Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw (in-shell or shelled kernel)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Raw hazelnut (European hazelnut, Corylus avellana) is an expanding orchard crop in Chile’s central-southern regions and is primarily oriented to export markets and industrial buyers. Sector growth is supported by planted-area expansion reported in Chile’s fruit crop registry (Catastro Frutícola) and by development of local cleaning/drying and kernel-processing capacity. The export pathway is shaped by importing-market SPS requirements and, for some destinations (e.g., China), product-specific protocols administered through Chile’s phytosanitary authority (SAG). Harvest is seasonal, and post-harvest drying and clean storage are central to quality and food-safety performance.
Market RoleProducer and exporter (export-oriented Southern Hemisphere supplier)
Domestic RolePrimarily an export and industrial supply crop; domestic consumption is secondary
Market GrowthGrowing (medium-term (2010s–2020s))rapid planted-area expansion reported in Chile’s fruit-crop registry (Catastro Frutícola)
SeasonalityHarvest and nut drop occur in late summer through autumn; post-harvest cleaning, drying, and storage follow immediately to protect quality.
Specification
Primary VarietyTonda di Giffoni
Physical Attributes- Low foreign matter and cleanliness expectations for export lots
- Kernel integrity and defect control (insect damage, moldy/empty nuts) influence buyer acceptance
- Moisture management is critical to prevent mold development during storage and transit
Packaging- Export lots typically packed in food-grade bags or cartons suitable for dry goods
- Wood packaging materials used for export shipments should comply with ISPM 15 requirements where applicable
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest (nut drop) → field collection (manual or mechanized) → cleaning → drying → grading
- Optional: shelling/cracking → kernel sorting → packing
- Dry storage → containerization → sea export → importer/industrial processing
Temperature- Quality depends more on drying and keeping product cool/dry than on cold-chain refrigeration
- Avoid warm, humid storage conditions that increase mold/mycotoxin risk
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is sensitive to residual moisture, humidity exposure, and pest contamination during storage and shipping
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with destination SPS requirements—especially market-specific protocols such as China’s protocol for Chilean shelled hazelnuts—can lead to shipment delay, rejection, or suspension of the export program.Map the destination’s protocol requirements to orchard/processor controls (pest monitoring, sanitation, lot segregation, documentation) and run pre-shipment compliance checks against the buyer/importer checklist and SAG certification steps.
Climate HighDrought, heat extremes, and water restrictions in producing regions can reduce yields and compromise kernel fill and quality, creating supply volatility for export programs.Prioritize irrigation efficiency and water-risk screening in supplier selection; diversify sourcing across Chilean producing regions and maintain contingency supply planning for dry years.
Food Safety MediumInadequate drying or humid storage can increase mold and potential mycotoxin risk, while pesticide-residue non-compliance can trigger buyer or border holds in sensitive markets.Use validated drying targets and humidity-controlled storage; implement routine residue and quality testing aligned to the destination market’s limits and buyer specs.
Logistics MediumLong-haul sea freight disruptions or container delays can increase humidity exposure risk and raise landed costs, affecting contract performance and quality outcomes for bulk shipments from Chile.Specify moisture-protective packaging and desiccant use where appropriate, use reliable carriers, and build schedule buffers for peak export periods.
Sustainability- Water availability and drought/heat stress risk in central-southern Chile affecting orchard performance and yield stability
- Wildfire and smoke/ash disruption risk in producing regions during severe fire seasons
Labor & Social- Seasonal agricultural labor management and subcontracting due diligence (working hours, wage compliance, safety) in harvest and processing periods
- No widely documented, product-specific forced-labor controversy is identified here for Chilean hazelnuts; standard agricultural labor due diligence still applies
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. (farm-level good agricultural practices, buyer-dependent)
- HACCP (processing/packing food-safety management)
- BRCGS or FSSC 22000 (processor certification, buyer-dependent)
FAQ
¿En qué meses se cosecha normalmente el avellano europeo en Chile?En Chile, la cosecha de avellano europeo se realiza típicamente entre febrero y mayo, con variaciones según zona y manejo. La cosecha se hace desde el suelo (manual o mecanizada) y luego se limpia, seca y puede descascararse y calibrarse.
¿Qué documento fitosanitario suele requerirse para exportar avellanas desde Chile?Cuando el país de destino lo exige, el envío debe ir amparado por un Certificado Fitosanitario emitido por el Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG). La solicitud puede gestionarse a través de los sistemas y procedimientos de exportación del SAG (incluido el sistema Multipuerto, según corresponda).
¿Existe un protocolo específico para exportar avellanas chilenas sin cáscara a China?Sí. El SAG publica un “Protocolo para la exportación de avellanas sin cáscara a China” (vigente desde el 18 de diciembre de 2018), que establece requisitos fitosanitarios y condiciones de cumplimiento para esa ruta.