chestnuts

" Up to 500 000 tons of chestnuts are produced each year around the world, with the biggest proportion coming from the northern hemisphere. China, Korea and Italy are the world largest producers of chestnuts. The chestnut belongs to the Fagaceae family, along with oaks and beech trees. The Chinese chestnut is reported to be equal in sweetness and palatability and one of the most widely planted Chinese cultivars overseas. According to a survey, the majority of respondents sell their chestnuts locally, 38％ sell regionally and 21％ sell nationally. No major buyers were mentioned and no contractual arrangements seem to exist between producers and their buyers. The highest prices for fresh chestnuts are paid by restaurants, followed by customers that buy on-line, health and natural food stores, farmers markets, and on-farm. The lowest prices are offered by discount grocery stores, distributors, and wholesalers. A premium price is obtained for organic production. A large number of respondents (49％) believe that demand is in excess of supply. Demand for fresh chestnuts is expected to continue to increase by 10％ - 25％ in the next 5 years."