Hazelnuts: TMO raises the stakes

August 6, 2024 at 12:23 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

ORDU. Not only has the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) announced purchasing prices for hazelnuts, but reports are also emerging that yields may not be quite as good as expected.

High TMO prices

On Friday, the TMO finally issued the long-awaited purchasing prices for the 2024/2025 crop. The purchasing bid for Levant quality in-shell hazelnuts stands at TRY 130/kg based on a 50% yield and for Giresun quality nuts at TRY 132/kg. This roughly amounts to USD 4.00/kg. Farmers will also be paid an additional TRY 1.30/kg for high-yield hazelnuts. These prices are much higher than in recent years. In 2023/2024 the state-run organisation paid farmers TRY 84/kg for Giresun quality hazelnuts and TRY 82.50/kg for Levant quality hazelnuts. Two years ago, prices stood at TRY 51/kg and TRY 53/kg respectively. On top of this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will provide support payments for diesel and fertilisers as based on area. This will bring up prices to TRY 133/kg for Levant quality and to TRY 135/kg for Giresun quality. Farmers will be able to make appointments with TMO offices and on the TMO website as of 12 August.

Concerns over empty kernels

Promising as prospects have been for the new crop so far, speculations over shortfalls are now circulating. Hazelnut picking has started in the orchards and harvesting will gain momentum as of next week. Industry representatives have been upbeat about the crop until recently. While the Ministry of Agriculture announced a conservative crop estimate of 738,932 mt, the Exporters Association confirmed market expectations by issuing a highly upbeat estimate of 811,950 mt. Yet, some suppliers are now warning that above-average temperatures will adversely impact yields in the Western Black Sea Region. As climatic conditions were, in addition, not ideal during the fertilization period in the Central and Eastern Black Sea regions the empty kernel rate will reportedly increase.

Although clearer assessments still need to emerge, and the market generally tends to be prone to fear-mongering, many suppliers have already increased their prices. Expectation is also that Ferrero will start buying very soon.

 

View more
price chart, hazelnut kernels, natural, Turkey
price charts for edible nuts, dried fruit, oilseeds and more

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Nov 14, 2024
REUS/NEW DELHI. According to the Global Statistical Review for cashews issued by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) total production will range 11% lower in the current season. Trading has resumed in India.
Nuts
Nov 13, 2024
MANILA/COLOMBO. Although the Philippines exported less coconut oil in October, the export value has risen due to high market prices. Desiccated coconuts have also become more expensive. Meanwhile, market players in Sri Lanka are facing various challenges.
Nuts
Nov 12, 2024
AYDIN. Favourable weather conditions this year ensured that Turkish chestnut farmers were able to start harvesting earlier than usual. The yields are also said to be satisfactory.
Nuts
Nov 12, 2024
REUS/TEHRAN. In the Global Statistical Review for pistachios the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has issued more upbeat estimates for global production. Turkey is, however, the sole driver. The current supply situation is not quite what buyers would wish for. Prices have taken a rather moderate turn in Iran.