Hazelnuts were the tenth most expensive nut in 2019, with average prices ranging from 61 to 91 cents per pound. But the prices aren't enough to slow down consumers. In 2018, hazelnuts were the sixth most popular nut worldwide, with no signs of slowing down.
According to Oregon State University, as of 2017, 99% of the country's hazelnuts were grown in Oregon. OSU adds that the other 1% of domestically produced hazelnuts come from Washington, and the number of hazelnuts grown in the region makes up between 3 and 5% of the world's entire hazelnut production.
87,000 acres of Oregon farmland are now dedicated to hazelnut growth. The major production translates to a significant payday. The organization adds that growers earned an impressive average of around $70 million over the last five years for the nutty crop.
While these numbers are noteworthy, they don't come close to the hazelnut production outside of the US. By a considerable margin, Turkey grows the most hazelnuts in the world. No less than 82% of the world's hazelnuts come from Turkey, with Ferrero (the company that produces Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, and Kinder confections) being their top importer.
Source: tastingtable.com