Walnut Market

Walnut Market Size:

The global walnut market size reached US$ 8.4 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 12.4 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during 2024-2032. The market is driven by the increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of walnuts, expansion in retail and online distribution channels, rising popularity of walnut milk, growing product adoption in diverse cuisines, rapid advancements in agricultural technologies, and evolving trade policies.

Walnut Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Walnut intake is on the rise due to greater knowledge of its health advantages, including enhanced heart health and cognitive function. In addition, rapid technical improvements in agriculture and processing have raised the efficiency and productivity of walnut production, making high-quality walnuts more accessible and inexpensive.
• Key Market Trends: Raw and organic walnut consumption is on an upward trajectory, driven by a preference for natural and minimally processed foods. Consumers desire items that are considered to be pure and healthy. Moreover, walnut-infused items, such as milk, flour, and oils, are becoming increasingly popular, expanding the market beyond conventional nut consumption into new and inventive product categories.
• Geographical Trends: The Asia Pacific region leads the walnut industry owing to strong local production and consumption. Walnuts are regarded as a traditional meal and are increasingly viewed as a premium health product in the region. Other regions are also experiencing growth because of strong distribution networks and great consumer buying power with emphasis on organic and premium-quality walnuts.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the walnut industry include Agromillora Group, Alpine Pacific Nut Company, Andersen and Sons Shelling Inc., Crain Walnut Shelling Inc, Empire Nut Company LLC, GoldRiver Orchards Inc., Grower Direct Nut Co. Inc., Guerra Nut Shelling Co Inc, Haleakala Walnut Shelling Inc., Kashmir Walnut Group, and Poindexter Nut Company, among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Walnut crops are prone to climate fluctuations and infections, affecting production and quality, which makes continuous research and innovation in agricultural techniques and disease control necessary to address this issue. However, expanding into developing areas has significant opportunities. Along with this, educational campaigns regarding the health advantages of walnuts can develop new growth avenues while also broadening the usage of the product in many food and personal care products.
   

Walnut Market Trends:

Rising Awareness of Walnuts’ Health and Nutritional Benefits

Walnuts are in high demand because of their health benefits, which include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. They can improve brain health, support weight management, and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. The consumer knowledge of these advantages is expanding, as evidenced by health professionals and nutritional research, thereby propelling walnut consumption across varied demographics. For example, in July 2021, the California Walnut Board launched a Snacking Retail Campaign to promote the advantages of walnuts as healthful snacks. This initiative advocated the inclusion of walnuts in approximately 7,400 grocery shops around the United States. These programs are expected to boost the use and consumption of nuts in the region.

Widespread Expansion of Retail Formats

Walnuts are becoming more widely available and visible to customers as retail forms expand and diversify. They have become readily accessible in supermarkets, hypermarkets, internet sellers, and specialized stores. In 2024, retail sales in the United States are expected to go up by 2.5% to 3.5%, reaching around $5.23 trillion. In emerging nations, the growth of organized retail has brought walnuts to a new class of consumers, increasing their awareness and consumption. For example, the retail industry in India is predicted to reach a stunning US$ 2 trillion in value by 2032, according to recent research by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Online grocery shopping platforms and health food specialists have further augmented this trend by offering a wide variety of walnut-based products, including raw walnuts, processed snacks, and walnut-infused health foods.

Growing Demand for Walnut Milk

Walnut milk contains vital fatty acids, including omega-3s, which can prevent cognitive decline and lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also contains fiber, which aids with blood sugar and weight control. Moreover, walnuts possess vitamin E, which can help prevent cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's. Over 40% of walnut output is used to make walnut milk, which is mixed into cereals, granola, oatmeal, overnight oats, smoothies, ice creams, milkshakes, and other custom-flavored drinks. By 2025, the World Heart Federation predicts that 2.7 billion adults will be obese, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, which has heightened the need to prevent the surge in obesity, thereby driving research on novel walnut processing technologies.

Walnut Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on type, product, nature, form, and end use.

Breakup by Type:

• In-shell
• Shelled
   

In-shell accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes in-shell and shelled. According to the report, in-shell represented the largest segment.

As per the walnut market analysis and forecast, in-shell walnuts hold the largest share due to the longer shelf life and perceived freshness of unshelled nuts. Moreover, the rising preference among consumers for in-shell walnuts, as they are considered to be in their natural state, which is believed to retain more nutritional content and flavor, is fueling the market growth. Additionally, in-shell walnuts are popular during festive seasons as they are traditionally used in holiday recipes and as healthy snacks. Furthermore, the rising product demand in retail and wholesale channels, as they are marketed as food items and a part of health and wellness lifestyle products, is fostering the walnut market share. 

Breakup by Product:

• Persian or English Walnut
• Black Walnut
   

Persian or English walnut holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product have also been provided in the report. This includes Persian or English walnut and black walnut. According to the report, Persian or English walnut accounted for the largest market share.

