Challenges and prospects of Hungarian walnut production

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 02. 19. 11:29

In recent years, Hungarian walnut production has faced numerous challenges, which have significantly affected the volume of the crop and its market position. The sector’s difficulties have been exacerbated by the rise of cheap imported walnuts, weather extremes and the increasing presence of pests. A special problem for domestic producers is the continuous increase in walnut prices, which may lead to a decrease in consumer demand, points out the Agrárszektor.

Global and domestic situation of the walnut market

According to AKI data, the European Union’s walnut production decreased by 7% in 2024, to 150 thousand tons. In Romania, production fell by 3% to 58 thousand tons, in France by 12% to 35 thousand tons, while Italy and Spain experienced smaller increases. At the same time, the EU’s foreign trade balance for walnuts turned negative: imports of walnut kernels increased by 34% to 115.3 thousand tonnes in the first eleven months of 2024.

The largest walnut exporter is the United States, from where the EU imported 35% more, a total of 66.7 thousand tonnes of walnut kernels. Imports also increased from Chile and Ukraine, which further strengthens the competitive disadvantage of domestic producers in the market. Imports of walnuts in shell also increased by 45%, with the USA, Chile and Argentina being the leading suppliers.

The situation of Hungarian walnut production

The annual walnut production in Hungary is around 7 thousand tonnes, and in better years it can reach up to 10 thousand tonnes. A significant part of the national crop is concentrated in three counties – Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Somogy – where more than 60% of the plantations are located. The domestic variety “Milotai 10” is of outstanding quality, which provides higher yields due to its breeding advantages.

The walnut production area in Hungary is 9.7 thousand hectares, making it the third largest fruit crop. However, in 2023, the harvest decreased by 15%, to 5.5 thousand tons, primarily due to weather and plant health problems. The 2024 harvest also decreased due to abundant May rainfall, summer drought and diseases.

Price and demand trends

Due to the increase in the price of walnuts, consumers are increasingly restraining their purchases or looking for substitute products. The price of domestic walnut kernels increased by 5% in 2024, reaching 3,692 forints per kilogram, while the average price of imported walnut kernels was 3,656 forints. Imported walnuts are also available at a lower price than domestic ones, which represents a further market disadvantage for Hungarian producers.