Walnut Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Inshell, Shelled), By Nature (Organic, Conventional), By End Use (Household, Food Industry, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 8.32 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.21%
Fastest Growing Segment	Organic
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 11.94 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Walnut Market will grow from USD 8.32 Billion in 2025 to USD 11.94 Billion by 2031 at a 6.21% CAGR. Walnuts are the edible seeds of trees from the Juglans genus enclosed in a hard shell and widely valued as a nutrient dense food ingredient. The market is fundamentally driven by rising consumer recognition of the cardiovascular advantages linked to omega 3 fatty acids alongside the growing utilization of these nuts in the plant based protein sector. These core drivers support sustained demand for walnuts in both direct consumption and industrial food processing applications as manufacturers seek functional ingredients.

However the sector contends with significant challenges regarding climate variability which disrupts consistent crop yields and quality. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council in 2025 global walnut production was recorded at 2.76 million metric tons for the 2024 to 2025 crop year. This figure illustrates the substantial scale of the market yet the increasing frequency of adverse weather events poses a persistent threat to supply chain stability and future expansion.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing consumer awareness of omega-3 content and cardiovascular health benefits is a primary force propelling the market. Walnuts are increasingly recognized not just as a staple but as a critical functional food, distinct among tree nuts for their high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This nutritional profile has become a focal point for marketing strategies aiming to attract health-conscious demographics seeking natural dietary interventions. According to the California Walnut Commission, December 2024, in the 'Walnuts Deemed Healthy By the U.S. Food & Drug Administration' release, walnuts met the updated regulatory definition of a "healthy" food due to their content of 2.5 grams of omega-3 ALA per ounce. Such regulatory recognition reinforces consumer trust and accelerates the integration of walnuts into daily health regimens.

Simultaneously, the rising global adoption of plant-based and nutritious dietary lifestyles is reshaping trade dynamics. As consumers worldwide shift towards vegetarian, vegan, and keto-friendly options, the demand for versatile, high-protein plant ingredients has necessitated a robust expansion in international distribution networks. This trend is evident in the surging import volumes across major consumption hubs as retailers stock up to meet the needs of these expanding bases. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, in 2025, European Union walnut imports rose by approximately 29% during the previous calendar year. Furthermore, according to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, March 2025, in the 'Walnuts Global Statistical Review', China’s in-shell walnut exports surged by 97% between September and November 2024, demonstrating how producers are rapidly scaling operations to satisfy this intensifying global demand.

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Key Market Challenges

Climate variability represents a substantial impediment to the systematic growth of the global walnut market. The dependence of walnut orchards on precise environmental conditions makes the industry highly susceptible to irregularities such as unseasonal temperature shifts, water scarcity, and extreme weather events. These environmental disruptions directly compromise crop consistency, leading to unpredictable fluctuations in both the volume and quality of yields. For industrial buyers and food manufacturers, this instability translates into unreliable supply chains and volatile raw material pricing. When processors cannot secure guaranteed volumes at stable costs, they become reluctant to commit to long-term contracts or develop new walnut-based products, effectively stalling commercial expansion and market deepening.

The severity of this issue is highlighted by recent production statistics that reflect significant supply contractions. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, in 2024, the walnut production forecast for California was projected at 607,814 metric tons, reflecting a sharp 19% decline compared to the previous year's record harvest. This substantial reduction from a primary global exporting region demonstrates how weather-related volatility limits the market's capacity for steady growth and creates persistent logistical hurdles for stakeholders.

Key Market Trends

The market is witnessing a distinct shift towards value-added shelled formats, driven by retailer preferences for convenience and industrial demand for ready-to-use ingredients. As consumers prioritize time-saving solutions for baking and direct consumption, exporters are upgrading infrastructure to deliver high-quality kernels rather than traditional in-shell options. This transition is reshaping global trade flows, with major producing regions pivoting to meet the requirements of European and North American buyers who demand premium shelled varieties. According to Chilenut, August 2025, in the 'Monthly Shipment Report', shelled walnut exports between March and July 2025 increased by 22% compared to the previous season, significantly outpacing the growth of in-shell varieties. This data highlights a structural change where processing at the source is becoming a critical competitive advantage for supplying mature markets.

