The 2025 hazelnut harvest faces a unique situation: Despite stable harvest volumes worldwide, there are increasing shortages of high-quality produce. The German company 1001Frucht, which specializes in trading premium nuts and dried fruits, is observing a significant shift in the market. "We are seeing a growing discrepancy between the quantity available and the premium quality that can actually be marketed," reports Mohamad Ali Morady, owner of the family-run traditional company 1001Frucht.
"Excessive residual moisture, improper storage, and pest infestation mean that many loads no longer meet the requirements of processing companies or retailers. This, in turn, leads to a decline in the proportion of marketable A-grade goods, while demand for high-quality hazelnuts remains high," outlines Morady.
The raw material prices for hazelnuts have remained stable overall compared to the same period last year. Fluctuations occur in particular around harvest time, when new crops become available and market prices can change at short notice depending on quality, yield, and global demand.
Stricter quality criteria
1001Frucht has been sourcing and marketing nuts and dried fruits for 30 years. Both private and B2B customers are served via online retail. According to the company, it responded to these developments at an early stage. The long-established Regensburg-based company works closely with selected producers in Turkey and Italy, carries out regular on-site analyses, and has loads additionally tested in independent laboratories. "We have tightened our internal quality criteria once again and now only rely on goods that meet our high standards," says Morady.
Hazelnuts with skin (left) and without (right)
Price increases expected for A-grade goods
The price trend for premium hazelnuts is currently difficult to predict. Although raw material prices in Turkey and Italy are still stable, increasing quality problems could lead to shortages in the coming months, with corresponding price increases for A-grade goods. 1001Frucht emphasizes that it is committed to fair and transparent pricing despite these challenges. Morady: "In addition to Turkey and Italy, Georgia also plays an important role for us as a source of premium hazelnuts. We are generally observing that new growing areas are developing in smaller markets such as Azerbaijan and Spain, but these are not yet relevant on a large scale for the premium quality in which we specialize."
The main customers for hazelnuts include both end consumers and bakeries, according to the management of 1001 Frucht. "We mainly offer hazelnuts without shells – both with skin (natural) and blanched (without skin). Blanched hazelnuts are currently in high demand. Overall, we offer a wide range of hazelnut products from which our customers can choose according to their needs."
The Morady family has been trading in nuts and dried fruit for 30 years.
Sustainable trade as a central guiding principle
According to the company, sustainable trade is only possible if both producers and consumers benefit in the long term. This is reflected not only in the selection of suppliers, but also in communication with customers, he concludes.
For more information:
Ramin Morady
1001 FRUCHT
Wernberger Str. 4a
93057 Regensburg
Phone: +49 941/463 738 23
[email protected]
https://www.1001frucht.de