Based on the walnut market outlook and trends, the Persian or English walnut variation dominates the market due to its distinctive taste, texture, and versatile use in culinary and industrial applications. It is characterized by its thin shell and large, plump kernel and is highly favored owing to its superior quality and ease of processing. The English walnut is extensively used in a variety of products, such as baked goods, confections, salads, and gourmet dishes. Its popularity is also bolstered by its health benefits, like high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, making it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers.

Breakup by Nature:

• Organic
• Conventional
   

Conventional represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the nature. This includes organic and conventional. According to the report, conventional represented the largest segment.

According to the walnut market report and overview, conventional walnuts constituted the largest segment, because of their widespread availability and cost-effectiveness compared to organic alternatives. Conventional walnuts are produced using traditional farming methods, which involve the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance yield and reduce crop losses. This production approach allows for the mass-market availability of walnuts at a more affordable price point, making them accessible to a broader range of consumers. Besides this, the established supply chains and extensive distribution networks that efficiently cater to the rising demand across the globe are favoring the walnut market share. Furthermore, the growing product utilization in the food industry for processed foods, bakery products, and culinary applications is fostering the market growth. 

Breakup by Form:

• Raw
• Processed
   

Raw exhibits a clear dominance in the market 

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the form have also been provided in the report. This includes raw and processed. According to the report, raw accounted for the largest market share.

In the walnut market segmentation by form, raw walnuts represent the largest segment due to their versatility and the increasing consumer preference for minimally processed foods. Raw walnuts are favored for their natural flavor and full nutritional benefits, including high levels of essential fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. Moreover, they are used in a variety of culinary applications, such as baking and cooking, and as a staple in snack mixes and health-focused diets like paleo, keto, and vegan. Additionally, the rising trend of clean eating and the shift towards plant-based diets as consumers seek whole and unprocessed ingredients is expanding the walnut market revenue.

Breakup by End Use:

• Household
• Industrial
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end use. This includes household, industrial, personal care and cosmetics, and others.

The household segment represented a significant portion of the market, driven by the increasing incorporation of walnuts into daily diets for their health benefits and versatility. Walnuts are a popular choice in home kitchens, as they are used in a wide range of dishes, like breakfast cereals, baked goods, salads, and main courses. Moreover, the ongoing trend towards healthier eating habits and the recognition of walnuts as a nutrient-rich snack have boosted their consumption in households.

In the industrial segment, walnuts are extensively utilized in the food processing industry. They are a key ingredient in the production of bakery products, confectioneries, snack foods, and ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. It leverages the distinctive taste and textural properties of walnuts to enhance the appeal of various food products. Moreover, food manufacturers value walnuts for their ability to blend well with different flavors and their appeal in global cuisines, making them a versatile ingredient in product formulations.

Walnuts have carved a niche in the personal care and cosmetics segment due to their beneficial properties for skin and hair care. In line with this, the increasing utilization of walnut oil, which is known for its deep moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, for skincare products such as moisturizers, scrubs, and anti-aging creams is enhancing the market growth. Additionally, ground walnut shells are a popular exfoliant in personal care products, providing a natural and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic abrasives.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific leads the market, accounting for the largest walnut market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific represents the largest regional market for walnuts.

The Asia Pacific region constituted the largest share of the walnut market, driven by high consumption rates in populous countries along with increasing demand from emerging economies within the region. Moreover, extensive walnut production and growing consumer awareness about health and wellness, boosting the consumption of nutritious foods is promoting the walnut demand. Along with this, the growing acceptance of walnuts due to their cultural significance and their consumption owing to their perceived health benefits, including improving brain health and longevity, is boosting the market growth. Furthermore, robust local cultivation that reduces dependency on imports and promotes fresher and more affordable product availability is enhancing the walnut market's recent growth and opportunities.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the walnut industry include Agromillora Group, Alpine Pacific Nut Company, Andersen and Sons Shelling Inc., Crain Walnut Shelling Inc, Empire Nut Company LLC, GoldRiver Orchards Inc., Grower Direct Nut Co. Inc., Guerra Nut Shelling Co Inc, Haleakala Walnut Shelling Inc., Kashmir Walnut Group, Poindexter Nut Company, etc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• The top walnut companies are engaged in several activities to enhance their market position and capitalize on the rising demand for walnuts. They are focusing on expanding their production capabilities and improving yield through technological advancements in agriculture, like the utilization of precision farming techniques and sustainable practices. Additionally, major market players are diversifying their product portfolios to include value-added walnut products like walnut oils, flours, and plant-based walnut milk, catering to the evolving consumer preferences towards health-centric and plant-based products. Besides this, they are allocating funds to promotional campaigns that emphasize the health benefits of walnuts to drive consumer interest and consumption. Furthermore, leading players are forming collaborations and partnerships with local distributors and retailers to enhance distribution networks.

Walnut Market News:

• In March 2023, Andersen & Sons Shelling brought their in-house retail packing to add X-ray inspection along with its new packaging line. With improved user interface and detection levels, their Mettler-Toledo Safeline's X36 X-ray system is helping to ensure food safety. At its facility in Vina, Calif., Andersen handles walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, and more in roasted and salted varieties as well as flavored products, which are packaged into a variety of retail packs.

Walnut Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the walnut market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global walnut market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the walnut industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.