France: Chestnut Market 2025

Chestnut Market Size in France

After three years of growth, the French chestnut market decreased by -29.7% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Chestnut consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

Chestnut Production in France

In value terms, chestnut production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 24%. Chestnut production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2021, the average chestnut yield in France reduced to X kg per ha, waning by -8.1% on the previous year. Over the period under review, the yield continues to indicate a perceptible curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the yield increased by 48%. The chestnut yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The chestnut harvested area in France fell modestly to X ha in 2021, almost unchanged from 2020. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 5.7%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to chestnut production reached the maximum at X ha in 2020, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Chestnut Exports

Exports from France

In 2021, the amount of chestnuts exported from France soared to X tons, with an increase of 22% against the year before. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 27%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, chestnut exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The exports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons), Spain (X tons) and Italy (X tons) were the main destinations of chestnut exports from France, with a combined 59% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Switzerland, Portugal, Belgium and the UK, which together accounted for a further 36%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Portugal (with a CAGR of +18.9%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for chestnut exported from France were Germany ($X), Spain ($X) and Switzerland ($X), together accounting for 65% of total exports. Belgium, Italy, Portugal and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Portugal, with a CAGR of +22.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Export Prices by Country

The average chestnut export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -5.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the average export price increased by 16% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Switzerland ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Spain (+8.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Chestnut Imports

Imports into France

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of chestnuts, when their volume decreased by -40.5% to X tons. Over the period under review, imports, however, posted noticeable growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 93% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, chestnut imports shrank remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, total imports indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.4% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 102% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

Spain (X tons), Italy (X tons) and Portugal (X tons) were the main suppliers of chestnut imports to France, together comprising 92% of total imports. Chile, Albania and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 6.4%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Albania (with a CAGR of +127.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Italy ($X), Spain ($X) and Portugal ($X) appeared to be the largest chestnut suppliers to France, with a combined 92% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Chile, Albania and the Netherlands, which together accounted for a further 4.9%.

Albania, with a CAGR of +98.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average chestnut import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 22% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 32%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Portugal ($X per ton), while the price for Albania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+5.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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