Walnut Market - Global Forecast 2025-2032

The global walnut market is evolving in response to shifting buyer needs and increasing regulatory scrutiny, prompting senior decision-makers to rethink strategies amid innovation and sustainability imperatives. Changing user preferences, technological modernization, and new applications are driving sector transformation worldwide.

Market Snapshot: Walnut Market Size and Growth Outlook

The walnut market is positioned for robust expansion, growing from USD 8.57 billion in 2024 to USD 9.43 billion in 2025. This sustained momentum is projected to elevate the market to USD 18.01 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.71%. The market’s trajectory is powered by rising demand for nutrient-dense foods, development of innovative walnut applications, and a widening set of user segments in major global markets. Industry stakeholders are observing heightened activity among wellness-focused manufacturers and food producers, reflecting a broader interest in tailored walnut-derived products and premium value formats.

Scope & Segmentation of the Walnut Market

• Product Types: In-shell walnuts in both hard and soft shell varieties, kernel formats such as halves (large, medium, small), pieces, and chopped forms, walnut meal and flour in defatted and full fat options, and walnut oil supplied as cold-pressed and refined for varied industry uses.
• Applications: Incorporates animal feed formulations, personal care including hair and skin care products, a broad range of food and beverage uses like bakery, confectionery, dairy, frozen desserts, snacks, and diversified uses in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals through walnut derivatives.
• Distribution Channels: Covers business-to-business transactions with cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical manufacturers and food service providers, as well as business-to-consumer channels via supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and growing online retail platforms.
• End Users: Encompasses animal husbandry, the cosmetic sector, food manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical industry, each leveraging walnut derivatives for enhanced product innovation and competitive differentiation.
• Geographic Coverage: Includes the Americas (North America, Latin America), Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific, with specific attention to leading markets such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, China, India, and Japan.
• Key Companies Analyzed: Assessment covers Olam International Limited, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., Select Harvests Limited, SunOpta Inc., Diamond Foods, Inc., Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Bunge Limited, Borges International Group, S.A., and additional enterprises involved in walnut production, processing, and distribution.

Key Takeaways: Strategic Insights for Senior Decision-Makers

• Sustainability pressures are leading to widespread adoption of traceability systems and focus on regenerative cultivation, enabling companies to distinguish themselves within premium market segments.
• Advanced extraction and milling technology investments support the introduction of walnut oil, meal, and specialty ingredients into new categories, driving growth in functional and nutrition-oriented foods.
• The pace of digital commerce is shifting market approaches, facilitating direct engagement with end users and improved tailoring of solutions for specific dietary or application needs.
• Increasing regulatory and food safety complexity requires senior leaders to prioritize proactive compliance processes and resilient supply chain management to support long-term competitiveness.
• Collaboration among market players, from upstream partnerships to joint research and development, is fundamental to boosting innovation and expanding market presence in regions with strong growth opportunities.
• The market for walnut-based ingredients is diversifying, resulting in heightened investment by cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking innovative uses beyond traditional culinary applications.

Tariff Impact: Adapting Strategies Amid Regulatory Shifts

New United States tariffs have pushed industry participants to reevaluate sourcing arrangements and optimize supply networks. These policy developments are motivating increased domestic processing capabilities and diversification beyond historic supplier bases. Strategic cost control and enhanced positioning of premium products are emerging as pivots for adapting to the evolving regulatory context.

Methodology & Data Sources

This analysis draws on interviews with growers, processors, distributors, and end users, offering a rich perspective from all points along the walnut value chain. Findings are confirmed by review of regulatory documents and trade data, ensuring comprehensive and credible insights through triangulation.

Why This Report Matters

• Delivers actionable intelligence for senior leadership to anticipate and respond to shifting regulatory landscapes and evolving consumer drivers.
• Equips stakeholders to enhance supply chain efficiency, invest in advanced processing techniques, and capture high-growth opportunities in emerging regions.
• Provides focused support for navigating technology adoption, fostering cross-sector alliances, and maximizing value creation in a dynamic market environment.

Conclusion

The walnut market is advancing through innovation, increased regulatory awareness, and expanding application areas. Sustained leadership will rely on strategic agility, technological investment, and collaborative partnerships to capitalize on opportunities and meet evolving stakeholder demands.

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