Azerbaijan to supply hazelnuts to Spain

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan is negotiating the hazelnut supplies to Spain, according to the Economy Ministry.

One of Azerbaijani companies, participating in the Dubai Gulfood 2017 exhibition, has received an initial order to supply 128 tons of hazelnuts to Valencia.

In Azerbaijan, among agricultural produce, the biggest revenue is fetched by hazelnut production and the exports of persimmons, therefore, the country pays very serious attention to these two areas.

The country’s Gabala region has recently increased export of hazelnuts to Europe. Cultivation of hazelnuts is significantly important for the region. Built in 2005, the plant in Gabala also processes hazelnuts from neighboring regions such as Oguz, Zagatala and Gakh.

Azerbaijani companies showcase its production branded “Made in Azerbaijan” at Gulfood 2017 exhibition, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade show, with the support of Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and the Economy Ministry.

The stand of the country exhibits a range of traditional Azerbaijani specialties and delicacies such as fruit, tea, honey, confectionaries and other products. All costs (related to the organization of the stand) are covered by the government.  

During the exhibition, Azerbaijani companies also met with businessmen from Saudi Arabia. The parties considered export of Azerbaijani meat and meat products to Saudi Arabia. The issue of creation of joint ventures was also discussed.

Besides, Azerbaijani companies also agreed to supply pomegranate juice to Kuwait and milk powder products to Dubai.

In late 2016, with a view to bring the economy to a new level Azerbaijan started promoting the ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand in foreign markets and developed a number of promotional mechanisms, including participation in international exhibitions.

Today Azerbaijan outputs more than 250 kinds of home-made products in food, light, heavy and construction industries. 

A total of 3 million manats ($1.71 million) was allocated out of the Azerbaijani President’s Reserve Fund in the 2016 State Budget to finance the export support measures.