Turkish Hazelnuts Wholesale 2026 Giresun Tombul PGI, Ordu Levant, Ferrero-Approved Supply Chain

Quick answer

70 percent of global hazelnut supply. Giresun Tombul PGI premium + Ordu Levant industrial, raw + blanched + roasted + diced + paste + flour + oil, BRCGS AA and Ferrero TGT approved facilities, aflatoxin HPLC <0.5 ug/kg typical, FOB Trabzon/Samsun/Ambarli, triple-organic + Demeter biodynamic options.

~70%

Turkey World Share

50-70 kt

Giresun PGI Annual

350-450 kt

Ordu Levant Annual

~25% global

Ferrero Purchase

EUR 6,200-7,400/t

Kernel 11-13mm FOB

+25-35%

Organic Premium

<4 ug/kg HPLC

Aflatoxin Max

20 ft / 25 MT

MOQ Container

Turkish Hazelnuts Industry Overview 2026: Giresun Tombul PGI, Ordu Levant, Ferrero Supply Chain, and Black Sea Terroir

Turkey produces approximately 70 percent of the global hazelnut supply, with the Black Sea coastal belt stretching from Duzce through Akcakoca, Sakarya, Zonguldak, Bartin, Kastamonu, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, and Rize forming the world's most concentrated Corylus avellana cultivation zone. The 2025-2026 crop year is forecast at 680,000 metric tons in-shell equivalent (approximately 340,000 metric tons kernel), with 50-70 kt coming from the protected Giresun PGI zone where Tombul cultivar grown above 250 meters altitude delivers the premium round kernel 11-13mm that Ferrero, Venchi, Lindt, Godiva, and Loacker buyers compete for. The remaining 270 kt kernel is sourced from Ordu, Samsun, Trabzon, Sakarya, and Duzce under the Levant grade classification (mixed cultivars Palaz, Sivri, Foca, Mincane plus Tombul).

Turkey exports hazelnuts worth EUR 2.4-3.1 billion annually, making it the single most valuable agricultural export of the country. Ferrero Hazelnut Company (TGT - Turkiye Findik Sirketi) alone purchases 170-200 kt kernel per season under long-term contracts, with detailed specifications covering aflatoxin B1 below 2.0 ug/kg, moisture 4-6 percent, peroxide value below 1.0 meq/kg, roast color L-value 55-65 on Minolta chromameter, and zero tolerance for BGYF (bright greenish yellow fluorescence under 365nm UV indicating aflatoxigenic Aspergillus). Premium confectionery buyers Lindt, Venchi, Godiva, Neuhaus, and Teuscher source Giresun Tombul AA 11-13mm kernel at EUR 7,800-9,400/t FOB for praline, gianduia, and molded chocolate applications.

FromTurk connects buyers with audited Giresun and Ordu packers operating BRCGS AA-grade facilities in Giresun Port, Ordu Industrial Zone, Samsun Tekkekoy, and Trabzon OSB, with HPLC aflatoxin labs (LOD 0.1 ug/kg), optical color sorters (Tomra, Buhler Sortex), and calibrated pneumatic+mechanical screens for 9-11 / 11-13 / 13-15mm grading. All shipments depart via Trabzon Port, Samsun Port, or Istanbul Ambarli in 20-foot containers (25 MT net kernel) or 40-foot containers (20 MT in-shell). Demeter biodynamic option available from Kuyucak-Giresun highland cooperatives at EUR 9,600-11,800/t. Baby food grade (HiPP, Holle, Alnatura) with aflatoxin B1 below 0.1 ug/kg ships ex-Samsun at EUR 8,600-10,200/t.

Giresun Tombul PGI Premium Grade

EU PGI Registration 2022/C 248/11 'Giresun Tombul Findigi' Tombul cultivar grown within Giresun province 39 defined villages above 250m altitude. Round kernel 11-13mm diameter, oil content 62-67%, peroxide value <0.8 meq/kg. Confectionery premium for Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Golden Gallery, Venchi Cremino, Lindt Hazelnut, Godiva praline core. FOB EUR 7,800-9,400/t kernel raw natural, +EUR 600-900/t blanched, +EUR 800-1,200/t roasted whole. Container 20 ft = 25 MT net.

Ordu Levant Multi-Cultivar Grade

Mixed cultivar blend (40% Tombul + 30% Palaz + 20% Foca + 10% Sivri/Mincane) grown across Ordu, Giresun lowland, Trabzon, Samsun below 250m. Kernel 11-13mm or 13-15mm, oil 60-64%, ideal for industrial paste, flour, diced granulated 2-4mm / 4-6mm / 8-11mm, and coated/salted snack applications. FOB EUR 6,200-7,400/t kernel raw 11-13mm, EUR 5,800-6,900/t 13-15mm. Ferrero TGT approved suppliers process 85% of this volume.

Organic Triple-Certified Biodynamic Option

USDA NOP + EU Regulation 2018/848 + JAS + Demeter International certified plots in Kuyucak-Giresun highland (180 ha) and Kumru-Ordu organic cooperative (320 ha). Zero synthetic pesticides, zero chemical fertilizers, biodynamic preparations 500/501. Aflatoxin B1 <0.5 ug/kg typical. Rapunzel, Alnatura, Rewe Bio, Bio Planete, Dennree approved. FOB EUR 9,600-11,800/t Demeter kernel 11-13mm, EUR 8,400-10,200/t standard organic. Volume limited 200-280 MT/year.

Hazelnut Grades, Formats, and Processing Variants Ten Detailed Variety Profiles

From Giresun Tombul PGI premium confectionery kernel to Ordu Levant industrial grade, blanched and roasted whole, diced 2-4/4-6/8-11mm, aseptic paste, gluten-free flour, cold-pressed oil, Demeter biodynamic highland, baby food grade, in-shell retail, and private-label snack pouch.

