Turkiye threatens fines against Nutella-maker for lost nut sales

ANKARA: Turkish authorities on Thursday threatened to impose fines on Italian food group Ferrero for not buying Turkish hazelnuts which are a key part of its globally sold Nutella spread.

Turkish media reports said that Ferrero planned to stop buying in Turkey, its tradional supplier and the world’s number one hazelnut producer, because of higher prices caused by shortages and bad weather that had affected quality.

The Turkish Competition Authority said however that “Ferrero will have to buy at least 30,000 tonnes of nuts in shells between September and December” from Turkish producers who regularly accuse the Italian group of holding down prices. It warned that fines could be imposed if the nut sales were not made. Ferrero did not immediately comment.

The competition authority said Ferrero normally had an “obligation” to buy at least 45,000 tonnes of nuts a year, used for Nutella and other cakes and sweets.