Hazelnuts, the fruit of the hazel tree, play an important role in the global market. According to statistics in 2021, Türkiye's hazelnut production accounts for 64% of the world's total production. This is not only because of Turkey's geographical location and suitable climate, but also because of its long cultivation history and mature supply chain system, which makes Turkish hazelnuts dominate the market.
The shell of hazelnut contains various nutrients, and they are used in desserts, chocolate and even catering in a variety of ways.
The cultivation of hazelnuts dates back thousands of years. At an archaeological site in Scotland, scientists discovered many burnt hazelnut shells, indicating that ancient humans had begun to process and eat hazelnuts on a large scale as early as 6000 BC. These hazelnuts were probably collected and processed in groups, which shows their importance in the society at that time.
The production of hazelnuts in Türkiye is mainly concentrated in the Black Sea region, where geographical conditions allow the growth of hazelnuts to flourish. The combination of traditional cultivation techniques and modern agricultural mechanization methods continuously improves the yield and quality of hazelnuts. According to statistics, there are more than 75,000 farmers in Türkiye who focus on hazelnut production, forming a relatively complete industrial chain.
Depending on the favorable geographical environment and strong planting technology, Turkish hazelnuts have advantages in every link from production to market.
Hazelnuts are not only a healthy snack option, they also feature prominently in desserts and chocolate products. Hazelnuts are ubiquitous in baked goods, desserts, breakfast cereals and more. As people pay more attention to healthy eating, the demand for hazelnuts is also increasing. For example, hazelnut oil is a source of high monounsaturated fatty acids and is often used as cooking oil and salad dressing.
Despite Turkey's dominant position in hazelnut production, it still faces practical challenges such as climate change, pests and diseases, and market competition. This requires farmers to continuously innovate their planting techniques and improve yield and quality to meet these challenges. In the future, as the global demand for healthy food increases, the hazelnut market still has potential.
ConclusionThe future of the hazelnut market will depend on producers' efforts in quality and sustainability.
In general, the advantages of Turkish hazelnuts in the global market come from its unique geographical and climatic conditions, as well as mature agricultural technology and supply chain. Hazelnuts, which are both healthy and delicious, not only meet the needs of consumers, but also create new business opportunities. However, what new challenges will this industry face in its future development?