Giresun Tombul PGI AA Kernel 11-13mm Natural Raw Ferrero/Venchi/Lindt Grade

The crown jewel of Turkish hazelnut production. Tombul cultivar (meaning 'round') grown in Giresun province at 250-900m altitude across 39 PGI-protected villages including Bulancak, Giresun Merkez, Dereli, Piraziz, Espiye, Yaglidere, and Keshap. Round perfectly spherical kernel 11-13mm (L+S average 11.8mm), oil content 62-67%, protein 14-16%, fiber 8-10%, vitamin E 22-28 mg/100g, peroxide value <0.8 meq/kg, moisture 4-6%. Handpicked, single-layer sun-dried on concrete drying floors (harman), then machine-cracked in Giresun Port facilities (OFI Ofis, Balsu, Progida, Aydin Findik). Aflatoxin B1 <2.0 ug/kg total <4.0 ug/kg EU 1881/2006 compliant, typical lab results <0.5 ug/kg HPLC. Zero BGYF under 365nm Wood's lamp. Optical sorted (Tomra Genius, Buhler Sortex E1R) for color + shell + damaged. Packed 25 kg poly-woven sacks inside 20ft container (25 MT net), or 10 kg vacuum retail bricks. Used in Ferrero Rocher core, Ferrero Golden Gallery, Venchi Cremino praline, Lindt Hazelnut Chocolate (Lindor), Godiva praline. FOB Trabzon Port or Giresun Port EUR 7,800-9,400/t. MOQ 20ft container 25 MT. Lead time 14-21 days. Crop year September 2025 harvest, available through August 2026.

Ordu Levant Standard Kernel 11-13mm Natural Industrial/Paste/Flour Grade

The workhorse grade for industrial hazelnut buyers worldwide. Levant classification = mixed cultivar blend (Tombul 40% + Palaz 30% + Foca 20% + Sivri+Mincane 10%) from Ordu, Giresun lowland, Trabzon, Samsun, Sakarya coastal regions below 250m altitude. Kernel 11-13mm (L+S avg 12.1mm), slightly more oval than Tombul, oil content 60-64%, moisture 4-6%, aflatoxin B1 <2.0 ug/kg HPLC. Processed at BRCGS AA facilities in Ordu Industrial Zone (Balsu, Oltan, Karadeniz Findik, Namex, Durak Findik), Samsun Tekkekoy (Ferrero TGT), Trabzon OSB. Optical sorted, metal detected (Fe 1.5mm / NonFe 2.0mm / SS 2.5mm), nitrogen-flushed 25 kg foil-laminate bags. Used as raw material for hazelnut paste (Nutella competitors), industrial praline, cocoa spreads, bakery inclusions, breakfast cereals (Kellogg's Crunchy Nut), energy bars, coated snacks. Ferrero TGT approved suppliers process 85% of this volume under strict Supplier Code of Practice. FOB Samsun Port or Trabzon Port EUR 6,200-7,400/t. Volume discount -EUR 200/t at 20+ containers. Crop contract pricing available March-May for September-August delivery.

Blanched Hazelnut Kernel 11-13mm Skinless White Confectionery Grade

Steam-blanched at 90-95 C for 8-12 minutes then skin-rubbed on tumbler, cooled, and optical-sorted for pigment residue. Results in snow-white kernel with bright ivory color (L-value 72-78 Minolta), ideal for praline visibility, gianduia layers, white chocolate inclusions, dragee coating, marzipan-style fillings. Starting material: Giresun Tombul PGI (premium, EUR 8,400-10,300/t blanched) or Ordu Levant (industrial, EUR 6,800-8,100/t). Moisture after blanching 3-5%, peroxide value <1.0 meq/kg, aflatoxin B1 <2.0 ug/kg HPLC. Residual skin <1.5% (visual), color-sorted to <0.3% off-color. Packed 10 kg vacuum nitrogen-flushed foil bags inside 20 kg carton, or 25 kg foil-laminate sack. Used by Lindt Lindor white, Venchi Chocaviar, Godiva ivory collection, Neuhaus Caprice, Loacker Quadratini white. Shelf life 12 months at 15 C / 60% RH, 6 months ambient. FOB Istanbul Ambarli preferred for speed.

Roasted Hazelnut Whole Kernel 11-13mm Dry-Roast Ferrero-Spec

Ferrero-spec dry roast profile: forced-air convection oven 140-145 C for 18-22 minutes to achieve Minolta L-value 55-65, a-value 8-12, b-value 22-28, internal moisture 1.5-2.5%, peroxide value <1.5 meq/kg. Develops hallmark caramelized filbertone aroma (5-methyl-(E)-2-hepten-4-one) and roasted Maillard notes. Optional light-roast variant L=68-72 for visibility in white chocolate, dark-roast L=48-54 for intense praline. Color-sorted post-roast for scorched (dark specks) <0.2% and under-roasted <0.3%. Starting material Giresun Tombul (premium EUR 8,900-10,600/t roasted whole) or Ordu Levant (industrial EUR 7,400-8,600/t). Nitrogen-flushed 10 kg vacuum bricks or 25 kg foil sacks. Shelf life 9 months at 15 C. Used in Ferrero Rocher, Loacker Tortina, Venchi cuneese, granola, breakfast cereals, energy bars, trail mix retail. Custom roast profiles for specific brand recipes with signed Quality Agreement.

Diced Hazelnut 2-4mm / 4-6mm / 8-11mm Bakery/Cereal Inclusion Grade

Mechanical dicing via Urschel RA-A rotary knife cutter calibrated to three size bands: fine 2-4mm (bakery inclusion, cookie dough, chocolate coating, praline filler), medium 4-6mm (breakfast cereal, granola, energy bar topping, ice cream swirl), coarse 8-11mm (premium bar chunks, visible garnish, halva inclusion). Starting material roasted (Maillard-developed, 75% of orders) or raw natural (15%) or blanched (10%). Sieved to <2% out-of-spec on ROTAP screen. Oil-dusted optional (sunflower oil 0.5-1.0% dry weight) to prevent fines and clumping. Metal detected Fe 1.5mm / NFe 2.0mm / SS 2.5mm. Nitrogen-flushed 10 kg or 25 kg foil-laminate. Aflatoxin B1 <2.0 ug/kg maintained through post-dicing mixing blending. Roasted 2-4mm diced FOB EUR 7,800-9,100/t (Levant) or 9,200-10,800/t (Tombul). Used by Kellogg's Crunchy Nut, Nestle Nesquik granola, Barilla Mulino Bianco cookies, Ulker Cokomel, Eti Karam, Ferrero Kinder, Loacker Wafer filling.

