Turkey Competition Authority Investigates Six Hazelnut Firms Over Suspected Violations

Turkey's Competition Authority has launched an investigation into six leading companies in the hazelnut buying and selling market over suspicions of serious competition violations. Authority head Birol Küle stated that any additional companies found to harm farmers or violate competition during the inquiry will also be included without hesitation.

Küle emphasized that hazelnuts hold strategic value for Turkey's domestic and foreign trade. He noted that Turkey meets approximately 70 percent of global hazelnut production, with around 400,000 families along the steep Black Sea slopes of Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, and Düzce relying directly on the crop for their livelihood.

“Hazelnut is the bread on our families' table, their children's school fees, and their hope for the year.”

Describing hazelnuts as the bread, school fees, and annual hope of these families, Küle called the product a red line not only economically but also socially and humanely. He said the authority has always approached the hazelnut sector with great sensitivity and continuously monitors the market to preserve fair and effective competition.

The authority stated it does not wait for complaints and has initiated sector-wide examinations to protect producers' rights. It also uses commitment compliance processes and other tools to keep the market under constant supervision.

Küle cited the 2023-2024 investigation into Ferrero, the largest buyer in the hazelnut purchasing market, as a critical step taken to prevent producers from being harmed. Ferrero, assessed as holding a dominant market position, submitted a commitment application during the probe.

The Competition Council concluded that Ferrero's commitments would address existing competitive concerns in the market. Küle said the company's commitments cover the years 2024, 2025, and 2026.