FISKOBIRLIK Expands Its Export Reach with Its Range of Hazelnut Products

The No-Added-Sugar Hazelnut Spread, produced by FISKOBIRLIK following R&D and product development work, has begun to attract demand abroad as well, following strong demand on the domestic market. The new product, manufactured at the Integrated Hazelnut Processing Plant in Giresun, has begun to be exported to the United States of America, following Germany and Australia.
FISKOBIRLIK continues without interruption its efforts to add value to hazelnuts, one of our country's most important export items, by expanding its product range and increasing product variety in hazelnuts and hazelnut products. Most recently, the No-Added-Sugar hazelnut spread, which emerged as a result of product development work carried out by the EFIT A.Ş. R&D department, is preparing to take its place on shelves abroad following the domestic market. Demand has come from the United States of America for the product, which has so far been exported to Germany and Australia. As a result of the agreements reached following the negotiations held, the new product, the No-Added-Sugar hazelnut spread, will also go on sale in the United States of America in the coming days.
In the statement made by FISKOBIRLIK, it was noted that the No-Added-Sugar Hazelnut Spread contains isomalt and inulin instead of sugar. Isomalt, the only sugar substitute derived from sugar beet, is used in place of sugar as a bulking agent and sweetener in the composition of the No-Added-Sugar hazelnut spread. It was stated that isomalt, which has half the energy value of sugar, helps with weight control and, because it has a very low glycemic index, is also suitable for diabetics. It was also noted that inulin, which is derived from the extract of the chicory plant and is 100 percent natural, is a rich source of fiber and prebiotics, and therefore balances blood sugar and strengthens the immune system.

"We attach importance to R&D and product development"
Making a statement on the subject, FISKOBIRLIK Chairman of the Board Lütfi Bayraktar said that their new product, the No-Added-Sugar Hazelnut Spread, emerged as the result of intensive work and that they believe in the product. Bayraktar said, ‘’Over the last five years, we have been focusing on R&D and product development work. We have begun to reap the rewards of this work. The No-Added-Sugar Hazelnut Spread is just one of its fruits. Demand is gradually beginning to form abroad as well for our product, which has been on sale on the domestic market for a few months. We have great confidence in this product. I believe that in 2021, like our other products, this new product will also become one of consumers' indispensables.’’
In his statement, FISKOBIRLIK Chairman of the Board Lütfi Bayraktar noted that, according to the export figures announced last week by the Black Sea Hazelnut and Hazelnut Products Exporters' Association, the lowest hazelnut exports of the last 30 years were recorded when looking at September and October, and that it is not possible to prevent this kind of market speculation unless the way is cleared for hazelnuts to be sold as finished products. Chairman Bayraktar stated, ‘’ Hazelnuts are among our country's most important export products. Unfortunately, however, we are not making good use of this. When we examine last year's figures, most of the exported hazelnuts are hazelnuts and hazelnut products sold as raw material or semi-finished products. The foreign currency income it provides on paper may seem very high at first glance, but if we process these hazelnuts, add value, and sell them as finished products, these figures could increase 6-7 fold. This kind of market speculation would also be prevented. I say this on every platform, and I repeat it once again. Finished product exports are the only salvation for hazelnuts. This potential must be put to good use.’’

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