Chestnuts (In Shell) Production by Country 2025

Chestnuts represent nutritious tree nuts cultivated in temperate regions, with China dominating production at 1,521,017 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,527,683 tonnes by 2025. Worldwide production totaled 2095,742 tonnes in 2023, reflecting a 0.4% decline from 2022. Spain follows with 174,090 tonnes, while Bolivia produces 82,962 tonnes. These starchy nuts (Castanea species) serve as traditional food in Asia and Europe, valued for their carbohydrate content (40-50%), culinary versatility, and cultural significance. Production spans 27 countries across temperate zones, from Asian highlands to Mediterranean regions, serving both fresh consumption and processing markets.

🏆 China's Market Dominance

China leads with 1,521,017 tonnes, showing stability around 1.5 million tonnes, representing approximately 75% of global production. Production concentrates in Hebei, Shandong, Hubei, and Liaoning provinces where chestnuts have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima) are naturally resistant to chestnut blight, which devastated American chestnut populations. The crop serves domestic consumption with chestnuts roasted, boiled, in desserts, and as vegetable substitute. Traditional cultivation in mixed forests coexists with modern commercial orchards. Growing export markets for processed chestnut products drive quality improvement initiatives.

Chestnuts (In Shell) Production by Country 2025

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#	Country	2025 (est.) (Tonne)
1	China CN	1,527,683
2	Spain ES	176,796
3	Bolivia BO	82,963
4	Türkiye TR	75,196
5	Italy IT	60,990
6	South Korea KR	52,756
7	Greece GR	34,845
8	Portugal PT	26,260
9	Japan JP	15,320
10	North Korea KP	12,753
11	Vanuatu VU	10,082
12	France FR	9,261
13	Albania AL	5,997
14	Chile CL	3,379
15	Bosnia and Herzegovina BA	1,816
16	North Macedonia MK	1,467
17	Peru PE	617
18	Azerbaijan AZ	601
19	Switzerland CH	265
20	Hungary HU	256
21	Ukraine UA	226
22	Slovenia SI	193
23	Cameroon CM	146
24	Zimbabwe ZW	89
25	Romania RO	66
26	Croatia HR	36
27	Bulgaria BG	26

🌍 European Production Centers

Spain leads European production with 174,090 tonnes, primarily from Galicia and Castilla y León regions. Italy contributes 60,990 tonnes from Piedmont, Tuscany, and Campania. Türkiye adds 71,156 tonnes, Greece 34,900 tonnes, Portugal 23,830 tonnes, and France 8,570 tonnes. European chestnuts (Castanea sativa) command premium prices, particularly protected designation of origin (PDO) varieties valued for size and flavor. Traditional cultivation in mountainous regions faces challenges from aging orchards and chestnut blight. Modern orchards use grafted varieties selected for disease resistance and nut quality.

🌎 South American Emergence

Bolivia has emerged as significant producer with 82,962 tonnes, representing unexpected growth in chestnut cultivation. Production benefits from suitable climate conditions in specific zones and expanding commercial orchards. Chile contributes 3,514 tonnes, Peru 617 tonnes. South American production is relatively recent compared to traditional regions, but favorable growing conditions and export opportunities drive expansion. Bolivian production particularly serves export markets in Asia and Europe, benefiting from counter-seasonal timing and lower production costs.

🌏 Asian Production Beyond China

South Korea maintains 52,779 tonnes with traditional cultivation practices. Japan produces 15,320 tonnes, North Korea 12,781 tonnes. These countries cultivate Japanese chestnuts (Castanea crenata) valued for large nuts and early maturity. Vanuatu shows emerging production at 12,600 tonnes, indicating Pacific island interest. Asian production beyond China serves primarily domestic markets where chestnuts maintain cultural significance in traditional cuisine and seasonal celebrations.

