Why long-term hazelnut programs are essential for manufacturers
Unlike many other nuts, hazelnuts from Turkey follow a strict annual harvest cycle. New crop becomes available from late August to October, and global production relies heavily on Turkey’s output. For factories that use hazelnuts in daily production—spreads, pralines, roasted kernels, pastes, bakery ingredients—supply interruptions can immediately disrupt operations.
A long-term supply program provides:
- Security of volume throughout the crop year.
- Stable specifications for roasting, size calibration and paste performance.
- Predictable cost planning via periodic or seasonal pricing mechanisms.
- Reduced operational risk by avoiding spot-market volatility.
Understanding the Turkish hazelnut crop cycle
Annual planning for hazelnuts revolves around a few key seasonal milestones:
- Winter–early spring: early crop quality outlook, expected yields, frost risk.
- May–June: blossom and nut setting results shape early price expectations.
- August–September: harvest begins; early shipments start late September.
- October–December: highest availability and most stable pricing window.
- January–July: decreasing availability, higher reliance on contracted volumes.
Buyers planning large annual volumes often lock in contracts between July and October, depending on market conditions and risk appetite.
Key components of a long-term hazelnut supply agreement
A professionally structured program covers both commercial and technical parameters. Buyers typically define:
1. Product specifications
- Raw vs roasted kernels
- Size grades (11–13 mm, 13–15 mm, 15+ mm)
- Origin preference (Giresun or Levant)
- Paste fineness and fat content levels
- Peroxide, FFA and microbiological limits
A clear specification avoids rework and ensures consistency across multiple factories or production lines.
2. Pricing structure
There are several pricing models manufacturers use:
- Seasonal fixed price: stability for the full crop year.
- Quarterly adjustments: partially follows market but limits exposure.
- Formula-based pricing: indexed to Turkish market indicators.
3. Volume commitments
Committing an annual volume ensures priority allocation. Some buyers divide volumes monthly, others quarterly.
4. Delivery scheduling
Hazelnuts ship well year-round, but scheduling prevents warehouse shortages. Many factories pre-book container slots for 6–12 months.
How manufacturers manage risk in hazelnut procurement
Price volatility in the Turkish hazelnut market can be significant. Leading buyers mitigate risk using:
- Multi-period contracting to spread exposure.
- Origin diversification between Giresun and Levant depending on crop year.
- Strategic inventory during the early high-availability months.
Suppliers also help by offering rolling forecasts and pre-season market intelligence.
Factory-level considerations for large buyers
For industrial customers producing continuously, the reliability of hazelnut inputs is mission-critical. Buyers often evaluate:
- Roasting yield and breakage rates
- Flowability and calibration consistency
- Paste viscosity for spread production
- Storage stability and shelf-life expectations
A long-term supplier relationship ensures that technical quality remains stable across batches and seasons.
Summary
Effective long-term hazelnut supply programs combine commercial planning, technical precision and proactive risk management. By coordinating closely with Turkish suppliers, buyers secure the stability needed for high-volume production while protecting themselves against market volatility.
If you require a tailored annual or multi-year procurement model, our team can prepare structured supply proposals with clear timelines and pricing options.