Hazelnuts market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The CIS hazelnut market faced a decline in volume in 2019, partially due to reduced domestic production the previous year caused by unfavorable weather conditions. However, this period marked the start of significant investments in new orchards across regions like Dagestan and Krasnodar Krai, using advanced European techniques, which gradually increased local output. Major confectionery companies, including Ferrero and Nestlé, remained key consumers, sustaining baseline demand despite market fluctuations.

The pandemic did not disrupt import flows, and the rapid growth of e-commerce, alongside the entry of new players in meal-kit and ready-to-eat food delivery, created additional sales channels. A post-pandemic recovery in the confectionery industry and shifting consumer preferences towards healthier eating supported a significant expansion in market volume, which rose from 51 471 t in 2020 to 68 562 t in 2021.

Further growth to over 82 919 t by 2023 was underpinned by the maturation of new local plantations and continued development of online retail. Legislative amendments affecting retail trade organization and a sustained consumer focus on nutritious snacks contributed to market expansion, even amid broader economic sanctions and inflationary pressures that influenced purchasing behavior.

Production hazelnuts in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, hazelnut production in the CIS declined. In 2020, the region produced 60 611 tons of hazelnuts, marking a 6.5% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 7.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 64 807 tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 11.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Hazelnut production in the CIS increased for the third consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, output was valued at 419.0 million US dollars, showing a slight rise of 3.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 21%, translating to an annualized rate of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports hazelnuts from CIS

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, CIS exported 17 498 tons of hazelnuts, a significant drop of 13.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 7%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 16 317 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 20 139 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 13.3%, and the biggest increase was in 2019 at 23.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, hazelnut exports from the CIS were distributed across numerous countries. Italy accounted for 26.3% of exports in volume, Germany for 13.5%, and Georgia for 2.3%, with these three countries together making up only 42.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, CIS hazelnut exports were valued at 120.9 million US dollars, a decrease of 4.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 4.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 95.5 million US dollars, and the highest was in 2019 at 126.4 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2018 at 17.1%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 32.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of hazelnut exports in value terms remained highly diversified. Italy contributed 29.3% of export value, Germany 15.5%, and Czechia 2.3%, with these three countries accounting for only 47.1% of total flows. The remaining 52.9% came from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports hazelnuts to CIS

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, CIS imported 8 357 tons of hazelnuts, a sharp increase of 52.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 57.3%, with an average annual rate of 16.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 28.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Georgia were the top contributors to hazelnut imports in volume, together representing 30.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Hazelnut imports into the CIS increased in value for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 95.5 million US dollars, up by 6.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 68.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 19.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Turkey and Georgia maintained their roles as the primary suppliers of hazelnuts to the CIS, with a combined share of 32.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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