Free of charge

Walnuts: production smaller than anticipated

October 6, 2026 at 10:55 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

SACRAMENTO. Harvesting is running early for walnuts in California. Production will be smaller than anticipated. Buying interest is encouraging in Spain and Italy.

Early harvest

As the “2026 California Marketable Walnuts Position Report” issued by California Walnuts highlights early spring bud break and good weather conditions prompted harvesting to start more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Nuts are slightly smaller in size than last year, yet the quality is strong and the colour light.

Smaller production

Production will be smaller than last year and similar in size to 2024. The USDA NASS "Objective Measurement Report" predicts a 16% decline on last year’s 809,000 short tons. This figure is a far cry from the much more upbeat International Nut and Dried Fruit Council estimate of 689,500 mt (760,044 US tons) issued in July citing excellent weather conditions in May and June. Yet, inconsistent winter chill hours along with shifting temperatures in spring prompted uneven pollination, a lighter nut set and a higher degree of non-marketable walnuts.

While Land IQ’s acreage report shows a stable producing bearing acreage of 371,000, the objective measurement survey conducted between 20 July and 29 August indicates that the average nut set per tree ranges 18% lower last year.

California walnuts, inshell

Acreage and production

2025

2026

Diff.

Producing bearing acreage

370,963

370,906

0.0%

Nut set per tree

972

796

-18.1%

Total production (US ton)

809,000

680,000

-16.0%

USDA NASS 2026 California Walnut Objective Measurement Report, Land IQ

Solid demand in Italy and Spain

According to the "Inventory Report" issued by California Walnuts, the reported shipments of commitments in 2025/2026 of 894,050 short tons exceeded the total marketable volume of 880,794 short tons by 13,256 short tons. This limits the inventory to 667,000 short tons in 2026/2027. As California Walnuts further highlights the 2026 Marketable Supply of kernels and in shells is projected at 633,000 short tons. This figure includes expected hulling and drying eliminations and processing losses or non-marketable eliminations.

In an interview conducted with AgNetWest Michael Jameson, director of sales at Morada Nut Company expects buying interest to remain strong in Spain and Italy. By contrast, shipments should dip to Turkey in the next few months as the country is well covered.

 

View more
- price charts for nuts, dried fruit and oilseeds and more

 

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Oct 5, 2026
NEW DELHI/ATLANTA. In the US, peanut prices continue to rise as supplies tighten. In India, buyers are adopting a wait-and-see approach for the time being, given the favourable crop prospects. The reduction in import duties on edible oils is leading to adjustments.
Nuts
Oct 5, 2026
NEW DELHI/HO CHI MINH. Demand is still surprisingly strong for cashews in India. Suppliers are not exactly happy with the way in which buyers are acting in Vietnam. Prices are on the move.
Nuts
Oct 1, 2026
ORDU. Quality issues are giving rise to supply speculations for hazelnuts. Exporters are not too happy with the current demand situation. Market prices are still not living up to expectations.