Hazelnuts market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, hazelnut production in Iran remained relatively stable, fluctuating around 14 thousand t annually. The market saw the entry of a new player, Golden Hazelnut, which entered the confectionery industry in partnership with Minoo and pioneered high-quality hazelnut processing in Qazvin, a key growing region. This investment helped maintain production capacity. However, in 2021, output declined to 13 684 t, influenced by climatic conditions and production factors that affected hazelnut yield and quality, as reported that year.

From 2022, the market volume began to grow, reaching 14 178 t in 2023, its highest point in the period. This increase was supported by a significant rise in imports, which jumped from 23 t in 2022 to 312 t in 2023. The expansion was also fueled by the ongoing entry of new companies and the development of processing lines for hazelnuts and dried fruits, particularly in northern Iran and Qazvin. Concurrently, a shift in consumer behavior towards healthier and organic products, including processed hazelnuts, bolstered domestic demand.

Production hazelnuts in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Iran ranked as the 8th largest producer of hazelnuts from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Iran produced 14 073 tons of hazelnuts, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 0.8%, while the largest rise was in 2018, with a 9.0% increase.

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

Exports hazelnuts from Iran

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their peak in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, with a 2.2-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Iran exported 140.0 tons of hazelnuts, representing a sharp increase of 108.7% compared to 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 67.1 tons, and the largest decline that year was 35.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan and Iraq together accounted for 86.8% of Iran's total hazelnut exports by volume, with the remaining exports distributed across various other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export values varied significantly, with a 4.3-fold difference from the high in 2017 to the low in 2019. In 2020, Iran's hazelnut exports amounted to 484.3 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 127.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 212.8 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 59.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan, Iraq, and India were the top buyers of Iranian hazelnuts in value terms, accounting for 40.8%, 38.9%, and 15.0% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries captured 94.7% of Iran's total hazelnut export value during this period.

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

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

Imports hazelnuts to Iran

According to industry studies, Iran did not import any hazelnuts from 2017 to 2020.