Competition analysis of türki̇ye hazelnut processing industry

Hazelnut is one of the important agricultural crops that Türkiye has been exporting since the sixth centuries. Türkiye, as leader in hazelnut production and export in the world, earns annually an average of 2 billion USD from hazelnut exports. The aim of this study was to reveal the competition analysis of Türkiye's hazelnut processing industry. The material of the study consists of primary data obtained from 117 surveys conducted with hazelnut cracking and processing plants in 48 districts of 14 provinces in Türkiye. The Diamond Model developed by Michael E. Porter was used in the competition analysis of the hazelnut processing industry. The results of the Diamond Model showed that the general competitiveness level of Turkey's hazelnut processing industry was 2.84 (moderate) out of 5 points. Competition levels of the hazelnut processing industry on the basis of main factors was 2.64 (medium) in input (factor) conditions, 2.93 (medium) in demand conditions, 3.11 (medium) in related and supporting sectors, 2.99 (medium) in firm's structure strategy and competitive situation. The competition level of the hazelnut processing industry on the basis of supporting factors was determined as 2.35 (low) in the public category and 3.00 (medium) in the luck factor. The average of the existing clustering and cooperation status among the companies was found to be 2.33 (low). Currently, the most collaborative issues of the cluster were determined as 2.77 (medium) in hazelnut raw material supply, 2.75 (medium) in product sales, 2.60 (medium) in transportation and logistics services. The possible future clustering and cooperation among the companies were determined as 3.26 (moderate) on average. The topics that the representatives of the hazelnut processing industry most want to cooperate with in the future are; product sales 3.57 (high), innovative approaches and use of new technology 3.54 (high). The issues that the companies in the hazelnut processing industry want to increase the most cooperation in the future are research and development studies, development of new products and innovative approaches. In order to increase the moderate competitiveness of the hazelnut processing industry, first of all, the state (public) factor and input (factor) conditions with the lowest average should be improved. Providing necessary and sufficient support to research and development activities, development of new products and innovative approaches for the hazelnut processing industry by the public would have a positive impact on the competitiveness of the sector.