Walnuts of traditional varieties, mostly wild-grown, have been exported for years as ingredients for the baking and confectionery industries. However, with the development of the sector, the situation is shifting in favor of commercial production. Traditional varieties are being supplemented by commercial ones imported from the USA, France, and other countries.
In recent years, the area of hazelnut plantations has been increasing, with producers growing both local varieties and those imported from Turkey, Spain, and Italy. The largest plantations reach up to 800 hectares.
Processing of hazelnuts and manufacturing of value-added hazelnut-based products is actively developing.
In the southern regions, commercial plantations of Ukrainian almonds are gradually emerging.
The project began working with nut growers in 2019. In addition to training in market analysis, communication in foreign markets, export marketing, and the requirements of European buyers, in 2020 and 2021, the project organized online meetings for Ukrainian companies with potential partners, international buyers, and investors. For hazelnut producers, a study visit to Georgia was organized in the summer of 2023. Ukrainian nuts were presented at major sector trade fairs such as Gulfood, SIAL, and Anuga.
In 2020, following discussions with sector representatives, a Strategic Roadmap for Ukrainian Walnuts and Hazelnuts was presented. An updated and revised edition of the roadmap was released in January 2022, just before the full-scale invasion.
