El Temps d’Avellana has presented the program for its eighth edition, reaffirming its commitment to the hazelnut sector and addressing the challenges it faces, such as the effects of climate change and an increasingly competitive market.
The event, coordinated by the Hazelnut Technical Office, managed by the Eurecat technology centre, aims to highlight the work of producers and processors of hazelnut-based products, as well as to champion the culture of this nut as part of the gastronomic and identity heritage of the region, coinciding with Catalonia’s designation as World Region of Gastronomy 2025.
With this new edition, El Temps d’Avellana strengthens the link between institutions and companies and the hazelnut sector within the framework of the Strategic Plan for its valorization, promoted by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food.
According to Elisabet Arlandes, Director of the Hazelnut Technical Office and tourism and culture consultant at the Eurecat technology centre, “joint initiatives with the participation of numerous local entities, such as El Temps d’Avellana, highlight the qualities and potential of this nut at a time when the effects of climate change, with recent years of drought, and the lack of professionals in the countryside have affected hazelnut production”.
The opening event of El Temps d’Avellana, held today at the Llotja de Reus, was attended by various figures linked to the sector, including Glòria Tibau, Director of Territorial Services of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food in Tarragona of the Government of Catalonia; Noemí Llauradó, President of the Tarragona Provincial Council and First Deputy Mayor of Reus City Council; Mario Basora, President of the Chamber of Commerce and the Llotja de Reus; Ester Gomis, President of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Avellana de Reus; and former Director of the Hazelnut Technical Office, Jaume Salvat.
During the presentation, Glòria Tibau pointed out that “this edition of El Temps d’Avellana is special because it forms part of the activities being held this year to mark Catalonia’s recognition as World Region of Gastronomy, and among these there could not be a more fitting event than one dedicated to championing the culture of this nut as part of the region’s gastronomic heritage”. She also highlighted that “the Department remains committed to producers, and for this reason we are preparing, together with the sector, a series of support schemes for hazelnut companies and cooperatives with a 2026 budget”.
“Beyond highlighting the product, cultivation, gastronomy and all the assets surrounding hazelnuts, El Temps d’Avellana is also a call for collaboration among all the sectors involved — producers, institutions, commerce and citizens — to promote this product that projects Reus and the surrounding area, and to ensure it continues to be a symbol of quality, sustainability and territorial identity,” commented Noemí Llauradó, who added that “at the Tarragona Provincial Council we stand by agriculture, commerce, gastronomy, tourism, identity and culture… and the Reus hazelnut encompasses all of these assets”.
For his part, Mario Basora stressed that “at a time of crisis such as the one currently affecting the hazelnut sector, it is important to continue promoting this flagship product of our territory, with top-level organoleptic properties and gastronomic qualities. That is why an initiative such as El Temps d’Avellana is so important, as it supports the producers of this nut that is so deeply rooted in our identity”.
Meanwhile, Ester Gomis, President of the PDO Avellana de Reus, highlighted the role of farming as an economic and cultural engine of the territory. “We want hazelnuts to continue being an economic driver, a cultural heritage and a shared source of pride. We are clear that without farmers there are no hazelnuts, and without hazelnuts this territory would not be the same,” she stated.
“We are facing a complex situation for the sector in a context marked by the climate emergency, which is why it is essential to send a message of hope and stand by producers through well-established initiatives such as El Temps d’Avellana,” commented former Director of the Hazelnut Technical Office, Jaume Salvat, who was recognized during the presentation for his work at the head of the Office.
Activities of El Temps d’Avellana 2025
The program, running from 1 October to November, includes fairs, routes, tastings, technical workshops, school activities and performances centered around hazelnuts, in an edition that consolidates leisure, educational and professional activities for all audiences.
Among the various activities is an initiative by the Bakers’ Guild of Reus and Baix Camp, which during El Temps d’Avellana will offer pastries in Reus specially made with hazelnuts for the occasion.
This edition will also feature a mindfulness experience among hazelnut groves, a gastronomic day organized by the Reus Chamber of Commerce with a showcooking session led by Restaurant El Castell and the collaboration of Torrons Vicens and oils from the Siurana PDO, as well as the fourth Hazelnut Festival of the PDO Avellana de Reus, which this year will take place in Plaça Prim and will include children’s workshops and a street parade, among other activities.
El Temps d’Avellana 2025, framed within the events of Catalonia World Region of Gastronomy 2025, involves collaboration from a wide range of institutions and organizations, including the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia, the Tarragona Provincial Council, the Reus Chamber of Commerce, the Llotja de Reus, the PDO Avellana de Reus, Reus City Council and its various departments, Reus Promoció Agency, the Tarragona Provincial Tourism Board, IRTA, PRODECA, Eurecat’s Technological Consultancy Department and Nutrition and Health Unit, as well as numerous municipalities, associations, academic institutions, professional guilds, cultural entities and companies linked to the hazelnut sector.
