<p></p><p>After American exports of walnuts to the Chinese market dropped, Americans have turned their attention to the Indian market. Cheif Executive Officer of the California Walnut Commission, Dennis A Balint, has said "We are excited about the Indian market and feel it holds great potential for our industry. What is most encouraging is that India has a tradition of walnut consumption." <br></p> <p>The first export of Californian walnuts to India was in 2013-2014. There was about 310,000 in-shell pounds and 42,000 pounds of kernels. Last year saw a huge increase to 5.2 million of in-shell pounds and 84,000 pounds of kernels. Michelle McNeil, California Walnut Company (CWC) Senior Marketing Director has said that California is trying to give India good quality walnuts all-year-round. "We know the Indian consumer wants walnuts from California. We will promote the California brand, along with out reputation for food safety and reliability." <br></p> <p>The Californian industry is made up of 4,000 walnut growers and 93 walnut handlers. Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Minister A R Veeri has said that the main producer in India is having problems due to the arrival of American kernels in the market. As there is less import duty people buy the American walnuts as their rates are low. However, they do not taste like Kashmiri walnuts. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Indian walnut production is predicted at 38,000 metric tonnes (in-shell), a 12% decrease from the previous year, this means walnut imports could increase. <br></p> <p>The Indian walnut consumption in 2014-2015 is expected to grow by 8% to 28,000 metric tonnes due to stable supplies and a strong demand. The reason for the growth in consumption is due to the awareness of the benefits of eating walnuts (reducing cholesterol) and now walnuts are consumed in the form of snacking in India. The increased usage of walnuts in bakery and confectioneries is also part of the consumption growth. <br></p> <p>India has exported 2,665.87 metric tonnes of walnuts in 2014-2015. Major export destinations included Vietnam, UK, US, Egypt and the Netherlands.<br></p><p></p>