Georgia's hazelnut harvest has begun, with producers expecting output to increase by 5–7% compared to last year, according to the Hazelnut Growers Association. However, the industry does not expect the exceptionally high prices seen in 2025, as market participants await Turkey's official pricing, which is expected to set the benchmark for the regional market.
Association Chairman Merab Chitanava said hazelnut collection is only starting to gain momentum and will likely accelerate next week. He noted that prices in Georgia are expected to take shape after Turkey announces its reference price, likely around August 10. Currently, wet hazelnuts are selling for around GEL 3.5 per kilogram in Samegrelo, though Chitanava said these early sales do not reflect the actual market because the product is of lower quality and has high moisture content.
Turkey's harvest outlook remains the key factor influencing prices. While earlier forecasts projected an 800,000-ton crop, the Turkish government recently revised the estimate to around 700,000 tons, up from approximately 450,000 tons last year. Chitanava said the larger supply, combined with growing production in countries such as the United States and Chile, is expected to ease last year's global shortage and result in more stable prices. He added that high-quality, well-maintained hazelnuts should still command attractive prices, while lower-quality produce is likely to remain in the GEL 2–3 range.
The association also highlighted ongoing challenges, including the Asian stink bug and hazelnut dieback, particularly in western Georgia. Chitanava stressed that the final quality of this year's crop will largely depend on how quickly farmers dry and properly store harvested nuts during August. He also argued that the government should replace its discontinued direct subsidy program with support focused on farmer education, access to working capital, drying infrastructure, and modern equipment, saying previous cash assistance was often used for purposes unrelated to hazelnut production.
