SS
Sonpal Singh
5 hours ago
Share:

Chestnut Market to Surge with Gluten-Free Popularity, 2025–2033

The global chestnut market size was valued at USD 3.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 5.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.1% during 2025-2033.

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 Consumers are increasingly reaching for plant-based and natural snacks. This is great news for chestnuts, which are now a popular ingredient in snack bars, roasted mixes, and packaged foods. Why? They're naturally low in fat and packed with fiber. Unlike other nuts, chestnuts have a sweet, starchy texture, making them perfect for gluten-free and vegan diets. To meet this growing demand, food companies are getting creative with new products like chestnut chips, flours, and spreads. This trend is especially strong in developed areas with high snack consumption. With retailers and online stores promoting these healthier options, and younger generations like millennials and Gen Z choosing healthier eating habits, the market for chestnut snacks is set for continued growth.

2. Expansion of Gluten-Free Product Segment More people worldwide are going gluten-free, either due to health conditions like celiac disease and wheat allergies or as a personal choice. This trend is a major reason why chestnut flour and other chestnut products are becoming so popular. Because chestnuts are naturally gluten-free, they're a perfect alternative for baking and making pasta or candies. Food companies are now using chestnut flour to create delicious and nutritious gluten-free products, like breads and cookies, which is driving up the demand for chestnuts. With more gluten-free products available in grocery stores and online, chestnuts are a versatile and valuable ingredient. This is creating a steady market for chestnuts, particularly in Europe and North America, where gluten-free diets are common.

3. Rising Use in Confectionery and Baking Industry In the world of treats and baked goods, chestnuts are becoming a star ingredient. Their naturally sweet and creamy texture makes them perfect for creating delicious desserts, fillings, and pastes. You’re seeing them more and more in gourmet items like marrons glacés, chestnut spreads, and special chocolates, especially in Europe and Asia. For brands, using chestnuts is a smart move; it helps them appeal to health-conscious consumers by offering a clean-label product without a lot of artificial additives. This not only boosts sales but also strengthens their reputation as a premium brand. Demand for these goodies soars during holidays like Christmas and Lunar New Year, driving significant market growth. With innovations in ready-to-eat chestnut treats, companies are tapping into a profitable market of consumers willing to pay for quality. Ultimately, the consistent and growing use of chestnuts in the confectionery and bakery sectors is a key factor in the global market expansion of this versatile nut.

Request for a sample copy of this report: 

https://www.imarcgroup.com/chestnut-market/requestsample

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.

Ask Analyst for Customization: 

https://www.imarcgroup.com/request?type=report&id=12858&flag=C

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

About Us:

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include a thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape, benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us:

IMARC Group

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Tel No:(D) +91 120 433 0800

United States: (+1-201971-6302)