Prices for hazelnuts are currently higher than before
In Turkey, a severe cold snap has wreaked havoc on hazelnut crops, causing extensive damage to blossoms and shoots. This unfavourable weather condition has led to a significant decrease in the 2025 crop yields, posing a challenge for the world's primary hazelnut supplier [1][2][3][4].
The government of Turkey has responded by raising the minimum purchase price for a kilogram of hazelnuts by more than 50% year-on-year. Wholesale prices, meanwhile, have risen approximately 34-40% since the start of the year, resulting in a more than one-third increase in hazelnut prices since the beginning of 2025 [1][3][4].
This surge in prices is causing a ripple effect in the global market, affecting companies like Ritter Sport, Seeberger, Lindt & Sprüngli, Zentis, Koelln, and even the snack provider Seeberger from Ulm, which sources hazelnuts from Italy, as they face significantly increased costs [1][3][4][5].
Industry insiders report that surpluses from previous harvests and production in other countries partly offset losses. However, the upward pressure on hazelnut prices is likely to raise costs for chocolate and nut-based product manufacturers worldwide, potentially prompting price adjustments or sourcing strategy changes [1][3][4].
One possible solution being considered by companies is to reduce the hazelnut content in their products due to the high prices [6]. Another estimate suggests that companies may switch to other types of nuts, such as almonds, which are currently more price-attractive [7].
The current harvest of hazelnuts in Turkey is expected to be 36% lower than usual, with a significantly smaller part of the harvest being held back for the Turkish market, and the rest going into export [8]. The agriculture minister, Ibrahim Yumakli, has described the cold snap as one of the worst agricultural frosts in Turkish history [9].
The green hills along the Black Sea coast in Turkey, where hazelnuts are grown and referred to as "green gold," have been particularly affected. Many farmers in these villages, who are not insured against harvest losses, are finding themselves in a precarious position [10].
Despite the current challenges, it's important to note that Turkey remains the main producer of hazelnuts, accounting for around 60% of the world's supply [11]. While no significant further price increases for hazelnut kernels are expected, according to Rainer Luckenhausen, the raw material side remains a significant strain for companies like Ritter Sport [12].
In the face of these challenges, it will be interesting to see how these companies adapt their sourcing strategies and product formulations to navigate the increased costs and ensure a steady supply of their popular chocolate and nut-based products.
Community policies in Turkey might need to address the impact of the severe cold snap on farmers, particularly those in the hazelnut industry, to offer financial assistance or insurance options.
Employment policies could be revised to accommodate seasonal unemployment in the agriculture sector due to the unpredictability of weather conditions affecting crop yields.
Given the rise in hazelnut prices and the potential for price adjustments in the food-and-drink industry, health-and-wellness companies may explore alternative nutritional options in their product formulations, such as those based on environmental-science-approved ingredients or cooking techniques.
As climate-change events continue to impact agricultural industries, it's crucial for companies to incorporate sustainability and resilience strategies in their lifestyle choices and environmental-science research, to reduce their reliance on single-source products and ensure long-term viability.
