Turkish hazelnut exports from Trabzon reached 59 countries in 2023, according to a statement by Sebahattin Arslantürk, Vice President of the Hazelnut and Products Sector Committee at the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association. The announcement highlighted the significant role played by Trabzon-based companies in the international hazelnut trade, showcasing their prowess in catering to a diverse global market.
Arslantürk revealed that Turkey exported a total of 284,141 tons of hazelnuts in 2023, contributing an impressive $1,866,735,417 in foreign exchange earnings. Notably, Trabzon accounted for 29% of the total hazelnut exports, amounting to $531,017,330. Despite a 22% decrease in the quantity of hazelnuts exported from Trabzon compared to the previous year, there was also a 4% decline in export revenue.
Trabzon’s hazelnut exports were diversified across 59 countries, with Italy, Germany, Poland, France, and Brazil emerging as the top destinations. Arslantürk pointed out that the decline in orders last year, attributed to high inflation in European countries and other global markets, had a noticeable impact on hazelnut exports. However, he expressed optimism for the current year, anticipating a partial recovery in European markets.
Arslantürk drew attention to the hazelnut industry’s challenges, specifically in Trabzon, where despite the cultivation of hazelnuts across 750,000 hectares, the production volume remained below 700,000 tons. He emphasized that the yield per hectare in Trabzon was significantly lower than the national average, with only 50 kilograms per hectare compared to the Turkish average of 85 kilograms per hectare.
“While the global yield averages 85 kilograms per hectare, Trabzon struggles to reach even 50 kilograms per hectare, making us the least efficient hazelnut producer globally. With such low productivity, sustaining this level of output without adequate support is not feasible,” Arslantürk stated. He urged a focus on orchard renewal initiatives, asserting that with concentrated efforts, yields could be increased four to fivefold. Consequently, he emphasized the need for support policies that encourage producers to engage in more quality-focused and higher-yield per unit production.
Arslantürk underscored the importance of hazelnuts as Turkey’s leading agricultural export product, providing the highest net foreign exchange income. He emphasized that proactive measures against the global threat of climate change were crucial to maintaining Turkey’s international dominance in hazelnut exports.
In conclusion, Arslantürk urged stakeholders to address the challenges facing the hazelnut industry, emphasizing the necessity of preemptive measures to counter the potential adverse effects of climate change on agricultural products, including hazelnuts.
source: aa.com.tr / prepared by Melisa Beğiç