Cumulative shipments exceed 630,000 inshell equivalent short tons, mainly driven by strong demand from the Middle East and North Africa.
CALIFORNIA, USA — The California walnut industry continues to show strong shipment momentum during the 2025/26 season. According to the latest market report published by Derco Foods, cumulative shipments through May reached 630,568 inshell equivalent short tons, representing a 22% year-over-year increase compared to the same period of the previous season.
The total supply available for commercialization this season was estimated at 879,086 short tons, including a crop of 809,445 short tons and a carry-in inventory of 69,641 short tons. By the end of May, the remaining supply available for sale had declined to only 103,399 short tons, reflecting the strong pace of shipments recorded throughout the season.
During May, inshell walnut shipments reached 12.9 million pounds, more than doubling the levels recorded in the same month of 2025. Meanwhile, cumulative shipments of this format reached 291.9 million pounds, representing a 110% year-over-year increase. Shelled walnut (kernel) shipments totaled 426.4 million pounds season-to-date, up 11% compared to the previous year.
According to Derco Foods, this performance is the result of a combination of higher production, competitive pricing compared to other origins during the first part of the season, and the consistent quality of California walnuts.
One of the most notable trends has been the sharp expansion of exports to the Middle East and North Africa. Inshell walnut shipments to this region increased by 395% compared to the previous season, while kernel shipments grew by 76%. Europe also showed positive performance, with a 24% increase in shelled walnut purchases.
Committed sales, meaning product already sold but not yet shipped, reached nearly 145,000 inshell equivalent short tons by the end of May, 30% higher than last year. This increase reflects both the availability of remaining inventories and the strategy of some buyers to secure current prices for future shipment periods.
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