Chile continues to be the most trusted supplier of southern hemisphere chestnuts, and exports destined for Italy have increased to 11% in 2025 (estimate).
Chestnuts
A total yield of more than 5,000 tons is expected for 2025 (estimate), but the final quantities depend on the price in foreign markets, of which Italy is the most important. Chile is the only South American country to supply sweet chestnuts.
Many varieties available
The main varieties planted are Marrone di Cuneo, Marrone di Marradi, Marrone di Città de Castello and Marrone di Castel Borello.
In Chile, conditions are perfect for chestnut cultivation. There are no diseases such as Cryphonectria parasitica, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, and Cydia splendana, and a very low presence of Gnomoniopsis castanea, which in other latitudes causes great losses in production and requires the use of chemicals both to plants and fruits. Chile can therefore offer chestnuts that are chemical-free. Another major advantage is that the percentage of chestnuts not suitable for consumption is less than 5%. Farmland suitable for nut production is competitively priced in comparison to competitors.
For the most part, chestnut trees in Chile come from seeds with no varietal identity, meaning that Chile’s crop is a blend of chestnuts of different shapes, flavours and colours.
The Ñuble region is a leader in cultivation
The Ñuble region in southern Chile is the largest first region in the country, with an area of approximately 800 hectares of chestnut trees. “This area, located in front of the Andes mountain range, has moisture-free soil with excellent drainage and no soil compaction, perfect for growing chestnuts,” said expert Pablo Grau. He is a researcher at Chile’s agricultural Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuaria.
Chile as a trade partner
In addition to climate and territorial conditions that favour the production of healthy fruits, Chile offers the advantage of a second harvest during the year. Since the country is located in the southern hemisphere, the harvest takes place between February and July, months that correspond to the end of summer and the beginning of winter.
Italian companies can count on the support of ProChile for commercial partners. It is a governmental agency that promotes exports and provides various tools to strengthen commercial exchange. The new online service One Click Import is an example that aims to make it even easier for international importers to find their ideal counterpart in Chile.
Walnuts update
The 2025 Chilean walnut harvest is complete. The harvest volume is 15% above the previous year, but 5% below the industry’s expectations. The Chandler variety shows smaller calibres and more skin spots, but the internal quality is convincing with better colour and higher yield.
Export: demand for in-shell walnuts picks up
By 30 April 2025, 3,574 tons of walnuts were exported—a 98% increase compared to 2024. Demand highlights:
- Turkey: +201%
- Italy: +176%
- Morocco: +6%
Contract status & market forecast
- 41.7% of the harvest has already been sold, 12.8% less than in the previous year, due to delayed demand from India, which has now picked up significantly.
- Despite stable prices, the situation remains uncertain due to customs conflicts, cheap Chinese goods and weather risks.
- The strong demand for medium-sized in-shell walnuts for processing could lead to early shortages.
Many varieties available
The main varieties planted are Marrone di Cuneo, Marrone di Marradi, Marrone di Città de Castello and Marrone di Castel Borello.
In Chile, conditions are perfect for chestnut cultivation. There are no diseases such as Cryphonectria parasitica, Dryoscomis kuriphilus, and Cydia splendana, and a very low presence of Gnomoniopsis castanea, which in other latitudes causes great losses in production and requires the use of chemicals both to plants and fruits. Chile can therefore offer chestnuts that are chemical-free. Another major advantage is that the percentage of chestnuts not suitable for consumption is less than 5%.
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