UK Hazelnut Importers List in 2015

📄 Executive Summary

This report presents a comprehensive directory of 18 verified United Kingdom importer companies that engaged in the importation of shelled and peeled hazelnuts (Corylus spp.) during the year 2015, classified under HS Code 08022200. The data is sourced from authentic bill of lading records, customs declarations, and shipping manifests. The UK hazelnut market represents a significant demand channel for Turkish hazelnut exporters, as Turkey accounts for approximately 70–75% of global hazelnut production. Understanding the UK importer landscape is essential for suppliers seeking to establish or expand trade relationships in this premium European market. The complete dataset including full company contact details, shipment volumes, and frequency of imports is available for purchase.

📖 Table of Contents

1. UK Hazelnut Import Market Overview
2. Understanding HS Code 08022200
3. Turkey's Dominant Role in Global Hazelnut Supply
4. Hazelnut Varieties Traded Under 08022200
5. UK Hazelnut Importer Company Profiles
6. UK-Turkey Hazelnut Trade Dynamics in 2015
7. UK Import Regulations and Compliance
8. Market Trends and Growth Opportunities
9. Data File Details
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. UK Hazelnut Import Market Overview

The United Kingdom maintains a robust demand for shelled and peeled hazelnuts, driven by the country's thriving confectionery industry, the growing popularity of healthy snacking, and the increasing use of hazelnuts in bakery, chocolate, and nut butter products. In 2015, the UK imported hazelnuts from multiple origins, with Turkey being the overwhelmingly dominant supplier due to its position as the world's largest hazelnut producer, accounting for roughly 70–75% of global output.

The UK market for tree nuts, including hazelnuts, has shown consistent growth over the past decade. According to trade statistics, the total value of nut imports into the United Kingdom increased by approximately 19% between 2015 and 2024, reflecting rising consumer demand for plant-based proteins, premium snack foods, and natural ingredients in processed food manufacturing. Hazelnuts occupy a particularly important niche due to their association with premium chocolate brands such as Nutella and Cadbury, both of which have significant manufacturing presence in the UK.

The 18 companies identified in this dataset represent a cross-section of the UK hazelnut import ecosystem, ranging from large multinational food manufacturers to specialized nut traders and distributors. These companies serve as critical intermediaries connecting Turkish hazelnut producers and processors with the UK retail, food service, and industrial manufacturing sectors.

2. Understanding HS Code 08022200

The Harmonized System (HS) Code 08022200 is a specific eight-digit classification used internationally to identify trade in hazelnuts or filberts of the genus Corylus that have been both shelled (the hard outer shell has been removed) and peeled (the thin brown skin, also known as the testa, has been removed through a blanching process). This processing level represents a higher-value product compared to in-shell hazelnuts (HS 08022100) because of the additional labor and technology required for processing.

The peeling process typically involves brief heat treatment (dry or wet blanching) followed by mechanical or abrasive skin removal. The resulting kernels are light-colored, visually appealing, and ready for direct use in chocolate, confectionery, bakery, ice cream, and snack applications. This makes 08022200-classified products particularly attractive to industrial buyers and food manufacturers in the UK market who require ready-to-use ingredients with consistent quality and appearance.

It is important to note that HS Code 08022200 covers fresh or dried hazelnuts but does not include roasted, salted, or otherwise prepared hazelnuts, which fall under separate headings (HS 200819 for roasted nuts). The 18 UK importer companies in this dataset specifically imported products classified under this raw/dried shelled and peeled category.

3. Turkey's Dominant Role in Global Hazelnut Supply

Turkey is the undisputed global leader in hazelnut production and export, a position it has maintained for centuries. The country's Black Sea coastline, particularly the provinces of Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Samsun, and Sakarya, provides the ideal climate and soil conditions for hazelnut cultivation. With an average annual production of approximately 715,000 metric tons (in-shell basis) over the 2012–2022 period, Turkey accounts for roughly 70–75% of the world's total hazelnut output.

