Creating, Maintaining and Assessing Walnut Quality from Grower to Market

This paper reviews the factors from growing to retailing that can affect walnut quality and then looks at the walnuts available in three global markets to evaluate how well the above requirements are being fulfilled. The data indicate there are major issues in the distribution of walnuts in some sections of global markets through lack of understanding of what constitutes quality and how to maintain it. There was a strong relationship between age and quality and a weak relationship found between price and quality. It is suggested that if growers wish to achieve high prices there is a need for them to exert greater control over the walnut value chain. To enable growers to achieve the highest value for their walnut products it is necessary for consumers to be presented with walnuts that meet their requirements. It is also necessary that: a) price signals are sent back to growers through the production, distribution, marketing and retail chain to reward delivery of the appropriate quality, and b) all participants are aware of what constitutes quality and how the actions under their control in the chain affect quality.