Hazelnut Paste 100% Pure Aseptic Nutella/Gianduia Industrial Grade

Two-stage stone-mill + corundum refiner pastes from dark-roasted 11-13mm kernel (Minolta L=52-58) to achieve micron size 22-28 um (industrial gianduia spec). No added sugar, no added oil, no emulsifier 100% pure hazelnut. Fat content 60-64%, moisture <1.0%, peroxide <1.5 meq/kg, free fatty acids <1.0%, aflatoxin B1 <2.0 ug/kg HPLC. Packed in 200 kg aseptic bag-in-drum with nitrogen overlay (shelf life 12 months ambient) or 25 kg pail (shelf 9 months). Starting material Ordu Levant roasted for standard paste (EUR 6,900-8,200/t) or Giresun Tombul for premium paste (EUR 8,600-10,400/t). Used as primary ingredient in Nutella competitors (Ulker Nutella rival, private-label supermarket spreads, Rewe Ja Schokoaufstrich), gianduia chocolate blocks (Venchi, Loacker), praline centers, ice cream base (Amorino, Grom, Haagen-Dazs hazelnut), yogurt flavoring, coffee shop syrups. Available with cocoa-pre-mix 10/20/30/40% for spread ready mix. HALAL HAK, Kosher OU, Vegan V-Label certified.

Hazelnut Flour Powder Defatted/Full-Fat Gluten-Free Bakery Grade

Two production routes: (a) Full-fat flour = fine-milled roasted kernel through pin-mill to 200-400 um, retains 60-64% oil, used for bakery enrichment, keto cookies, Italian torta di nocciole, German Linzer cookies. (b) Defatted flour 10-15% residual fat, produced by hydraulic cold-press extraction of oil then pin-mill of press cake, ideal for protein enrichment 50-55% protein content, sports nutrition, low-carb baking, gluten-free breads. Both variants gluten-free, vegan, kosher OU, halal HAK. Particle size D90 < 400 um for fine bakery, D90 < 800 um for coarse rustic texture. Moisture <3%, ash <3%, aflatoxin B1 <2.0 ug/kg. Nitrogen-flushed 10 kg or 25 kg foil-laminate bags inside corrugated carton. Full-fat flour FOB EUR 8,200-9,600/t Levant or EUR 10,400-12,600/t Tombul premium. Defatted flour FOB EUR 9,800-11,400/t. Used in Italian torta piemontese, Barilla Pavesini, German Dominosteine, French paris-brest praline, artisan gluten-free bakery (Schar, Biaglut, Dr Schar).

Hazelnut Oil Cold-Pressed Gourmet Culinary Premium Grade

Hydraulic screw-press cold extraction at maximum 40 C from raw or lightly-roasted 11-13mm kernel, no solvents, no refining, no deodorization. Retains natural hazelnut aroma and pale amber color. Fatty acid profile: oleic acid 76-82%, linoleic 8-12%, palmitic 5-7%, stearic 2-3%. Peroxide value <3.0 meq/kg fresh, shelf life 12 months dark glass at 15 C. Lightly filtered through plate filter 5 um, zero sediment. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) 35-45 mg/100g naturally preserving. Packed 250 ml / 500 ml / 1 L dark glass bottle, or 5 L stainless canister, or 200 kg food-grade HDPE drum for industrial. Used in French gourmet vinaigrette (Maille, Fallot), Italian gourmet finishing oil (Le Ferre, Roi), artisan baking (financier, madeleine), cosmetic cold-process soap, aromatherapy massage carrier. FOB EUR 14,600-18,400/t gourmet retail, EUR 11,800-14,600/t industrial bulk. Organic option +25% premium.

Organic Demeter Biodynamic Hazelnut Kernel 11-13mm Kuyucak Giresun Highland

Triple-certified organic (USDA NOP + EU 2018/848 + JAS) with additional Demeter International biodynamic certification covering 180 hectares of Kuyucak-Giresun highland orchards at 420-680m altitude plus 320 ha Kumru-Ordu organic cooperative. Zero synthetic pesticides, zero chemical fertilizers, biodynamic preparations BD500 (horn manure) and BD501 (horn silica) applied on astronomical calendar (Maria Thun). Traditional cover-cropping with clover, vetch, and native herbs. Tombul cultivar (Demeter plots) or mixed Levant (NOP/EU plots). Aflatoxin B1 <0.5 ug/kg typical (higher altitude = lower mold pressure). Kernel 11-13mm standard, oil 63-68% (slightly higher than conventional), peroxide <0.6 meq/kg. Hand-picked, single-layer sun-dried 14-21 days on concrete harman, cracked in dedicated organic-only facility (Balsu Kuyucak, Rapunzel Turk). Packed 12.5 kg or 25 kg organic-certified poly-woven sacks. Demeter kernel FOB EUR 9,600-11,800/t, standard organic (non-Demeter) EUR 8,400-10,200/t. Rapunzel, Alnatura, Rewe Bio, Bio Planete, Dennree, Allos Bio approved. Volume limited 200-280 MT/year. Demeter premium typically pre-contracted November-January.

