Hazelnut Export from Turkey: Sourcing from the World's Largest Producer

Turkey is the world's largest hazelnut producer, accounting for approximately 70% of global production. Turkish hazelnuts, grown along the Black Sea coast — particularly in Giresun, Ordu, and Trabzon provinces — are renowned for their intense aroma, high fat content, and indispensable role in the chocolate and confectionery industry.

Turkey's Position in the Global Hazelnut Market

Ferrero sources a large proportion of Nutella's raw material from Turkey. Europe's leading chocolate manufacturers and the Middle East's major food companies also prefer Turkish hazelnuts. This gives Turkish hazelnut exporters a strong market advantage.

Hazelnut Kernel Quality Grades

• Giresun Quality: Round, uniform, highest oil content — premium chocolate
• Levant Quality: Oval shape, slightly larger — general industrial use
• Whole: Full kernel, for bakery and decoration
• Chopped: Various size options — bakery and granola
• Roasted: Light, medium, dark roast levels — snack industry

Harvest and Season

Hazelnut harvest in Turkey takes place in August-September. New season hazelnuts enter the market from October. Hazelnut prices are influenced by the TMO (Turkish Grain Board) floor price and can show significant fluctuations throughout the year.

Export Requirements

• Aflatoxin analysis: EU limit total 10 ppb, B1 5 ppb; FDA limits for USA
• Ochratoxin A test: Mandatory for EU standards
• Pesticide residue analysis: MRL compliance
• Phytosanitary certificate: Required for every shipment
• Certificate of origin: EUR.1 for EU customs advantage

End Uses

Turkish hazelnut kernel is widely used in chocolate and praline production, hazelnut spreads (Nutella-type), pastry and cake decoration, muesli and granola, nut butters, and ice cream. It is also used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries for cold-pressed hazelnut oil production.

Wholesale Orders

Minimum order is 500 kg. Annual contract-based supply is available. Since hazelnut prices vary by season and quality, price-fixing options ahead of season are offered to buyers with long-term planning needs.