Odd Lots

The Investors Who Think Hazelnuts Will Be the Next Pistachios

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Aug 14, 2025
Burton Flynn and Ivan Nechunaev, managing partners at Terra Nova Capital Advisors, specialize in uncovering unique investments in frontier markets. They dive into the booming hazelnut industry, discussing its potential as a snack food and its economic importance in Turkey's Black Sea region. The duo analyzes the complexities of hazelnut farming, market volatility, and the challenges that prevent hazelnuts from reaching the popularity of pistachios. Their insights on investing in this niche sector shed light on both its opportunities and hurdles.
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ANECDOTE

Hazelnut Thesis Started As A Dubai Joke

  • The hazelnut thesis began as a joke about Dubai chocolate and pistachios and led to real market research.
  • Terra Nova's office proximity to trends in Dubai sparked the hazelnut investigation.
INSIGHT

Turkey Dominates Global Supply

  • Turkey's Black Sea region supplies about 70% of global hazelnuts due to ideal climate and history.
  • High geographic concentration makes global supply very sensitive to local shocks.
INSIGHT

Highly Fragmented Turkish Supply Chain

  • Turkish hazelnut farming is highly fragmented with ~600,000 small farmers and limited modernization.
  • The supply chain consolidates annually at harvest through wholesalers and exporters, adding opacity.
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