Baby Food Grade Hazelnut Paste HiPP/Holle/Alnatura Aflatoxin B1 <0.1 ug/kg

Ultra-premium baby food grade hazelnut paste meeting HiPP Supplier Audit, Holle Baby Food, Alnatura Quality Manual, and Nestle Nature's Goodness specifications for 6+ month infant cereals and toddler spreads. Aflatoxin B1 <0.1 ug/kg (100x stricter than EU 1881/2006 max), ochratoxin A <0.5 ug/kg, pesticide residue meet EU 2006/125/EC baby food directive (20+ parameters <0.01 mg/kg), heavy metals lead <0.02 mg/kg cadmium <0.04 mg/kg. Starting material triple-organic Kuyucak highland 11-13mm kernel, gentle-roasted L=62-68 (less aggressive than adult profile), stone-milled to 28-32 um. Zero added ingredients, 100% pure paste. Packed 25 kg steel pail with food-grade liner and nitrogen overlay, or 200 kg aseptic bag-in-drum. FOB Istanbul Ambarli EUR 12,400-15,800/t baby food grade. Full traceability from Kuyucak farm batch to finished drum. COA includes HPLC chromatogram, pesticide screening, heavy metals ICP-MS, microbiology including Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella in 125g.

Hazelnut In-Shell 18-22mm Gift Pack/Retail Seasonal/Ramadan Bazaar Grade

Round in-shell whole hazelnuts with intact natural shell, typical L+S 18-22mm diameter, shell color pale cream to light brown. Gently sun-dried post-harvest to 8-10% moisture (kernel 5-6% inside), then cleaned through rotary shaker + aspirator for empty shells + stone + debris. Ideal for seasonal retail gift packs (Christmas nut assortment, Ramadan Bayram nut bazaar, Nowruz Persian New Year), restaurant table-side nutcracker service, traditional cafes (Turkish kiraathane, Armenian sourj), Middle East wedding favors. Variety options Tombul premium (EUR 3,800-4,600/t in-shell FOB Trabzon) or mixed Levant (EUR 3,200-3,800/t). Crack-to-kernel ratio 50-54% typical for Tombul, 48-52% for Levant. Packed 25 kg poly-woven sack or 10 kg gift carton. Shelf life 18 months at 15 C / 60% RH cool dry storage. MOQ 20 ft container = 20 MT net in-shell. Seasonal demand peaks October-December (Christmas), March-April (Ramadan), and April (Nowruz).

Coated/Salted/Roasted Retail Snack Pouch 100g/200g/500g Private Label Export

Private-label ready snack pouch manufacturing at BRCGS AA facilities in Ordu OSB and Samsun Tekkekoy. Variants: (1) Salted roasted whole (1.2-1.8% NaCl dry), (2) Honey-coated 11-13mm (12-18% honey + 0.5% glazing agent), (3) Chocolate-dragee 13-15mm (35-40% milk/dark chocolate coating, rotating pan), (4) Tamari-soy glazed (Japanese umami), (5) Chili-lime spicy (capsicum 0.8% + lime zest), (6) Cinnamon-sugar 25% (churro style), (7) Unsalted plain roasted (clean label). Nitrogen-flushed stand-up pouch 100g / 200g / 500g, peel-reseal zipper, custom print 4-color flexo + up to 9 colors rotogravure. Ferrero-grade food safety declaration, allergen statement, nutrition facts panel EU 1169/2011 + US FDA NLEA compliant, barcode EAN13 + GS1-128, country-of-origin 'Product of Turkey Giresun / Ordu'. FOB Istanbul Ambarli EUR 1.80-2.40/pouch 200g salted, EUR 2.60-3.80/pouch 200g dragee, EUR 3.40-4.80/pouch 200g organic Demeter. MOQ 5,000 pouches per SKU. Lead time 28-35 days including artwork approval.

Certifications, Regulatory Compliance, and Buyer Audit Framework

EU PGI Giresun Tombul Findigi 2022/C 248/11, Ferrero TGT Supplier Code, triple-organic NOP+EU+JAS, Demeter biodynamic, BRCGS Issue 9 AA, IFS Higher Level, FSSC 22000 V6, EU 2023/915 aflatoxin, Halal HAK, Kosher OU, Vegan, COSMOS, SMETA 4-pillar, ISO 14001/50001, carbon neutral.

EPGTFP

EU PGI Giresun Tombul Findigi Protected Geographical Indication

European Union Protected Geographical Indication registration 2022/C 248/11 published in Official Journal of the European Union, specifically protecting Tombul cultivar round-kernel hazelnuts grown across 39 defined villages of Giresun province at minimum 250m altitude. Turkish national GI registration No 67 at TURKPATENT since 2008. Legally enforced origin protection across all EU-27 markets plus UK GI scheme continuation. Every PGI shipment accompanied by Giresun Ticaret Borsasi certificate of origin, farm-of-origin register, cultivation altitude verification, and Tombul-cultivar DNA marker confirmation (SSR microsatellite analysis available on request). Counterfeit Giresun Tombul PGI claims subject to EU customs seizure and legal prosecution. FromTurk verifies PGI certificate validity before order confirmation.

FSCOP+

Ferrero Supplier Code of Practice + TGT Approved Supplier

Ferrero Hazelnut Company (Turkiye Findik Sirketi, TGT) Supplier Code of Practice approval requires audited compliance across six pillars: (1) food safety (BRCGS Issue 9 minimum Grade A), (2) quality (aflatoxin B1 <2.0 ug/kg, moisture 4-6%, zero BGYF, peroxide <1.0), (3) sustainability (Ferrero Farming Values certification, zero deforestation, IPM pest management), (4) traceability (farm register, lot tracking blockchain pilot), (5) social (SMETA 4-pillar, no child labor, fair wages minimum Turkish asgari ucret +20%), (6) environmental (ISO 14001, water stewardship, carbon footprint). Listed approved suppliers access Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, Nutella, Kinder Bueno, Tic Tac, Golden Gallery supply chain. FromTurk network includes 18 TGT approved suppliers covering Giresun Tombul PGI and Ordu Levant grades.

TOCUN+

Triple Organic Certification USDA NOP + EU 2018/848 + JAS

Organic hazelnut certification triple-stack covers all major export markets: (1) USDA National Organic Program (NOP) 7 CFR Part 205 for USA and Canada, (2) EU Regulation 2018/848 for European Union and UK (post-Brexit UK organic equivalence), (3) JAS Japanese Agricultural Standards for Japan market. Certifying bodies: Ceres GmbH, Control Union, ETKO, IMO, Kiwa BCS. Certified organic plots in Kuyucak-Giresun (180 ha Demeter), Kumru-Ordu (320 ha NOP/EU), and Akcakoca-Duzce (90 ha EU). Chain-of-custody split transaction certificates available for every shipment. Three-year conversion period verified via annual on-site inspection. Aflatoxin B1 typically <0.5 ug/kg (vs <2.0 conventional) due to highland altitude and IPM practices.

