Hazelnut Market Trends & Summary

The global hazelnut market is experiencing a moment of unprecedented momentum. Once considered a niche component in chocolates and gourmet bakery items, hazelnuts have now become a mainstream ingredient across food, beverage, cosmetics, and even pharmaceutical sectors. According to Renub Research, the hazelnut market size—estimated at US$ 8.98 billion in 2024—is projected to surge to US$ 19.15 billion by 2033, growing at a strong CAGR of 8.78% from 2025 to 2033. Beyond their role in sweets and spreads, hazelnuts now sit at the intersection of health, flavor, sustainability, and evolving lifestyle choices.

Growing consumer consciousness about health, the explosion of plant-based lifestyles, and the expansion of premium and artisanal food categories are collectively reshaping the hazelnut industry. The result is a dynamic, high-value market with broad global participation.

Understanding the Global Hazelnut Industry

Hazelnuts, derived from the hazel tree (Corylus), are cherished for their rich nutty flavor, pleasant crunch, and high nutritional profile. Available as whole nuts, pastes, oils, and processed derivatives, hazelnuts have emerged as one of the most versatile ingredients worldwide.

Nutritional Goldmine

Hazelnuts provide:

Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

Significant protein content

Dietary fiber for gut health

Antioxidants, especially vitamin E

Essential minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese

These components support cardiovascular health, enhance brain function, improve skin and hair quality, and contribute to balanced diets. With the rising popularity of superfoods and functional nutrition, hazelnuts have naturally moved into higher demand.

Key Growth Drivers Transforming the Hazelnut Market

1. Surge in Nut-Based Products

The biggest catalyst behind market growth is the exploding global appetite for nut-based foods. From spreads and non-dairy milk to energy bars and chocolates, hazelnuts are gaining attention for both flavor and nutrition.

Brands are moving aggressively into hazelnut innovations, with plant-based and vegan categories leading the way. Hazelnuts offer a creamy texture that enhances dairy alternatives, making them an ideal replacement for milk-based ingredients.

A major example of market expansion is the launch of ProV Minis by Mumbai-based ProV Foods in January 2023, reflecting rising demand for healthy, convenient nut-based snacking options.

2. Expanding Applications in Food and Beverages

Hazelnuts elevate taste and texture, making them a go-to ingredient in:

Global confectionery

Artisanal chocolates and truffles

Baked goods

Plant-based dairy substitutes

Gourmet oils and flavored desserts

The boom in premium, artisanal, and gourmet food items has increased hazelnut usage in bakery, boutique chocolate brands, and fusion food products.

In April 2024, Agrimax Foods LLP launched Bake&Co., a venture using millet-based baked items enhanced with ingredients like hazelnuts, backed by the Indian government’s PMFME initiative. This marks the blending of traditional grains with modern premium ingredients.

3. Health & Wellness Trends

Today’s consumers want foods that are not just tasty but also nourishing. Hazelnuts, rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, perfectly match this trend. Their benefits—including lower cholesterol, improved cognition, and weight management—make them popular among:

Fitness-focused consumers

Diet-conscious millennials

Clean-label product seekers

Organic and natural food buyers

The steady demand from health-driven shoppers ensures long-term market resilience.

Regional Insights: Hazelnut Market Across the Globe

North America: Rising Influence of Healthy Snacking

The North American cobnuts market continues an upward trajectory, primarily powered by the U.S. and Canada. Growing consumer awareness of hazelnuts’ nutritional benefits—combined with their increased presence in chocolates, premium spreads, baked goods, and energy snacks—fuels demand.

A strong development in November 2024 saw Ferrero Hazelnut Company investing $340,000 in U.S. hazelnut research, with funding allocated to Oregon State University and Rutgers University. This investment aims to strengthen local production and research, reducing reliance on imports.

United States Hazelnuts Market

The U.S. market shows tremendous promise as hazelnut-based foods go mainstream. With growing popularity of:

Vegan chocolates

Plant-based milks

Energy bars

Hazelnut-infused bakery items

…the country’s demand keeps rising. The integration of hazelnuts in dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives is attracting an entirely new consumer segment.

Europe: The Global Powerhouse of Filberts

Europe remains the heart of hazelnut consumption and processing. Key countries include:

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

United Kingdom

Belgium

Netherlands

Turkey (also a major producer)

The region’s baking culture, deep-rooted confectionery traditions, and strong gourmet food market keep hazelnut demand consistently robust.

Germany Cobnuts Market

Germany stands out as a major consumer. Hazelnuts are central to:

Premium chocolates

Bakery items

Hazelnut-based snack bars

The country relies heavily on imports, particularly from Turkey, due to its large-scale industrial usage. Innovations are increasing rapidly—Ferrero is reportedly set to introduce vegan versions of Nutella and Hanuta in Germany by August 2024, marking a transformative moment in plant-based confectionery.

Asia Pacific: Fastest-Growing Market

The Asia Pacific region, which includes China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, is witnessing rapid adoption of hazelnuts. Key factors include:

Rising disposable incomes

Shift toward Western eating patterns

Growing interest in premium snacks

Expanding bakery and café culture

China Leads the Surge

China’s hazelnut consumption has skyrocketed due to:

Increasing health consciousness

Growth of premium confectionery

Greater accessibility through e-commerce

China’s middle class is driving demand for imported hazelnuts and hazelnut-rich snacks, making it one of the fastest-growing markets globally.

Middle East & Africa: Emerging but Promising

The Middle East & Africa region is seeing increased demand for hazelnuts in confectionery, bakery items, and traditional sweets. Key markets include:

UAE

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

UAE Hazelnut Market

The UAE’s preference for gourmet and healthy foods supports its growing hazelnut consumption. With high affluence and strong demand for premium global flavors, hazelnuts have become a popular ingredient in chocolates, pastries, and Western-style desserts.

Market Segmentation

By Product (4 Viewpoints)

Whole Hazelnut

Hazelnut Paste

Hazelnut Oil

Others

By Application (4 Viewpoints)

Food & Beverage

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Pharmaceuticals

Others

By Country (25 Viewpoints)

North America:

United States, Canada

Europe:

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey

Asia-Pacific:

China, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand

Latin America:

Brazil, Mexico, Argentina

Middle East & Africa:

Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa

Company Analysis (4 Viewpoints per Company)

Overview, Key Person, Recent Developments & Strategies

Key companies:

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Olam International

Arslanturk S.A.

Holmquist Hazelnut Orchards, LLC

DurakFindik

DeveHerbes

Azerstar LLC

American Hazelnut Company

These companies support the market through advanced processing, global distribution, crop innovation, and product diversification.

Final Thoughts

The global hazelnut market is no longer just a niche ingredient supply chain; it has turned into a thriving, innovation-driven industry. Backed by consumer preferences for healthier snacks, clean-label products, and premium confectioneries, hazelnuts have moved from seasonal treats to everyday staples.

As demand expands across continents—from gourmet cafés in Europe to health-conscious buyers in North America to rising middle-class consumption in Asia—hazelnuts are well-positioned for long-term success. With Renub Research projecting the market to nearly double by 2033, hazelnuts will remain a critical pillar of the future food landscape, blending nutrition, flavor, and versatility like few other ingredients can.