Portugal nuts sector unveils sustainability program as almond production reaches EU No.2

The Portugal Nuts association announced a new Sustainability Programme for the country's dried‑fruit sector, aiming to certify environmental, social and governance practices by the end of the 2026‑2028 cycle. President Tiago Costa said the programme will create ESG indicators, support exporters and enhance credibility in European markets.

At the same congress, Costa reported that Portugal has become the second‑largest almond producer in the European Union and the fifth‑largest worldwide. Almonds now account for about 75 % of the sector’s exports, which total €156 million in 2025. Export revenue from almonds rose from €30 million in 2020 to €115 million last year, with shelled almonds now representing 65 % of almond export value. Walnut production also grew, with exports increasing 50 % to €3.3 million. The nuts chain now contributes roughly 6 % of Portugal’s total vegetable‑product exports, underscoring its strategic importance for Portuguese agriculture.