Hazelnuts, treasures of Italy, but facing climatic challenges and imports

Hazelnut cultivation in Italy is constantly growing, but climatic difficulties have put the sector to the test. Nevertheless, the production has exceeded 100,000 tons, showcasing the dedication of the growers.

However, our country still imports almost half of its needs, with Turkey holding the majority share of the global market. Growers’ interest is increasing, but the dependency on imports remains a challenge to address.

The United States is another significant player in hazelnut production, but Turkey, Italy, and the USA dominate the market, while other countries represent only a small share.

The future of Italian hazelnuts is threatened by early blooms, late frosts, and water scarcity, necessitating a new water management approach for all of Italian agriculture.

Despite the obstacles, the global hazelnut production is on the rise, with a supply that seems to be sufficient to meet global consumption. However, Italy will have to deal with the challenge of imports and preserve precious local varieties, many of which boast prestigious designations of origin.