High-grade walnut pieces during grading process
Walnut pieces and related forms, such as walnut chunks and walnut pieces 1kg bulk packs, are foundational ingredients for the agri-food, baking, energy bar, and snack industries. As demand for nutrient-dense, premium-sourced nuts grows globally, precise knowledge of walnut pieces becomes crucial for business procurement, product formulation, and competitive differentiation.
This guide leverages industry data, detailed process visualizations, technical standards, and application case studies to empower buyers and professionals. We analyze Xinjiang Xin 2 Walnut Kernels Extra Light Halves (ELH), Light Halves (LH), a flagship product in China’s super-premium walnut supply chain: Xinjiang Xin 2 Walnut Kernels ELH/LH.
1. Global Market & Industry Trends for Walnut Pieces
According to Statista 2023, global walnut production exceeded 4.52 million metric tons, with China contributing over 50%—illustrating the region’s dominance. The shift towards natural, low-processed walnut pieces is driven by trends in clean-label ingredients and enhanced product traceability.
2023 Global Walnut Production Distribution (%), Source: Statista
- 28% CAGR growth in walnut pieces segment in premium snack and bakery markets (2021-2026, Grand View Research).
- Rising demand for 1kg bulk walnut pieces for B2B applications—energy bars, confectionery, plant-based foods.
- Increasing preference for origin-traceable, extra light halves for premium-grade product differentiation.
2. Technical Parameters: Walnut Pieces & Related Products
Professional procurement requires understanding key physical and chemical specifications that directly impact product quality, value, and food process compatibility. Below is a comparison of standard walnut pieces versus Xinjiang Xin 2 Walnut Kernels Extra Light Halves (ELH) and their main competitors.
| Attribute | Walnut Pieces (General) | Xinjiang Xin 2 ELH/LH | California Light Walnut Pieces | Chile Walnut Chunks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | USA, China, Chile, Iran | Xinjiang, China | California, USA | Chile |
| Physical Grade | Light, Amber | Extra Light Halves, Light Halves | Light Pieces | Medium-Large Chunks |
| Moisture (max) | 5% | 4% | 4.5% | 5% |
| Oil Content | 60-65% | 63-68% | 62-67% | 60-65% |
| FFA (max) | 1.5% | 1.2% | 1.3% | 1.5% |
| Size Distribution | 4-14mm / Chunks | 18-22mm Halves | 8-16mm Pieces | Chunks 10-15mm |
| Breakage | Common (15%) | <8% on halves | 12% | 14% |
| Certifications | ISO, SGS (variable) | ISO22000, BRC, FDA | USDA, FDA | SGS |
Premium sorted walnut chunks for bulk supply
Typical Technical Parameters of Walnut Pieces
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Method | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kernel Color (ELH) | Extra Light (L * > 52) | Colorimeter | GB/T 22165-2008 |
| Size Fraction | Halves >18mm, Pieces 8-14mm | Sieve Analysis | ISO 6658 |
| Moisture (%) | 3-4 | Oven Dry | ISO 6647 |
| Peroxide Value (meq/kg) | <1.0 | ISO 3960 | <2.0 (FDA Max) |
| Free Fatty Acids (%) | 0.9-1.2 | AOCS Ca 5a-40 | <1.5 (USDA Max) |
| Aflatoxin (ppb) | <2.0 | ELISA | EU 1881/2006 |
3. Detailed Manufacturing Process of Walnut Pieces
From Field to Finished Walnut Pieces: Stepwise Process Flow
Harvesting →
Cleaning & Sorting →
Shelling →
Manual & Machine Grading →
Metal Detection
→
Packing & Vacuum Sealing
- Harvesting: Mechanical shaking, rapid field collection to minimize shell damage.
- Cleaning: Removal of debris, floatation for density separation, water rinsing per ISO22000 hygiene standards.
- Shelling: Precision shell-cracking machines, combined with manual picking for extra light halves
- Grading: Kernel color analyzed via colorimetry; size with graded screens (fractions: halves, pieces, chunks, meal).