The Turkish hazelnut sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 400,000–500,000 smallholder farmers, making it one of the most important agricultural commodities in the country. The sector has undergone significant modernization in recent decades, with approximately 170 cracking and processing facilities operating across Turkey, and the 20 largest processors holding a combined capacity of 1.25 million metric tons (in-shell basis). Major Turkish hazelnut processing groups include Balsu, Olmuksan, Durak, and Agroglobe, all of which serve international markets including the United Kingdom.

For the UK market specifically, Turkey serves as the primary origin for shelled and peeled hazelnuts under HS Code 08022200. While smaller volumes may originate from Italy (particularly Piedmont hazelnuts), Spain, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Chile, Turkish hazelnuts dominate due to their competitive pricing, large-scale availability, and established supply chain infrastructure. The UK's confectionery and food manufacturing industries rely heavily on this Turkish supply, particularly for industrial-grade hazelnut kernels used in products such as chocolate spreads, pralines, and bakery items.

4. Hazelnut Varieties Traded Under 08022200

There are more than 300 known hazelnut varieties worldwide, each with distinct characteristics in terms of shape, size, oil content, flavor profile, and suitability for different end-use applications. For the UK import market under HS Code 08022200, the following varieties are most commonly traded, primarily sourced from Turkish origins:

In the UK market, Tombul variety from the Giresun province is considered the gold standard due to its superior organoleptic properties, round shape (ideal for chocolate coating), and high oil content that contributes to smooth texture in praline and spread applications. The Giresun Quality designation, which guarantees that the hazelnuts originate from the Giresun province and meet strict quality criteria, commands a premium price in international markets and is particularly sought after by UK confectionery manufacturers.

Hazelnut kernels are further graded by size (measured in millimeters), with common size categories including 9–11mm, 11–13mm, 13–15mm, and 15mm+. Larger kernel sizes typically command higher prices and are preferred for whole-kernel applications, while smaller sizes and broken pieces are used in paste, flour, and diced applications.

5. UK Hazelnut Importer Company Profiles

The 18 UK companies listed in this dataset represent the active importers of shelled and peeled hazelnuts (HS 08022200) during 2015. These companies span a diverse range of business activities within the UK food and nut supply chain, including wholesale distribution, food manufacturing, confectionery production, specialty nut trading, and import-export operations. Below is an overview of the typical company profiles found in the UK hazelnut import sector:

The complete list of 18 verified UK hazelnut importer companies with full company names, address details, and import activity records is available in the downloadable Excel file. This data is invaluable for Turkish hazelnut exporters looking to identify and directly contact potential UK trade partners, conduct market analysis, and develop targeted sales strategies for the British market.

6. UK-Turkey Hazelnut Trade Dynamics in 2015

The year 2015 was a notable period in the global hazelnut trade. In March 2014, a devastating late frost event struck Turkey's Black Sea region, destroying approximately 30–40% of the hazelnut crop. This supply disruption had significant ripple effects throughout 2014 and into 2015, resulting in sharply elevated hazelnut prices on the global market. The impact was particularly felt in the UK, where food manufacturers faced substantially higher input costs for their hazelnut-based products.

Despite the price increases, UK importers maintained their purchasing activity in 2015, albeit with adjusted volumes and sourcing strategies. Many UK companies entered into forward contracts with Turkish suppliers to secure supply, while some explored alternative origins such as Italy, Georgia, and Azerbaijan to diversify their supply base. The 18 companies in this dataset represent the ones that actively imported during this challenging period, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining hazelnut supply chains.

Trade flows between Turkey and the UK for hazelnut products typically involve maritime shipping from Turkish ports such as Trabzon, Mersin, and Istanbul (Ambarli) to UK ports including Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway. Shipment sizes vary widely, from container loads of 18–20 metric tons for large industrial buyers to smaller LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments for specialized traders. The shipping transit time is approximately 10–14 days, depending on the port pair and shipping line.

