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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Portugal is a major European producer of chestnut. This traditional production assumes major importance for
Trás-os-Montes, a low-density region of northern Portugal. Currently chestnut faces several challenges (e.g.,
climate change, diseases and pests, and demographic and market developments) that threaten its future. This
work intends to contribute to the sustainability of the Portuguese chestnut industry, by analysing its
constraints and potentialities. Data includes market statistics from 2008-2017, and primary sources as industry stakeholders. Results show a global increase in the chestnut production area, although productivity
weakness constrains the capability of supplying the market. This scenario is intensified by marketing
problems, such as the low homogeneity of the fruit and conservation issues (chestnut moth and rot), the
weight of the parallel market, and unfair competition of chestnut from non-Community countries. The
chestnut supply chain is generally long and structured and organized with few industries and retailers and a
significant number of producers. Portuguese chestnut is mainly sold to medium-sized companies, where is
prepared to be sold fresh (nationally or abroad). However, the increase in processing capability of chestnut
industry improves the added-value of the supply chain of national chestnut. All varieties of chestnut are
adapted to fresh consumption, but are more or less appreciated due to their precocity, calibre and taste.
However, the price listed for chestnuts is based on their size, and consumers do not distinguish the different
varieties of chestnut. The consumption of nuts is still concentrated in a short time and connected to the
traditional intake of nuts, toasted and/or cooked. Nonetheless, new forms of consumption are increasing,
supported by growing demand for certain niche markets, to meet specific dietary needs such as gluten-free
products, or nutritionally enriched products.
Description
Keywords
Chestnut Production Value chain Market Consumption
Citation
Cabo, Paula; Fernandes, António; Ribeiro, Maria Isabel (2019). An overview of chestnut's production and market developments in Portugal. In IX Congresso da APDEA e III Encontro Lusófono em Economia, Sociologia, Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Rural (ESADR 2019): livro de resumos. Lisboa
Publisher
Associação Portuguesa de Economia Agrária