Hazelnuts — small, round, and packed with rich, earthy flavor — are among the world’s most prized nuts. Used in chocolates, pastries, spreads, and gourmet recipes, hazelnuts have grown into a highly traded commodity on the international stage. While Turkey leads the world in hazelnut production, the demand for these nuts has spread far and wide, especially in countries where confectionery and bakery industries thrive.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail which country stands as the largest importer of hazelnuts in the world, what drives this demand, how the global hazelnut trade works, and what trends are shaping the future of this growing market.
A Quick Look at Global Hazelnut Trade
Before we dive into the top importer, it’s helpful to understand the structure of the global hazelnut market.
Hazelnuts are primarily grown in a few select countries, with Turkey being the dominant producer, responsible for around 58–61% of the world’s hazelnut supply. Other notable producers include Italy, the United States (Oregon), Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
These nuts are highly valued for their use in chocolate spreads (like Nutella), confectionery products, baked goods, and increasingly in plant-based dairy substitutes like hazelnut milk.
The majority of hazelnuts are exported in two forms:
- In-shell hazelnuts
- Shelled hazelnuts (kernels)
Now, let’s explore which countries are importing these valuable nuts in the largest quantities.
Which Country Imports the Most Hazelnuts?
Germany: The Largest Hazelnut Importer by Value
As of the latest global trade data, Germany ranks as the largest hazelnut importer in the world by value. In recent years, Germany has consistently imported hazelnuts worth over US $500 million annually.
In 2023:
- Germany imported hazelnuts valued at approximately US $526 million.
- This accounted for around 28% of the world’s total hazelnut import value.
This is not surprising given that Germany is home to some of the world’s largest chocolate and confectionery companies, including Ferrero, Ritter Sport, and Lindt & Sprüngli. These companies require massive quantities of hazelnuts for products like hazelnut-filled chocolates, pralines, and spreads.
Top Hazelnut Importers by Value (2023)
| Rank | Country | Import Value (USD Million) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 526.2 |
| 2 | Italy | 378.0 |
| 3 | France | 153.5 |
| 4 | Canada | 123.6 |
| 5 | Vietnam | 88.0 |
Italy: The Top Importer by Volume
While Germany leads by value, Italy is the largest importer of hazelnuts by volume.
In 2024:
- Italy imported around 22,000 metric tons of hazelnuts, accounting for 36% of the total global import volume.
This makes sense given Italy’s own culinary traditions. Italian desserts like gianduja (hazelnut chocolate), torrone (nougat), and various pastries heavily feature hazelnuts. Even though Italy is also one of the world’s top hazelnut producers, its booming domestic confectionery industry requires additional imports to meet demand, especially during peak seasons.
Emerging Hazelnut Markets: Focus on Asia
In recent years, Asian countries have rapidly increased their demand for hazelnuts.
- Vietnam is the largest hazelnut importer in Asia, bringing in around 19,000 metric tons in 2024.
- China and Thailand follow, reflecting a growing consumer market for nuts and nut-based snacks.
Hazelnuts are increasingly being used in Asia for:
- Health foods
- Gourmet chocolate products
- Nut milks
- Trail mixes
- Western-style bakeries
This surge in demand is fueled by rising disposable incomes, health-conscious eating habits, and the influence of global food trends in the region.
Why Is Germany the Largest Importer by Value?
Several factors explain why Germany leads the world in hazelnut imports by value:
Major Confectionery Industry
Germany is home to world-renowned chocolate and confectionery brands like Ferrero (manufacturer of Nutella, Ferrero Rocher), Ritter Sport, and Haribo. These companies require massive and steady hazelnut supplies.
Re-exporting Processed Goods
A significant portion of imported hazelnuts are processed into high-end chocolate products and other confectioneries in Germany and then exported worldwide, adding value and boosting the country’s confectionery exports.
High-Quality Premium Products
Germany also imports higher-quality, more expensive hazelnut varieties for premium product ranges, which increases the overall value of their imports.
Hazelnut Import Prices: Who Pays the Most?
In 2024, the average global hazelnut import price was around US $3,575 per ton.
Interestingly:
- Vietnam paid one of the highest average prices, around US $4,664 per ton, likely due to its growing premium snack and confectionery markets.
- Thailand imported hazelnuts at a lower price of US $2,042 per ton.
- Brazil imported smaller quantities but at premium prices exceeding US $8,730 per ton for niche gourmet and luxury markets.
The Role of Turkey: The World’s Hazelnut Supplier
Turkey is the undisputed king of hazelnut production, supplying nearly 70% of the world’s hazelnut exports.
In the 2023–24 marketing year:
- Turkey exported over 303,000 metric tons of hazelnuts.
- Export earnings reached US $2.35 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
The majority of Turkish hazelnuts are shipped to:
- Germany
- Italy
- France
- China
- Vietnam
Turkey’s dominance ensures that fluctuations in its harvest have a significant impact on global prices and availability.
Future Outlook: Where Is the Hazelnut Market Headed?
The global hazelnut market is expected to experience steady growth over the next decade, driven by:
- Rising demand for plant-based and health foods
- Expansion of gourmet and artisanal confectionery markets
- Growth of premium nut-based dairy substitutes
Emerging producers like Chile, Georgia, and the United States (Oregon) are investing in hazelnut plantations to diversify global supply and reduce dependence on Turkish harvests, which are often affected by climate variability.
On the demand side:
- Asian markets (Vietnam, China, Thailand) are expected to continue increasing their imports.
- European demand will remain strong but relatively stable.
- North America is predicted to show moderate, consistent growth, particularly in the health-food and vegan product sectors.
Conclusion
To sum it up:
- Germany is the largest hazelnut importer in the world by value, spending over US $526 million annually on imports.
- Italy leads in import volume, bringing in over 22,000 metric tons in 2024.
- Vietnam is rapidly emerging as Asia’s top hazelnut importer, reflecting changing dietary preferences and growing confectionery industries.
With global interest in plant-based, health-conscious, and gourmet foods rising, the hazelnut market is poised for steady growth in the coming years — and Germany looks set to hold its place at the top of the import charts for now.
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