Although Germany, together with Italy, is considered the largest buyer of hazelnuts, Germany is insignificant as a growing area for this plant. But which are the leading countries in hazelnut cultivation and what yields are achieved there?
Where are the most important hazelnut growing areas?
The leading hazelnut growing regions are Turkey with 800,000 tons of annual yield, followed by Italy (85,232 tons), USA (30,000 tons), Azerbaijan (29,634 tons), Georgia (24,700 tons), China (23,000 tons) and Iran (21,440 tons).
The most important growing region: Turkey
Turkey is the country where most hazelnuts are grown and harvested. This is probably based on the historical origin of the hazelnut. It finds its origins and climatically perfect location on the Turkish Black Sea coast.
800,000 tons of hazelnuts are harvested on 660,000 hectares of land in Turkey every year and begin their journey to the rest of the world. The main growing area extends from the town of Rize to the Akcakoca region (warm and humid climate).
With the amount of 800,000 tons, Turkey has around 70% of the world production of hazelnuts. Production and cultivation have had to be increased in recent decades as the world demand for hazelnuts has risen sharply.
Other hazelnut growing areas
In addition to Turkey, hazelnuts are grown in other countries. Italy is in second place with 85,232 tons of hazelnuts per year. These are grown on around 70,000 hectares of land.
The following countries are second only to Turkey and Italy as growing regions (as of 2012):
- Italy with 85,232 tons
- USA with 30,000 tons
- Azerbaijan with 29,634 tons
- Georgia with 24,700 tons
- China with 23,000 tons
- Iran with 21,440 tons
- other countries with lower crop yields: Spain, Poland and France
Tips & Tricks
The Turkish hazelnuts are considered the best hazelnuts due to the ideal location conditions there. Therefore, when buying, look out for Turkish hazelnuts if possible.
