No Aflatoxin in Hazelnuts in Azerbaijan any more

Azerbaijan, Baku, 3 April / corr. Trend I. Khalilova/ The Azerbaijani Export and Investment Promoting Fund expects marked changes in the home-produced hazelnuts and plans to propose the manufacturers form a corporation, Emil Aliyev, the Head of Investment Promoting Department of AZPROMO said.

Azerbaijan is the fifth largest producer of hazelnuts worldwide. Although Turkey is the largest producer, Azerbaijani manufacturers are in competition with Turkey regarding calibration and quality, Azerbaijani hazelnuts are in high demand worldwide for their shape and taste.

"The home produced hazelnuts do not contain Aflatoxin any more which earlier resulted in a ban on its export to European countries," Aliyev said.

He also said that the ban on the Azerbaijani export was due to the increase in the export of Azerbaijani hazelnuts which was not favour of foreign producers. Though Aflatoxin was contained in the hazelnuts produced only by one manufacturer, a total ban was imposed. According to Aliyev, this problem has already been solved and Azerbaijani manufacturers are now able to export their products to the foreign markets. Turkey mainly buys hazelnuts from smaller producers and sells it under its own brand.

At present, AZPROMO, together with the manufacturers, have studied the possibility of establishing an alliance with hazelnut manufacturers. This could either be a commercial body, public organization or public union. It is not ruled out that the latter will be given preference. The foreign company is expected to be selected as an operator. The alliance will include 5 companies (BakFem, Gilan, ElFem, "Zakatala-findig" (included in Azersun Holding) and Ali Said), the manufacturers of hazelnuts in Azerbaijan.

At present, BakFem, Gilan, and ElFem are key producers of hazelnuts in Azerbaijan and posses a large production capacity. The companies BakFem and Gilan are supplied with the European equipment.

The German Bank of Technical Assistance (GTZ) will assist in the organization of the alliance's activities. The Bank has conducted marketing studies in the hazelnut market of Azerbaijan.

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