California walnut shipments for 2020 is estimated at 780,000 short tons, an increase of 19 percent over the prior year. The primary reasons for the increases is due to increases in new acreage, more densely planted orchards, and heavier yielding varieties.
“This year’s expected record crop comes on the heels of strong retail sales, with shoppers’ growing interest in consuming foods with both great taste and functional benefits. In fact, the industry has stepped up to meet consumer demand with exciting new product launches in recent years. And this season, the California Walnut Board’s unprecedented investment in domestic retail promotion will set the stage for continued success,” said Jack Mariani, CWB market development committee chairperson.
Walnut production has doubled in the last 15 years, with new acreage reaching 380,000 with an additional 75,000 acres set to come into production over the next five years.