The start of the Grenoble Walnut PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) harvest in the Isère and Drome regions in France began at the end of September.
The harvest took place over 4 weeks and Catherine Petiet, Director of the Grenoble Walnut Committee says that the 2017 production is diverse and should reach over 14,000 tons.
Volume has varied over the last decade depending on weather conditions, but normally reaches around 14,000 tons. Whilst acreage is stable, covering 6,800 hectares, quality is improving.
Consumption is also increasing. Over the last decade Grenoble walnut sales have increased by 32%, with a strong increase on the French market which last year took in almost 5,000 tons (+57% compared to 2007). A +16% increase was recorded in exports over the same period (2007-2016).
The sector is considering planting new walnut varieties, such as the Fernor, to fulfil strong market demand. Research is being carried out over the next 2 years to study the impact of this variety on the sector and measure the benefits of introducing it into the Grenoble walnut requirements.