Trabzon is one of the cities with the highest hazelnut production in the Black Sea Region. Thousands of producers throughout the city transport their harvested hazelnuts to various purchasing points each year to sell them. The production area stretches from the coastal regions to the inland areas, and therefore, many official and private hazelnut purchasing centers operate in the city. Producers generally sell their products in their shells, and criteria such as yield, moisture content, and quality are evaluated during the sale.

Trabzon's climate is quite favorable for hazelnut cultivation, making hazelnut trading a strong economic activity in the city. For the people of Trabzon, hazelnut production is not only an agricultural activity but also a long-standing source of livelihood. Therefore, producers closely follow where to sell their hazelnuts, which purchasing centers are more advantageous, and how prices are determined.

How to Buy Hazelnuts in Trabzon?

Trabzon is one of the most important hazelnut production centers in the Black Sea Region. After the harvest, producers in the region market their products through various purchasing channels. In Trabzon, hazelnut purchasing is generally done through the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), private traders, local purchasing centers, and hazelnut processing facilities. Producers deliver their hazelnuts in their shells, and the price is determined according to the yield. Drying quality, kernel fullness, and foreign matter content play a significant role in this process.

Trabzon's climate is quite favorable for hazelnut production. High humidity, the rainfall pattern typical of the Black Sea region, and mild temperatures create an ideal environment for hazelnut cultivation. Therefore, there are many producers in the city, and a significant trade volume is generated each harvest season. Producers generally dry their products for a few days after harvesting before taking them to purchasing centers for sale. If the drying process is not done correctly, mold and quality loss can occur in the hazelnuts.

The people of Trabzon don't just see hazelnut production as an economic activity. Hazelnut production holds a significant place in the region's culture, and many families earn their living from this product. Therefore, the sales process is a critical period for producers. When the product is sold in the right place and at the right time, the producer earns a significant income.

The hazelnut purchasing process generally follows these steps:

  • Harvesting and drying process
  • Bagging and transporting the product.
  • Efficiency measurement
  • Price determination
  • Weighing and payment process

Executing these steps correctly directly impacts the producer's profit.

What are the hazelnut purchasing locations in Trabzon?

Hazelnut purchasing locations in Trabzon are divided into several different categories. Producers generally consider criteria such as price, ease of transportation, and payment terms when selling their products. Purchasing locations can generally be classified as official purchasing points and free market purchasing centers.

The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) is the best-known official purchasing agency in the region. TMO purchases hazelnuts during specific periods and accepts products at prices announced by the state. TMO purchasing points have procedures such as producer identification information, production records, and an appointment system. During product delivery, the moisture content and yield of the hazelnuts are measured.

Open market purchasing centers are operated by traders and private firms. There are numerous hazelnut traders throughout Trabzon. These buyers generally operate in district centers or major production areas. Producers often prefer to sell to traders due to price advantages or faster payment.

Hazelnut shelling factories are also among the important purchasing points. These facilities process shelled hazelnuts to produce kernels. The factories generally purchase in large quantities and apply pricing based on product quality.

The main places where hazelnuts are purchased in Trabzon can be classified as follows:

  • Turkish Grain Board purchasing centers
  • Hazelnut traders in district centers
  • Cooperatives and producer associations
  • Hazelnut processing and cracking facilities
  • Regional purchasing depots

This structure allows manufacturers to have different sales alternatives.

How do hazelnut purchasing points vary by district in Trabzon?

Trabzon's geographical structure creates different production densities depending on the district. Hazelnut production is more widespread in the districts located along the coast, therefore purchasing centers are concentrated in these areas. Knowing the distribution of purchasing points by district provides a significant advantage for producers.

The Akçaabat and Vakfıkebir line in western Trabzon has significant production areas. These regions are home to many merchants and purchasing depots. Furthermore, some large companies set up mobile purchasing points throughout the season, enabling producers to easily sell their products.

The areas around Arsin and Yomra in eastern Trabzon are among the regions with the highest volume of hazelnut trade. Both private traders and large purchasing centers operate in these districts. The coastal road provides a transportation advantage, allowing producers to deliver their products to market quickly.

Araklı, Sürmene, and the surrounding areas of Of are also important production regions. In these districts, producers from the villages generally sell to traders in the district centers. However, some producers may prefer purchasing centers in different districts for price advantages.

In Beşikdüzü and Çarşıbaşı, both cooperative purchases and independent market traders are actively operating. Price differences between the districts can vary from time to time. Therefore, producers prefer to obtain price information from several different purchasing centers before selling.

What should be considered before selling hazelnuts?

Maintaining product quality is crucial for achieving high returns from hazelnut sales. Post-harvest processing directly impacts hazelnut yield. Hazelnuts that are not properly dried can lead to price losses and problems during the purchasing process.

The drying process should be done outdoors in sunny areas. The hazelnuts should be stirred frequently to maintain their moisture balance. A clean surface is important during the drying process; contamination with soil or foreign matter will reduce quality.

The bagging process before sale should also be done carefully. Bagging damp hazelnuts increases the risk of mold. In addition, sturdy sacks prevent loss during transport.

Yield measurement is one of the most important criteria in determining price. Yield refers to the ratio of shelled hazelnuts to kernels. Products with a high yield are considered more valuable in the market. Therefore, producers can determine their price expectations by estimating the yield before selling.

Here are some important points to consider when selling hazelnuts:

  • The hazelnuts must be completely dried.
  • Low rate of decay and voids.
  • No foreign matter present.
  • Using sturdy sacks
  • Care should be taken during weighing.

These details have a direct impact on the selling price.

What factors determine the price of hazelnuts in Trabzon?

Hazelnut prices in Trabzon vary depending on many factors. Market conditions, production quantity, and product quality directly affect the price. The main reason why prices differ in each harvest season is the balance of supply and demand.

Yield is one of the most important criteria determining the price of hazelnuts. Products with a high kernel content are considered more valuable. Conversely, products with a low yield may have lower prices. Therefore, producers can determine the market value by having the yield measured before selling their hazelnuts.

Prices are generally more volatile at the beginning of the season. During peak harvest periods, large quantities of produce enter the market, causing short-term price fluctuations. As the season progresses, supply decreases and prices become more stable.

International demand for hazelnuts also plays a significant role in prices. Turkey accounts for a large portion of world hazelnut production. When export demand increases, domestic prices tend to rise as well. Therefore, global market conditions directly affect producers in Trabzon.

Climate conditions are also a determining factor in the price. Although Trabzon's climate is suitable for hazelnut production in most years, situations such as frost, excessive rainfall, or drought can affect the production quantity. When production decreases, prices generally rise.

When all these factors are considered together, it is clear that the hazelnut trade in Trabzon has a highly dynamic structure. Producers can earn higher incomes from their products by monitoring the market and selling at the right time. Therefore, knowing the factors that influence price formation provides a significant advantage for producers.