Hazelnuts

We are a leading supplier of natural and semi-finished hazelnut products grown by farmers in Turkey.

Hazelnuts

We offer a range of hazelnut varieties and kernel sizes to develop new ingredients for confectionery, baking, ice creams and other applications. These include natural, roasted, blanched, diced, and paste ingredients, carefully produced to retain flavor, texture and aroma.

Our on-the-ground presence with farmers means we can help to improve productivity and quality, as well as labor conditions for workers. It also improves traceability. This is backed by stipulations in the Olam Supplier Code.

Improving social and labor conditions in the

hazelnuts supply chain

Since 2012, ofi has been taking actions to support farmers and seasonal workers, and to improve conditions in the hazelnut supply chain in Turkey. This is in line with our commitment to develop supply chains that respect people and human rights. And to make sure no children or adults are subject to illegal, forced or abusive labor practices. Over 70% of the world’s hazelnuts are grown in Turkey, where the challenges in the supply chain are complex and deeply entrenched. During the hazelnut harvest each summer, workers (the vast majority of whom are Turkish citizens) travel to take up seasonal work on hazelnut farms.

In partnership with the Fair Labor Association (FLA), ofi piloted the USDA’s Guidelines for Eliminating Child Labor and Forced Labor in Agricultural Supply Chains in collaboration with the Turkish government, Nestlé and Balsu. Completed in June 2018, the pilot assessed over 1,000 hazelnut farms and the report identified the systemic barriers and solutions to improving working and social conditions.

Interested in how we endeavour to improve social and labor conditions in the hazelnuts supply chain?

Read ofi news

Press Release Mar 7, 2024

ofi’s net-zero ambition recognized at UK’s largest sustainable business awards

Events Mar 6, 2024

Join ofi at Expo West 2024, March 14-16

Come connect with ofi at our booth at Natural Products Expo West 2024, the leading trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. Stop by to discover our portfolio of nutritious and delicious ingredients and learn more about how we drive sustainability impact through collaboration and work directly with customers to create new recipes and better products.

This year our theme is Flavor Fusion where you can see if you are sweet or spicy as you explore our ingredients through creating your own trail mix. We’ll be featuring a variety of ofi ingredients from our spices, nuts, and cocoa portfolios along with highlighting some of our capabilities.

Visit us from March 14-16, at Booth #3887, Hall D at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.

[1] Actually, Lots of Gen Z Would Rather Spend Valentine’s Day with Their Friends - YPulse

Articles Feb 14, 2024

The sweet treats and trends winning hearts this Valentine’s Day

Author | Madeline Bills | Cocoa Innovation Manager at ofi

Chocolate has long been synonymous with Valentine’s Day, with sweet treats a classic way to celebrate the season of love.

But Valentine’s Day is evolving, with Gen Z and Millennials redefining traditions. Many consumers are choosing to celebrate this day with friends and family members, as well as significant others. In 2023, 40% of Gen Z and 20% of Millennials said they were planning to buy their friends a Valentine’s gift.^[1] And what better way to do so than with cocoa?

As consumers change the way they celebrate Valentine’s Day – and who they celebrate with – there is an opportunity for manufacturers to develop new products. From introducing more exotic flavors in confectionery to creating more experiential formats and expanding into new categories, we’re seeing companies inventing new ways for consumers to celebrate the season of love with those who matter most to them. At ofi we explore the top chocolate, confectionery and bakery trends shaping Valentine’s Day 2024 and how manufacturers can develop new offerings to win the hearts of consumers.

^[1] Actually, Lots of Gen Z Would Rather Spend Valentine’s Day with Their Friends - YPulse