Market Leader Steps Back, Prices Drop

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📉 Market Leader Steps Back, Prices Drop 📉

📍 The Turkish hazelnut market has entered a corrective phase, with the market leader announcing it has covered its needs for the season. This has led to a price decline, particularly for small-caliber kernels, which are now significantly cheaper than standard-sized hazelnuts (11-13 mm). Additionally, TMO stocks from the 2022 harvest are now on the market, further pressuring prices.


📊 Market Overview: Prices & Developments

Product Price (€/kg, DDP Europe) Change (1 Week) Change (1 Year)
Organic Raw Kernels (11-13 mm) 8.83 -0.04% +1.83%
Conventional Raw Kernels (11-13 mm) 8.04 +0.03% +1.83%
Organic Roasted Kernels 9.90 -0.04% +1.83%
Roasted Kernels (2-4 mm) 6.93 -0.28% -2.50%
Roasted Kernels (0-2 mm) 6.44 -0.20% -3.00%
Hazelnut Paste 5.98 -0.15% -3.30%

🔹 Key Developments:
Market leader announces it is fully covered for the season, reducing demand pressure.
Over-supply of small kernels leads to significant price drops.
TMO stocks from 2022 now entering the market, creating additional downward price pressure.
Conflicting reports on frost damage in lower-altitude orchards (< 400 m).
Exchange rate stable, awaiting the next Turkish Central Bank policy meeting next week.


🌍 Market Drivers & Influencing Factors

🔹 Market Leader Steps Back

  • The market leader has announced it is fully covered for this season.
  • This led to a shift in supplier behavior, with some now accepting lower prices to clear stocks.

🔹 Small-Kernel Over-Supply Pressures Market

  • Small kernels are significantly cheaper than 11-13 mm kernels, creating one of the largest price gaps seen in years.
  • TMO’s older 2022 stock is now available, further pressuring prices for small-caliber kernels.
  • Many buyers are now reluctant to take long positions on these products.

🔹 Uncertainty Over Frost Damage

  • While frost and snow hit the Black Sea region last week, early reports contradict each other on whether damage has occurred in lower-altitude orchards.
  • If damage reports escalate, prices could rebound quickly.

🔹 Market Segmentation Increasing

  • While prices for small-caliber kernels and hazelnut paste are declining, whole natural and roasted kernels remain relatively stable.
  • Buyers are cautious, hesitant to take positions until market direction is clearer.

🔮 Market Forecast (Next 3 Days)

📉 Expected Price Trends:

  • 11-13 mm raw kernels: Likely stable, range: 8.00 – 8.10 €/kg.
  • Small-caliber kernels & processed products: Likely to decline further, as demand remains weak.
  • Potential short-term upside if frost speculation intensifies.

Weather Trend (Next 14 Days)

🇹🇷 Turkey – Black Sea Hazelnut Growing Regions

📍 Current:
❄️ Cold temperatures (-3°C to -10°C) have persisted, but frost damage remains uncertain.
🌡️ Daytime temperatures slowly rising, but nights remain cold.

Mintec Global

📆 Forecast (Next 14 Days):

  • 🌡️ Temperatures to increase slightly, averaging 5-12°C.
  • 🌧️ Rain expected after March 7, reducing frost risk.
  • No extreme weather expected beyond mid-March.

📉 Long-Term Market Data: Stocks & Production

📍 Global Hazelnut Ending Stocks (Last 4 Years):

Season Global Stocks (1000 MT) Change
2021/22 486
2022/23 450 -36
2023/24 440 -10
2024/25 (Projected) 420 -20

📍 Turkish Hazelnut Production & Forecast:

Year Production (1000 MT, in-shell) Change
2022 765
2023 740 -3.3%
2024 725 -2.0%
2025 (Forecast) 700 – 740 TBD

🔹 Takeaways:

  • Global stocks continue to decline, supporting long-term price stability.
  • Turkey’s production trend remains slightly downward, reinforcing supply concerns.

🔍 Key Takeaways & Market Recommendations

📌 Summary:
✔️ Market leader withdrawal signals reduced short-term demand pressure.
✔️ Oversupply of small kernels and TMO stocks driving price declines.
✔️ Whole kernels remain firm, creating a segmented market.
✔️ Frost concerns could cause sudden price reversals.

📈 Strategic Outlook:
➡️ Short-term: Prices for small kernels and processed products could decline further.
➡️ Medium-term: If frost reports escalate, a price rebound is possible.
➡️ Long-term: Lower global stocks will keep the market fundamentally supported.

🔍 Actionable Insights:
💡 Buyers:

  • Take advantage of lower small-kernel and paste prices.
  • Monitor frost damage reports carefully before committing to larger purchases.

💡 Sellers:

  • Holding whole kernels may be profitable, but small kernels are under pressure.
  • TMO’s continued sales could keep prices depressed in the coming months.

📢 Need more insights? Contact us for custom pricing, market trends, and strategic buying recommendations!