Market
Raw hazelnut in the United States is a tree-nut orchard crop concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, with Oregon’s Willamette Valley as the core production area. The market supplies domestic nut ingredient demand (e.g., confectionery and bakery manufacturing) and also supports export sales of in-shell and kernel product depending on crop size and global price conditions. Production is typically based on mechanically harvested orchards followed by drying and handler-based cleaning/sorting before further processing or shipment. Plant disease pressure—especially Eastern filbert blight—has materially shaped cultivar choices and orchard management in the main producing region.
Market RoleMajor producer with export activity (and some supplemental imports)
Domestic RoleDomestic supply for nut ingredient users and retail in-shell/kernel demand
SeasonalityHarvest is concentrated in late summer to autumn, while shipments occur year-round from dried, stored inventories.
Risks
Plant Disease HighEastern filbert blight is a major production risk in the core US growing region (Oregon’s Willamette Valley) and can cause severe orchard losses or long-term yield impacts if resistant cultivars and management programs are not in place.Source from growers/handlers with documented Eastern filbert blight management (resistant cultivar adoption where appropriate, scouting, sanitation, and fungicide/IPM protocols aligned with extension guidance).
Food Safety MediumMycotoxin (e.g., aflatoxin) compliance and mold control can be a market-access risk for kernel shipments into strict-destination channels if drying, storage moisture control, and testing programs are inadequate.Implement strict post-harvest drying and moisture monitoring, segregate lots, and run destination-appropriate mycotoxin testing with retain samples before shipment.
Climate MediumHeat, drought, and wildfire-related disruptions in the Pacific Northwest can reduce yields, complicate harvest timing, and impair drying/logistics capacity during the main harvest window.Diversify sourcing across micro-regions/handlers, maintain contingency drying capacity and storage plans, and review grower risk management/insurance coverage.
Logistics MediumWest Coast port congestion, labor disruptions, or container availability issues can delay export shipments and increase delivered cost volatility for overseas buyers.Use forward bookings, consider alternate ports/routings when feasible, and build lead-time buffers into export contracts for peak season.
Sustainability- Orchard pest and disease management can drive fungicide/pesticide scrutiny; buyers may request integrated pest management documentation
- Water availability and drought risk in the Pacific Northwest can affect irrigated orchards and long-term yield stability
- Wildfire smoke and extreme heat events can disrupt harvest/drying operations and elevate quality-loss risk
Labor & Social- Seasonal and hired labor is used for orchard management and processing/handling operations; buyer audits may focus on legal compliance, worker safety, and grievance mechanisms
- Worker safety risks include machinery operation and chemical handling; robust training and PPE programs reduce audit and incident risk
Standards- BRCGS
- SQF
- FSSC 22000
- IFS
- HACCP
FAQ
Where are hazelnuts primarily produced in the United States?US hazelnut production is concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, especially Oregon’s Willamette Valley, with additional production in Washington.
What is the most critical production risk for US hazelnuts?Eastern filbert blight is a major disease risk in the core growing region and can severely damage orchards if resistant cultivars and management programs are not used.
What documents are commonly needed when exporting US raw hazelnuts?Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading; some destinations may also require a certificate of origin and a phytosanitary certificate issued through USDA APHIS processes.