Hazelnut Boom: Georgian Exports Surge on Strong EU Demand & Market Optimism

The global nut market is experiencing a significant shift, driven predominantly by an impressive surge in Georgian hazelnut exports. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, February saw Georgia export 1,700 tonnes of hazelnuts, generating USD 19.3 million in revenue. This marks a notable growth story, both in terms of volume and value: a 33% increase in volume compared to the previous year and a 2.2-fold rise in export value (up by approximately USD 10.4 million). These exceptional figures reflect not only stronger international demand but also improved market conditions, amplifying Georgia’s reputation as a high-quality nut supplier.

The European Union stands out as a pivotal destination, absorbing the bulk of these exports, while regional demand from neighboring countries remains robust. As hazelnuts are deeply embedded in the EU food processing and confectionery sectors, this upward export trajectory suggests continued strength for the market heading into 2026.

📈 Prices

Nut Type	Origin	Location	Current Price (EUR/kg)	Previous Price (EUR/kg)	Last Update	Sentiment
Brazil nuts (Medium)	NL	Dordrecht, NL	6.50	6.50	2026-03-07	Stable

🌍 Supply & Demand

• Hazelnut exports from Georgia in February: 1,700 tonnes (+33% YoY growth)
• Revenue Generated: USD 19.3 million (+2.2x from previous year)
• Key Markets: European Union (dominant), with Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Greece as principal buyers
• Other Destinations: Syria (944 tonnes), Armenia (511 tonnes), Russia (473 tonnes)
• EU Role: From Aug 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2026, EU received ~9,900 tonnes of Georgian hazelnuts

📊 Fundamentals

• Export value growth (USD): Up by approx. $10.4 million YoY
• Export volume growth: +407 tonnes compared to last year
• Demand Drivers: Continued high use in confectionery and food processing, especially in Europe
• Regional Diversification: Ongoing shipments to regional neighbors mitigate reliance on EU alone

🌦️ Weather Outlook

• Georgia’s main hazelnut producing areas are currently experiencing typical seasonal patterns. No major adverse weather events reported in core regions.
• Forecasts indicate largely favorable conditions for the upcoming growing season, suggesting that pollination and nut development should proceed undisturbed.

🌏 Global Production & Stocks

• Georgia: Leading growth in hazelnut exports; EU remains main importer.
• EU: Major consumer and processor; continues to dominate import statistics for premium nuts.
• Other Producers: Data on other nut types (like Brazil nuts) suggest stable international prices, indicating balanced global supply and demand for now.

📆 Market Outlook & Recommendations

• Expect continued strong demand for Georgian hazelnuts in the EU with stable price outlook.
• Monitor regional exports as diversification reduces market risk.
• Confectionery and food processing will remain key demand engines, especially through Q2 and Q3.
• Weather conditions in Georgia bear watching for potential yield disruptions but currently pose minimal risk.
• Those trading in Brazil nuts can expect steady prices, as evidenced by recent stable quotes (EUR 6.50/kg, NL origin).

🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Nut Type	Exchange/Region	Forecast Range (EUR/kg)	Sentiment
Brazil nuts	Dordrecht, NL	6.45 – 6.55	Stable/Neutral
Georgian hazelnuts	EU (Spot markets)	Unchanged; expect firm undertone on supply strength	Firm/Bullish