Italy: Hazelnut Market 2025

Hazelnut Market Size in Italy

The Italian hazelnut market declined to $X in 2021, reducing by -13.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +31.5% against 2019 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then shrank in the following year.

Hazelnut Production in Italy

In value terms, hazelnut production contracted significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +28.4% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the production volume increased by 57%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X, and then declined dramatically in the following year.

The average yield of hazelnuts in Italy contracted to X tons per ha in 2021, waning by -14.5% against the previous year's figure. In general, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 41%. The hazelnut yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the total area harvested in terms of hazelnuts production in Italy fell slightly to X ha, remaining stable against 2020. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 23%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to hazelnut production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2020, and then reduced modestly in the following year.

Hazelnut Exports

Exports from Italy

In 2021, exports of hazelnuts from Italy contracted notably to X tons, which is down by -43.6% on the year before. Over the period under review, exports showed a abrupt setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 176%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, hazelnut exports shrank sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 204%. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Germany (X tons) and Sweden (X tons) were the main destinations of hazelnut exports from Italy, with a combined 54% share of total exports. These countries were followed by the UK, Norway, Slovakia, France, Denmark and Luxembourg, which together accounted for a further 38%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Slovakia (with a CAGR of +153.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Germany ($X) and Norway ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for hazelnut exported from Italy worldwide, together comprising 52% of total exports. These countries were followed by Sweden, the UK, Slovakia, Denmark, France and Luxembourg, which together accounted for a further 38%.

Among the main countries of destination, Slovakia, with a CAGR of +150.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average hazelnut export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -6% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, hazelnut export price increased by +16.5% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 28%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Slovakia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Luxembourg (+17.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Hazelnut Imports

Imports into Italy

In 2021, purchases abroad of hazelnuts increased by 62% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after four years of decline. Overall, imports enjoyed a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 73%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, hazelnut imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a strong expansion. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Georgia (X tons) constituted the largest hazelnut supplier to Italy, accounting for a 45% share of total imports. Moreover, hazelnut imports from Georgia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Poland (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Romania (X tons), with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Georgia totaled +71.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Poland (+15.2% per year) and Romania (+57.7% per year).

In value terms, Georgia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of hazelnut to Italy, comprising 48% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Romania ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Poland, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Georgia stood at +82.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Romania (+43.2% per year) and Poland (+5.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average hazelnut import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 4.2% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average import price increased by 36%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while the price for Poland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Georgia (+6.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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