India Walnut Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The India walnut market reached is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.10% between 2025 and 2034. The market is being driven by the growing walnut production in North India.

India Walnut Market Growth

India annually produces around 2.84 lakh metric tons of walnuts on 1.5 lakh hectares of land. Jammu and Kashmir is the leading walnut-producing state, which accounts for around 90% of the domestic production. The average productivity of a walnut-producing cropland in the region is 2.69 ha and the state produces 2.25 lakh tons of nuts by cultivating an area of 83,600 hectares annually. Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are other leading walnut-producing regions in the country. Increasing consumer consciousness regarding physical and mental health is expected to lead to a surge in walnut consumption. Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and increase immune strength. They also facilitate weight control, enhance metabolism, and promote skin health.

As per the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, India imported 27,455 metric tons of walnuts from Chile and 5285 metric tons from the USA in 2022-23. This was a substantial increase from 11,434 MT of imports from Chile and 3,564 MT of imports from the UAE in 2021-22. The increasing demand for organic food products and protein-rich animal feed is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period.

Key Trends and Developments

Expansion of the food processing sector; emphasis on bioplastic production; growing demand for animal feed; and versatile industrial applications of walnuts are the major trends impacting the India walnut market expansion

January 2024

India imported 7.8 million tons of walnuts from the USA during September-November 2023, which was nearly double its imports in September-November 2022.

December 2023

The Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir registered the highest volume of walnut production for the second consecutive year at 37,010 MT. This was attributed to timely rainfalls and increasing cultivation in the regions of Rajwar, Ashpora, Vilgam, Mawer, and Sogam, among others.

November 2023

The Wadhwani Institute of Artificial Intelligence and the Indian government launched Krishi 24/7, a unique AI-powered solution that identifies and translates relevant agricultural news, generates timely updates, and promotes sustainable practices in crop cultivation.

October 2021

H.E. Juan Angulo (Chilean ambassador to India) inaugurated ChileNut’s first generic promotion campaign for encouraging Chile-grown walnut consumption in India.

Expansion of the Food Processing Sector

In 2020-21, the food processing industry accounted for nearly 11.57% of the gross value addition (GVA) in the agricultural sector. India processes 4.5% of its fruits and 2.7% of its vegetables annually.

Emphasis on Bioplastic Production

Walnut shells serve as a natural filler in bioplastic production, which enables manufacturers to cut costs while making plastic more stable, flexible, and impact-resistant.

Growing Demand for Animal Feed

India’s animal feed industry accounts for over 4% of the domestic GDP and constitutes a share of nearly 25.6% of the country’s GDP of the agricultural sector. Since walnuts are a rich source of protein, they are gaining popularity in the animal feed sector.

Versatile Industrial Applications of Walnuts

Walnut shell flour can be used as a key ingredient in battery cases, industrial tiles, plastic fillers, moulding resin forms, and as an insecticide spreader.

India Walnut Market Trends

India’s food and grocery industry is the sixth-largest globally. As per the India Brand Equity Foundation, evolving consuming preferences and rapid urbanisation are expected to increase India’s food consumption to USD 1.2 trillion by 2025-26, thereby accelerating the demand for processed walnuts in the country.

India’s food processing industry accounts for 32% of the domestic food market and has a share of 6% in overall industrial investment. Nearly 13% of its finished products are exported to leaning Middle Eastern and African countries. This is expected to contribute to the market expansion in the coming years.

India Walnut Industry Segmentation

The report titled “India Walnut Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type:

• Shelled
• In-Shell

Market Breakup by Product:

• Black Walnut
• Persian or English Walnut

Market Breakup by Form:

• Raw
• Processed

Market Breakup by Nature:

• Conventional
• Organic

Market Breakup by End Use:

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

Market Breakup by Region:

• East India
• West and Central India
• North India
• South India

India Walnut Market Share

Based on region, the market is segmented into East India, West and Central India, North India, and South India. South India represented 21% of the overall market share in 2023. Over the forecast period, East India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% due to the growing health-consciousness in the region.

Leading Companies in the India Walnut Market

Major market players are expected to adopt advanced technological solutions such as smart sensors and drones to boost agricultural productivity and minimise resource consumption.

Kashmir Walnut Group

Kashmir Walnut Group is a family-owned company that was established in 1979. It is India’s largest processor and exporter of processed and organic walnuts, with conventional walnut production reaching 3000 tons. It is also India’s largest distributor of walnut kernels and is renowned for Tim Tim Walnut Kernels brand.

Baba Bakers

It was established in 1991 and is headquartered in Pakistan. It is a leading producer and distributor of food products, including baked biscuits, cakes, sweets, and dry fruits.

California Walnuts India

California Walnuts India is a branch of the California Walnuts Commission, which is an agency of the American state of California. It was established in 1987, and its primary goal is to develop the USA’s export potential.

Conscious Foods Pvt. Ltd.

Conscious Foods Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It offers a wide range of products through its e-commerce website, including superfoods (walnuts and almonds), ghee, cereals and grains, and sugar and spices. It also has a significant presence in the USA and the UAE.

Other major players in the market include KBB Nuts Private Limited, among others.