ANKARA: Turkish authorities on Thursday (Nov 6) threatened to impose fines on Italian meals group Ferrero for not shopping for Turkish hazelnuts, that are a key a part of its globally offered Nutella unfold.
Turkish media experiences stated that Ferrero deliberate to cease shopping for in Türkiye, its conventional provider and the world’s primary hazelnut producer, due to increased costs brought on by shortages and dangerous climate that had affected high quality.
The Turkish Competitors Authority stated, nevertheless, that “Ferrero must purchase no less than 30,000 tonnes of nuts in shells between September and December” from Turkish producers who recurrently accuse the Italian group of holding down costs.
It warned that fines might be imposed if the nut gross sales weren’t made. Ferrero didn’t instantly remark.
The competitors authority stated Ferrero usually had an “obligation” to purchase no less than 45,000 tonnes of nuts a yr, used for Nutella and different desserts and sweets. This was lowered to 30,000 tonnes in 2025 due to the decrease manufacturing and “high quality issues”.
Costs for Turkish nuts have taken off this yr due to a late frost in April after which a protracted, scorching and dry summer time, which badly hit manufacturing.
Ferrero and the competitors authority agreed on a gross sales deal final yr after Türkiye carried out an inquiry into accusations that the Italian agency had abused its dominant place.
A European fruit and nut dealer, talking on situation of anonymity, stated that Ferrero had taken a tricky line with Turkish producers after the nut harvest began in September.
The dealer stated that costs of Turkish hazelnuts had doubled this yr on European markets to greater than 20 euros (US$23) a kilogramme.
In 2023, Türkiye exported greater than 280,000 tonnes of hazelnuts, price US$1.86 billion, in response to the commerce affiliation.
Ferrero, which additionally makes Kinder bars and different sweets and breakfast cereals, sells Nutella – wherein the nuts make up solely 13 per cent of the unfold – in about 170 markets.
