Ahead of the Nowruz holiday, nut and dried fruit prices are showing mixed trends in the markets of Azerbaijan. Imported products dominate over local ones, often being sold at lower prices compared to domestic alternatives.
According to ABC.AZ, the price of local chestnuts ranges from 15 to 17 manats (€7.90-€9.00) per kilogram, while chestnuts imported from China cost significantly less, at 8 to 9 manats (€4.20-€4.75) per kilogram.
Unpeeled walnuts from Uzbekistan are available for 7 manats (€3.70) per kilogram, while hazelnuts cost around 6 manats (€3.15). In comparison, local unpeeled walnuts are priced at 10-12 manats (€5.25-€6.30), and hazelnuts at 9-10 manats (€4.75-€5.25). Almonds are being sold at 4.80 manats (€2.50) per kilogram, while Japanese walnuts are priced at 9 manats (€4.75) per kilogram.
Pistachios remain the most expensive among nuts, with prices ranging between 27 and 35 manats (€14.20-€18.40) per kilogram.
Vendors attribute the high prices to supply shortages. While peeled nuts are expensive, they are currently in high demand.
Economists explain that the decline in harvest yields in 2024, coupled with adverse weather conditions such as hailstorms damaging some crops, has contributed to product shortages and subsequent price increases.
Source: abc.az