player, contributing over 1.3 million metric tons to global production in 2024.

Segment: The food segment leads with over 3.3 million metric tons of annual walnut utilization worldwide.

Walnut Market Trends

Health and wellness trends are significantly reshaping the walnut market landscape. In 2024, approximately 68% of surveyed consumers reported purchasing walnuts for heart health benefits, with omega-3 content being a major appeal. Organic walnut consumption expanded globally, reaching 190,000 metric tons compared to 154,000 metric tons in 2023. This 23% increase was driven by consumer preference in North America and Western Europe. In the U.S., organic walnuts now represent 22% of the retail nut category. Vegan and vegetarian consumers increasingly incorporate walnuts in meat substitutes, boosting consumption by over 14% within the plant-based segment. The food industry continues to lead usage, absorbing more than 3.3 million metric tons annually. Within this, the bakery sector used 1.2 million metric tons, while confectionery applications accounted for 820,000 metric tons. Walnut-based dairy alternatives—such as walnut milk and yogurt—saw a rise of 31% in production volume, reaching 96 million liters in 2024. Beverage producers in Asia-Pacific introduced 32 new walnut beverage SKUs, while Europe added 21 new entries within 12 months.

Globally, over 440 new walnut-based products were launched in 2023–2024, including gluten-free granola bars, vegan protein blends, and dairy-free spreads. This rapid product innovation reflects strong R&D investment, with over $210 million allocated by manufacturers to develop walnut-based offerings. Meanwhile, e-commerce accounted for 29% of walnut retail sales in 2024, with North America leading digital walnut transactions totaling over 720,000 online orders monthly. Innovations in packaging—such as resealable pouches and vacuum-sealed containers—extended product shelf life by up to 43%, helping reduce retail-level spoilage losses. These developments underscore the walnut market’s adaptability and consumer-centric focus, driven by both functional health benefits and convenience.

Walnut Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for nutrient-rich, plant-based snacks

Global consumption of walnuts rose to 4.1 million metric tons in 2024, up from 3.8 million metric tons in 2023, due to increasing health awareness and plant-based diet adoption. More than 72% of consumers surveyed in North America and Europe cited walnuts as a preferred source of healthy fats and protein. The growing trend of functional foods, which reached 11,000 new product launches globally, included over 430 walnut-based items. In addition, 890 schools and hospitals in the U.S. integrated walnuts into their dietary programs, enhancing institutional demand. These factors highlight the surge in demand from health-conscious consumers and the mainstream food industry.

RESTRAINT

Fluctuating climate conditions and yield variability

Walnut production is highly susceptible to changing climate conditions, particularly in major growing regions like California, China, and Iran. In 2023, California experienced a 13% decline in yield due to unseasonal frost and water shortages. China’s Yunnan province also reported a 9% reduction in harvest volume due to extended drought conditions. These variations affect supply stability and disrupt export schedules. Over 16% of producers in the Middle East cited irrigation costs as a limiting factor for expanding walnut orchards. Such uncertainties pose risks for long-term contract commitments and influence pricing fluctuations in both domestic and international markets.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding global demand for walnut-based beverages and snacks

The growing popularity of plant-based beverages has opened new opportunities in the walnut market. In 2024, global walnut beverage consumption exceeded 110 million liters, with Asia-Pacific consuming 53 million liters. New product entries in the ready-to-drink (RTD) segment surpassed 40 SKUs in one year. Demand for walnut protein powders and energy bars rose by 28%, with 190 new products hitting shelves across North America and Europe. Fast-growing supermarket chains in Latin America expanded walnut product offerings by 36%. Manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with foodservice providers to include walnuts in menus, particularly in smoothies, desserts, and vegan dishes, which now account for 2.8% of menu items in premium outlets.

