Chestnut Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Chestnut Market is projected to expand from USD 2.41 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.21 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 4.89%. Chestnuts, the starchy, edible nuts harvested from deciduous Castanea trees, are widely consumed in roasted or boiled forms, or processed into purées and flours. Key factors accelerating market growth include the nut's unique nutritional benefits, such as high dietary fiber and low fat content, which cater to the rising consumer demand for functional and healthy food options. Additionally, the versatility of chestnuts in culinary contexts, especially within the confectionery and bakery industries for creating gluten-free products, serves as a primary driver underpinning sustained international demand.

However, the industry encounters significant hurdles due to phytosanitary risks, particularly from fungal diseases and pests like the oriental chestnut gall wasp, which severely compromise supply stability and orchard yields. According to the International Society for Horticultural Science, global chestnut production was estimated at 2.21 million tonnes in 2024, a figure that underscores the substantial volume currently dependent on robust pest management techniques to preserve market balance.

Market Drivers

A pivotal driver fortifying the Global Chestnut Market against biological risks is the advancement of blight-resistant cultivars and the adoption of sustainable agroforestry methods. With orchard productivity consistently threatened by fungal pathogens such as Cryphonectria parasitica and pests like gall wasps, the sector is increasingly focusing on planting genetically robust hybrid varieties.

This strategic shift not only reduces crop losses but also supports sustainable forestry goals intended to rehabilitate native chestnut populations and secure supply chains. Highlighting this trend toward orchard renewal, the UK Government's 'Tree supply report' from May 2025 noted that production of Castanea sativa saplings for planting and forestry reached 297,100 units in the 2024/25 season. Furthermore, illustrating the level of institutional backing, a March 2025 FreshPlaza report on the National Union of French Chestnut Producers outlined a €5 million National Chestnut Plan designed to fund responses to the sector's sanitary and climatic difficulties.

Simultaneously, the rising incorporation of chestnuts into food service menus and gourmet cuisines is boosting their market value beyond that of a simple seasonal staple. Food manufacturers and chefs are increasingly employing premium chestnuts in high-end culinary uses, ranging from luxury confections like marrons glacés to gluten-free flours for artisanal baking. This movement stimulates the trade of superior fresh and processed nuts, especially from renowned European growers. According to a September 2025 article by Mundus Agri titled 'Chestnuts: mixed crop in Italy', Italian chestnut exports achieved a volume of 5,810 metric tonnes in 2024, demonstrating the enduring global demand for premium-grade chestnuts within upscale food markets despite production variability.

Market Challenges

The expansion of the "Global Chestnut Market" is significantly hindered by phytosanitary threats, most notably the spread of the oriental chestnut gall wasp. This invasive pest targets the vegetative buds of chestnut trees, causing a drastic inhibition of nut formation and leading to considerable declines in orchard productivity. Consequently, the unpredictability of crop yields introduces severe instability into the supply chain, creating challenges for food manufacturers and processors in obtaining the consistent raw material volumes necessary for large-scale production. This supply constraint effectively limits the market's potential and prevents the industry from fully leveraging growing trends toward functional and gluten-free ingredients.

The repercussions of these biological stresses are clearly reflected in recent output data from key cultivation regions, which are struggling to satisfy global requirements. According to Eurocastanea, aggregated chestnut production across Europe in 2024 was forecasted to fall between 180,000 and 220,000 tonnes, a range that highlights the ongoing productivity difficulties plaguing the sector. Such restricted output from a major producing area intensifies global supply shortages, resulting in market volatility that impedes long-term commercial development strategies.

Market Trends

A defining trend reshaping the market is the commercialization of heritage and geographically indicated cultivars, which shifts focus from volume-based metrics to value-driven distinctions. As buyers become more selective regarding flavor complexity and provenance, producers are prioritizing the growth of genetically unique, high-quality varieties that command premium prices. This approach enables the industry to offset the financial risks of fluctuating yields by securing higher rates for top-tier nuts, moving away from standard commodity pricing. Evidence of this dynamic was provided by Tridge in their April 2025 'Global Raw Chestnut Price' update, which noted that while global wholesale prices for raw chestnuts were volatile, they peaked at $8.92 USD per kg in 2024, indicating buyer readiness to pay a premium for high-quality stock in a tight market.

Concurrently, the rapid growth of ready-to-eat snacking portfolios is evolving the chestnut from a seasonal ingredient into a convenient, year-round functional food. Processing centers are expanding capabilities to offer roasted, shelled, and pouch-packaged options that meet the rising demand for healthy, portable nutrition, thereby creating new retail avenues outside of traditional fresh markets. This structural shift toward value-added production is generating significant trade volumes from major processing countries. As reported by Mundus Agri in the November 2025 article 'Chestnuts: season starts in Turkey', Turkey exported 6,995 metric tonnes of chestnuts valued at USD 17.89 million during the 2024/2025 season, underscoring the robust international consumption of these versatile, processed chestnut products.

Key Players Profiled in the Chestnut Market

• Chengde Shenli Food Co. Ltd.
• Qinhuangdao Yanshan Chestnut Co., Ltd.
• Chestnut Growers Inc.
• Roland Foods, LLC
• Royal Nut Company
• Shandong Maria Food Co. Ltd.
• Shandong Zhifeng Foodstuffs Co. Ltd.
• SupHerb Farms
• Windmill Organics Ltd.
• Conagra Brands, Inc.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Chestnut Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Chestnut Market, by Product Type:

• Fresh Chestnuts
• Dried Chestnuts
• Chestnut Flour
• Chestnut Puree
• Chestnut Cream
• Others

Chestnut Market, by End Use:

• Food & Beverage Industry
• Confectionery Industry
• Bakery Industry
• Others

Chestnut Market, by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

Chestnut Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Chestnut Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.