High hazelnut prices seen in 2025 are unlikely to be repeated this year, according to Georgian Hazelnut Corporation CEO Temur Gogia, who says a stronger harvest in Turkey is expected to put downward pressure on prices.
Gogia explained that last year's price surge was driven by severe spring frosts in Turkey, which significantly reduced production and tightened global supply. With Turkey forecasting a much larger crop this season, he expects prices to return closer to historical levels, although quality will remain the key factor determining returns for growers.
He also warned that, alongside the brown marmorated stink bug, hazelnut producers are facing a new challenge this year - a disease causing widespread drying of orchards in Samegrelo and Guria. According to Gogia, the cause has not yet been identified and requires scientific research.
Georgia exported nearly USD 68 million worth of hazelnuts in the first five months of 2026. According to Geostat, the average export price reached around USD 10 per kilogram, roughly USD 3 higher than a year earlier.