CHALLENGE

Rising production and logistics costs

In 2024, global logistics costs for nut exports increased by 18% compared to the previous year, driven by rising fuel prices and port congestion. Walnut exporters in the U.S. reported a $120 per ton rise in shipment costs due to regulatory inspections and delays. Labor shortages in harvesting regions such as California and Iran led to a 14% increase in processing costs. Additionally, packaging costs rose by 21%, particularly for organic products requiring eco-friendly materials. These rising costs, combined with currency fluctuations in key export regions, challenge price competitiveness and profit margins, especially for small and mid-sized producers.

Walnut Market Segmentation

The walnut market is segmented by type and application. In 2024, English walnut dominated the global production landscape with over 3.5 million metric tons harvested, representing more than 83% of the total market. Black walnut contributed 700,000 metric tons, primarily grown in North America and Central Asia.

By Type

English walnuts: remained the dominant type in 2024, with over 3.7 million metric tons produced globally. China alone contributed 1.3 million metric tons of English walnuts, followed by the United States with 760,000 metric tons. These are primarily used in culinary applications, snack products, and processed food items. Over 81% of English walnut consumption occurred in roasted, raw, or packaged snack form. Nutritional preferences and international exportability continue to drive their popularity.
Black walnuts: although less common, accounted for approximately 420,000 metric tons in 2024. These are predominantly grown in regions like the United States (mainly Missouri) and parts of Eastern Europe. Known for their robust flavor and high oil content, black walnuts are favored in bakery applications and specialty food items. Their use grew by 14% in 2024, particularly in organic and artisanal product categories.

By Application

food sector: walnut consumption reached over 3.3 million metric tons in 2024. More than 58% of this volume came from processed food items such as snack bars, baked goods, and salad toppings. The U.S., China, and Germany were the largest consumers within this segment. High protein content and antioxidant properties drove increased usage in health-based food products.
Walnut beverages: saw considerable growth, with consumption rising to 680,000 metric tons in 2024. Popular products included walnut milk, walnut-based yogurts, and non-dairy creamer alternatives. Asia-Pacific led this segment, particularly China and South Korea, accounting for over 57% of walnut beverage production. Product innovation, including flavored walnut drinks and enriched milk variants, spurred broader consumer interest.
Other: applications, including cosmetics, dietary supplements, and personal care products, utilized over 220,000 metric tons of walnuts in 2024. Walnut oil-based skin creams, shampoos, and exfoliants were among the fastest-growing product types. The Middle East & Africa and Europe showed growing interest in natural and sustainable beauty products, driving a 13% rise in walnut-derived ingredient demand across these regions.

Walnut Market Regional Outlook

The global walnut market exhibits strong regional performance, with key contributions from Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, Asia-Pacific led with over 1.6 million metric tons of production, driven by China's dominance. North America followed with 780,000 metric tons, largely from the U.S. Europe showed consistent demand with 680,000 metric tons consumed, particularly in Germany, France, and Italy. The Middle East & Africa region demonstrated growing interest, accounting for 320,000 metric tons in 2024. Regional growth is influenced by climate suitability, export infrastructure, and evolving consumption preferences across urban and rural markets.

North America

In 2024, North America produced approximately 780,000 metric tons of walnuts, with the United States contributing 760,000 metric tons and Mexico adding 20,000 metric tons. California remains the central production hub, accounting for over 99% of U.S. walnut output. More than 510,000 metric tons were exported, primarily to Europe and Asia-Pacific. Domestic consumption exceeded 260,000 metric tons, with a strong emphasis on organic and non-GMO varieties. Health-conscious trends led to a 19% increase in demand for walnut protein products and a 23% rise in walnut milk sales. Online retail sales accounted for 32% of walnut purchases across the region.