💪 Nutritional Value and Uses

Chestnuts provide unique nutritional profile among nuts with 40-50% carbohydrates, making them more similar to grains than typical nuts. Low fat content (2-3%) distinguishes them from other tree nuts. Rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and fiber. Gluten-free nature suits celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Traditional uses include roasting, boiling, and processing into flour for bread and confections. Marron glacé (candied chestnuts) represents premium product. Growing health consciousness drives interest in chestnuts as nutritious carbohydrate source.

🌱 Cultivation and Varieties

Chestnut trees require well-drained acidic soils and temperate climates with adequate rainfall. Trees begin bearing in 3-7 years, reaching full production at 10-15 years, and remain productive for decades with some trees producing for over 100 years. Major species include Chinese chestnut (C. mollissima), European chestnut (C. sativa), Japanese chestnut (C. crenata), and American chestnut (C. dentata, now rare due to blight). Modern orchards use grafted varieties selected for nut size, flavor, and disease resistance. Harvest occurs in autumn when nuts naturally fall from burrs.

📈 Market Dynamics and Challenges

Fresh chestnut prices range $3-8/kg depending on quality and origin. European PDO chestnuts command $8-15/kg. Processed products including chestnut flour ($10-20/kg) and marron glacé ($30-50/kg) serve premium markets. China's domestic consumption absorbs most production, with growing exports of processed products. European markets value premium chestnuts for seasonal consumption, particularly roasted chestnuts and marron glacé. However, chestnut blight and ink disease challenge European production. Climate change affects flowering times and increases pest pressure.

🔮 Market Outlook

Global chestnut production projected to remain stable through 2025 around 2.0 million tonnes, with China maintaining dominance. Traditional European production faces challenges from disease and aging orchards, while emerging producers in South America show growth potential. Strong demand in traditional markets ensures continued cultivation despite production challenges. Asian export demand supports production in Bolivia and other emerging regions. Climate change poses risks through altered flowering times and increased pest pressure. The industry invests in disease-resistant varieties and improved cultivation practices. Chestnuts' nutritional profile and cultural significance position them well for continued importance in traditional markets while gaining recognition in health-conscious consumer segments.

Chestnuts (In Shell) Production by Country 2025

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#	Country	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2025 (est.)
1	China	1,538,460	1,509,426	1,554,851	1,540,638	1,530,157	1,521,017	1,527,683
2	Spain	184,770	188,930	188,690	187,680	174,050	174,090	176,796
3	Bolivia	85,144	81,996	82,840	83,327	82,721	82,962	82,963
4	Türkiye	63,580	72,655	76,045	77,792	80,200	71,156	75,196
5	Italy	32,790	39,980	49,750	43,000	57,350	70,370	60,990
6	South Korea	54,351	53,908	53,037	52,239	53,061	52,779	52,756
7	Greece	35,230	28,980	34,080	30,710	37,510	34,900	34,845
8	Portugal	34,130	43,840	42,180	37,720	22,670	23,830	26,260
9	Japan	16,500	15,700	16,900	15,700	15,600	15,000	15,320
10	North Korea	12,498	12,654	12,908	12,687	12,750	12,781	12,753
11	Vanuatu	0	0	0	0	12,606	12,600	10,082
12	France	8,700	7,350	8,730	9,460	10,280	8,570	9,261
13	Albania	5,242	5,846	5,616	5,091	6,022	6,344	5,997
14	Chile	2,159	2,924	3,023	2,920	3,458	3,514	3,379
15	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1,931	1,758	1,814	1,834	1,802	1,817	1,816
16	North Macedonia	1,511	1,448	1,464	1,474	1,462	1,467	1,467
17	Peru	620	614	617	617	616	617	617
18	Azerbaijan	614	593	610	576	638	588	601
19	Switzerland	177	265	265	265	265	265	265
20	Hungary	150	200	250	260	280	240	256
21	Ukraine	221	224	225	226	226	227	226
22	Slovenia	230	60	180	120	180	230	193
23	Cameroon	142	142	144	145	146	147	146
24	Zimbabwe	87	88	88	88	88	91	89
25	Romania	40	40	50	30	50	90	66
26	Croatia	10	0	170	60	30	30	36
27	Bulgaria	0	0	0	20	40	20	26