Calbu is a family-owned Chilean company dedicated exclusively to the production and export of premium-quality walnuts. Based in central Chile—one of the world’s most recognized regions for walnut cultivation—the company benefits from ideal climate and growing conditions that ensure outstanding quality, flavor, and consistency. With a complete range of walnut products and a strong focus on long-term relationships, Calbu combines expertise, reliability, and a customer-oriented approach to serve international markets with confidence.
In this interview, Juan Pablo Costabal shares the story and vision behind Calbu, a family-owned Chilean company fully dedicated to the production and export of high-quality walnuts. Strategically located in central Chile—one of the world’s most favorable regions for walnut cultivation—Calbu combines ideal growing conditions with a strong commitment to quality and consistency
Could you introduce Calbu and its focus on walnuts?
Calbu is a company dedicated to the export of Chilean walnuts to more than 40 countries, with a strong focus on product quality and delivering first-class service to our buyers.
What are the benefits of offering both hand-cracked and machine-cracked walnuts?
The main benefit is having a broader product portfolio, which allows access to a wider range of customers—from those seeking a premium, hand-cracked product to those more focused on competitive pricing, for whom machine-cracked walnuts are a suitable option.
How do you ensure consistency in color and quality of walnut kernels?
This is one of the most challenging parts of the process. It requires constant supervision and multiple control points throughout production. We also rely on the ChileNut parameter standards as a reference.
Which export markets are currently a priority for Calbu?
Calbu’s main markets are India, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.
How does Gulfood contribute to your international growth plans?
Gulfood is one of the most important trade fairs for us. It provides an opportunity to meet our Middle East clients in one place and to connect with new potential buyers. Gulfood has been essential to our growth as a company.
What makes Chilean walnuts attractive to Middle Eastern markets?
Chilean walnuts are harvested counter-seasonally to the Northern Hemisphere, allowing us to offer a fresh product when Northern Hemisphere walnuts are six months old or more. In addition, Chilean walnuts are already recognized as the highest quality in the world, both in terms of flavor and color.
CALBU
Contact: Juan Pablo Costabal
Email: jpcostabal@calbu.com
