Acorn production in Portugal – current figures

In Portugal, acorns are produced by different Quercus species, including the cork oak (Quercus suber), holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia), and various species of oak trees, such as pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica), and Portuguese oak (Quercus faginea). Currently, Quercus woodlands cover approximately 36% of the forested area of mainland Portugal, representing around 1.2 million hectares. The average annual acorn production is estimated at 400,000 tons, according to ICNF data (2019).

The distribution of Quercus species across the country is not homogeneous. In the north, oak forests dominate, while in the central region, there is a more balanced distribution, with a significant presence of cork oaks. In the south, cork oaks and holm oaks are more prominent, especially in the Montado landscapes, which are characteristic of Alentejo and represent the largest Quercus woodland area in the country. On the other hand, the Algarve has the smallest Quercus woodland area in Portugal, with cork oaks being the most relevant species.

A significant portion of acorn production (about 55%) remains on the ground, contributing to the natural regeneration of the Montado ecosystem. Approximately 21% is used for feeding and fattening the Alentejano pig breed, while 20% serves as food for wildlife, including wild boars, deer, and roe deer. Only a small percentage (about 3%) is used to feed other livestock species, and 1% is processed into flour.

In the Portuguese market, acorn-based food products have retail prices ranging from €0.39/kg to €0.40/kg, depending on the level of processing, production methods, and materials used.