Turkish authorities have adjusted their hazelnut production estimate for the 2025/26 season. Following adverse weather conditions in April, the Black Sea Exporters' Association (KiB) released a new forecast, estimating a crop size of 609,400 tons. This includes 370,400 tons from eastern Black Sea regions and just under 240,000 tons from western areas.
The revised estimate marks a 20% reduction from earlier projections and a 22% decrease from the previous year's output. Expana reports varied industry reactions, with some traders skeptical of the KiB's numbers. "Based on our own count, we do not expect the Turkish hazelnut production to exceed 600,000 tons. The KiB projection does not take into account shrink damage, some nuts will not be usable," a trader noted.
Market dynamics have also shifted, with local hazelnut in-shell prices dropping from TRY 215/kg to below TRY 200/kg ($7.50 to $6.95/kg), attributed to weak demand prior to the INC congress in Mallorca.
Source: Mintec/Expana