DIBC

Demeter International Biodynamic Certification

Demeter International biodynamic agriculture standards (more rigorous than organic) certify Kuyucak-Giresun highland cooperative (180 ha, registration TR-DEMETER-12, certified since 2016). Biodynamic preparations BD500 (horn manure fermented underground winter) and BD501 (horn silica fermented summer) applied on astronomical calendar following Maria Thun biodynamic sowing calendar. Cover cropping with clover + vetch + native herb biodiversity strips. Zero synthetic inputs, zero chemical fertilizers, zero pesticides. Preparations 502-507 yarrow chamomile nettle oak valerian dandelion composted into farm-made fertilizer. Premium approved suppliers: Rapunzel Naturkost, Demeter Felder, Alnatura Produktions, Bio Planete, Allos Hof-Gemuse, Rapunzel Turk. FOB premium +25% over standard organic.

BI9GA+

BRCGS Issue 9 Grade AA + IFS Food Higher Level + FSSC 22000 Version 6

All FromTurk hazelnut supplier cracking and processing facilities operate with triple food safety certification: BRCGS Issue 9 Grade AA (unannounced audit option, top 5% globally), IFS Food Version 8 Higher Level, and FSSC 22000 Version 6 (GFSI-recognized). Covers cracking, blanching, roasting, dicing, paste milling, flour pin-milling, oil cold-pressing, pouch packing, and cold-storage operations. HACCP plans validated annually, pest management GlobalG.A.P. compliant, allergen management zone-based with dedicated hazelnut-only lines, X-ray detection for foreign body (metal, glass, stone, bone) at CCP level, magnetic grate sequential, optical sorter (Tomra Genius, Buhler Sortex E1R) for color defect and shell fragment. Certifying bodies: SGS, Bureau Veritas, TUV Nord, Intertek. Audit reports shareable with buyers under NDA.

EAC29+

EU Aflatoxin Compliance 2023/915 + EU 1881/2006 + BGYF UV Screening + HPLC

Full compliance with EU Commission Regulation 2023/915 setting maximum levels for mycotoxins in hazelnuts: aflatoxin B1 <5.0 ug/kg (raw for processing) or <2.0 ug/kg (direct consumption), total aflatoxins B1+B2+G1+G2 <10 ug/kg or <4.0 ug/kg respectively. Full compliance with EU 1881/2006 grandfathered. Testing protocol: (1) 100% lots UV screened under 365nm Wood's lamp for BGYF (bright greenish yellow fluorescence indicating Aspergillus flavus/parasiticus infection), (2) HPLC quantification by UPLC-MS/MS (Waters Xevo TQ-XS) at accredited Turkish TS EN ISO/IEC 17025 labs, (3) Certificate of Analysis for every container with lot traceability, (4) Pre-shipment sampling per EU 401/2006 aggregate sample methodology (30 incremental samples per 25 MT lot, minimum 10 kg aggregate).

HH+KOO

Halal HAK + Kosher OU/OK + Vegan V-Label + COSMOS (Cosmetic Oil)

Religious and dietary certifications covering all major export markets: (1) Halal by Helal Akreditasyon Kurumu (HAK) and Turkish GIMDES for Islamic markets (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran), (2) Kosher by Orthodox Union (OU), OK Kosher, Star-K for US/Israel/European Jewish markets, parve pareve designation, (3) Vegan V-Label by European Vegetarian Union for European retail, (4) COSMOS Organic certification (for hazelnut oil used in natural cosmetics by Weleda, Dr Hauschka, L'Occitane, Aveda). All certificates renewable annually, included in buyer documentation package automatically. GMO-free declaration EU Reg 1829/2003 compliant (Corylus avellana is non-GMO species).

S4P+S+

SMETA 4-Pillar + Sedex + ISO 14001/50001 + Carbon Neutral Pathway

Social and environmental sustainability: SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) 4-pillar audit covering labor (fair wages, no child labor, freedom of association, working hours 45h/week max), health safety, environment, business ethics. Sedex platform membership for buyer audit sharing. ISO 14001:2015 environmental management and ISO 50001:2018 energy management. Carbon neutral pathway through Giresun-Ordu regional afforestation offsets (Turkish OGM Orman Genel Mudurlugu partnership) and solar PV installation on cracking facility rooftops (Ordu OSB 2.4 MWp installed 2023). Water stewardship via AWS Alliance for Water Stewardship pilot in Fiskobirlik cooperative. FromTurk network publishes annual ESG report aligned with GRI Standards and CDP Climate Disclosure.

Black Sea Hazelnut Regional Producers and FOB Ports

Giresun PGI zone above 250m, Ordu Levant heartland, Samsun Ferrero TGT hub, Trabzon deep-water port, Kuyucak+Kumru Demeter highland, Sakarya+Duzce+Akcakoca western secondary. FOB Trabzon/Samsun/Istanbul Ambarli options.

Giresun Merkez + Bulancak + Dereli + Piraziz + Espiye + Yaglidere + Keshap PGI Zone Above 250m

The protected Giresun Tombul PGI zone covers 39 villages across seven districts, cultivated between 250 and 900 meters altitude on steep north-facing slopes of the eastern Pontic Mountains. Approximately 38,000 hectares under Tombul cultivar monoculture, yielding 50-70 kt PGI kernel annually. Smallholder family orchards averaging 1.2-3.8 ha each, harvested mid-August to mid-September by hand-picking after natural fall to ground. Single-layer sun-drying 14-21 days on concrete harman floors. Cracking and processing at Giresun Port cluster (OFI Ofis, Balsu, Progida, Aydin Findik, Karadeniz Findik Giresun branch). Cooperative Fiskobirlik and TMO strategic reserve. TMO intervention price +25-35% above Ordu Levant.

