Premium-quality hazelnuts are expected to maintain strong prices this season despite forecasts of a large harvest, according to Jener Belkania, director of hazelnut processor and exporter Geo Nuts. He said prices for top-grade hazelnuts may not reach GEL 13 per kilogram but are unlikely to fall below last year’s levels.
Belkania noted that demand remains focused on high-quality hazelnuts, while products damaged by pests or poor harvesting practices are less sought after. “Not a single kilogram of quality hazelnuts will remain unsold,” he said, adding that buyers continue to prioritize premium-grade nuts.
He urged farmers to pay greater attention to orchard management, estimating that a well-maintained one-hectare orchard can produce around three tonnes of hazelnuts annually. At prices of at least GEL 10 per kilogram, he said growers can generate significant profits even after production costs.
Geo-Nuts continues exporting to key markets including Italy, Spain, Germany, France, China and the Baltic states. Belkania said sector inventories are nearly depleted ahead of the new harvest. Georgia earned $172 million from hazelnut exports in 2025, while exports of hazelnuts and other nuts reached $60 million in the first four months of this year.
