Over the last decade, the European hazelnut has transitioned from a niche trial to a major player in the new agricultural developments in the country. Plantations previously reserved for cherries or blueberries now showcase rows of Corylus avellana stretching to the horizon, a clear sign of diversification and confidence in the crop's potential. Today, Chile is the world's second-largest producer, with over 30,000 hectares dedicated, concentrating its activity between Ñuble and Los Ríos.
This momentum is driven by the growing demand of the international industry —among others, Ferrero for its well-known hazelnut cream—, the tree's suitability for temperate climates, and the comparative advantage of a hemisphere that provides off-season supply. Medium-scale farmers and large investors also see an opportunity for resilience: the hazelnut tree better tolerates market price fluctuations compared to other fruit species. However, this projection does not come without technical and climatic challenges, as noted by specialists from the Chilean firm Tierraverde.
The climate as a limiting factor
The productive stability of the European hazelnut depends, among other critical agronomic management factors, on overcoming two thermal threats: spring frosts and summer heat waves. This becomes more critical in more exposed zones, Ñuble, Biobío, Araucanía, and even Los Lagos.
During flowering, a sudden drop in temperature can destroy the male catkins and female primordia, with losses that in extreme cases reach one hundred percent of the fruit set. Months later, when the fruit fills and ripens, excessive heat causes premature dropping, reduced size, and lower oil levels, crucial attributes for the snack and confectionery industry.
Alternation, a natural phenomenon in Corylus avellana, worsens when the plant suffers repeated damage in its reproductive cycle. The direct consequence is a bountiful harvest followed by a poor one, complicating contract fulfillment and compromising producers' financial planning.
Water and health challenge
Although the hazelnut tree requires less water than other fruit trees, its optimal production demands precise and uniform irrigation. Deficient management, typical of fields with variable rainfall, increases the appearance of bacterial diseases (Pseudomonas spp.) and fungi like Botrytis and Monilinia. Wounds caused by frosts or poorly healed prunings open the door to these pathogens, which take advantage of the tree's physiological weakness.
Added to this is the pressure from emerging pests, such as the bud mite (Phytoptus avellanae), capable of deforming sprouts and reducing productivity.
April 2025 offered an illustrative lesson. Late frosts battered Turkey’s hazelnut belt, the world’s top producer, causing international prices to soar. The Nutella-producing company faced supply risks, and the market realized how vulnerable the supply is to specific climatic events. For Chile, the situation opened a competitive window: the nation that guarantees regularity will have the key to long-term supply agreements.
Our technological response
This scenario drives active climate defense solutions. Tierraverde, with three decades in hydraulic engineering, proposes pulse micro-sprinkler systems that act as a thermal shield:
Pulsator 205™, with low precipitation and high frequency, protects against frosts without saturating the soil; ideal for basins with water restrictions.
PulseMax 360º™, with total coverage, responds to denser orchards and extreme heat stress.
Both technologies integrate with existing hydraulic lines, minimizing additional investment, and offering support from design to commissioning. Field trials show significant reductions in floral damage and improvements in harvest size and regularity.
The benefits extend beyond the immediate season. By preventing massive losses, the producer maintains cash flow, reduces alternation, and retains export-grade classification. Additionally, the reduction of thermal stress strengthens the tree's natural defense, resulting in lower incidences of opportunistic diseases.
Tierraverde emphasizes that the strategy should integrate meteorological monitoring and real-time actions. Field data digitization and staff training are decisive elements to maximize pulse irrigation efficiency and adapt to the dynamic nature of the climate.
Outlook for the next decade
Projections by the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that the area of European hazelnut could exceed 50,000 hectares by 2030, driven by the constant demand from the chocolate industry and the search for alternatives with higher margins than traditional crops.
Academics agree that the sustainability of the crop will depend on linking research, innovation, and regenerative practices.
The European hazelnut offers Chile a leadership opportunity in a high-value niche, but success is not guaranteed. The Turkish experience reminds us that a single frosty night can disrupt global food security. Systems like Pulsator 205™ and PulseMax 360º™ make the difference between an exposed orchard and a resilient one. Adopting active climate protection, complementing with integrated management, and fostering innovation will help continue positioning the country as a reliable and sustainable supplier.
In an era of global climate change and volatile markets, agriculture that thrives will be the one capable of anticipating the climate. Tierraverde demonstrates that this anticipation is already possible and that, with the right tools, the growth of the European hazelnut in Chile can become an emblematic case of intelligent adaptation.
