In-shell hazelnuts market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The CIS in-shell hazelnut market demonstrated significant expansion from 2018 to 2023, with production rising from 63 thousand tons to 86 thousand tons and market volume following a similar upward trajectory. This growth was fundamentally driven by the expansion of orchard areas and substantial investments from new market entrants, including both private and state-owned companies establishing large production facilities. Concurrently, a consistent rise in consumer interest in hazelnuts as a healthy and nutritious product stimulated domestic demand, supporting market expansion across the region.

The market faced a temporary contraction in 2020, with production dropping to 60 thousand tons, largely due to disruptions in logistics and supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the period also saw increased demand for hazelnuts within the healthy food segment, which laid the groundwork for recovery. A robust rebound followed in 2021, with production surging past 78 thousand tons. This resurgence was propelled by continued investments in agrotechnology, the introduction of stricter product traceability and labeling rules that improved market transparency, and the further entry of new players who integrated with processors and exporters, enhancing overall market capacity.

Market growth continued through 2022 and 2023, with production reaching 86 thousand tons. This phase was supported by evolving legislation on sanitary norms and packaging, which aligned the market with international standards, and by strengthening control over product quality and origin, bolstering consumer confidence. Furthermore, the development of new product segments like hazelnut pastes and oils, alongside rising demand from the food industry, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, provided additional avenues for market expansion. While global factors such as raw material price volatility introduced challenges, the underlying drivers of investment, regulatory improvement, and diversifying demand sustained the market's upward trend.

Production in-shell hazelnuts in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, in-shell hazelnut production in the CIS declined. In 2020, production reached 60 611 tonnes, marking a moderate decrease of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 64 807 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 11.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of gains, the value of in-shell hazelnut production in the CIS saw a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 249.9 million US dollars, representing a slight decrease of 2.5% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 45.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 13.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 256.3 million US dollars, with the most significant increase occurring in 2018, up by 25.5%.

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

Exports in-shell hazelnuts from CIS

Exports in kind, t

CIS exports of in-shell hazelnuts increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 784 tonnes, showing a sharp rise of 79.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 540.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 85.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy and China held the top positions in the export structure by volume, together accounting for 4.8% 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, K $ US

CIS exports of in-shell hazelnuts in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 233 thousand US dollars, up by 87.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 767.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 105.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Lithuania, and Turkey were the leading destinations for exports in value terms. Italy accounted for 5.9% of exports, while Lithuania and Turkey each contributed 0.7%. Together, these three countries made up 7.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports in-shell hazelnuts to CIS

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed an unstable trend over the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 239 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 1 672 tonnes, representing a seven-fold variation. In 2020, imports reflected an intense gain of 249.5% year-on-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a drop of 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Georgia, Poland, and Turkey accounted for the largest share of imports by volume. Georgia represented 21.9% of imports, Poland 1.0%, and Turkey 0.9%. Combined, these three countries comprised 23.9% of total import 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, K $ US

CIS imports of in-shell hazelnuts in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 5 747 thousand US dollars, reflecting a rise of 258.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 775.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 106.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Georgia, Poland, and Turkey consistently remained the main destinations for imports in value terms. Georgia accounted for 18.4% of imports, Poland for 1.6%, and Turkey for 1.2%. Together, these three countries represented 21.2% of total import flows.

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

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