Türkiye's state-run Turkish Grain Board (TMO) has announced official hazelnut purchase prices for the 2025–2026 season at US$4.93 per kilogram for Giresun quality and US$4.81 for Levant quality, marking year-on-year increases of 51.5% and 50%, respectively.
According to Turkiyetoday, the price increases are expected to impact global chocolate manufacturers, including Italy's Ferrero, which sources about 25% of Türkiye's annual output and uses hazelnuts as a key ingredient in chocolate production.
The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry stated that the announced rates are based on a 50% sound kernel yield. TMO will also pay premiums for higher-quality harvests, US$0.10 per kilogram for Giresun quality and US$0.096 for Levant quality, for each percentage point above the 50% kernel yield threshold. The pricing framework aims to support producers with storage and financing needs while addressing potential marketing challenges under unstable supply conditions.
A spring frost in April caused extensive damage to orchards across Türkiye's Black Sea region, with production now estimated at under 400,000 tons, compared to the usual 700,000–800,000 tons. This reduced output has driven free-market prices to nearly US$4.43 per kilogram, while forward contracts have already surpassed US$4.93.
Industry analysts have indicated that domestic prices could climb to US$7.39 per kilogram, with international prices potentially reaching US$10 per kilogram, similar to levels seen during a supply shortfall in 2014.
Despite the production decline, Türkiye exported almost 143,000 tons of hazelnuts in the first half of 2025, generating close to US$1.2 billion in revenue. Exporters, however, expect a weaker second half of the year unless supply stabilizes and price volatility is reduced.
Source: East Fruit
