Jan 6, 2026Oregon Organic Hazelnut Collective reports early gains from USDA market grant
The Oregon Organic Hazelnut Collective (OOHC) reports that a federal market development grant is helping build awareness and demand for the state’s organic hazelnuts among chefs, consumers and buyers in the U.S. and abroad.
Backed by less than $200,000 through the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program, the OOHC worked with partners from June through November 2025 to promote the crop through chef outreach, consumer events and online resources.
The organization collaborated with the Maitres Cuisiniers de France-USA (French Master Chefs-USA) to introduce Oregon organic hazelnuts to professional chefs. Some participants have since added the nuts to menus, the group said, noting that hazelnuts are common in French cooking but less familiar to diners outside the Pacific Northwest.
The collective also sampled products at events in Oregon and California that drew an estimated 175,000 attendees. Many said they had never tried whole hazelnuts, underscoring continued opportunities for education and product trial.
As part of the effort, the group published supplier lists for wholesale and consumer buyers on organichazelnuts.org to help address sourcing challenges reported by both consumers and manufacturers.
The website recorded nearly 23,000 unique visitors over six months, with more than half arriving through direct searches. Traffic also came from Asia and Europe, regions that import significant volumes of tree nuts. Social media posts across Instagram and Facebook generated high engagement without paid advertising, the group said.
“In just six months, we’ve seen Oregon’s organic hazelnuts earn attention from Michelin-starred chefs, curious consumers, industry professionals and international markets,” said Lori Stole, chair of the OOHC. “Achieving this level of traction on such a modest budget shows what is possible through strategic partnerships and a product with genuine value.”
The collective said it plans to continue chef outreach, consumer education and market development activities in 2026.
Top photo: Through consumer sampling by the OOHC, organic hazelnut grower Ben Larson promotes whole hazelnuts as a healthy, everyday snack. Photo courtesy Judy Hirigoyen.