- Metal Detection & QA: Inline metal detectors (sensitivity <1mm Fe), automatic visual sorting; FDA/ISO protocol samples.
- Packing: Nitrogen-flushed vacuum packs in 1kg (retail/HoReCa) or 10kg (industrial) format. Traceable batch coding, anti-mold dried material.
Automated sorting of walnut pieces for grade assurance
Key Process Highlights & Quality Advantages
- Material: Choice Xinjiang ‘Xin 2’ variety—high oil, low volatile, thin shell for higher yield of walnut chunks and halves.
- Manufacturing: Advanced shell removal combines mechanical cracking (minimizing kernel damage) and manual QA for color & uniformity—ensuring consistent specification compliance.
- All processes audited under ISO22000 & BRC Global Food Safety certification (details).
- Inspection: Each lot is batch tested for peroxide value, aflatoxin, shell fragments, and physical grading. Pass rate >99.3% (Luhua 2023 QA Data).
- Packaging: Hermetic, oxygen-controlled packaging extends shelf life to 24 months under ambient storage per product spec.
- Export Logistics: Global traceability, temperature-controlled shipping, custom 1kg packs for international B2B.
4. Performance Visualization: Product Data Charts
Oil Content Comparison (%)
Breakage Rate Comparison (%)
Interpretation: Xinjiang Xin 2 products lead both in oil content (key for flavor/nutritional density) and minimal breakage, signifying higher value retention for end users.
5. Application Scenarios & Case Studies
Packaged walnut pieces 1kg for distribution
Thanks to Xin 2 walnut pieces' exemplary specifications, they power a diverse set of industries:
- Snack Manufacturing
- Energy/Nutrition Bars
- Dairy Substitute (plant-based milk)
- Premium Bakery
- Trade Exports (B2B, HoReCa)
- Confectionery & Dessert
Case Study 1: Energy Bar Integration (2023)
- Objective: Enhance nutritional value and texture of a leading Chinese energy bar brand with premium walnut pieces 1kg format.
- Result: Xinjiang Xin 2 ELH contributed +18% better shelf-life and 15% improved texture scores versus control, per consumer sensory panel (n=200, China Food Industry Journal).
- Why chosen: Extra light color, low peroxide value for extended freshness, consistently low breakage enabled seamless machinery dosing.
- Objective: Replace variable-quality US walnut chunks with traceable, uniform-color ELH pieces for European muffins and cakes.
- Outcome: ISO22000, BRC, and FDA triple-certified walnuts enabled bakery chain to meet both EU and US food safety audits, with year-on-year order increase of 23% (2022-2023).
- Client Feedback: “Color & consistency have enabled new customer-facing premium launches—significant reduction in rejection rates.”
6. Technical Advantages: Why Choose Xinjiang Xin 2 Walnut Pieces?
- Material Superiority: Sourced from Xinjiang’s prime nut cultivar, with 66% oil content, 4% moisture (max), L* color ≥52 confirming premium status.
- Process Control: Hybrid machine-manual selection reduces defective rates and maintains physical and chemical quality at >99% pass rate.
- Certifications: ISO22000, FDA Registration, HALAL, BRC Food Safety Standards—all batches full-traceable.
- Shelf Life & Packaging: Nitrogen-flushed, vacuum-packing extends product shelf life up to 24 months, crucial for international trade.
- Customizable Bulk Formats: Flexible supply in 1kg, 5kg, 10kg packs with laser-coded traceability.
- Sustainability: Responsible farming, ISO 14001 Environmental compliance, and commitment to social responsibility.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Superior yield on size and oil content creates greater value per kg for industrial users.
“ELH pieces are currently the gold standard for high-value, color-stable walnut products on the world market, as confirmed by both FDA and BRC audit outcomes.” — Nut Industry Forum 2023
7. Leading Suppliers & Customization Solutions
- Luhua Walnut Co. Ltd (China) — Producer of Xinjiang Xin 2 ELH/LH Walnut Pieces, ISO22000, FDA & BRC certified. 20+ years export.
