Asia Pacific dominates the global chestnut market, accounting for 39% of the USD 3.8 billion market in 2024. With rising health awareness, culinary versatility, and sustainable farming practices, demand continues to expand. IMARC forecasts this growth to reach USD 5.0 billion by 2033, driven by robust regional production, dietary trends toward plant-based and gluten-free foods, and innovations in cultivation and export infrastructure. 

STUDY ASSUMPTION YEARS

• BASE YEAR: 2024
• HISTORICAL YEAR: 2019–2024
• FORECAST YEAR: 2025–2033 

CHESTNUT MARKET KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Market size stood at USD 3.8 Billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 5.0 Billion by 2033 at a 3.1% CAGR.
• Asia Pacific leads with ~39% share in 2024, driven by China’s dominance in production and consumption. 
• Chinese chestnut tops species-wise share due to high yield, adaptability, and disease resistance. 
• Distribution segments: Food & Beverage, Food Service, Retail, and Others, with the F&B sector registering the fastest growth.
• Rising plant-based, gluten-free, and organic trends fuel demand; chestnuts offer a low-fat, vitamin-rich profile.
• Export growth from Asia (China, South Korea, Japan) and Europe is aided by improved storage and transportation technologies. 

MARKET GROWTH FACTORS

1. Rising Demand for Plant-Based Snacks
Consumer preference for plant-based and natural snacks is growing rapidly. Chestnuts are increasingly incorporated into snack bars, roasted nut mixes, and healthy packaged foods due to their low-fat and high-fiber profile. Unlike other nuts, chestnuts have a sweet flavor and starchy texture, making them suitable for gluten-free and vegan diets. Food manufacturers are innovating with chestnut-based chips, flours, and spreads, providing variety for health-conscious consumers. This trend is driving consistent demand in developed regions where snack consumption is high. Moreover, retailers and online stores are actively promoting chestnut-based snacks, further widening their reach. With millennials and Gen Z focusing on healthier eating habits, the adoption of chestnut snacks is expected to sustain market growth over the next decade.

2. Expansion of Gluten-Free Product Segment
The global gluten-free market is growing as more consumers adopt gluten-free diets due to celiac disease, wheat allergies, or lifestyle choices. Chestnut flour and chestnut-based ingredients are naturally gluten-free, positioning them as ideal alternatives in baked goods, pasta, and confectionery products. Food manufacturers are increasingly using chestnut flour to develop bread, cookies, and pastries with enhanced texture and nutritional value. This creates a steady demand for chestnuts as a raw material. Additionally, gluten-free product lines are expanding in both supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, increasing consumer accessibility. As awareness of gluten intolerance grows, the chestnut market benefits from being a versatile ingredient in this niche segment. This demand is expected to rise consistently, particularly in Europe and North America, where gluten-free products are mainstream.

3. Rising Use in Confectionery and Baking Industry
The confectionery and baking sector increasingly relies on chestnuts for specialty desserts, fillings, and pastes. Products such as marrons glacés, chestnut spreads, and chestnut-based chocolates are gaining popularity, especially in European and Asian markets. Chestnuts provide a naturally sweet, creamy texture without heavy reliance on artificial additives, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Bakeries and premium chocolate makers highlight chestnut-based products as gourmet items, boosting both sales and brand recognition. Seasonal demand around holidays, such as Christmas and Lunar New Year, further amplifies market growth. With innovations in ready-to-eat chestnut confections and bakery items, manufacturers can target niche segments willing to pay a premium. This consistent use in confectionery and bakery applications makes chestnuts a critical ingredient, driving global market expansion.

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MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Species Type:

• American Chestnut: One of the key species types tracked.
• Chinese Chestnut: Leading segment (~39% share) due to yield and disease resistance.
• European Chestnut: Widely used across Europe for snacks, flour, and traditional dishes.
• Japanese Chestnut: Cultivated in East Asia and gaining popularity in regional cuisines.

By Distribution:

• Food and Beverage Industry: Drives growth via bakery, snacks, and beverages, benefiting from nutritional traits.
• Food Service: Chestnuts are utilized in restaurants, soups, pastas, desserts, and seasonal dishes.
• Retail: Available as fresh, roasted, frozen, packaged; meeting home‑cooking trend.
• Others: Includes industrial uses like chestnut flour and pastes.

Breakup by Region:

North America (United States, Canada)
Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
Middle East and Africa

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific commands the chestnut market with 39% share in 2024, driven by China’s production dominance and deep-rooted chestnut consumption in cuisines across China, South Korea, and Japan. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and health awareness have boosted demand. Innovations in cultivation and export infrastructure further reinforce the region's leadership position. 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS & NEWS

Recent developments reflect the chestnut market’s diversification and scientific progress. Notable advances include large-scale genetic research like the OxO gene project aimed at reviving blight-resistant chestnuts. Export innovation continues, with new convenience products such as Japan’s “chestnut donuts.” Infrastructure upgrades, such as lottery system rollouts in Chestnut Market stores, showcase operational modernization. These trends highlight technological breakthroughs, sustainability focus, and evolving consumer experiences in the chestnut sector. 

KEY PLAYERS

Chengde Shenli Food Co. Ltd., Chestnut Growers Inc., Qinhuangdao Yanshan Chestnut Food Co. Ltd., Roland Foods LLC, Royal Nut Company, Shandong Maria Food Co. Ltd, Shandong Zhifeng Foodstuffs Co. Ltd, V. Besana Spa, etc.

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