Ordu Merkez + Altinordu + Fatsa + Unye + Persembe Levant Heartland

Ordu province produces approximately 30% of Turkey's total hazelnut volume, concentrated across Ordu Merkez, Altinordu, Fatsa, Unye, Persembe districts at 0-400m altitude. Total cultivated area approximately 215,000 hectares under mixed Tombul + Palaz + Foca + Sivri + Mincane varieties. 2025-2026 forecast 180-220 kt kernel equivalent. Home to Balsu Gida, Oltan Findik, Karadeniz Findik main facility (Ordu OSB), Namex, Durak Findik, Ferrero TGT Samsun plant, and 60+ smaller cracking operations. Ordu Ticaret Borsasi daily price benchmark for Levant grade globally. FOB Ordu Port available but most export routes through Samsun Port (180 km west) for deep-water container capacity.

Samsun Tekkekoy + Carsamba Ferrero TGT Main Plant + Container Port

Samsun province hosts Ferrero Hazelnut Company Turkey (TGT - Turkiye Findik Sirketi) main processing plant in Tekkekoy Industrial Zone, operational since 2014, annual throughput 170-200 kt kernel. Largest single hazelnut processing facility in the world. Plus BRCGS AA packers Samsun OSB, Karadeniz Findik Samsun branch, and container consolidation hub for all Eastern Black Sea hazelnut exports. Samsun Port operated by Samsun Liman offers container capacity 180,000 TEU/year with direct services to Mersin, Ambarli, Gemlik, and Mediterranean feeders to Gioia Tauro + Algeciras for onward to EU/US destinations. FOB Samsun EUR 40-80/t freight advantage over Trabzon for European routes.

Trabzon OSB + Trabzon Port Eastern Black Sea FOB Hub

Trabzon province produces approximately 8-10% of Turkey's hazelnut volume (55-70 kt kernel from Vakfikebir, Of, Macka, Arakli, Surmene districts, mixed varieties) and serves as primary FOB port for Giresun PGI exports due to deep-water container terminal operated by Trabzon Port. Direct container lines to Italy (Gioia Tauro via ARKAS, Medkon), Germany (Hamburg via MSC, CMA CGM), USA (New York via Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd). Trabzon Organize Sanayi Bolgesi (OSB) hosts 14 nut processing facilities with BRCGS AA/IFS Higher Level certification including Aydin Findik, Ogul Gida, Progida Trabzon branch. FOB Trabzon pricing carries +EUR 20-40/t over FOB Samsun due to deep-sea access but EUR 80-150/t saving on European routes vs FOB Mersin.

Kuyucak Giresun Highland + Kumru Ordu Demeter Biodynamic + Organic Cooperatives

Kuyucak is a high-altitude village of Giresun province (580-920m) with 180 hectares of Demeter-certified biodynamic Tombul hazelnut orchards farmed by 46 family farms under Rapunzel Turk cooperative agreement since 2016. Kumru is an Ordu province district with 320 hectares of USDA NOP + EU organic certified mixed-variety hazelnut, cooperative of 110 farms. Both regions practice traditional zero-input cultivation with cover-crop clover + vetch + native herb biodiversity strips, manual weeding, and biological pest management. Dedicated separate-line cracking at Rapunzel Kuyucak (180 MT/year Demeter) and Balsu Kumru organic plant (450 MT/year EU+NOP). Volume limited premium with Rapunzel, Alnatura, Rewe Bio, Bio Planete, Dennree, HiPP pre-contracted November-January.

Sakarya + Duzce + Akcakoca + Zonguldak + Bartin Western Black Sea Secondary

Western Black Sea provinces contribute 15-20% of Turkey's hazelnut supply from approximately 165,000 hectares across Sakarya (Akyazi, Hendek, Karasu), Duzce (Akcakoca PDO candidate, Golyaka, Yigilca), Zonguldak, Bartin, and small Kastamonu-Inebolu plantations. Mixed variety Palaz + Sivri + Foca + Tombul. Proximity to Istanbul Ambarli container port (240 km via O-4 motorway) advantages export logistics for time-sensitive orders, 5-7 days faster than Eastern Black Sea origin. Processing concentrated at Akcakoca Findik cooperative, Duzce OSB, Sakarya OSB. FOB Ambarli pricing competitive for European routes, preferred for private-label pouch orders requiring faster lead times and for baby food grade needing Istanbul airport cargo for small-volume samples.

Buyers Guide From Grade Selection to Crop Contract Strategy and Frost Risk Mitigation

Six-step framework: grade/format selection, COA and facility audit, crop contract vs spot, payment and shipping documentation, quality incident resolution, ongoing supplier relationship and crop intelligence.

