The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Established in 2009, over the past 15 years, Mountain Hazelnuts has partnered with more than 8,000 smallholder farming families across the country. Under its inclusive contract farming model, the company supplies hazelnut saplings, along with technical training and ongoing support — all at no cost to farmers. In return, farmers cultivate orchards on their own land, with the assurance that the company will purchase every harvest at a guaranteed price.
This approach has helped mitigate market risk for families in some of Bhutan’s most remote areas. One early participant reflected on the shift: “I invested two acres of my land for hazelnuts. Although 5% of the trees were lost to weather and pests, I was able to sustain 95%. It is much easier to manage than traditional crops, and I now have peace of mind knowing my harvest has a buyer.”
Every orchard is established only after an environmental review to ensure soil health and ecological balance. Hazelnuts are chosen for their long shelf life, resilience, and strong international demand — qualities that reduce post-harvest losses and open doors to global markets.
Dr. Sean Watson, CEO of Mountain Hazelnuts, reflected on the journey stating “When we started, many people doubted that a company like this could succeed in Bhutan. The terrain is tough, and the climate has its own challenges. But we believed in the potential of the farmers and the land. Now, we are delivering Bhutanese hazelnuts to markets around the world.”
Dr. Watson also acknowledged the skepticism around foreign investment in the early years. “Being an FDI company in Bhutan was never going to be easy. There were concerns, there were barriers, and there were moments of uncertainty. But with trust and time, we have built something that serves both people and the planet.”
Mountain Hazelnuts not only contributes to rural livelihoods but also aligns closely with Bhutan’s environmental priorities. As one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world, Bhutan places a high value on climate resilience and sustainable land use. By planting orchards on degraded or underutilized land, the company supports both ecological restoration and carbon sequestration.
In support of this mission, the Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan, Hervé Delphin, recently stated, “We are proud to support Bhutan in promoting sustainable use of natural resources. Mountain Hazelnuts is a powerful example of how economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand.”
Today, Bhutanese hazelnuts are certified organic and are poised to become a premium export product. With no marketing issues, strong logistics systems, and consistent global demand, the future looks promising.
