Georgia is expected to produce a record hazelnut harvest of more than 50,000 tonnes this year, according to industry representatives. Despite the strong outlook for production, market participants expect hazelnut prices to decline due to abundant global supply.
Jener Belkania, Director of GeoNuts, said bumper crops are expected not only in Georgia but also in other major producing countries, including Turkey, Chile, and the United States. He noted that global oversupply, combined with broader economic conditions and pricing policies set by Turkey's Grain Board (TMO), is likely to keep prices below last year's levels. He added that prices will also depend on competing nut markets such as almonds and pistachios.
According to Belkania, only premium-quality hazelnuts with a 42–43% kernel yield are expected to maintain relatively high prices, while lower-quality products will likely see more significant price declines. He also identified bacterial blight (Pseudomonas disease) as one of the sector's main challenges this season, although damage from the brown marmorated stink bug appears to be lower than last year. Farmers are still being advised to spray orchards before harvesting to protect nut quality.
The harvest has already begun in parts of western Georgia, including Tskaltubo and Abasha, while the main harvesting season in Samegrelo is expected to begin around August 10. Hazelnuts remain one of Georgia's leading agricultural exports. Export revenues nearly doubled over the past three years, rising from $89.5 million in 2023 to $172 million in 2025, while prices surged last year because of reduced harvests in both Georgia and Turkey.
