What inspired Mountain Hazelnuts’ unique journey in Bhutan?
Mountain Hazelnuts’ journey began with a bold idea: that a business could be both profitable and profoundly impactful. Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Daniel Spitzer and Teresa Law, the company set out to transform Bhutan’s rural economy by planting hazelnut trees on the steep, underutilized slopes of the Himalayas. With a mission to create sustainable, long-term income for vulnerable smallholder farmers, Mountain Hazelnuts became Bhutan’s first 100% foreign direct investment.
Today, it stands as a remarkable example of how inclusive development, environmental stewardship, and private enterprise can work hand in hand to shape a better future.
Bhutan is known for its Gross National Happiness philosophy. How does this unique cultural context influence Mountain Hazelnuts’ approach to sustainable agriculture and its relationships with the local communities?
Bhutan’s emphasis on Gross National Happiness, prioritizing holistic well-being over purely economic metrics, deeply resonates with our values at Mountain Hazelnuts. It shapes our approach by ensuring we consider the social, environmental, and cultural impacts of our operations alongside economic viability. This means fostering genuine partnerships with communities, respecting their traditions, promoting environmental stewardship through sustainable farming practices, and ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and happiness of the Bhutanese people involved across our value chain.
The most profound transformation I’ve witnessed is the shift in the sense of possibilities within Bhutanese smallholder communities. What began as an ambitious vision has now taken root nationwide.
Today, over 8,000 farmers across 19 districts are cultivating hazelnuts on nearly 5,000 acres of land throughout Bhutan—transforming previously underutilized hillsides into productive orchards. Through their partnership with Mountain Hazelnuts, our growers have diversified their source of income, enabling some to invest in their children’s education, improve their homes, and build a more secure future. Beyond these emergent economic benefits, there’s a deep sense of pride and ownership. This newfound sense of empowerment and the gradual improvements in their quality of life are truly the most inspiring outcomes of our work.
It takes 4-5 years for hazelnut trees to bear their first harvest. How does Mountain Hazelnuts support farmers during this initial period, ensuring their commitment?
We understand the challenges of this long-term investment, which is why we provide continuous support to farmers through training, hands-on guidance from our Field Extension Teams, and transparent communication about the lasting economic benefits of hazelnut farming. Where ecologically suitable, we also encourage hazelnut growers to intercrop hazelnuts with shorter-term cash crops (e.g. strawberries) which yield a harvest before their hazelnuts mature. This also increases the biodiversity of their hazelnut orchards and is aligned with our commitment to regenerative agriculture.
The initial years of establishing Mountain Hazelnuts were not without their hurdles, from navigating unfamiliar agricultural landscapes to adapting to the unique climate. These early challenges taught us invaluable lessons in patience, resilience, and the critical importance of genuine collaboration. Witnessing the unwavering commitment of the Bhutanese farmers and the adaptability of our team in the face of these obstacles was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced the understanding that meaningful and lasting change often requires perseverance, a willingness to learn from setbacks, and a deep respect for the natural processes we are working with.
By equipping our growers with best practices, technical skills, and a strong sense of ownership, we help them stay motivated and resilient during the pre-harvest years. This shared knowledge and expertise are the bedrock of a high-quality product and a resilient, thriving agricultural ecosystem.
How does the specific environment and the farming practices in Bhutan contribute to this exceptional product?
Bhutan’s pristine environment, characterized by clean air, nutrient-rich soils, and pure glacial water, provides an ideal foundation for growing exceptional hazelnuts. I believe the true “magic” lies in the genuine care and intention that the farmers invest in their orchards. There’s a palpable sense of stewardship, almost a partnership, between the farmers and the land. They nurture their trees with a deep sense of responsibility, and this human touch, combined with the unique terroir of Bhutan, imbues the nuts with a character that goes beyond mere flavor – it’s a taste of a place, a culture, and a commitment to doing things differently.
What personally drew you to Mountain Hazelnuts and its mission in Bhutan?
Having witnessed firsthand the potential of nature-based solutions to empower communities and build resilience in supply chains across Asia, I was incredibly inspired by Mountain Hazelnuts’ pioneering approach in Bhutan. The company’s unwavering commitment to working directly with smallholder farmers, its dedication to regenerative agriculture, and its clear mission to create long-term positive impact resonated strongly with my own values and professional aspirations. The opportunity to contribute to such a unique and impactful organization in a country as culturally rich and environmentally conscious as Bhutan was a compelling and deeply meaningful one.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Mountain Hazelnuts and its role in the sustainable agriculture landscape, both within Bhutan and on a global scale?
Our vision for the future is to continue scaling our positive impact in Bhutan by expanding our reach to more farming communities and further strengthening our regenerative agricultural practices. On a global scale, we aim to be a leading example of how a commercially successful enterprise can be built on principles of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and genuine partnerships with smallholder farmers. We hope to inspire other businesses and consumers to recognize the value of responsibly produced food and seek to build relationships with customers and partners who understand the value of conscious consumption.
Travellers can take home a true taste of Bhutan with premium locally grown hazelnuts, available in minimalist 200g packets at CSI Markets in Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing. In a unique collaboration with Mountain Hazelnuts, local chocolatier Yiga Chocolates has crafted artisanal dark chocolate bars that showcase these delicious hazelnuts in every bite. Additionally, Bhutan Growers’ premium cold-pressed hazelnut oil, made with the same locally sourced nuts, has become one of the kingdom’s most sought-after gourmet treasures. With its rich, nutty essence and velvety texture, the oil is a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts, often disappearing from shelves as quickly as it arrives.
As Director of Sales and Marketing at Mountain Hazelnuts, Sheryl Loke spearheads strategic initiatives to enhance brand growth and expand market reach. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in sustainable agriculture, nature-based solutions, and global partnerships, supporting farming communities while strengthening supply chains. Her expertise spans Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China, where she has helped businesses reduce carbon emissions and improve resilience. Sheryl also brings international development experience from the UK, Bangladesh, Moldova, Kosovo, Syria, and Barbados. She holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford and an MSc in Social Policy and International Development from the London School of Economics. Passionate about sustainability, she drives impactful change in agribusiness and beyond.
ABOUT MOUNTAIN HAZELNUTS
Working in close partnership with local farmers, Mountain Hazelnuts supports thousands of households across Bhutan by providing hazelnut saplings, training, and ongoing technical support. In the scenic eastern district of Mongar, the company operates its main nursery and a state-of-the-art processing facility, where hand-harvested hazelnuts are sorted, graded, and prepared for global markets in line with OECD standards. www.mountainhazelnuts.com
For more on sustainable farming, read about South Korea’s Gimpo’s Rice Flower Farmers here.
