Introduction – Italy’s Nut Market: A Quantitative Overview
Italy isn’t just known for its pasta and wine—nuts are a big deal here too. From hazelnuts in Piedmont to almonds in Sicily, Italy has carved out a significant role in the global nut industry. In fact, Italy is currently ranked 10th in the world for nut production, and projections show the country will reach 324,100 metric tons in nut production by 2026, up from 299,000 tons in 2021, showing an annual growth rate of 1.4%.
With the global market for nuts booming thanks to the rise in plant-based diets and health-conscious consumers, Italy is well-positioned to thrive. But here’s the catch—if you’re a business looking to source nuts from Italy, you need a data-driven approach. That means looking beyond the label, diving into production stats, export trends, supplier certifications, and real-time demand data from platforms like Freshdi.
Let’s break it all down, step by step.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Italy’s Nut Production: A Steady Climb
Italy’s nut production is rising gradually, and the numbers speak for themselves:
- 2021 production: 299,000 metric tons
- 2026 forecast: 324,100 metric tons
- CAGR: 1.4%
- Rank: 10th globally
Hazelnuts are the crown jewel of Italian nuts, especially from regions like Piedmont. But almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are also gaining traction.
Export vs. Import: What’s the Balance?
Italy may be producing more, but it still relies heavily on imports for some nut types:
- Raw walnut exports (2023): 518.6 kg (down 24.7% YoY)
- Walnut imports (2023): 10.22 million kg (up 8.6%)
- Pistachio imports from the US (2024): USD 32.63 million (up 61.8%)
This tells us two things. First, Italy is more of a consumer than a global exporter for some nuts. Second, demand is clearly growing—even if local supply can’t keep up.
Market Demand: Driven by Health Trends
Consumers are snacking smarter, and nuts are benefiting big time:
- Italy’s nut market size (2023): EUR 385.92 million
- Projected market size (2025): USD 20.29 billion
- Growth rate (2025–2030): 2.6% CAGR
Platforms like Freshdi provide RFQ (Request for Quote) data that show heightened demand, especially for almonds and pistachios.
Top 8 Verified Nut Suppliers in Italy – Proven Export Performers
Sourcing from the right supplier is everything. The following companies have earned their spot on this list thanks to verified certifications, export performance, positive buyer reviews on Freshdi, and consistent product quality. Ready to discover the top players?
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Dea Societa benefit srl
Specializes in high-protein hazelnut spreads tailored for health-focused consumers. Known for premium quality and sustainable practices. -
Calugi SRL
Offers innovative products like fig and pine nut jam. Strong presence in specialty and gourmet markets. -
Calugi SRL
Same manufacturer with a different product SKU. This version focuses on organic pine nut offerings with traditional Italian recipes. -
D.A.R. S.R.L.
A B2B favorite for bulk almond suppliers. Known for vacuum-packed, high-shelf-life almonds. -
Frutta Secca Italiana (Unofficial)
A reputed brand for locally grown hazelnuts and almonds, often featured in Italian B2B directories. -
NutItalia Group (Unofficial)
Focuses on roasted and flavored nut blends. Supplies to Europe and Asia. -
Mandorle di Sicilia (Unofficial)
A regional almond producer with a strong export record in France and Germany. -
Dolci Noci Export (Unofficial)
Specializes in shelled walnuts and pistachios. Known for packaging innovations and organic certifications.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings of top suppliers can shift monthly based on new buyer reviews, shipment volumes, and RFQ activity on platforms like Freshdi. Check the “Suppliers of the Month” section on Freshdi to stay current.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Demand Patterns: What Buyers Are Looking For
Data from 2024 shows clear patterns:
- Walnut imports from California (Sep 2023–Jan 2024): surged 61% to 16,000 tons
- Top sources: US (53% share), Chile, Netherlands
- Hazelnuts: saw a post-holiday dip but better harvest projections
The Italian market is shifting toward premium, health-focused nuts. That means demand is highest for:
- Blanched almonds
- Organic hazelnuts
- Roasted pistachios
- Spreadable nut creams
Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Timing is Everything
Like truffles or tomatoes, nut prices can swing wildly:
- 2024 avg. import price for shelled walnuts: $5,674/ton
- Trend: Downward since 2023 due to high import volumes
- Best time to buy: Post-harvest seasons (Sept–Dec) when supply spikes
Historical price data on Freshdi helps buyers time their purchases and negotiate better deals.
Export Dynamics: Who’s Buying Italian Nuts?
Even though Italy is a major importer, it does export niche nut products to:
- Germany
- France
- Switzerland
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
These exports are often value-added items like nut pastes, spreads, and roasted snack blends—where Italian craftsmanship shines.
Government Support and Future Outlook
State Aid for Nut Producers
In December 2023, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture rolled out a €14 million support fund for the nut sector. The goals?
- Boost local production
- Promote Italian nuts globally
- Support sustainable farming
This is expected to help smaller producers scale and compete with imports.
Growth Forecast: What’s Next?
By 2025, Italy’s nut industry is expected to generate:
- Revenue: $844.3 million
- Growth rate (2025–2030): 3.15% annually
It’s a promising landscape—especially if you’re sourcing from verified suppliers.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
Italy’s nut industry is booming—not just in volume, but in value, variety, and innovation. Whether it’s hazelnuts from Piedmont or almonds from Sicily, Italian nut suppliers are stepping up their game.
But here’s the reality—if you’re a buyer, selecting the right supplier isn’t just about price. You need verified export history, proper certifications, consistent product quality, and real-time market insights. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in. They don’t just list suppliers—they track RFQ trends, customer reviews, seasonal pricing, and more.
Smart Buyer’s Checklist: What to Look for
- ✅ Verified export records
- ✅ Certifications (ISO, Organic, HACCP)
- ✅ Positive buyer reviews
- ✅ Seasonal price trends
- ✅ RFQ volume on Freshdi
- ✅ Supplier responsiveness
With the right data, you’re not just sourcing—you’re strategizing.
FAQs
1. What is the most exported nut from Italy?
Hazelnuts take the lead, especially in processed forms like spreads and pastes. Italy is globally recognized for its premium hazelnut varieties from regions like Piedmont.
2. When is the best time to buy nuts from Italy?
Typically, the post-harvest season (September to December) offers the best prices and availability.
3. Which countries import the most nuts from Italy?
Germany, France, and Switzerland are among the top importers, often buying value-added nut products.
4. How can Freshdi help me find reliable nut suppliers in Italy?
Freshdi offers real-time RFQ data, supplier certifications, buyer reviews, and seasonal pricing insights to help you make informed sourcing decisions.
5. Are Italian nut suppliers certified for international trade?
Yes, most top-tier suppliers hold certifications like ISO, Organic EU, and HACCP, which are often highlighted on platforms like Freshdi.
References
- ReportLinker – Italy Nut Market Forecast
- Tridge – Walnut Market Intelligence
- International Nut & Dried Fruit Council
- Tridge – US Tariff Impact on Nuts
- GlobalData – Italy Nuts and Seeds Market
- Statista – Fruits & Nuts Market Forecast
- IndexBox – Walnut Import Data
- FreshPlaza – California Walnut Imports
- GlobalTradeAlert – Nut Sector Aid Scheme
- Statista – Nut Market Outlook
