Hazelnuts market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Azerbaijan began implementing European production standards and organic certifications for hazelnuts, improving product quality and expanding export geography. Efforts to increase orchard productivity through new technologies supported production, which reached 53 793 t in 2019. State support and directives for hazelnut development stimulated orchard expansion, especially in the Zagatala and Khachmaz regions, though production saw a temporary dip in 2020.

From 2021, hazelnut production surged to 67 630 t, and market volume jumped 58% to 48 410 t. This growth was driven by reduced yields in Turkey, which increased demand for Azerbaijani hazelnuts, while local producers adopted new technologies to enhance quality. The growing number of processing enterprises, particularly in Khachmaz, boosted competitiveness. By 2023, orchard area reached 17 000 ha, production rose to 75 409 t, and market volume reached 52 318 t. Exports in value terms continued climbing due to higher prices and global demand, doubling sales revenues.

Production hazelnuts in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, Azerbaijan ranked as the third-largest producer of hazelnuts from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of hazelnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of hazelnuts, 2018-2021

In 2021, Azerbaijan produced 67 630 tonnes of hazelnuts, marking a 36.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 29.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 49 465 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 8.0% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Azerbaijan's hazelnut production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 388.5 million US dollars, showing a significant rise of 27.6% from the year before. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 46.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports hazelnuts from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Azerbaijan exported 19 459 tonnes of hazelnuts, a slight increase of 3.0% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 5.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 639 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 22.4%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest decline of 16.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for Azerbaijan's hazelnut exports in volume terms were Russia, accounting for 48.9% of exports, Italy with 23.8%, and Germany at 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 86.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Azerbaijan's hazelnut export values declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 111.8 million US dollars, a modest drop of 3.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 18.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 125.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 33.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the leading destinations for Azerbaijan's hazelnut exports in value terms were Russia, with 46.1% of exports, Italy at 26.2%, and Germany accounting for 15.4%. Collectively, these markets made up 87.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021

Imports hazelnuts to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 21-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan imported 66 tonnes of hazelnuts, a sharp increase of 263.7% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 94.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Georgia and Italy were the primary sources for Azerbaijan's hazelnut imports in volume terms, together accounting for 6.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over this period. Imports reached their highest value in 2018 and their lowest in 2020, reflecting a 19-fold gap. In 2021, Azerbaijan's hazelnut imports amounted to 1.0 million US dollars, an abrupt increase of 150.8% from 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 94.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Georgia and Italy formed the main group of markets for Azerbaijan's hazelnut imports in value terms, together accounting for 3.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021