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| Source: Macfrut ( |
RIMINI, ITALY — Macfrut, the international trade show for the fruit and vegetable sector, has officially announced that its 2026 edition will feature a comprehensive "Chestnut Exhibition" designed to spotlight the entire supply chain of the chestnut industry. The event, scheduled for April 21–23, 2026, at the Rimini Expo Centre, aims to provide a strategic platform for discussing technological innovation, phytosanitary protection, and the evolving market dynamics of the European chestnut (Castanea sativa).
This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone as it marks the first time a dedicated selection of companies representing the chestnut sector will participate in such a focused capacity. Organized by the Chestnut Study and Documentation Centre (CSDC) in Marradi, in collaboration with industry experts Elvio Bellini and Luciano Trentini, the initiative will bring together nine leading entities, including the Nursery Farm "Valle Oscura," the Chestnut District of Campania, and various regional associations such as ALPA Calabria and the Chestnut Growers of Emilia-Romagna.
The exhibition is structured to address the modern challenges of chestnut production. A dedicated test field area in Hall A1 will serve as a hub for nurserymen and fruit industry professionals, featuring live demonstrations of harvesting machinery and packaging innovations. Parallel to the technical displays, a series of high-level conferences will explore the nutritional and organoleptic characteristics of chestnuts, which have seen a resurgence due to renewed process innovations.
Statistical insights provided by FAO and ISTAT underscore the economic importance of this sector. Global chestnut production currently exceeds 2.3 million tonnes, with Europe accounting for approximately 220,000 tonnes. Within Italy, the 2022 harvest reached roughly 57,000 tonnes across 36,000 hectares, positioning chestnuts as one of the nation's most critical fruit species after hazelnuts and citrus fruits. Notably, the Campania region remains the heart of Italian production, representing 44% of the national total—a 60% increase in productive area since 2016.
Despite these strong production figures, market analysts point toward significant growth opportunities in consumer penetration. Currently, only 27% of Italian households consume fresh chestnuts, with an average annual expenditure of approximately 11 euros. Industry experts at Macfrut suggest that these figures represent a "low penetration index," indicating vast untapped market spaces for both fresh and processed chestnut products.
For international stakeholders, including those in the Korean chestnut industry, Macfrut 2026 offers a vital window into the European market's shift toward high-tech cultivation and value-added processing. The event promises to be a definitive gathering for those looking to integrate ancient cultivation traditions with 21st-century agricultural technology.