The South American walnut sector is experiencing one of its most dynamic moments in recent years. As export volumes grow, destination markets diversify, and new strategic hubs—such as India and the United Arab Emirates—are consolidating their position as key destinations for the high-quality walnuts produced in this region.
At Raíz Andina, with an active presence at international trade fairs and operations across major importing markets, we closely follow this transformation. What is happening today in the commercial map of South American walnuts represents a historic opportunity, and we want to share what we are seeing.
A Sector That Has Regained Its Momentum
After a production downturn in 2024, the 2025 season marked a turning point. Sector exports grew by 28% in volume compared to the previous year, reaching 163,000 tons between March and November. Harvest levels returned to more normal ranges, around 168,000–170,000 tons, allowing the industry to consolidate a competitive supply for the international market.
But the numbers do not tell the whole story. What is most relevant is the movement in prices. The average return, which during the previous season was just over USD 2 per kilo, is now pointing toward an average settlement close to USD 2.4 per kilo. For producers and exporters in the region, this represents a fundamental adjustment that improves the business equation and opens the door to long-term investments.
The combination of stronger European demand and a tighter supply in certain origins has been the engine behind this price recovery.
Europe Remains the Foundation: The Netherlands and Germany as Gateways
The European market continues to be the dominant destination for South American walnuts, and within Europe, the Netherlands and Germany function as redistribution platforms. Together, they account for around 40% of shipments, although a significant portion of the product entering through Rotterdam ultimately ends up being redistributed to the German market.
There is an interesting detail regarding the product mix: the share of in-shell walnuts declined in recent months, driven by Indian demand, and is now recovering as Europe absorbs more fruit. This dynamic shows how interconnected the global market is—what happens in Asia directly affects flows into Europe.
At Raíz Andina, we work mainly within this European circuit, offering Chandler, Serr, and Howard walnuts—both in-shell and shelled—to importers, wholesale distributors, and food industry clients in Italy and other European markets.
India: The Giant That Has Only Just Awakened
The major revelation of the past year is India. With consumption of approximately 1.2 million tons of walnuts, India is the world’s second-largest consumer, while Chile ranks as the third-largest global producer. The gap between what India consumes and what the region can supply is enormous—and that is precisely where the opportunity lies.
What makes India particularly attractive is its consumption profile: demand is concentrated on in-shell walnuts, especially ahead of the peak wedding and festive season, when nut consumption soars. This seasonality is predictable, making logistical and commercial planning easier for exporters.
Beyond volume, there is one figure that illustrates the real impact of this trade: for every ton exported from South America to India, direct employment is generated for 37 people in cracking, sorting, and packaging activities. On average, this means that more than 15,000 people work six months a year thanks to this commercial flow. Walnuts are not just a commodity; they are a regional employment engine.
Dubai and the GCC: The Showcase That Opens Doors
The United Arab Emirates play a different role than India in this equation. Dubai is not just a final destination market; it is an access platform to the entire Gulf region and, from there, to markets in Central Asia, North Africa, and beyond.
The logic behind betting on Dubai as a strategic hub is clear: those who successfully establish themselves in the UAE gain visibility among buyers from dozens of countries that use Dubai as a redistribution hub. It is a showcase with regional reach.
That is why participating in Gulfood—the most important food trade fair in the region, held every February—has strategic value far beyond closing deals at a single edition. It is about building presence, relationships, and reputation in a market that is still in an early stage of maturity for South American walnut consumption.
Raíz Andina was present at Gulfood 2026, holding meetings with importers and exploring market conditions. What we saw confirms that the GCC is a region with real potential and increasingly sophisticated buyers in their search for origin and quality.
What Does All This Mean for International Buyers?
For importers and distributors sourcing South American walnuts, the message is clear: origin is gaining relevance, and product quality is becoming the key differentiator.
With India entering as an active buyer, competition for available volumes of premium walnuts will increase. This does not necessarily mean immediately higher prices, but it does imply a greater need to establish solid commercial relationships with suppliers who can guarantee consistency, quality, and logistical reliability.
In a context of rising global demand, buyers who have built strong alliances with reliable trading companies will have a significant advantage over those who operate purely on a transactional basis.
Our Perspective from Raíz Andina
At Raíz Andina, we have spent years connecting producers in Argentina and Chile with international buyers, with a strong focus on premium quality and transparency in every operation. The expansion of demand toward India and the GCC does not change our approach; it reinforces it.
We continue to prioritize long-term relationships with our European clients while actively exploring new opportunities in emerging markets. Because the future of South American walnut trade lies in diversifying destinations without losing the quality standard that makes this product unique.
If you are an importer, distributor, or food industry player and would like to better understand current market conditions or explore a commercial relationship, we invite you to contact us.
Would you like to receive updates on the walnut market and South American commodities? Get in touch with us or visit raizandina.com to learn more about our offering.
Raíz Andina is a trading company specialized in premium walnuts of South American origin (Argentina and Chile), connecting producers with importers and distributors in Europe and the Middle East.
