Turkish hazelnut sector faces economic pressure after harvest

The hazelnut harvest season in Turkey has concluded, marking a transition from collection to processing. Following the completion of drying, many producers are opting to process their crops into shelled hazelnuts, roasted products, or hazelnut paste rather than selling immediately to traders. This trend is particularly noted among expatriates and local consumers seeking value-added products.

However, the sector faces significant economic challenges. While the expected yield is approximately 700,000 tons, production costs have risen by at least 50% compared to last year. Despite these rising expenses, market prices have reportedly declined by 40%, fluctuating between 170 and 200 TL. Producers are struggling with low pricing, often exacerbated by claims of declining product quality.

Structural issues, including the impact of the brown marmorated stink bug and competition from countries like the US, Italy, and Georgia, pose risks to Turkey’s global market dominance. Although the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) has set a base price, market dynamics and specific quality requirements mean many producers still face difficult selling conditions.