7. UK Import Regulations and Compliance

Importing shelled and peeled hazelnuts (HS 08022200) into the United Kingdom requires compliance with a specific set of food safety, phytosanitary, and customs regulations. In 2015, the UK was still a member of the European Union, which meant that EU-wide regulations applied to all hazelnut imports. Understanding these regulatory requirements is essential for Turkish exporters targeting the UK market:

Phytosanitary Requirements: All hazelnut imports into the UK/EU require a valid phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country (in Turkey's case, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). This certificate confirms that the product has been inspected and is free from regulated pests and diseases. The certificate must accompany the shipment and be presented to customs authorities upon entry.

Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): Hazelnuts imported into the UK must comply with EU maximum residue levels for pesticides. Turkey's hazelnut sector has made significant investments in integrated pest management (IPM) and reduced pesticide usage, but exporters must ensure that all products are tested and certified to meet EU MRL standards before shipment. Non-compliance can result in shipment rejection, border detention, or destruction.

Aflatoxin Standards: Aflatoxin contamination is the most critical food safety concern for tree nuts, including hazelnuts. The EU has set strict maximum levels for aflatoxins in nuts intended for direct human consumption (4 mcg/kg total aflatoxins, 2 mcg/kg aflatoxin B1). Turkish hazelnut processors implement rigorous sorting, testing, and quality control procedures to ensure compliance, including HACCP-certified processing lines and pre-shipment laboratory analysis.

Food Information Regulations: Under EU Regulation 1169/2011 (FIC), hazelnuts are classified as an allergen and must be clearly declared on product labels. This requirement extends to bulk shipments of shelled hazelnuts, which must be accompanied by documentation clearly stating the presence of hazelnuts and any potential cross-contamination with other allergens during processing.

8. Market Trends and Growth Opportunities

The UK hazelnut market has evolved significantly since 2015, driven by several key trends that present both challenges and opportunities for Turkish hazelnut exporters and UK importers alike:

Growing Health Consciousness: UK consumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional benefits of tree nuts, including hazelnuts. Rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, manganese, and dietary fiber, hazelnuts are positioned as a "superfood" in the UK market. This trend has driven growth in premium snacking categories, particularly roasted and flavored hazelnut snacks, hazelnut butters, and plant-based milk alternatives made from hazelnuts.

Rise of Plant-Based and Vegan Products: The UK has one of the fastest-growing vegan populations in Europe. Hazelnuts play an important role in plant-based food innovation, serving as a key ingredient in dairy-free chocolate, vegan spreads, nut-based cheeses, and dairy alternatives. This expanding market segment creates new demand channels for hazelnut importers and suppliers.

Premium and Artisanal Confectionery: The UK market has seen strong growth in premium and artisanal chocolate and confectionery products, many of which feature high-quality hazelnuts as a signature ingredient. This trend favors premium-quality hazelnut varieties such as Giresun Tombul and creates opportunities for exporters who can supply traceable, single-origin hazelnuts with strong provenance stories.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: UK retailers and food manufacturers are under increasing pressure from consumers to ensure sustainable and ethical sourcing of their ingredients. For the Turkish hazelnut sector, this translates into growing demand for certified sustainable hazelnuts, fair labor practices, and environmental stewardship. Initiatives such as the Ferrero Farming Values program and the Rainforest Alliance certification for hazelnuts are gaining traction in the UK market.

Post-Brexit Trade Dynamics: Following the UK's departure from the European Union, new trade arrangements and customs procedures have been introduced. While the UK-Turkey trade relationship remains strong, exporters and importers must now navigate separate UK import regulations and tariff schedules. The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) largely maintained zero tariffs on most agricultural products, including hazelnuts, but new customs declarations, rules of origin documentation, and sanitary/phytosanitary requirements apply.

9. Data File Details

💬 Purchase the Complete UK Hazelnut Importers List

Get instant access to 18 verified UK hazelnut importer companies with full contact details, shipment records, and trade data.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

UK Hazelnut Importers List — HS Code 08022200 — 2015

Data sourced from bill of lading records, customs declarations, and shipping manifests.

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