US Still Top Supplier Of Tree Nuts To EU

Despite rising domestic output, demand continues to outstrip supply, making imports essential to meet consumer and industry needs. The United States remains the single largest supplier, providing 37% of total imports – a figure that has not changed since 2023. Türkiye ranks second with 25%, primarily supplying hazelnuts, followed by Vietnam (cashews), and Chile (hazelnuts and walnuts). The most popular import from the US is almonds (both in-shell and shelled) at $1 billion (€847 million), followed by pistachios with $977 million (€828 million), and walnuts with $404 million (€342 million).

Within the EU, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands are the top importers of tree nuts from the US.

Consumption in Europe is fuelled by the food processing industry and the booming healthy-snacking segment, according to the report. ‘Rising demand for healthy snacking options is driving interest in both processed nuts – such as almonds, pistachios, and peanuts – and unprocessed varieties like walnuts and pecans, which are increasingly favoured for cooking and clean-label snacking,’ the report says.

Nuts are valued for their nutritional profile and versatility, appealing to health-conscious consumers, flexitarians and those seeking plant-based protein.

Economic pressures, particularly inflation, have affected consumption as price-sensitive shoppers have sought out more affordable alternatives. ‘Nevertheless, the market continues to demonstrate growth potential, driven by the nutritional value and health benefits of nuts,’ the report says.

To remain competitive, snack companies are focusing on achieving production efficiency and product innovation, positioning the industry for sustained growth despite economic uncertainties.

Almonds remain popular

Almonds dominate both EU imports and production. The EU is the single largest export region for California almonds by value, with Spain the leading European destination. The EU took 29% of California’s total almond exports.

Spain, the bloc’s largest producer, is forecast to harvest 128,515 metric tonnes (MT) in 2025/26, up significantly on the previous year, with 26% of the production area devoted to organic nuts. Portugal has seen almond area production double over the past decade, making it the second-largest producer after Spain. ‘This growth has been driven primarily by the Alentejo region, which stands out as a key producer region,’ the report says.

Next on the table of top producers is Italy, where the leading varieties grown are Tuono, Genco and Lauranne. Sicily and Puglia are the main almond-producing areas, accounting together for about 97% of supply. Inclement weather is expected to affect yields.

Growth in pistachios

Pistachio cultivation is showing the fastest growth in the sector. Spain has expanded its pistachio farmland by more than 160% in five years, making the crop a €1 billion industry that now supports over 200,000 jobs. Italy continues to produce smaller volumes, particularly in Sicily, where Bronte pistachios hold Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

Romania continues to be the largest walnut producer in the EU, followed by France, Spain and Italy. However, yields remain vulnerable to adverse weather and pests, leaving the EU dependent on imports to close the supply gap.