Sugar-Free Hazelnut Spread Produced in Giresun Draws Demand From 3 Countries

A sugar-free spread has been produced from hazelnuts, a product in which Türkiye is the leader in world trade. Instead of sugar, ‘isomalt and inulin’ were used in the hazelnut spread. The product, which can also be consumed by diabetics, balances blood sugar and strengthens the immune system, is being exported to Germany and Australia in addition to the domestic market, and has also received an order from the USA.

In the Eastern Black Sea region, the hazelnut granary of Türkiye, which holds the bulk of world hazelnut production and the world market, value-added hazelnut products continue to be produced. A sugar-free hazelnut spread was produced at the Integrated Hazelnut Processing Plant (EFIT) in Giresun. Instead of sugar, 'isomalt and inulin' were used in the hazelnut spread.

.Isomalt, the only sugar substitute obtained from sugar beet, is used in place of sugar in the composition of the spread as a filler and sweetener. Isomalt, which has half the energy value of sugar, is said to help with weight control and is recommended for diabetics because it has a very low glycemic index.

Inulin, which is obtained 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. The hazelnut spread is being exported to Germany and Australia in addition to the domestic market, and has also received an order from the USA.

Fiskobirlik Chairman of the Board Lütfi Bayraktar said that efforts to add value to hazelnuts by increasing product diversity in hazelnuts and hazelnut products are continuing. Stating that the sugar-free hazelnut spread, produced as a result of product development work, is preparing to take its place on shelves abroad following the domestic market, Bayraktar said, "The product, which has so far been exported to Germany and Australia, has received demand from the United States of America. As a result of the agreements reached following negotiations, the new product will go on sale in the USA in the coming days."

.

'WE ARE FOCUSING ON R&D AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT'

Bayraktar said, "Over the last five years, we have been focusing on R&D and product development efforts. We have begun to reap the rewards of this work. Hazelnut spread with no added sugar is just one of its fruits. Our product, which has been on sale in the domestic market for a few months, has gradually started to receive demand from abroad as well. We have great confidence in this product. I believe that in 2021, like our other products, this new product will become one of consumers' indispensables."

.

'EXPORTING FINISHED PRODUCTS IS THE SALVATION OF HAZELNUTS'

Recalling that, according to the export figures announced last week by the Black Sea Hazelnut and Hazelnut Products Exporters' Association, the months of September and October saw the lowest hazelnut exports of the last 30 years, Bayraktar stated that it is not possible to prevent this kind of market speculation unless the way is opened for hazelnuts to be sold as finished products.

Bayraktar said, "Hazelnuts are among the most important export products of our country. However, unfortunately, we are not making good use of this. When we examine last year's figures, most of the exported hazelnuts were hazelnuts and hazelnut products sold as raw material or semi-finished goods.

On paper, the foreign currency income it provides 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 again. Exporting finished products is the only way to save hazelnuts. This potential needs to be put to good use."

SOURCE