It is not likely to be a Christmas holiday when lots of Italian chestnuts will be roasting on an open fire for customers anywhere. Production has hit a, historic low this year. According to the Italian farmer’s organization, Coldiretti the lack of supply has been attributed to drought and pests. Nick Pacia, president and CEO of A.J. Trucco, says supply coming from Avellino, Italy is “very, very tight. This is the best time of year for consumption because chestnuts are traditionally consumed during the holidays (roasted) and used in recipes such as chestnut stuffing.” If consumers still want their seasonal snack they’ll have to consider buying the competing product coming in from Korea and China.
Supply is low but prices are high – about 25 – 35% higher than last year, said Pacia. “Over the next few weeks the market is going to be extremely difficult because the volume will continue to be tight.” Italy’s chestnut trees were overtaken by Chinese gall wasps and it’s reported that only 20 million kgs of chestnuts will be produced this year, compared to 60 million in the early 2000s. Within Italy itself, which may consider importing nuts from countries like Spain, Portugal or Albania but Coldiretti has warned of imports being passed off as Italian product.
