Shelled hazelnuts market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The shelled hazelnut market in Southern Europe showed significant volume changes from 2018 to 2023. After stable levels near 95 000 t, consumption jumped to 116 054 t in 2020 before dropping sharply to 75 141 t the following year. The market then recovered to around 106 000 t in 2022 and 2023.

The rebound in 2022 was largely due to global supply constraints. Severe weather and pest issues in Turkey, the world's leading producer, drastically cut its output, raising international prices and making hazelnuts from other origins more competitive. This shift supported Southern European production, which had been undergoing intensification and efficiency improvements since at least 2018.

Underlying demand remained firm, driven by health-conscious consumers increasingly choosing hazelnuts as a nutritious snack. The launch of new product varieties, such as hazelnut creams and healthy snacks, together with a growing focus on sustainable and ethical production, further stimulated market activity throughout the period.

Production shelled hazelnuts in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of shelled hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled hazelnuts, 2017-2020

Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts production volume increased after two years of decline. In 2020, the region produced 72 293 tonnes, marking a significant 36.3% rise from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 53 035 tonnes, when output fell by 22.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts production value rebounded after a two-year drop. In 2020, the output was valued at 630.1 million US dollars, representing a substantial 54.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value rose by 5.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The minimum value occurred in 2019 at 407.2 million US dollars, with a decline of 30.8% that year.

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

Exports shelled hazelnuts from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 26 857 tonnes, down 2.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%. The peak was in 2018 at 31 065 tonnes, which saw a 4.5% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Poland were the top destinations for Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 49.7% of exports, France for 18.7%, and Poland for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 77.7% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

In 2020, Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts export value reached 234.1 million US dollars, showing a strong 10.2% increase from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 9.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 212.3 million US dollars, when exports dropped by 20.4%. The highest value was in 2018 at 266.6 million US dollars.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Poland consistently led as the main destinations for Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts exports in value terms. Germany held 49.7% of export value, France 19.8%, and Poland 9.9%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 79.3% of total export flows.

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 shelled hazelnuts to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 70 619 tonnes, up 1.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 41.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Chile dominated Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts imports in volume terms, together accounting for 80.7% of total imports. This indicates a highly concentrated market, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

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, M $ US

Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts import value rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 526.9 million US dollars, a 16.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 41.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.2%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 357.2 million US dollars, when imports fell by 4.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 26.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Chile were the primary sources for Southern Europe's shelled hazelnuts imports in value terms, jointly representing 81.9% of total import flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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