USA
Demand has been quite strong, in particular in the domestic market, where it has hit record highs; but also, around the world, despite the logistics challenges. The pistachio industry was able to ship to all markets and to cover the Chinese New Year’s demand and also support the strong European consumption. Crop 2021 shipments significantly grew over the previous year and the outlook is to reach 820 million pounds. European demand is stable to growing and Chinese demand grew compared to last year.
The continued growth in pistachio consumption is mainly based on the population increasing health awareness and plant-based protein diets, for which pistachios, being classified as a complete protein (they contain adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids), are uniquely suited to. Furthermore, from the innovation standpoint, no-shell pistachios are creating new snacking occasions and introducing new consumers to pistachios.
Iran
Crop 2020/21 total shipments hit a 10-year record of 230,000 MT (in-shell equivalent). Kernel exports have also significantly increased over the past two years, reaching 32,000 MT, and there is definitely room for growth in this category, particularly in the usage of kernels as snacks and ingredients. Green kernels and pistachio oil have growth potential as well.
Turkey
The southeast of Turkey represents around 96% of the overall pistachio production. The areas of Sanliurfa and Gaziantep are the biggest producers, accounting together for 75-80% of the total production, followed by Siirt and Adiyamant, adding up to 392,000 hectares, from which 70% are already bearing.