Hazelnuts market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the European hazelnut market size reached 303.9 thousand tons. Turkish production, a major source for Europe, was initially supported by the launch of state-backed agricultural insurance, but significant damage from pests such as brown rot and powdery mildew limited output potential. The following year, rising production costs and difficulties in accessing financing contributed to a decline in Turkish production to 139.0 thousand tons, which reduced the overall European market volume to 298.7 thousand tons. By 2020, price consultations led by the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) provided crucial support to growers, helping production rebound to 182.3 thousand tons and driving the market to a high of 351.8 thousand tons.

The market contracted in 2021 to 272.8 thousand tons as Turkish production fell to 125.9 thousand tons, a period marked by strong export demand from European countries. A recovery began in 2022, with production rising to 144.1 thousand tons, aided by the increased cultivation of new hazelnut varieties and the adoption of modern farming techniques. This growth continued into 2023, where the development of new methods to combat pests and diseases helped push production to 163.4 thousand tons, while strong demand and supply constraints supported prices, resulting in a market size of 338.2 thousand tons.

Heading into 2024, the TMO established guaranteed purchase prices for in-shell hazelnuts for the new season, and state-subsidized crop insurance applications reopened to encourage producer participation. Concurrently, the sector faced persistent pressures from high energy and labor costs, though partial demand recovery in European markets and growing exports to China provided some offsetting momentum.

Production hazelnuts in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

In 2019, Europe's hazelnut production reached its lowest point at 139.0 K t, marking a 20.4% decline. By 2020, production rebounded to 182.3 K t, representing a 31.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, the value of hazelnut production in Europe hit a minimum of 14 061 M $ US, with a 35.6% decrease. In 2020, output surged to 23 704 M $ US, showing a 68.6% year-over-year advance. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 27.1%, equating to an 8.3% annualized rate.

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

Exports hazelnuts from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2018, hazelnut exports from Europe peaked at 68.1 K t, with a 17.5% increase. The following year, in 2019, exports dropped to a minimum of 47.3 K t, recording a 30.6% decline. By 2020, exports recovered to 52.8 K t, reflecting a solid 11.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland and Turkey consistently held their positions as the primary buyers of hazelnuts from Europe, together accounting for 3.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Europe's hazelnut export volume began to recover. In 2019, exports reached a minimum value of 383 M $ US, with an 8.6% decrease. In 2020, export volume rose to 436 M $ US, indicating a substantial 13.8% improvement relative to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and Turkey led the ranking of buyers for hazelnuts from Europe, jointly representing 3.2% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports hazelnuts to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's hazelnut import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 222.3 K t, showing a gradual 7.4% uptick compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 13.3%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 4.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia remained the key partners for hazelnut imports in kind, with shares of 59.1%, 8.9%, and 5.2%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 73.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Hazelnut deliveries to Europe increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports hit a minimum of 1 389 M $ US, with a 4.0% decline. By 2020, imports reached 1 670 M $ US, indicating a strong 13.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 15.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Chile formed the core group of markets for hazelnut imports in value terms, with shares of 58.7%, 7.7%, and 6.1%, respectively. Collectively, they represented 72.5% of total import flows.

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

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