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Step 1 Define Grade, Format, and Target Market Application
Match application to correct grade: Premium confectionery (Ferrero Rocher core, Lindt praline, Venchi Cremino) requires Giresun Tombul PGI AA 11-13mm kernel at EUR 7,800-9,400/t. Industrial paste/Nutella-style requires Ordu Levant 11-13mm at EUR 6,200-7,400/t. Baby food (HiPP, Holle) requires triple-organic Kuyucak highland at EUR 12,400-15,800/t paste grade. Bakery inclusion needs 2-4mm / 4-6mm / 8-11mm diced at EUR 7,800-10,800/t. Gluten-free flour EUR 8,200-12,600/t. Gourmet cold-pressed oil EUR 14,600-18,400/t. Private-label snack pouch EUR 1.80-4.80/200g pouch. Specify roast profile (raw, blanched, light-roast L=68, Ferrero-spec L=55-65, dark-roast L=48). Specify packaging: 25 kg sack vs 10 kg vacuum brick vs 200 kg aseptic drum vs retail pouch.
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Step 2 Request COA + Sample + Facility Audit Reports
Before order confirmation, request: (1) Certificate of Analysis covering aflatoxin B1 + total HPLC UPLC-MS/MS, moisture Karl Fischer, peroxide value AOAC 965.33, free fatty acids, microbiology (TPC, yeast + mold, Enterobacteriaceae, E.coli, Salmonella 125g), heavy metals ICP-MS (Pb, Cd, As, Hg), pesticide residue multi-residue GC-MS + LC-MS/MS 600+ analytes. (2) 500g-1kg physical sample shipped via DHL/TNT/FedEx Express for cupping evaluation and internal lab verification (lead time 3-5 days). (3) Facility audit reports: BRCGS Grade AA scorecard, IFS Food Higher Level certificate, FSSC 22000 V6 valid certificate, SMETA 4-pillar report. (4) For PGI grade, request Giresun Ticaret Borsasi certificate of origin and Tombul cultivar DNA marker SSR confirmation.
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Step 3 Crop Contract vs Spot Purchase Decision
Two procurement strategies: (a) Spot purchase at current FOB quoted price, 14-21 days lead time, shorter commitment, price exposure to market moves. Ideal for smaller orders <50 MT or experimental SKUs. (b) Crop contract = fixed-price agreement March-May for September-August delivery of full crop year volume. Typical 500-5,000 MT/year commitment. Locks in price against weather events (Black Sea frost risk April-May can remove 30-50% of crop and spike prices +60-80%), currency hedging, and supply continuity. Ferrero TGT runs 85% volume on 3-year crop contracts. FromTurk facilitates both models: spot for <200 MT, crop contract for 200+ MT annual commitment. Forward curve pricing available for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 crops.
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Step 4 Payment Terms, Incoterms, and Shipping Documentation
Standard Incoterms 2020: FOB Trabzon / FOB Samsun / FOB Istanbul Ambarli for ocean container (most common), CFR/CIF to destination port, DAP (Delivered At Place) for road freight to Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, Italy by TIR truck. Payment terms for new buyers: 30% T/T advance + 70% against scanned B/L documents, or 100% Letter of Credit at sight confirmed on prime EU/US bank. Established buyers: open account net 30-45 days post-shipment. Shipping documentation package per container includes: (1) Commercial invoice, (2) Packing list with carton-level lot numbers, (3) Bill of Lading, (4) Certificate of Origin TOBB stamped, (5) Certificate of Analysis, (6) Phytosanitary certificate ZMO Agriculture Ministry, (7) Fumigation certificate (methyl bromide OR phosphine 72h, OR CA atmosphere for organic), (8) Insurance certificate, (9) EUR.1 movement certificate for EU preferential duty, (10) Halal + Kosher + Organic + Demeter certificates if applicable.
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Step 5 Quality Incident Resolution and Counter-Sample Retention
Quality assurance safety net: (1) Supplier retains sealed 1 kg counter-sample from each 25 MT lot for 18 months in -18 C frozen storage, available for buyer arbitration testing. (2) If buyer arrival test shows aflatoxin or other parameter out-of-spec, procedure is joint re-sampling at destination port in presence of SGS/Bureau Veritas/Intertek surveyor per EU 401/2006 aggregate methodology. (3) Dispute resolution per INC International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Trade Rules, arbitration seated London under English law, or FOSFA rules for oils. (5) Cargo insurance All Risks ICC(A) covers rejection due to quality up to 110% invoice value with pre-approved underwriter Allianz, AXA, Zurich.
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Step 6 Ongoing Supplier Relationship, Forward Planning, and Crop Intelligence
Long-term buyer success requires: (1) Annual supplier visit during harvest August-September to build relationship, inspect crop quality first-hand, negotiate next-year crop contract. (2) Subscription to Ordu Ticaret Borsasi daily price bulletin and TMO intervention price announcements. (3) Monitoring of Black Sea weather via Turkish Meteorological Service for April-May frost risk and July-August pest pressure (brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is a growing concern). (4) Tracking Turkish Lira/EUR exchange rate for FX hedging (TRY typically +15-25% annual volatility). (5) Attending INC Congress (May), Gulfood (February), ISM Cologne (January), Sial Paris (October) trade shows to meet processors and build direct relationships. FromTurk facilitates supplier visits, provides market intelligence briefings, and represents buyer interests at crop contract negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions Turkish Hazelnuts B2B Wholesale

Detailed answers covering Giresun PGI vs Ordu Levant, aflatoxin EU/US specs, crop contract vs spot, Demeter biodynamic traceability, formats, MOQ and containers, frost risk, and global buyer landscape.

What's the difference between Giresun Tombul PGI and Ordu Levant hazelnuts?

Giresun Tombul PGI is a single-cultivar (Tombul = 'round') premium grade grown in 39 protected villages of Giresun province above 250m altitude, producing 50-70 kt annually of spherical 11-13mm kernel with 62-67% oil content and distinctive filbertone aroma, priced EUR 7,800-9,400/t FOB. Used by Ferrero Rocher, Venchi, Lindt, Godiva premium lines. Ordu Levant is a multi-cultivar commercial grade (Tombul 40% + Palaz 30% + Foca 20% + Sivri 10%) grown in Ordu, Trabzon, Samsun, Sakarya lowlands below 250m, producing 350-450 kt kernel annually, slightly more oval shape, 60-64% oil, priced EUR 6,200-7,400/t FOB. Used for industrial paste, bakery, coating, and 85% of global hazelnut volume. FromTurk supplies both grades with full traceability.

What aflatoxin specifications should I require for EU and US imports?

EU Regulation 2023/915 sets maximum aflatoxin B1 at 5.0 ug/kg (raw for processing) or 2.0 ug/kg (direct consumption), total aflatoxins B1+B2+G1+G2 at 10 or 4.0 ug/kg respectively. US FDA sets aflatoxin action level at 20 ug/kg total. Premium confectionery buyers (Ferrero, Lindt, Venchi) specify B1 <2.0 ug/kg typical <0.5 ug/kg. Baby food (HiPP, Holle, Alnatura) specifies B1 <0.1 ug/kg per EU 2006/125/EC. FromTurk supplier network delivers typical results of 0.2-0.8 ug/kg B1 for Giresun Tombul PGI (higher altitude = lower Aspergillus pressure) and 0.5-1.5 ug/kg for Ordu Levant. All lots UV-screened under 365nm Wood's lamp for BGYF (bright greenish yellow fluorescence) and HPLC-quantified by UPLC-MS/MS at TS EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Turkish labs.