Europe

Europe consumed approximately 680,000 metric tons of walnuts in 2024, with Germany leading at 190,000 metric tons, followed by France at 160,000 metric tons and Italy at 140,000 metric tons. The region imports over 420,000 metric tons annually, primarily from the U.S., China, and Chile. Demand for processed and value-added walnut products increased by 27%, with walnut oils, spreads, and snack packs gaining popularity. Organic walnut consumption reached 95,000 metric tons, marking a 17% year-on-year growth. E-commerce and premium retail chains accounted for 29% of regional sales. Several European nations also focused on local production, with Romania and Ukraine producing a combined 72,000 metric tons.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific maintained its position as the top walnut-producing region with over 1.6 million metric tons in 2024. China led with 1.3 million metric tons, while India and Uzbekistan contributed 170,000 metric tons and 65,000 metric tons respectively. The region consumed over 1.2 million metric tons, driven by the rising popularity of walnut-based beverages and snacks. More than 68% of consumers in urban China incorporate walnuts into their weekly diets. South Korea and Japan experienced a 21% surge in walnut imports. Regional innovation is evident in the 32 new walnut beverage SKUs launched in 2024. Export volumes exceeded 400,000 metric tons across the region.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa walnut market grew steadily in 2024, with total consumption reaching 320,000 metric tons. Iran remained a key producer, contributing 450,000 metric tons, of which 170,000 metric tons were retained for domestic use. Turkey added 290,000 metric tons to the region’s output. UAE and Saudi Arabia imported over 92,000 metric tons combined, focusing on premium-grade and shelled walnuts. Demand grew in African countries like South Africa and Morocco, with combined consumption crossing 58,000 metric tons. Urbanization and the shift toward plant-based diets fueled regional interest. Imports of organic walnuts increased by 14%, supported by health awareness campaigns and dietary reforms.

List Of Walnut Companies

China
United States
Iran
Turkey
Mexico
Japan
Italy
France
Chile
Argentina

China: China led the walnut market in 2024 with over 1.3 million metric tons of production, representing more than 30% of the global walnut supply. The country exported approximately 380,000 metric tons and maintained high domestic consumption. Major producers are concentrated in Yunnan and Xinjiang provinces, where over 72% of the nation's production is based.

United States: The U.S. was the second-largest producer with 760,000 metric tons in 2024. California, which accounts for 99% of national walnut production, hosts companies such as Poindexter Nut Company and Diamond Foods. U.S. exports exceeded 510,000 metric tons, particularly to Europe and Asia-Pacific, solidifying the nation’s position as a key global supplier.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the walnut market have expanded across farming infrastructure, processing units, and value-added product development. In 2024, more than $480 million was invested globally in walnut farming equipment, including irrigation systems and harvesting technology. Precision farming technologies were adopted by 17% of walnut growers in the U.S., resulting in a 9% yield increase. In Chile, investments in walnut processing facilities grew by 21%, with firms expanding shelling and packaging capabilities to meet export standards. China invested over $120 million in cold storage infrastructure in Yunnan and Shaanxi, enabling longer shelf life and year-round export readiness. Meanwhile, India saw new investments in Jammu & Kashmir to improve black walnut yield by 18%. Across Europe, private equity groups invested $60 million in walnut snack production, particularly in Spain and France. The walnut oil segment attracted over $35 million in seed capital for extraction and bottling plants across the Mediterranean region. Institutional buyers, including supermarkets and online grocery platforms, expanded their walnut procurement budgets by 14%, reflecting long-term confidence in category growth. Co-operative farming groups in Iran and Turkey received $28 million in grants to modernize operations and meet international safety standards. Additionally, food-tech companies focusing on walnut-based innovations received over $70 million in venture capital to develop functional beverages, protein supplements, and bakery mixes. These investment flows indicate significant opportunities for producers and suppliers to tap into growing demand across retail, health, and culinary markets. Export growth, digital retail expansion, and wellness trends will continue to support high ROI for investors targeting the walnut value chain.

