Chestnuts: good quality despite smaller nuts

October 22, 2026 at 4:55 PM , Der AUDITOR
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ROME. The Italian chestnut crop is smaller than usual due to the summer drought, but the quality is excellent. Unusually high temperatures are affecting the ripening process and could extend the season. Germany’s imports for the 2025/26 season have risen significantly.

Lower yields despite strong demand

This year’s Italian chestnut crop is smaller due to the summer drought. The nuts are smaller than average, resulting in lower yields than in previous years. At the same time, the flavour and overall condition of the chestnuts have improved. Sales are proceeding rapidly, demand is strong and prices are reasonable, as reported by FreshPlaza.

According to Giancarlo Elmi, owner of the Italian company Mitica Srl based in Rioveggio, Emilia-Romagna, the season is likely to last longer than usual. His sons, Gionatan and Tommaso Elmi, point to the numerous husks still closed on the trees. The harvest is in full swing, whilst the expected rainfall in some parts of the country requires particular attention.

Unusual weather conditions affect ripening

Temperatures are also unusually high for mid-October: at midday, they are still reaching up to 24°C. The heat has disrupted the natural ripening process. In some areas, the chestnuts from higher-altitude forests have already fallen before those at lower altitudes. Giancarlo Elmi describes this development as abnormal.

Germany increases imports

Italy remained by far the most important supplier of chestnuts to Germany in the 2025/26 season. Shipments in the 2025/26 season totalled 2,309 mt, significantly above last year's level by 15.2%. France took second place, exporting 957 mt to Germany and thereby increasing its shipments by almost 30%, followed by Spain (+4.2% to 788 mt). In total, Germany imported 5,197 mt of chestnuts last season, a good 15% more than in the 2024/25 season.

Chestnut imports, Germany, in mt

Partner

2024/25

2025/26

Diff.

Italy

2,005

2,309

15.2%

France

737

957

29.9%

Spain

756

788

4.2%

Portugal

209

325

55.5%

Turkey

168

260

54.8%

China

161

237

47.2%

Netherlands

58

67

15.5%

Others

412

254

-38.3%

Total

4,506

5,197

15.3%

Federal Statistical Office of Germany, 01/09-31/08

08024200+08024100 Fresh or dried chestnuts "Castanea spp.", shelled and inshell

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