Turkish Hazelnut Harvest and TMO Price — 2026-09-27
Free-market hazelnut prices collapsed further this week, hitting 140 TL/kg in some Black Sea districts while TMO continues paying 250–255 TL — a gap that is pushing growers decisively toward the state agency. TMO has raised its 2026 season purchase quota by 30% to 325,000 tonnes, easing access for producers. Meanwhile, Ferrero is stepping up direct kernel purchases as new-crop quality concerns persist.
Turkish Hazelnut Harvest and TMO Price — 2026-09-27
Top developments
TMO raises purchase quota by 30% to 325,000 tonnes
TMO increased its hazelnut purchase quota for the 2026 season by 30%, setting the quota at 325,000 tonnes and expanding producer supports, including advance and instalment payment options. The move responds to grower complaints that quota limits and delivery criteria were squeezing them out just as free-market prices collapsed. A larger state harvest significantly affects how much crop remains available to exporters at already thin margins.
Free market sinks to 140 TL as TMO–market gap widens
As of September 25, free-market hazelnut prices ranged 140–200 TL/kg depending on region and quality, while TMO paid 255 TL/kg for Giresun quality and 250 TL for Levant quality. In Ordu, traders were paying 180–190 TL against TMO's 250 TL floor, leaving a spread of 60–70 TL that local media describe as decimating producer morale. The widening gap tilts the market toward state warehouses, threatening exporter crop coverage ahead of the European buying season.
Ferrero shifts to direct kernel buying amid quality worries
In an unusual move, Ferrero is currently buying hazelnut kernels directly, while trade press reports consternation over the TMO's purchasing strategy and lingering quality issues in the new crop — a persistent theme this season, with aflatoxin and early-crop shrinkage under scrutiny. With the state offering roughly 40% above free-market levels, exporters are watching anxiously to see how much crop the TMO pulls away from them.
Chile plant targets full capacity by 2027 — rival origin accelerates
Chile's southernmost hazelnut processing plant is on track to reach full operational capacity by 2027, positioning Chile — where Ferrero has invested US$330 million with a further US$94 million commitment announced this year — as an increasingly credible non-Turkish supply base. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, has seen hazelnut export prices jump 53% even as volumes slipped. For Turkish sellers, this gradual diversification of premium supply adds competitive pressure on export margins.
Local view
Turkish regional press is dominated by the price squeeze. Timeturk's September 25 round-up declared the day's prices "producer-breaking" (üreticiyi yıktı), listing district-by-district free-market prices down to 140 TL against TMO's 255 TL. In Ordu, Ordu Yeni Dönem highlighted the "price difference" as the season's central grievance, noting that at 180–190 TL free-market rates, costs are not being covered. Medya61's piece "The producer says TMO" reports growers overwhelmingly choosing the state agency as of September 21.
Context & numbers
- TMO purchase prices, 2026/27 season: 255 TL/kg (Giresun quality), 250 TL/kg (Levant); a 28% increase from TRY 195/kg in 2025/26, set August 6 on a 50% sound kernel standard.
- TMO 2026 quota: 325,000 tonnes, up 30% (per HaberGo; the outlet also cites a 185 TL/kg pre-announcement figure — reconfirm against official statements).
- Free market: 140–200 TL/kg (Sept 25); Ordu 180–190 TL (Sept 24).
- 2026/27 supply picture: total available supply projected at ~959,940 tonnes including 150,000 tonnes beginning stocks (June estimate); Turkish exports hit a twenty-year low in 2025/26.
On the radar
- Quality screening continues: new-crop quality (shrinkage, aflatoxin) is flagged as the open issue for the TMO, Ferrero and exporters — expect more adjustments to delivery criteria.
- Whether the widened TMO–market gap triggers a fuller state crop intake into October, leaving exporters uncovered for pre-Christmas EU contracts.
- Ferrero's unusual direct kernel buying run — how long it lasts and whether other chocolate buyers follow its tactics rather than waiting at origin.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
