In-shell hazelnuts market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Italian in-shell hazelnut market volume fluctuated sharply, starting at 134.6 thousand tons in 2018. Adverse weather and invasive pests reduced yields despite area expansion, cutting the market to 102.7 thousand tons in 2019. A strong recovery to 146.9 thousand tons followed in 2020 as producers intensified cultivation in key regions and adopted drip irrigation to boost productivity.

The market dropped again to 95.7 thousand tons in 2021 due to severe phytosanitary issues, including the Asian bug and Popillia japonica, which damaged crops. Planted area continued to grow, helping volume rebound to 108.7 thousand tons in 2022. Further gains came in 2023, with the market reaching 118.4 thousand tons as advanced irrigation technology cut empty shell losses by 20‑25%.

Regulatory and policy measures also influenced the sector. The Nut Fund, launched in 2021, provided €10 million for research and promotion of Italian varieties. IGP certifications like Hazelnut of Piedmont added value, while 2023 brought environmental labeling rules for packaging. These developments shaped market structure and quality orientation over the period.

Production in-shell hazelnuts in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy maintained the second-highest global position in terms of in-shell hazelnut production volume.

Top producers of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Italy produced 140.6 K t of in-shell hazelnuts, marking a 42.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 7.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 98.5 K t, which represented a significant decline of 25.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Italy's in-shell hazelnut production value rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 622.3 M $ US, showing a substantial 55.1% improvement from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 20.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 401.3 M $ US, which saw a decline of 16.2%.

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

Exports in-shell hazelnuts from Italy

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 306 t and peaked in 2020 at 845 t, representing a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy exported 845 t of in-shell hazelnuts, a sharp increase of 176.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 57.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (18.2% of exports in kind), the United Kingdom (17.4% of exports in kind), and the Netherlands (13.0% of exports in kind) were significant buyers of Italian in-shell hazelnuts. However, their combined share accounted for only 48.6% of total exports in kind, with the remaining 51.4% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export values hit a low in 2019 at 1 245 K $ US and peaked in 2020 at 3 740 K $ US, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy's in-shell hazelnut exports were valued at 3 740 K $ US, a substantial increase of 200.5% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 51.8%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. The United Kingdom (18.1% of exports in value terms), Germany (15.9% of exports in value terms), and Norway (13.2% of exports in value terms) together accounted for just 47.2% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports in-shell hazelnuts to Italy

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 598 t and peaked in 2020 at 7 141 t, showing a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy imported 7 141 t of in-shell hazelnuts, a 59.2% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 13.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 72.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland (29.9% of imports in kind), France (19.2% of imports in kind), and Georgia (16.0% of imports in kind) were the main suppliers of in-shell hazelnuts to Italy, together comprising 65.1% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Italy's in-shell hazelnut import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 7 945 K $ US, showing a sudden increase of 64.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 114.3%, equating to an average annual rate of 28.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 945 K $ US, which saw a decline of 16.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (22.5% of imports in value terms), Poland (20.1% of imports in value terms), and Georgia (17.3% of imports in value terms) remained the principal suppliers of in-shell hazelnuts to Italy, jointly accounting for 60.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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