California Walnut industry reports strong 2025/26 crop and growing demand in Germany

The 2025 growing season in California was exceptional. The industry entered the season with one of the lowest carry in inventories in years, much of which was sold out by the time the new crop began shipping. Growers and handlers reported larger nut sizes and higher edible meat yields – a key quality indicator for inshell buyers – resulting in improved crop utilization.

With reported crop receipts of 732,412 metric tons, volumes exceeded the original estimate of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) by 13.7%. At the same time, shipments through January remained strong, driven by growing global demand for high quality California walnuts.

Germany plays a key role in this development:
During the first months of the 2025/26 season, core kernel exports to Germany increased by +65%, confirming Germany’s position as the largest export market for California walnuts within the EU.

Walnut consumption continues to grow across Europe, fueled by demand for good for you foods with clear health benefits and a shift toward more plant forward diets. As local production in the EU cannot meet this rising demand, imports remain essential.

The California Walnut Commission supports market development in Germany and across the EU through targeted retail programs, food innovation initiatives, and consumer outreach.