Newsletters
A severe spring frost in Türkiye, the world’s largest hazelnut producer, has caused significant damage to the country's harvest, driving up wholesale prices by approximately 30% since April.
The frost in April — described as the worst in over a decade — has reignited fears over the vulnerability of global food supplies, as Türkiye, which accounts for around 65% of global hazelnut output, holds a near-monopoly in the sector, making any disruption to its harvest ripple across international markets.
According to data compiled by Bloomberg from agricultural intelligence firm Expana, prices are expected to continue climbing in the months ahead, affecting international markets for products that heavily rely on hazelnuts.
The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council noted that although alternative supply exists in countries like Italy, the United States, and Chile, these sources are insufficient to meet global demand if Türkiye falls short.
Italy’s Ferrero — the maker of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher — purchases roughly a quarter of Türkiye’s annual hazelnut production. With hazelnuts making up 13% of Nutella’s ingredients and millions of jars produced each year, the company stands among the most exposed to the ongoing supply squeeze. While Ferrero acknowledged that weather events can affect Turkish production, it expressed confidence in its diversified supply chain, citing alternative sourcing arrangements in other producing countries.
The spring frost has emerged as part of a broader pattern of climate-related disruptions to global agriculture. In recent years, unexpected temperature spikes during winter have caused fruit trees to bloom prematurely, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to early spring frosts.
In its 2025 forecast, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) projected that hazelnut and walnut production would decline by approximately 27.5% and 27.7%, respectively.
Additional reports indicate that hazelnut farmers in higher-altitude regions—where frost damage tends to be more severe—have experienced crop losses ranging from 50% to total destruction. Cem Senocak, head of the National Hazelnut Council, confirmed the scale of the damage, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience in agricultural planning.
However, Türkiye’s hazelnut exports continue to rise, with the country earning nearly $1.2 billion from exporting 142,915 tons in the first six months of 2025, according to the statement.
The hazelnut crisis adds to a growing list of climate-induced agricultural disruptions. Coffee and cocoa prices have surged due to erratic weather patterns, while olive oil output has dwindled in southern Europe following prolonged heat waves. Brazil, a top global food exporter, suffered its worst drought in history last year, further stressing the world’s food systems.
Reflecting broader market tensions, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported a 0.5% rise in global food prices in June, driven by increases in meat, dairy, and vegetable oil prices.
1 min read
1 min read
