Shelled hazelnuts market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Italian shelled hazelnut market experienced significant volume fluctuations, growing from 84 thousand tons to over 106 thousand tons. This expansion was partly influenced by a 22% decline in the average import price for hazelnuts within the EU during 2018, which made imported nuts more affordable and likely stimulated market volume. The subsequent surge in 2020 represented a major market expansion.

The market volume contracted sharply to 63.8 thousand tons in 2021. This occurred in a year when shelled hazelnuts became the fastest-growing segment in Italy's fruit and vegetable category, with a 53.2% annual turnover increase. Major processors like Ferrero and Loacker increased their sourcing from Italian growers, encouraging a 21% expansion of agricultural land over a decade, which bolstered domestic supply for future seasons. Despite this growing domestic base and a 14.7% rise in retail sales of hazelnut products, overall market volume dropped, while prices fell by 18–23% annually. The market then rebounded strongly to 94.3 thousand tons in 2022 before stabilizing near 92.6 thousand tons in 2023.

Industry projections for 2024 indicate a slight decrease in Italian hazelnut production, while certified Piemonte IGP hazelnut output fell by 70% due to heat stress during the growing season. This supply tightening, coupled with sales retention by Turkish producers, has driven Italian shelled hazelnut prices to record highs above $18,000 per ton—a 133% increase from the previous season. These conditions, marked by a scarcity of domestic product and losses exceeding 30% of the average production potential, have prompted some market operators to diversify their supply sources towards countries like Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Production shelled hazelnuts in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy maintained its position as the world's second-largest producer of shelled hazelnuts by volume.

Top producers of shelled hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled hazelnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Italy produced 69 934 tonnes of shelled hazelnuts, marking a significant 44.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 48 528 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 23.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of shelled hazelnut production in Italy reached 612.1 million US dollars, representing a sharp 61.9% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 9.5%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 378.1 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 32.8%.

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

Exports shelled hazelnuts from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of shelled hazelnuts declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 25 217 tonnes, a 1.6% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 9.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 29 089 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 4.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 11.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Poland were the primary destinations for Italy's shelled hazelnut exports by volume, accounting for 80.6% of total flows. Germany led with 52.1% of exports, followed by France at 18.8% and Poland at 9.7%.

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, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's shelled hazelnut exports were valued at 220.7 million US dollars, showing a notable 10.6% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 10.5%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 199.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 22.2%. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 256.4 million US dollars.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, France, and Poland formed the core of Italy's shelled hazelnut exports by value, collectively representing 81.8% of total flows. Germany accounted for 51.6% of export value, France for 19.9%, and Poland for 10.3%.

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

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

Imports shelled hazelnuts to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of shelled hazelnuts increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 61 342 tonnes, a slight gain of 2.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 42.5%, with an average annual increase of 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Chile were the dominant sources for Italy's shelled hazelnut imports by volume, jointly accounting for 83.1% of total flows, while the remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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, M $ US

Italy's shelled hazelnut imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 460.0 million US dollars, an 18.2% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 42%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 303.9 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 28.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Chile were the dominant suppliers of shelled hazelnuts to Italy by value, together accounting for 84.8% of total imports, with other destinations each holding relatively small shares.

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

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