Hazelnuts market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the African hazelnut market experienced substantial growth, expanding from 6.3 thousand tons to 12.1 thousand tons despite notable volatility. The most dramatic increase occurred in 2021, when market volume surged by 54% to reach 13.8 thousand tons.

Following the 2021 peak, the market contracted sharply by 31% in 2022, falling to 9.6 thousand tons. A recovery took place in 2023, with volume rising 26% to 12.1 thousand tons. Domestic production remained marginal throughout the period, averaging around 200 tons, making imports the primary supply source.

Import volumes fluctuated significantly, from 6.0 thousand tons in 2018 to a high of 13.6 thousand tons in 2021, then down to 9.5 thousand tons in 2022 before recovering to 12.0 thousand tons in 2023. Exports from the region were minimal and did not materially affect overall market size.

Production hazelnuts in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

Africa's hazelnut production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 209.2 tons of hazelnuts, marking a 0.9% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 2.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports hazelnuts from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. From 2018 to 2020, exports experienced extreme swings, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 47 times. In 2018, Africa exported just 1 ton of hazelnuts, the lowest point in this period. The following year, exports surged by 1 851.7%, reaching a higher volume. By 2020, exports hit 59 tons, a sharp increase of 143.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 97.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Georgia, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) were among the top buyers of African hazelnuts, accounting for 10.8%, 10.5%, and 7.9% of exports in kind, respectively. However, even combined, these three markets represented only 29.3% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility during the observed period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2018 at 62 thousand US dollars, then climbed to a peak of 289 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 4.7-fold increase. In 2020, the value of exported hazelnuts from Africa rose by 161.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a decrease of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. The Netherlands, Georgia, and Spain were key partners, contributing 27.8%, 14.3%, and 5.5% of export value, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for only 47.5% of total flows, while the remaining 52.5% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports hazelnuts to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Africa's hazelnut imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 8 836 tons, showing a 23.1% year-over-year uptick. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 98.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey dominated Africa's hazelnut imports in kind, holding 82.7% of the total volume. The remainder was shared among many countries, each with smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign hazelnut supplies to Africa have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 50 659 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt increase of 34.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 110.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 28.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey played the leading role in imports in value terms, accounting for 88.4% of total flows. Other markets together made up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020