The European Union edible nuts industry is entering a decade of sustained, value-led expansion, underpinned by changing dietary habits, nutrition science, and premiumization across retail and foodservice channels. According to Future Market Insights, the EU edible nuts market is projected to grow from USD 18,798.4 million in 2025 to USD 32,416.0 million by 2035, advancing at a CAGR of 5.6%. This trajectory reflects the sector’s transformation from a commodity-driven category into a strategic pillar of functional nutrition and healthy snacking.
Nuts are increasingly positioned as everyday nutrition essentials rather than occasional indulgences. Rising awareness of plant-based protein benefits, strong alignment with Mediterranean and DASH diets, and consumer demand for clean-label, minimally processed foods are reinforcing steady volume and value growth across European markets. Future Market Insights highlights that the sector is expected to expand by nearly 1.7X over the forecast period, supported by household consumption, foodservice innovation, and industrial food processing demand.
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Strong Near-Term Momentum Sets the Decade’s Foundation
Between 2025 and 2030, EU edible nuts demand is forecast to rise from USD 18,798.4 million to USD 24,664.7 million, generating an incremental USD 5,866.3 million, or 43.1% of total ten-year growth. This phase is shaped by the rapid replacement of processed snacks with nutrient-dense alternatives, premium nut varieties gaining shelf space, and rising preference for organic, flavored, roasted, and portion-controlled formats that support convenient daily consumption.
From 2030 to 2035, market value is expected to expand further to USD 32,416.0 million, adding USD 7,752.3 million and accounting for 56.9% of decade growth. During this stage, nuts are anticipated to become deeply integrated into daily nutrition routines, including nut-based milks, protein supplements, bakery ingredients, and fortified foods. Traceability, ethical sourcing, and sustainability credentials will increasingly influence purchasing decisions and pricing power.
Almonds Anchor Category Leadership
By product type, almonds are projected to command 30.0% of EU edible nuts sales in 2025, marginally moderating to 29.0% by 2035 while retaining clear leadership. Their dominance is driven by versatility across sweet and savory applications, high vitamin E content, and robust global supply chains. Almonds also benefit from their central role in dairy alternatives, with almond milk remaining the largest plant-based milk segment in Europe.
Key advantages of almonds include:
- Broad application flexibility across retail, bakery, and beverage segments
- Established health credentials supporting premium positioning
- Strong innovation pipeline in flours, sliced formats, and value-added products
Household Consumption Remains the Core Demand Engine
By application, household consumption is expected to account for 60.0% of total demand in 2025, easing slightly to 58.0% by 2035. European households increasingly treat nuts as pantry staples for snacking, cooking, and baking. Demand is reinforced by resealable packaging, multiple pack sizes, and variety assortments that reduce waste while enhancing convenience.
Foodservice demand, meanwhile, is set to expand from 40.0% to 42.0% over the same period as restaurants, cafés, and institutional kitchens integrate nuts into salads, sauces, desserts, and plant-forward menus.
Sustainability and Value-Added Processing Reshape Competition
Sustainable sourcing is rapidly redefining competitive advantage within the EU edible nuts sector. Blockchain-enabled traceability, regenerative agriculture programs, and water conservation initiatives are enabling brands to demonstrate environmental stewardship and social responsibility—attributes increasingly linked to brand loyalty and premium pricing.
At the same time, processors are investing in value-added technologies such as flavor coatings, fortification, and shelf-life enhancement. These innovations are expanding consumption occasions, improving margins, and differentiating branded offerings from bulk commodity nuts.
Country-Level Growth Highlights Innovation and Production Strength
Growth dynamics vary across the EU. Germany leads in market size, holding 35.0% share in 2025, supported by strong retail infrastructure and premium consumption patterns, while growing at a 5.3% CAGR. France, with a 24.8% share, expands steadily at 5.1% CAGR, driven by culinary integration and quality-focused purchasing.
Faster growth is observed in Southern and Northern Europe. The Netherlands records the highest CAGR at 6.8%, fueled by food technology leadership and its role as a European distribution hub. Spain grows at 6.3%, supported by expanding domestic almond and pistachio production, while Italy advances at 6.0%, leveraging Mediterranean dietary heritage and premium processing capabilities.
Competitive Landscape Reflects Fragmented but Strategic Market
The EU edible nuts market features a mix of global agribusiness leaders and regional specialists. Olam International Ltd leads with an estimated 14.0% share, followed by Archer Daniels Midland Company (8.0%), Blue Diamond Growers (7.0%), and The Wonderful Company LLC (6.0%). The remaining 65.0% is held by a diverse group of processors, cooperatives, and private-label suppliers, underscoring opportunities for differentiation through sustainability, innovation, and branding.
As nutrition science, sustainability, and lifestyle-driven snacking continue to converge, the EU edible nuts industry is positioned for resilient, long-term growth—offering attractive opportunities for producers, processors, and investors aligned with health-forward food systems.