How does hazelnut crop contract pricing work vs spot?

Turkish hazelnut crop contracts are typically negotiated March-May for September-August delivery of the upcoming crop year. Pricing is fixed at contract signing based on USDA/INC forward curve consensus. Buyer commits to full volume take-up, supplier commits to reserved crop. Typical terms 500-5,000 MT/year, payment schedule 30% advance at March signing, 40% at crop harvest October, 30% monthly against shipment invoices. Crop contracts protect against +60-80% price spikes from April frost events or pest pressure, and against -30% TRY currency moves. Ferrero TGT runs 85% volume on 3-year rolling crop contracts. Spot purchase available for <200 MT orders at daily FOB price. Forward curve 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 pricing available for long-term buyers.

Can you supply organic Demeter biodynamic hazelnut with full traceability?

Yes. FromTurk sources triple-certified organic (USDA NOP + EU 2018/848 + JAS) from Kumru-Ordu cooperative (320 ha, 110 farms) and Kuyucak-Giresun highland cooperative (180 ha, 46 farms) with additional Demeter International biodynamic certification (TR-DEMETER-12 since 2016). Full farm-to-ship traceability: farm register with GPS coordinates, lot-level QR code from harvest through cracking blanching roasting to final container. Cracking at dedicated organic-only separate line (Rapunzel Kuyucak facility 180 MT/year Demeter, Balsu Kumru organic 450 MT/year EU+NOP). Approved buyers: Rapunzel, Alnatura, Rewe Bio, Bio Planete, Dennree, Allos Bio, HiPP, Holle. FOB EUR 9,600-11,800/t Demeter kernel 11-13mm. Volume limited 200-280 MT/year total Demeter. Pre-contract recommended November-January for next crop year.

What formats are available beyond raw kernel paste, flour, oil, diced?

FromTurk supplies the full hazelnut value chain: (1) Raw natural kernel 11-13mm / 13-15mm / 9-11mm grades, (2) Blanched skinless white confectionery grade, (3) Roasted whole Ferrero-spec L=55-65 or custom L-value, (4) Diced granulated 2-4mm / 4-6mm / 8-11mm bakery inclusion, (5) Paste 100% pure aseptic 200kg drum or 25kg pail for Nutella-style spreads and gianduia, (6) Flour full-fat or defatted gluten-free bakery enrichment, (7) Cold-pressed gourmet oil 250ml/500ml/1L glass or 200kg drum, (8) Baby food grade paste HiPP/Holle spec aflatoxin <0.1, (9) Retail snack pouch 100g/200g/500g private label (salted, honey, chocolate-dragee, chili-lime, cinnamon-sugar variants), (10) In-shell 18-22mm for seasonal gift packs. All available in conventional, organic NOP/EU, or Demeter biodynamic tiers.

What MOQ do you accept and what container types are available?

Container MOQs: 20-foot ocean container = 25 MT net kernel (28 MT gross including packaging), 40-foot container = 20 MT in-shell (lower density) or 50 MT kernel (special stackable packaging), 20-foot reefer container at 15-18 C for extended transit protection. Road freight (TIR truck) 20-22 MT kernel for Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Italy destinations. Minimum order FCL 20 MT kernel for raw/roasted/blanched. For diced + paste + flour + oil specialty products: 5 MT LCL (less than container load) minimum. For retail snack pouch private label: 5,000 pouches per SKU. For baby food grade paste: 2 MT in 25kg pails minimum. For Demeter biodynamic: 1 MT minimum via air freight for small-volume premium buyers willing to pay premium shipping.

How do I protect against April frost and crop year volatility?

Black Sea hazelnut production is highly weather-sensitive with April-May frost events capable of removing 30-50% of crop and spiking prices +60-80% (last major event: 2014, 2017, 2021). Protection strategies: (1) Multi-year crop contracts with fixed pricing locks in supply and price for 3-year horizons. (2) Geographic diversification of sourcing across Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, Sakarya, Duzce reduces single-region weather risk (Western Black Sea typically less frost-exposed than Eastern). (3) Forward strip purchases 50% volume at spot + 50% forward contract balances flexibility and price certainty. (4) Commodity hedging via ICE futures (limited liquidity) or OTC total-return swaps with specialty trading houses (Olam, Balsu, Sunopta). (5) Safety stock: hold 3-6 months forward inventory in cold storage at destination. FromTurk provides monthly crop intelligence reports to subscribed buyers including weather risk assessment and price forecasts.

Who are the main buyers of Turkish hazelnuts globally?

Top global buyers of Turkish hazelnuts by volume: (1) Ferrero Group (170-200 kt kernel/year, ~25% of global supply, Rocher, Nutella, Kinder, Golden Gallery), (2) Barry Callebaut (40-60 kt, B2B chocolate/praline for branded customers), (3) Nestle (30-50 kt, KitKat, Nesquik, Galak), (4) Mondelez (20-35 kt, Toblerone, Milka Nussbeisser), (5) Lindt Spruengli (15-25 kt, Lindor, Gourmet), (6) Hershey (10-20 kt, Pot of Gold, Reeses), (7) Private label German retailers Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka (30-50 kt combined), (8) Italian gourmet Venchi, Loacker, Caffarel, Majani (8-15 kt), (9) Premium confectionery Godiva, Neuhaus, Teuscher, Leonidas (5-10 kt), (10) Ingredient specialists OFI Ofi, Olam, Intersnack, Sunopta, Importers Association (20-35 kt for onward distribution). FromTurk connects smaller-to-mid buyers (50-5,000 MT/year segment) that are underserved by direct processor relationships.

Related Turkish Food Export Categories

Explore complementary Turkish food export categories: Antep Pistachios PDO, Malatya Apricots IGP, Sun-Dried Natural Apricots, and Aydin Sarilop PGI Figs.

For full category overview visit Nuts & Hazelnuts Turkey, or see the complete Dried Fruits and Food & Beverages Turkey hubs.