USA Pistachios
Despite being an “off-year”, 2021/2022 crop is expected to be large at roughly 453,000 metric tons (1 B lbs.), with the main driver being the addition of new bearing acres. Sufficient chill hours and good bloom conditions also contributed to the favorable crop development. High heat was expected to negatively impact the quality of the crop, and although nut size is trending 10% smaller than normal, early harvest indicates low insect damage, low stain levels, and lower than average amount of closed shell.
Global demand is anticipated to remain strong, with the US shipments from the past crop year reaching 325,000 MT (716 M lbs.), a 22% increase from the year before which shipped 266,000 MT (588 M lbs.). Several factors affecting sales last year are continuing to be challenges this year: additional tariffs between China and US with increased quality requirements, shipment and logistic issues creating delays and near-term shortages, and the continued impact of COVID-19, particularly in the export market.
Global demand is anticipated to remain strong, with the US shipments from the past crop year reaching 325,000 MT (716 M lbs.), a 22% increase from the year before which shipped 266,000 MT (588 M lbs.). Several factors affecting sales last year are continuing to be challenges this year: additional tariffs between China and US with increased quality requirements, shipment and logistic issues creating delays and near-term shortages, and the continued impact of COVID-19, particularly in the export market.
Iran Pistachios
As reported by the Iran Pistachio Association (IPA), the revised 2020 crop estimate stands at 240,000 metric tons (dry in-shell basis) and IPA’s 2021 early spring crop forecast adds up to 145,000 MT. Based on IPA estimates, the new crop consists of about 40% Ahmad Aghaei, 30% Fandoghi, 15% Jumbo and 15% Akbari. The quality of crop 2021 seems to be closer to average, with smaller nut size and higher percentage of close-shell and floaters in comparison to last year.
Export shipments from the 2020 crop have been exceptional, second only to 2007 record crop year. An increase in worldwide pistachio consumption and competitive prices have contributed to the exceptional shipment figures for Iranian pistachios.
Export shipments from the 2020 crop have been exceptional, second only to 2007 record crop year. An increase in worldwide pistachio consumption and competitive prices have contributed to the exceptional shipment figures for Iranian pistachios.
Turkey Pistachios
Season 2021/2022 harvest started as planned and the total crop is expected to be around 90,000 MT in-shell basis. Most of the harvesting was carried out at perfect green aiming to give extra time for trees to rest for the next season. Mawardi and red type quality are good in terms of yield but sizes are smaller than last crop. The producing region did not receive the expected rainfall over the summer, so this might cause another shortage on the next crop.
Although the worldwide container crises did not particularly affect Turkey, alternative transport means, such as air-land transport, have already been reflected in increasing quotes. The fact that the main currencies euro/dollar against the Turkish lira are relatively lower than over the past 6 months, is directly affecting prices.
Although the worldwide container crises did not particularly affect Turkey, alternative transport means, such as air-land transport, have already been reflected in increasing quotes. The fact that the main currencies euro/dollar against the Turkish lira are relatively lower than over the past 6 months, is directly affecting prices.
Spain Pistachios
The 2021 forecast was reduced 11% from the prior estimate due to some crop losses in central and western Spain as a result of high rainfall, both in the form of rain and hail. On average, sizes are quite big and open, but the percentage of voids is high, especially in the Kerman variety. The latter probably due to pollination failures, particularly in young plantations that are just starting to produce.