Globally, nut production in 2021 accounted for more than 17 million tons, excluding peanuts. Specifically, with 4 million tons each, cashew nuts and almonds are the most important nuts. Not only that, but almond production has also experienced considerable growth.
In addition, worldwide exports increased to more than 9 million tons, which are valued at almost 30 billion euros. However, the United States is by far the leading exporting country. It is followed by the Ivory Coast, Vietnam, Tanzania, Ghana and Indonesia. The Netherlands, however, occupies an important position in terms of the transit of nuts to Europe.
World nut production: almonds
Almond production has increased to over four million tons. Exports of shelled almonds reached 350,000 tons, while those of in-shell almonds amounted to 850,000 tons.
In this case, the United States accounts for 60% of world almond production. This is followed by Spain, Australia and Iran, among others.
In addition, most of the shelled almonds are destined for European countries. The Netherlands imports mainly shelled almonds, 80% of them from the United States.
World nut production: walnuts
Nut production remains stable at around 3 million tonnes. However, there are variations from year to year. While the Chinese market remains stable and accounts for one third of world production, the United States and Turkey have grown.
To be precise, shelled and unshelled walnut exports to the United States account for 37% and 40%, respectively.
While Turkey is the leading importer of in-shell walnuts, Germany is the leading importer of shelled walnuts. Japan, Spain, Canada and Korea follow at a distance. The United States supplies most of the nuts from the Netherlands. It is followed by Spain and Australia.
World nut production: pistachios
Worldwide, pistachio nut production is between 900,000 and 1.1 million tons. Again, the United States ranks first as the main producer, with more than 40% of the total. Turkey follows with 25%.
Even so, far more pistachios are exported in shell than shelled. While 300,000 tons of shelled pistachios are exported, 40,000 tons of shelled pistachios are exported. Of in-shell pistachio exports, the United States has a share of more than 50%. This makes it by far the largest exporter. It is followed by Iran. The remaining exporters do not account for much of the share.
World nut production: hazelnuts
Last year, hazelnut production amounted to more than one million tons. Two-thirds of these were produced in Turkey, with Italy in second place. Turkey is also by far the most important exporter. In 2021, it exported 155,000 tons of shelled hazelnuts.
This accounts for 60% of the world total. Most of the importing countries are in Europe; Germany, Italy and France, with Russia fourth. The Netherlands imports about 7,000 tons of shelled hazelnuts annually. Three quarters come from Turkey.
Source: freshplaza.com (2022)