Georgia earns nearly $80 million from hazelnut exports

Georgia has strengthened its position in the global hazelnut market, exporting 7,800 tons of hazelnuts worth $79.4 million in the first eight months of 2026, according to the Georgian Ministry of Agriculture.

This represents a 5% increase in export volume and a 41% rise in value compared with the same period last year, Sputnik Georgia reports.

Hazelnuts are one of Georgia’s key export crops, with more than 70% of the harvest shipped to the European Union. Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Greece once again emerged as the main buyers this year. Additional shipments went to Syria (1,500 tons), Russia (732 tons) and Armenia (532 tons).

The average price per kilogram rose to $10.2, about one-third higher than last year. The increase has been attributed to strong demand and limited supply on the global market.

A government support program launched in 2022 continues to stimulate production, with owners of hazelnut orchards ranging from 0.2 to 3 hectares receiving a subsidy of 500 lari ($180) per hectare.

By Jeyhun Aghazada