Simultaneously, the introduction of savory and seasoned ready-to-eat walnut snacks is expanding the product's reach beyond the baking aisle into the impulse purchase category. Manufacturers are leveraging the nut's dense texture to create functional snack lines featuring bold flavor profiles like hot honey or blends with functional mushrooms, catering to health-focused demographics. This product evolution is heavily supported by the continued elevation of walnuts as a functional superfood, enticing brands to innovate with clean-label, high-protein snack formats. According to Pollock Communications, January 2025, in the 'What's Trending in Nutrition' survey, walnuts were named one of the Top 10 Superfoods of 2025, a designation that has directly influenced recent retail strategies to position seasoned walnut pouches as premium wellness products.

Segmental Insights

The organic segment represents the fastest-growing category in the global walnut market, primarily driven by escalating consumer demand for chemical-free and non-GMO food products. This trend is underpinned by a growing awareness of the health implications associated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional farming. Additionally, rigorous certification protocols enforced by agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture provide necessary assurance regarding cultivation standards, effectively boosting consumer confidence. As a result, market players are increasingly diversifying their portfolios to include certified organic walnuts, directly responding to this sustained shift in consumption patterns.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific leads the global walnut market, driven primarily by China, which stands as the world's largest producer and consumer of walnuts. This dominance is supported by a strong cultural tradition of consuming nuts for their nutritional value and their extensive use in traditional medicines. Additionally, the region’s expanding food processing industry has increased the incorporation of walnuts into bakery, confectionery, and savory products. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization confirms that high production volumes in China sustain this regional market leadership, ensuring robust supply to meet growing domestic consumption.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, Mariani Nut Company launched a new line of Organic Shelled Walnuts to meet the increasing consumer demand for organic produce. The product was introduced with sustainable packaging made from post-consumer recycled materials, aligning with the company's broader environmental initiatives. This launch was part of a strategic diversification to supply premium organic nuts to retailers, complementing their existing conventional offerings. The company emphasized that the organic farming practices used for these walnuts promote soil health and biodiversity, further supporting their commitment to responsible agricultural stewardship and vertical integration within the global walnut supply chain.
• In July 2024, the Australian Walnut Company released Vitality Walnut Milk, a long-life plant-based milk alternative produced in Victoria. This new product was marketed as being naturally free from lactose, gluten, and soy, while providing essential nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. The Chairperson of the Australian Walnut Company noted that the launch aimed to provide sustainable and nutritious options to the growing market of consumers seeking dairy substitutes. The milk was made available through independent grocers and health food stores, emphasizing its low environmental footprint compared to other nut milks and its creamy texture suitable for coffee and smoothies.
• In April 2024, Elmhurst 1925 expanded its plant-based beverage portfolio by launching a new line of ready-to-drink lattes, which included a Maple Walnut flavor. This product utilized a walnut milk base combined with maple syrup to offer a dairy-free coffee alternative for consumers seeking on-the-go options. The launch highlighted the versatility of walnuts in the beverage sector, distinguishing the product from common oat or almond-based drinks. The company positioned this addition to appeal to health-conscious shoppers looking for clean-label ingredients and distinct flavor profiles in the convenient coffee category, aiming to capture a larger share of the dairy-free market.
• In February 2024, Diamond of California introduced a new product line known as Crunchy Nut Toppers, designed to enhance meals with added texture and flavor. The launch featured bite-sized walnut and pecan pieces seasoned with savory and sweet ingredients, available in varieties such as Smoky Bacon Walnuts and Garden Ranch Walnuts. The Chief Marketing Officer of Diamond of California stated that the innovation aimed to make at-home meals effortless while offering functional benefits like Omega-3 fatty acids. This development expanded the company's presence in the salad topping market, targeting consumers seeking convenient, nutrient-dense enhancements for salads and baked dishes.

Key Market Players

• 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

By Type	By Nature	By End Use	By Region
Inshell Shelled	Organic Conventional	Household Food Industry Personal Care and Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• 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
• 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