Turkish Hazelnut Export to South America: Importer's Guide for Brazil & Argentina

Turkey produces approximately 70-75% of the world's hazelnut supply. Harvested from the Black Sea coast — particularly Giresun, Ordu and Trabzon provinces — Turkish hazelnuts are the preferred ingredient of Ferrero (Nutella), Lindt, and the world's leading chocolate manufacturers. South America's booming chocolate and confectionery sector is becoming an increasingly important export market for Turkish hazelnuts.

Why Turkish Hazelnuts?

• 70-75% of global supply from Turkey — reliable, stable sourcing
• Ordu and Giresun hazelnuts: world-class quality benchmark
• Preferred by Ferrero, Lindt, Godiva and all major chocolate brands
• Competitive pricing vs. Italian or Spanish-origin hazelnuts
• Aflatoxin-controlled, FDA and EU food safety compliant

The Hazelnut Market in South America

Brazil is Latin America's largest chocolate market, with over 500 chocolate manufacturers. Argentina, Chile and Colombia are also experiencing rapid growth in confectionery. Most currently source hazelnuts through European intermediaries — direct procurement from Turkey offers a 15-30% cost advantage.

Brazil: Latin America's Chocolate Giant

Ferrero operates a factory in Brazil, and local producers are increasingly moving into Nutella-style hazelnut spreads. Direct sourcing from Turkish suppliers eliminates European middlemen and significantly reduces landed cost.

Argentina & Chile: Early-Mover Opportunity

Premium chocolate and artisanal confectionery are growing fast in Argentina. Demand for Turkish hazelnuts is rising but the direct supply chain is immature — making this an early-mover advantage for Argentine and Chilean importers who source directly from Turkey today.

Export Quality Grades

• Hazelnut kernel: shelled, hand-selected, uniform size
• Size grades: 11-13 mm, 13-15 mm (confectionery grade)
• Moisture content: maximum 6%
• Aflatoxin: EU standard 10 ppb total limit
• SGS or Intertek certified lab analysis available on request

Export Documentation & Customs

• Phytosanitary certificate (Turkish Ministry of Agriculture)
• Certificate of origin (Chamber of Commerce)
• Food analysis report (aflatoxin, heavy metals, pesticides)
• Halal certificate (on request)
• MAPA-compliant documentation available for Brazil
• SENASA-compliant documentation available for Argentina

Minimum Order & Shipping to South America

We ship from 500 kg via LCL to South America. For 10 tons and above, FCL offers the most competitive freight. Transit time from Turkey to Santos (Brazil) or Buenos Aires is typically 25-35 days.

The Direct-Source Advantage

Most Latin American importers buy Turkish hazelnuts through European distributors in Germany, the Netherlands or Italy — paying an extra 15-30% margin. Working directly with a Turkey-based exporter eliminates those steps: same product, same origin, at origin price.