In-shell hazelnuts market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The in-shell hazelnuts market in Southern Europe opened the period at 149.8 thousand tonnes in 2018, with Italy contributing significantly as the world's second-largest producer. A drop to 122.7 thousand tonnes followed in 2019, before a sharp rebound to 163.0 thousand tonnes in 2020.

Market volume contracted to 111.6 thousand tonnes in 2021, influenced by low productivity and the abandonment of hazelnut crops in Portugal due to unattractive prices. Growth resumed in 2022, reaching 128.3 thousand tonnes, supported by rising health-conscious demand for natural snacks and Ferrero's research investments into sustainable cultivation. The upward trend continued in 2023, with the market expanding to 140.1 thousand tonnes despite a 17% decline in Spanish production caused by pest pressure and limited availability of plant protection agents, offset by higher import volumes.

Heading into 2024, severe drought and adverse weather conditions were reported to jeopardize hazelnut yields in Spain, while global price volatility – linked to climate-related production shortfalls in Turkey and geopolitical tensions – introduced additional uncertainty for European supply chains.

Production in-shell hazelnuts in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, Southern Europe's in-shell hazelnut production hit its lowest point at 119.4 thousand tonnes, marking a 20.0% decline. However, production rebounded sharply in 2020, reaching 157.7 thousand tonnes—a significant 32.1% increase from the previous year. Over the entire 2017–2020 period, production grew by 6.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

Exports in-shell hazelnuts from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2017, export levels reached their lowest point, while 2018 saw the peak at 2,516 tonnes—a 176.4% increase from the previous year. Exports then declined by 24.4% in 2019, before recovering to 2,392 tonnes in 2020, which was 25.8% higher than in 2019. Overall, export levels fluctuated 2.8 times between the 2017 low and the 2018 high.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Southern Europe's in-shell hazelnut exports were widely dispersed across destinations. Germany accounted for 32.9% of exports in kind, France for 6.4%, and the United Kingdom for 5.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 44.3% of total export flows, with the remaining 55.7% distributed among a broad range of other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2017, export values reached their lowest point, while 2019 saw the peak at 22,185 thousand US dollars—a 192.0% increase from the previous year. In 2020, exports declined to 20,347 thousand US dollars, down 8.3% from 2019. Overall, export values fluctuated 5.6 times between the 2017 low and the 2019 high.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Southern Europe's in-shell hazelnut exports in value terms were supplied to a diverse set of markets. Germany accounted for 37.0% of export value, France for 6.7%, and the United Kingdom for 4.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.7% of total export value, with the remaining 52.3% coming from numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports in-shell hazelnuts to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Southern Europe's in-shell hazelnut imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 3,169 tonnes, marking a 9.7% decline. However, imports surged by 64.8% in 2019 and continued to grow in 2020, reaching 7,732 tonnes—a 48.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports rose by 120.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 30.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, France, and Georgia remained the key sources for Southern Europe's in-shell hazelnut imports in kind. Poland accounted for 25.4% of imports, France for 22.6%, and Georgia for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 61.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Southern Europe's in-shell hazelnut imports in value terms have increased for the second year in a row. In 2018, import values reached their lowest point at 10,135 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.0% decline. However, imports surged by 54.2% in 2019 and continued to grow in 2020, totalling 23,373 thousand US dollars—a sharp 49.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import values rose by 98.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 25.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Poland, and Georgia formed the core group of markets for Southern Europe's in-shell hazelnut imports in value terms. France accounted for 26.5% of import value, Poland for 16.6%, and Georgia for 14.4%. Together, these three countries represented 57.5% of total import flows.

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

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