Azerbaijan is actively advancing its agriculture, focusing on key areas such as tomato, persimmon, pomegranate, and notably, hazelnut production. The country ranks 4th globally in hazelnut production for the 2022/2023 season, producing 24,000 tons, constituting 4% of the world's hazelnut production, as per the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council. Turkey (71%), Italy (7%), and the USA (5%) lead the global hazelnut production, with neighbouring Georgia ranking 6th.
Azerbaijan's climate is conducive to hazelnut cultivation in various regions, enabling both satisfying domestic demand and successful exports, not only to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, particularly Russia but also to Western markets.
From January to August, Azerbaijan exported 14,440 tons of hazelnuts worth $70.5 million, marking a 12% increase in value and 24% in quantity compared to the same period last year. Major export destinations include Russia, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Estonia, and Israel.
Hazelnuts hold a crucial position in Azerbaijan's exports, contributing significantly to farmers and the nation's economy. The extensive hazelnut orchard area, of 81.5 thousand hectares, underscores the focused attention on hazelnut cultivation.
Nariman Agayev, Chairman of the Center for Sustainable Development Studies, noted that unfavourable weather conditions affected hazelnut yields this year, potentially leading to a price increase.
source: kaspiy.az