BALSU Agro Chile SpA
Hazelnut Cultivation
As Balsu, following extensive research and evaluations, we decided to make our first international agricultural investment in Chile and established Balsu Agro Chile SpA in 2017.
In 2017, Balsu purchased its first agricultural land in the Maule Region. In 2018, preparations began for the establishment of hazelnut orchards, and in the same year, 30,000 saplings were planted. In 2019 and 2020, Balsu Agro Chile continued acquiring land in the same region, completing all sapling plantings in 2021. Today, across a total area of 160 hectares, there are approximately 70,000 hazelnut trees, supported by an irrigation pipeline network extending 548 kilometers.
All hazelnut orchards are equipped with dual-line drip irrigation systems, and thanks to solar energy systems installed in certain orchards, approximately 80% of the energy required for irrigation and fertilization is supplied from renewable sources.
In 2020, Balsu Agro Chile was awarded a government incentive by the Chilean government for its efficient and renewable irrigation-fertilization system, developed to reduce water consumption and enhance the efficiency of fertilizer application.
In addition to completing the necessary infrastructure for 100% traceable and sustainable hazelnut farming in Chile, Balsu Agro Chile actively engages in initiatives that encourage other producers to adopt the same sustainable approach.
Beyond agricultural operations, starting in 2024, Balsu Agro Chile aims to expand its commercial activities in order to diversify Balsu’s hazelnut supply channels.
By leveraging the counter-season advantage compared to Türkiye, Balsu Agro Chile continues its efforts to help meet the year-round demand for hazelnuts from international customers, particularly in Europe, the Americas, and the Far East.
BALSU Industries Chile SpA
Hazelnut Processing
Balsu Industries Chile SpA was established in Chile in 2019 and aims to process hazelnuts in accordance with international quality standards, bringing them to global markets through the industrial and commercial expertise Balsu has built over more than 45 years.
Operating with high-technology hazelnut processing facilities, Balsu Industries Chile will process various hazelnut varieties and play a key role in the expansion of Balsu’s global market share.
By operating in Chile—home to vast and fertile agricultural lands—Balsu Industries Chile benefits from the different harvest seasons of Türkiye and Chile, enabling uninterrupted, year-round production.
One of the key reasons for Balsu’s presence in Chile is its proximity to the Americas and Asia-Pacific markets, which allows for optimized logistics and reduced transportation costs.
The facilities are planned to produce in-shell hazelnuts, roasted hazelnuts, blanched hazelnuts, chopped hazelnuts, hazelnut flour, and hazelnut paste, with operations scheduled to commence in 2026.
