Chestnut Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Fresh Chestnuts, Dried Chestnuts, Chestnut Flour, Chestnut Puree, Chestnut Cream, Others), By End Use (Food & Beverage Industry, Confectionery Industry, Bakery Industry, Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.41 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.89%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.21 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Chestnut Market will grow from USD 2.41 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.21 Billion by 2031 at a 4.89% CAGR. Chestnuts are the edible, starchy nuts produced by deciduous trees of the genus Castanea, widely consumed after roasting, boiling, or processing into flour and purée. The market is primarily propelled by the nut's distinct nutritional profile, characterized by low fat content and high dietary fiber, which aligns with consumers' increasing preference for healthier and functional food ingredients. Furthermore, the versatility of chestnuts in culinary applications, particularly within the bakery and confectionery sectors for gluten-free product formulation, acts as a fundamental driver supporting sustained global demand.

Despite this growth trajectory, the industry faces a significant challenge in the form of phytosanitary threats, specifically fungal pathogens and pests such as the oriental chestnut gall wasp which severely impact orchard yields and supply stability. According to the International Society for Horticultural Science, in 2024, global chestnut production was estimated at 2.21 million tonnes per year, highlighting the significant volume currently reliant on effective pest management strategies to maintain market equilibrium.

Key Market Drivers

The Development of Blight-Resistant Cultivars and Sustainable Agroforestry Practices is a critical driver stabilizing the Global Chestnut Market against biological threats. As fungal pathogens like Cryphonectria parasitica and pests such as gall wasps continue to jeopardize orchard productivity, the industry is increasingly prioritizing the planting of genetically resilient hybrid varieties. This shift not only mitigates crop loss but also aligns with sustainable forestry initiatives aimed at restoring native chestnut populations and ensuring long-term supply chain security. According to the UK Government, May 2025, in the 'Tree supply report', production of Castanea sativa saplings for forestry and planting purposes reached 297,100 units in the 2024/25 season, reflecting this significant push towards orchard renewal. Furthermore, demonstrating the scale of institutional support for these agricultural improvements, according to FreshPlaza, March 2025, in a report on the National Union of French Chestnut Producers, a €5 million National Chestnut Plan was detailed to finance solutions for climatic and sanitary challenges facing the sector.

Concurrently, the Growing Integration into Gourmet Cuisines and Food Service Menus is elevating the market value of chestnuts beyond their role as a seasonal commodity. Chefs and food manufacturers are increasingly utilizing premium chestnuts in sophisticated culinary applications, ranging from gluten-free flours in artisanal bakeries to luxury confectioneries like marrons glacés. This trend drives the trade of high-quality, processed, and fresh nuts, particularly from established European producers known for their superior cultivars. The demand for these gourmet ingredients remains robust in international trade channels despite production fluctuations. According to Mundus Agri, September 2025, in the 'Chestnuts: mixed crop in Italy' article, Italy's chestnut exports reached a volume of 5,810 metric tonnes in 2024, highlighting the sustained global appetite for premium-grade chestnuts in high-end food markets.

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Key Market Challenges

Phytosanitary threats, particularly the proliferation of the oriental chestnut gall wasp, represent a critical barrier obstructing the expansion of the "Global Chestnut Market." This invasive pest directly attacks the vegetative buds of chestnut trees, severely inhibiting nut formation and causing substantial reductions in orchard productivity. The resulting unpredictability in crop yields creates significant instability within the supply chain, making it difficult for processors and food manufacturers to secure the consistent raw material volumes required for large-scale operations. As the industry attempts to cater to the rising demand for gluten-free and functional ingredients, this supply-side constraint effectively caps market potential and prevents the sector from fully capitalizing on emerging health trends.

The impact of these biological pressures is evident in recent production figures from major cultivation zones, which struggle to meet global needs. According to Eurocastanea, in 2024, the aggregated chestnut production across Europe was forecasted to range between 180,000 and 220,000 tonnes, a volume indicative of the persistent productivity struggles facing the sector. Such constrained output in a primary producing region exacerbates global supply shortages, leading to market volatility that hampers long-term commercial growth strategies.

Key Market Trends

The Commercialization of Heritage and Geographically Indicated Cultivars is emerging as a decisive trend, decoupling market value from pure volume metrics. As consumers become more discerning regarding provenance and flavor complexity, producers are increasingly prioritizing the cultivation of genetically distinct, high-quality varieties that justify premium positioning. This shift allows the industry to mitigate the financial impact of inconsistent yields by commanding superior rates for top-tier nuts, moving the sector away from commodity pricing structures. Illustrating this value-driven market dynamic, according to Tridge, April 2025, in the 'Global Raw Chestnut Price' update, global wholesale prices for raw chestnuts demonstrated significant volatility but reached a high of $8.92 USD per kg in 2024, reflecting the willingness of buyers to pay premium rates for high-quality inventory in a constrained market.

