Turkey supplies nearly 70% of the world's hazelnuts, and the country is currently experiencing the worst harvest crisis in recent years.
On August 5, the Turkish State Grain Board (TMO) announced the official hazelnut purchase prices for the 2025/2026 crop season: Giresun-grade hazelnuts are priced at 200 Turkish Liras per kilogram (4.93 USD, 35.22 RMB), and Levant-grade hazelnuts are priced at 195 Liras per kilogram, marking increases of 51.5% and 50% respectively compared to the previous crop season.
According to the Turkish Today newspaper, this price surge has caused deep concern among global chocolate manufacturers. For example, the Italian Ferrero Group, whose annual procurement volume accounts for about 25% of Turkey's total hazelnut production, uses hazelnuts as a core ingredient in its products.
Grading and pricing based on kernel yield
According to the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the benchmark for this pricing is a 50% complete kernel rate. If the kernel rate exceeds 50%, the State Grain Board will pay an additional premium: Giresun-grade will increase by 4 Liras per kilogram for every 1% over, and Levant-grade will increase by 3.9 Liras per kilogram.
Frost disaster drives prices to nearly a decade high
A devastating spring frost in April hit the hazelnut orchards along Turkey's Black Sea coast, causing the expected production to drop from the usual 700-800 thousand tons to below 400 thousand tons. The supply shock has driven the hazelnut prices in the free market close to 180 Liras per kilogram, with futures contract prices exceeding 200 Liras per kilogram.
Industry analysts previously warned that domestic hazelnut prices in Turkey could surge to 300 Liras per kilogram, while international prices could soar to 10 USD per kilogram, marking the highest level since the hazelnut shortage crisis in 2014.
Despite the supply shortage, Turkey exported nearly 143 thousand tons of hazelnuts in the first half of 2025, with an export value of about 1.2 billion USD. However, exporters are bracing for impact: if the supply remains unstable and price volatility intensifies, the performance in the second half of the year may decline significantly.
Image source: Eastfruit 2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For reprints, please contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report for permission and credit.