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

The Global Walnut Market is projected to expand from USD 8.32 Billion in 2025 to USD 11.94 Billion by 2031, registering a compound annual growth rate of 6.21%. Walnuts, which are the edible seeds encased in hard shells from the Juglans genus, are highly prized as a nutrient-rich food source. The market's growth is primarily fueled by increasing consumer awareness regarding the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and the rising incorporation of these nuts into the plant-based protein industry. These fundamental factors sustain strong demand for walnuts in both direct snacking and industrial food processing, as manufacturers increasingly search for functional ingredients to enhance their product lines.

However, the industry faces substantial obstacles related to climate variability, which interferes with the consistency of crop yields and quality. According to data from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council in 2025, global walnut production reached 2.76 million metric tons during the 2024 to 2025 crop year. While this figure highlights the market's significant scale, the growing frequency of severe weather events creates a continuous risk to supply chain stability and potential future growth.

Market Drivers

Growing consumer knowledge regarding omega-3 content and cardiovascular wellness is a major engine driving market progress. Walnuts are increasingly viewed not merely as a pantry staple but as an essential functional food, distinguished among tree nuts by their rich concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This nutritional advantage has become central to marketing campaigns targeting health-conscious groups looking for natural dietary solutions. As noted by the California Walnut Commission in December 2024, in their release 'Walnuts Deemed Healthy By the U.S. Food & Drug Administration', walnuts satisfied the revised regulatory criteria for "healthy" food due to containing 2.5 grams of omega-3 ALA per ounce, a recognition that strengthens consumer confidence and hastens their inclusion in daily health routines.

Concurrently, the global shift toward plant-based and nutritious diets is transforming trade patterns. As international consumers increasingly opt for vegetarian, vegan, and keto-friendly lifestyles, the need for versatile, high-protein plant ingredients has triggered a significant expansion in global distribution channels. This momentum is reflected in rising import volumes in key markets as retailers prepare to serve these growing consumer bases. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, European Union walnut imports grew by roughly 29% in 2025 compared to the prior calendar year. Additionally, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council reported in March 2025, within the 'Walnuts Global Statistical Review', that China’s in-shell walnut exports increased by 97% from September to November 2024, illustrating how producers are rapidly ramping up operations to meet this escalating global demand.

Market Challenges

Climate variability acts as a major barrier to the systematic expansion of the global walnut market. The industry's reliance on specific environmental conditions renders walnut orchards extremely vulnerable to anomalies such as unseasonal temperature changes, water shortages, and severe weather occurrences. These environmental disturbances directly undermine crop uniformity, causing unpredictable variations in yield volume and quality. For food manufacturers and industrial buyers, this instability results in uncertain supply chains and fluctuating raw material costs, making them hesitant to sign long-term agreements or innovate with new walnut-based products, thereby impeding commercial growth and market penetration.

The gravity of this challenge is underscored by recent production data indicating notable supply reductions. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, the 2024 walnut production forecast for California was estimated at 607,814 metric tons, representing a sharp 19% drop from the record harvest of the preceding year. This significant decline in a key global exporting region highlights how weather-induced volatility restricts the market's ability to achieve steady growth and generates ongoing logistical difficulties for industry stakeholders.

Market Trends

The market is observing a clear transition toward value-added shelled formats, motivated by retailer requirements for convenience and industrial needs for ready-to-use ingredients. With consumers favoring time-efficient solutions for baking and snacking, exporters are modernizing their infrastructure to supply high-quality kernels instead of traditional in-shell varieties. This shift is altering global trade currents, as major production hubs pivot to satisfy European and North American buyers seeking premium shelled options. According to the 'Monthly Shipment Report' by Chilenut in August 2025, exports of shelled walnuts rose by 22% between March and July 2025 compared to the prior season, outpacing in-shell growth and signaling a structural change where source-based processing is becoming a vital competitive edge for serving mature markets.

At the same time, the launch of savory and seasoned ready-to-eat walnut snacks is extending the product's presence from baking aisles to impulse purchase sections. Manufacturers are utilizing the dense texture of walnuts to develop functional snack series with bold flavors, such as hot honey or blends incorporating functional mushrooms, to appeal to health-oriented consumers. This product evolution is strongly bolstered by the enduring reputation of walnuts as a functional superfood, encouraging brands to innovate with clean-label, high-protein snack options. As per the 'What's Trending in Nutrition' survey by Pollock Communications in January 2025, walnuts were listed among the Top 10 Superfoods of 2025, a classification that has directly shaped recent retail tactics to market seasoned walnut pouches as premium wellness items.

Key Players Profiled in the Walnut Market

• Alpine Pacific Nut Co., Inc.
• Poindexter Nut Company
• Stahmann Webster
• Kashmir Walnut Group
• Royal Saffron Company
• Empire Nut Company
• Gold River Orchards, Inc.
• Empire Nut Company, LLC
• Hebei Suguo International Trade Co., Ltd.
• Agromillora Catalana SAU

Report Scope

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

Walnut Market, by Type:

• Inshell
• Shelled

Walnut Market, by Nature:

• Organic
• Conventional

Walnut Market, by End Use:

• Household
• Food Industry
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Walnut 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 Walnut 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).

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