Hazelnut Sourcing from Türkiye: A Complete Overview
Türkiye accounts for the majority of the world’s hazelnut production, supplying global confectionery brands, ingredient processors, importers and industrial buyers. This guide explains the structure of the Turkish hazelnut sector, sourcing regions, cultivars, procurement models, seasonal dynamics and export standards to help buyers optimize their supply programs.
1. Türkiye’s global leadership in hazelnut production
Türkiye consistently produces between 60–70% of global hazelnut supply, making it the strategic hub for international hazelnut procurement. The Black Sea region offers ideal growing conditions due to its climate, soil structure and long-standing agricultural tradition.
- Vast experience in cultivation and processing
- Large exporter base serving over 100 countries
- Strong governmental and industry oversight
- Broad availability of formats: in-shell, kernels, roasted, paste, oil and meal
2. Key hazelnut-growing regions in Türkiye
Hazelnut production is concentrated along the Black Sea coastline, but quality and size characteristics vary by sub-region.
Primary sourcing regions
- Ordu & Giresun: famous for the premium Tombul variety, smooth flavor and high oil content
- Samsun & Sinop: balanced flavor profile with stable kernel yields
- Trabzon & Rize: consistent supply with high output volumes
- Düzce & Sakarya: western areas contributing significant industrial supply
Multinational confectionery brands often prefer Giresun-origin kernels for their superior sensory profile, while industrial processors may select other origins for cost-efficiency and functional performance.
3. Leading cultivars used in sourcing programs
Main Turkish hazelnut varieties
- Tombul: premium flavor, high oil content, ideal for chocolate and praline
- Foşa: widely used industrial cultivar with stable yields
- Çakıldak: firm structure, good roasting behavior, preferred in bakery and snacking
Most export programs rely on blended origins unless the buyer specifies a single-cultivar, single-origin purchase contract.
4. Seasonal dynamics & harvesting cycle
Understanding Türkiye’s seasonal supply cycle is essential for procurement planning.
Key seasonal milestones
- August–September: Harvesting and initial sun-drying
- September–October: Cracking, sorting, calibrating, export preparation
- October–April: Main export season
- May–July: Old crop period, reduced availability and higher pricing
Prices vary significantly during the season, influenced by crop expectations, domestic demand, global inventories and international tender schedules.
5. Procurement models used by industrial buyers
Most common sourcing structures
- Spot purchases: flexible but exposed to seasonal price volatility
- Forward contracts: fixed volume and pricing for stability
- Annual supply programs: structured deliveries with defined tolerances and specs
- Multi-origin diversification: used by larger buyers to reduce risk
Buyers typically define key industrial parameters such as caliber, roast suitability, defect tolerances, and packaging preferences at the contracting stage.
6. Export documentation & compliance
Export-ready shipments from Türkiye follow strict documentation and compliance processes.
Standard export documents include:
- Commercial invoice & packing list
- Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Health certificate for food exports
- Aflatoxin test report (on request)
- SGS or third-party inspection reports (optional)
Türkiye maintains robust quality monitoring systems, helping importers meet EU, US, MENA and Asian regulatory requirements.
7. Pricing logic: what drives Turkish hazelnut prices?
Price formation in the Turkish hazelnut sector is influenced by several interconnected factors.
- Annual crop size & climatic impact
- Domestic purchase programs and government interventions
- Global demand from confectionery & ingredient markets
- Currency fluctuations (TRY/USD/EUR)
- Quality category (Giresun vs Levant origin)
Industrial buyers often track market trends monthly to align procurement timing with budget goals.
8. Choosing the right supplier in Türkiye
Key selection criteria
- Certification status (e.g., BRC/GFSI schemes)
- Capacity and process technology (cracking, sorting, roasting)
- Technical documentation and traceability systems
- Ability to supply consistent industrial specifications
- Experience with long-term export programs
Working with established and reputable processors ensures quality stability and reduces operational risk for large-scale buyers.
Interested in sourcing hazelnuts from Türkiye?
Share your specifications and annual volume. We will prepare a tailored sourcing proposal from the Black Sea region.