- California Walnut Commission (USA) — Traditional US market leader; excellent for light and amber pieces.
- Chile Premium Nut S.A. — Major supplier of bulk walnut chunks for confectionery use.
Customization Services: Xinjiang Xin 2 Walnut Kernels can be provided in custom sizes (halves, quarters, pieces, fine meal) and tailored oil/moisture targets. Premix color and grade options ensure seamless integration into OEM food manufacturing processes.
8. Delivery, Warranty & Customer Support
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Lead Time | Typically 7-15 days for walnut pieces 1kg orders; up to 21 days for peak season or special grade customization. |
| Warranty & Claims | Full refund/return if more than 2.5% batch nonconformity; product insurance provided for bulk shipping (AIG underwriter). |
| Customer Support | 24/7 online support, batch traceability, and international documentation assistance for food safety audits (EU/US). |
| Sampling | Free 200g pre-shipment samples under buyer's courier; full COA (Certificate of Analysis) attached. |
All walnut pieces orders are backed by robust QA/QC, rapid logistics, and after-sales OTIF (on time, in full) assurance.
9. Professional FAQ on Walnut Pieces
Q1: What is the difference between 'Extra Light Halves' and 'Light Halves' in walnut pieces grading?
Extra Light Halves (ELH) refer to walnut kernels with superior pale color (L* > 52), minimal blemishes. 'Light Halves (LH)', while still premium, may have slightly more amber or natural color variation. ELH is demanded for export, bakery, and premium snack applications.
Q2: How is walnut chunks size measured and why does it matter?
Chunks/pieces are measured via sieve analysis: size fractions (e.g., 18-22mm halves, 8-14mm pieces) affect appearance, texture, and machinery compatibility in food manufacturing.
Q3: What are the globally recognized standards for edible walnut pieces?
ISO22000 (food safety), FDA (US), BRC (Global), and SGS (testing) are the most important. Acceptable max limits: Peroxide value <2.0 meq/kg, Moisture <5%, FFA <1.5%, Aflatoxin <2ppb.
Q4: Are your walnut pieces free from allergens and contaminants?
Xinjiang Xin 2 walnuts are tested for nuts cross-allergenicity, aflatoxin, heavy metals, and pesticides before release—certified for EU, US, and Middle East markets.
Q5: How is shelf life maximized for walnut pieces 1kg packs?
Via nitrogen flushing, humidity control, and double-layer barrier packaging. This limits oil oxidation, upholding freshness for up to 24 months at ≤25°C.
Q6: Can customers request customized sizing or premix grades for industrial recipes?
Yes. Options include custom cut sizes (halves, quarters, pieces, meal) and mixed grades by finished goods application (e.g., bar inserts, nut toppings, flour blends). MOQ applies on complex mixes.
Q7: What documentation and testing comes with shipments of walnut pieces?
Each lot is shipped with: COA, Crop Year, SGS and/or ISO22000 certificates, aflatoxin/FFA tests, and full traceability documents matching EU/US import requirements.
10. Conclusion: Why Invest in Premium Walnut Pieces for 2024+?
The food and snack market’s demand for certified, high-parameter walnut pieces is clear: buyers prioritizing light color, oil content, low breakage, and certified safety not only gain on quality but also on cost efficiency and brand credibility.
- Superior Xinjiang material (ELH/LH) delivers on measurable performance—validated by international food manufacturers (INC Nutfruit Forum).
- Manufacturing rigor and traceable source underpin long-term supply chain trust and new premium product innovation.
- Technical and customer support ensures smooth international commerce, audit-readiness, and consistent product quality.
For ongoing industry insights, walnut market trends, and advanced production knowledge, visit authoritative resources such as:
Post time:Jul . 30, 2025 07:00
