Sakarya hazelnut producers export processed goods to the US

Hazelnut producers in Paralı village, located in the Karasu district of Sakarya, have established the Rural Development Cooperative to process their crops locally rather than selling raw hazelnuts to traders. Supported by the Eastern Marmara Development Agency, the cooperative has implemented cracking and roasting facilities.

Through a five-year planning process, the initiative has developed a product range of 20 different items. These products are sold in local supermarket chains across Sakarya, Kocaeli, and Düzce. Additionally, products branded as ‘Sakarya Chocolate’ have been exported to the United States.

The project has provided both seasonal and permanent employment opportunities for local women. With an annual hazelnut production capacity of 1,000 tons, the cooperative aims to ensure that the added value of the processed goods remains directly with the producers.