Simultaneously, the Rapid Expansion of Ready-to-Eat Snacking Portfolios is transforming the chestnut from a seasonal cooking ingredient into a convenient, year-round functional food. Processing hubs are scaling operations to produce shelled, roasted, and pouch-packaged formats that cater to the growing demand for healthy, on-the-go nutrition, thereby opening new retail channels beyond traditional fresh markets. This structural pivot towards value-added manufacturing is driving substantial trade volumes from key processing nations. According to Mundus Agri, November 2025, in the 'Chestnuts: season starts in Turkey' article, Turkey exported a total of 6,995 metric tonnes of chestnuts worth USD 17.89 million during the 2024/2025 season, evidencing the strong international uptake of these versatile, processed chestnut products.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is currently emerging as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Chestnut Market. This trajectory is primarily driven by the expanding consumer preference for digital convenience and the superior inventory variety offered by e-commerce platforms compared to physical retail. While traditional supermarkets often carry limited stock, online channels provide immediate access to niche chestnut variations, such as organic or gluten-free processed products, which appeals to health-conscious demographics. Furthermore, advancements in cold-chain logistics have significantly mitigated spoilage risks, building consumer trust in purchasing perishable food items directly through digital storefronts.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific holds the dominant position in the Global Chestnut Market, largely due to substantial production volumes in China. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China is the world's largest producer, accounting for a significant majority of total output. This leadership is reinforced by favorable climatic conditions that allow for extensive cultivation across the region. Additionally, strong culinary traditions in countries such as Japan and South Korea drive consistent domestic consumption. The widespread use of chestnuts in traditional diets, combined with robust export activities, ensures Asia Pacific remains the central hub for the industry.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, F.lli Castellino, a prominent chestnut processor based in Italy, secured a new commercial listing for its chestnut flakes in a German supermarket chain. The company developed this innovative product, positioned as a breakfast cereal, to utilize chestnuts that were unsuitable for the fresh market due to minor imperfections. The flakes were designed to be gluten-free and moisture-resistant, addressing the increasing consumer demand for healthy, alternative breakfast foods in Europe. This expansion into the German retail sector marked a significant step in the company's international growth strategy and product diversification efforts.
• In September 2024, Chestnut Hill Outdoors announced the expansion of its retail distribution network by shipping its proprietary Dunstan Chestnut trees to select major retailers across states such as Ohio, New York, and Wisconsin. The company aimed to provide broader access to these blight-resistant trees, which are widely utilized for wildlife management and orchard establishment. By partnering with large-scale retail chains for fall shipments, the firm sought to facilitate easier acquisition for landowners and hobbyists. This strategic move supported the company's mission to re-establish chestnut populations and promote the cultivation of productive food plots.
• In September 2024, Mister Donut Japan launched its inaugural chestnut-themed doughnut collection, known as the "Kuri-do" series, to celebrate the autumn season. The new range included items featuring chestnut-flavored glazes, chocolate flakes, and fillings made with cream and locally sourced chestnuts from Kumamoto Prefecture. This strategic addition aimed to enhance the company's seasonal product portfolio, which traditionally focused on sweet potato flavors, by offering a broader variety of fall-inspired treats to consumers. The launch underscored the brand's commitment to utilizing domestic ingredients and catering to local taste preferences for chestnut-based confectioneries.
• In March 2024, Shinkinedo, a Japanese confectionery manufacturer, diversified its business operations by launching "Chetna," a new hair care brand derived from upcycled chestnut skins. The company introduced shampoos and conditioners containing chestnut skin polyphenols to international markets through a global e-commerce platform, targeting consumers in 14 countries including the United States and France. This development was part of the firm's sustainability strategy to repurpose the significant volume of chestnut waste generated annually from its primary sweet production. The innovation highlighted the commercial potential for high-value applications of chestnut byproducts in the personal care industry.

Key Market Players

• 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.

By Product Type	By End Use	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Fresh Chestnuts Dried Chestnuts Chestnut Flour Chestnut Puree Chestnut Cream Others	Food & Beverage Industry Confectionery Industry Bakery Industry Others	Supermarkets/hypermarkets Specialty Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Chestnut Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• 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
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE