Hazelnuts in Global Trade: Everything You Need To Know

We all relish hazelnuts dipped in chocolate and blended into creamy spreads. They are one of the most valued tree nuts in the world, popular for their rich, nutty flavor and high oil content. Also known as cobnuts or filberts, these edible nuts come from the hazel tree. Given the historical facts, hazelnuts were an integral part of ancient diets and were even used in traditional medicine. In fact, they were considered one of the five sacred fruits in ancient China. Corylus avellana is the scientific name for the common hazelnut, and it is named after the Italian city of Avellana (a historic center of hazelnut cultivation). Did you know that nearly three-quarters of the world's hazelnuts come from Turkey? Yes, both Turkey and Italy are major global hubs for hazelnut production and exports.

Hazelnuts are also quite versatile. From roasted hazelnuts used in snacks to hazelnut cocoa spreads and premium confectionery, they serve both the food and beverage industries as well as cosmetics and health products.  Today, hazelnuts hold significant importance in global trade, with demand increasing in Europe, North America, and Asia.  Exporters and suppliers have a golden opportunity to connect with hazelnut buyers, roasted hazelnuts buyers, and raw hazelnuts importers worldwide.

What Are the Commonly Traded Types of Hazelnuts in Global Markets?

When we talk about hazelnuts in global trade, not all varieties are the same. Global buyers prefer specific types and grades based on their end use. For exporters, understanding these differences is key to connecting with the right hazelnut buyers and meeting their specific requirements. Hazelnuts can be classified both by varieties and commercial forms. In terms of commercial forms commonly traded and consumed globally, hazelnuts include raw hazelnuts (shelled and in-shell), roasted hazelnuts, blanched hazelnuts, organic hazelnuts, broken or chopped hazelnuts, caramelized or flavored hazelnuts, hazelnut paste, hazelnut oil, hazelnut meal or flour, and other byproducts.

Besides these forms, there are distinct varieties or cultivars of hazelnuts that every exporter should be familiar with to maximize market opportunities. Here are the key varieties you need to know.

Apart from these varieties, you should know that exporting hazelnuts alone may not be as profitable as it could be. By expanding your product range, you can attract more buyers, increase your exports, and create more opportunities for your business to grow. Here are some related products you can consider adding to your portfolio.

• Common nuts types such as walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts or groundnuts, and pistachios
• Exotic nut varieties, including Brazil nuts, cacao nuts, ginkgo nuts, macadamia nuts, palm nuts, paradise nuts, pine nuts, chestnuts
• Dry fruits like dates, raisins, dried apricots, and figs
• Assortment of mixed dry fruits & nuts

A Look into Global Hazelnuts Market Trends: Key Insights for Export Import

When exporting hazelnuts, many questions may come to your mind. For example, where is the demand for hazelnuts the highest? What is the current size of the hazelnut market? And what preferences do hazelnut buyers have? To answer all these questions, here are the key market insights you should keep in mind when making important business decisions.

Hazelnut Global Market Size Data:

Source: Grand View Research

Top Hazelnut Importers Worldwide:

Source: Volza

Global Raw Hazelnut Price Trends:

Recently, the average raw hazelnut price ranges from $3.38 USD per kg to $8.26 USD per kg. However, it can vary based on factors such as quality, variety, origin, processing (shelled or in-shell), and seasonal supply fluctuations. Here are the raw hazelnut price trends over the past few years from 2022 to 2024.

Source: Tridge

What Hazelnut Buyers Prefer:

Here is what hazelnut buyers look for when sourcing:

1. Moisture =6% for shelled and =9% for in-shell to prevent mold and aflatoxin.
2. Size-sorted, defect-free kernels.
3. Packing in vacuum or nitrogen-flushed high-barrier bags with food-grade liners.
4. Storage in cool, dry conditions (0–5°C for in-shell, frozen or <5°C for shelled).
5. Provision of phytosanitary certificates and fumigation/heat-treatment records.
6. Pre-shipment quality tests for moisture, oil rancidity (FFA), aflatoxin/pesticide residues, microbial contamination, and kernel integrity %.

How to Find Verified Hazelnuts Buyers Near Me Or Globally?

We know that finding genuine hazelnut buyers and importers might feel overwhelming at first. But there are some practical methods that actually work. Here's how you can connect with your potential buyers.

• There are online B2B platforms like go4WorldBusiness, where you can access a list of verified hazelnut buyers. 
• You can simply search online using keywords like "hazelnuts buyers near me" or "raw hazelnuts importers worldwide." This will show relevant results on your screen.
• You can also participate in trade fairs like Gulfood, Anuga, or the World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress. These events invite importers from across the globe, giving you the opportunity to meet your potential buyers in person.
• Even working with national export councils, nut boards, and food industry associations can help. These organizations often maintain verified databases of hazelnut importers and buyers. So, you can reach out to them. 
• Do you know that many hazelnut importers and distributors actively post on social media channels like LinkedIn? You can connect with them or even join trade groups to directly engage with your potential trading partners.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which countries are major hazelnut importers?

Italy, Germany and the United States are the major hazelnut importers worldwide. 

2. What country provides 75% of hazelnuts?

It may come to you as a surprise but Turkey supplies 75% of hazelnuts to the world.

3. Why are hazelnuts costly?

Hazelnuts are costly because they are labor-intensive, and also, the supply is concentrated in specific regions. Moreover, weather fluctuations in Turkey also impact the global hazelnut price. 

4. What is the shelf life of hazelnuts?

If you store properly, in-shell hazelnuts can last up to 12 months, while shelled varieties can go up to 6 to 9 months.

5. What are the main drivers of hazelnut demand?

Rising demand for hazelnut cocoa spread, premium chocolates, and healthy snacks is a major factor behind the growing demand for hazelnuts.

6. What is the hazelnuts HSN code?

The hazelnuts HSN code is 080222 for shelled hazelnuts and 080221 for in-shell hazelnuts.

7. What are the main types of hazelnuts exported?

Raw hazelnuts, roasted hazelnuts, blanched hazelnuts, and processed products (like hazelnut paste, powder, and oil) are the most exported types. 

Latest News Related to Hazelnuts Global Trade:

Oregon’s hazelnut industry stays stable even as major packers consolidate, keeping growers and exporters focused on quality and market opportunities. (Full Story: Capital Press)