August 9, 2025

Turkey is the world’s biggest hazelnut producer, but this year there’s a nutty storm brewing! The country’s hazelnut harvest is expected to fall sharply by more than one-third due to the worst spring frost seen in years. The Turkish Grain Board revealed that they now expect only 453,000 tons of hazelnuts this year, down from 717,000 tons last year. To support farmers facing this crunch, the Board has hiked the price it pays for hazelnuts by around 50%! This price jump could make chocolate lovers everywhere wince because many sweets rely on these nuts. Chocolate giants like Ferrero, the maker of Nutella – the hazelnut spread loved worldwide – haven’t responded yet about the effect on their supply. But Turkish confectionery expert Kazim Tayci said, "As the hazelnut price increases we either reduce the amount we use, or remove it altogether." Tayci’s company cut hazelnut content from 30% to as low as 10% in some chocolates this year. This harsh frost is just another chapter in how unpredictable weather, fueled by climate change, messes with our food. Not only hazelnuts, but coffee, cocoa, and olive oil crops are also hurting from extreme weather worldwide. Turkey produces two-thirds of the world's hazelnuts, so any drop there shakes global supplies. The Turkish Grain Board's general manager, Ahmet Guldal, warned that the 453,000 tons forecast might be optimistic and production could drop even more during the coming harvest months. With nut prices soaring and production falling, chocolate lovers might see changes – smaller bars, less nuts, or higher prices. So, next time you enjoy a hazelnut treat, remember the tough frost that made it all so expensive and scarce!

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Tags: Hazelnut harvest, Turkey, Price hike, Climate impact, Chocolate industry, Turkish grain board,