New Product Development

The walnut market has become a vibrant landscape for innovation, with over 440 new walnut-based products launched globally between 2023 and 2024. The majority of these innovations targeted health-conscious and vegan consumers, contributing to a 26% growth in value-added walnut segments. In North America, 112 new snack variants were introduced, including walnut clusters, chocolate-coated walnuts, and high-protein walnut bars. These products cumulatively accounted for over 63,000 metric tons in additional demand. In Europe, walnut spreads and butters surged in popularity, with 41 new products launched in 2024 alone. France, Germany, and the UK collectively consumed over 18,000 metric tons of walnut-based spreads, marking a 19% year-over-year increase. Walnut milk, yogurt, and ice creams gained traction in Asia-Pacific, where Japan and South Korea launched 34 new non-dairy walnut SKUs. This regional innovation led to a 29% increase in plant-based walnut beverage sales, reaching 53 million liters in 2024. The rise of functional foods has also sparked interest in walnut-based dietary supplements. In the U.S., 17 new walnut supplement capsules and powders were registered with the FDA in 2024, with an estimated market share of 38,000 metric tons. These products focused on cardiovascular support and brain health, targeting consumers aged 45 and above. Packaging advancements played a key role in product development. Companies introduced biodegradable walnut pouches, nitrogen-sealed canisters, and vacuum-sealed containers to prolong freshness and reduce waste. Over 64% of new walnut products in 2024 were sold in resealable packaging, helping reduce spoilage rates by 43% in retail chains. The convergence of innovation, sustainability, and nutrition continues to redefine the walnut market, opening new avenues for product diversification and brand growth.

Five Recent Developments

In 2024, India lifted its 20% retaliatory tariff on U.S. walnuts, leading to a significant 148% increase in export volumes to the country.
The USDA forecasted California's 2024 walnut production at 670,000 tons, marking a 19% decrease from 2023's 824,000 tons.
In 2024, California walnut prices surged to $1,720 per ton, nearly doubling from 2023, attributed to a smaller crop and increased demand.
China produced approximately 1.4 million metric tons of walnuts in the 2023/2024 season, accounting for over half of the world's total walnut production.
The USDA funded a project at UC Davis to convert almond and walnut shells into high-value prebiotic products, enhancing sustainability in walnut processing.

Report Coverage of Walnut Market

The global walnut market offers a detailed assessment of the evolving landscape across production, consumption, trade, innovation, and investment. The report encompasses an in-depth analysis of driving forces behind demand expansion, including health consciousness, dietary transitions toward plant-based consumption, and value-added walnut products. In 2024, global walnut production surpassed 4.2 million metric tons, with China and the United States accounting for over 48% of this volume. Rising demand in emerging markets like India and South Korea continues to influence supply chain shifts and product positioning. This report evaluates the walnut market by segmentation, including product type, application, and end-use industries. Types covered include English walnuts and black walnuts, with over 90% of trade focused on English walnut varieties. Applications span across food, beverages, dietary supplements, and personal care. In 2024, the food application segment utilized over 3.3 million metric tons globally. The report explores consumer behavior, showing that 68% of walnut purchases are influenced by perceived heart health benefits. Organic and non-GMO segments saw year-over-year growth of 23% and 19%, respectively.

Regionally, the report presents insights from North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific remains the production hub, with China contributing 1.3 million metric tons. North America leads in exports, particularly the United States, with over 510,000 metric tons shipped in 2024. Europe’s demand is dominated by Germany, France, and the UK, while the Middle East & Africa are increasingly investing in walnut processing and packaging infrastructure. The competitive landscape includes companies and cooperatives active in growing, processing, and exporting walnuts. Firms like Poindexter Nut Company, Crain Walnut Shelling, and Diamond Foods in the U.S., as well as regional clusters in China’s Yunnan province, are profiled. The report highlights strategic partnerships, funding rounds exceeding $200 million in walnut R&D, and product launches targeting premium health segments. It offers a holistic view of market dynamics, equipping stakeholders with the factual and strategic insight needed to capitalize on opportunities in a highly health-conscious and innovation-driven walnut ecosystem.