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The World's Top Five Pistachio Exporting Countries and the Pursuit of Quality

Last Update: 2 January 2025

Exporters and Producers Countries

Top 0 Pistachios

Welcome to Tari Trading, your trusted source for premium nuts and dried fruits. In today’s article, we’re going to take you on a journey to discover the world’s top five pistachio exporting countries, with a focus on the pursuit of quality. At Tari Trading, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality Iranian pistachios to our discerning customers. Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll delve into the fascinating differences between Iranian and American pistachios. If you’re an importer or a nut enthusiast, this is an article you won’t want to miss.

Table of Contents

Iran: The Pistachio Paradise:

When it comes to pistachios, Iran stands out as a true paradise for pistachio lovers and exporters alike. Iran leads the world in pistachio production and export, consistently delivering high-quality nuts to global markets. The Iranian pistachio industry benefits from the country’s unique climate and expertise, resulting in plump, flavorful pistachios that are a favorite among consumers worldwide.

Iran is one of the biggest exporters of pistachios in the world

Iranian pistachio production statistics

And now let’s take a look at the statistics of 9 years of pistachio production in Iran.
Iran has always been one of the top producers of pistachios, and from 2013 to 2017, it was at the top of the table and shows its quality. Although there has been a drop in production since 2018 due to various reasons, it has always maintained its quality and has its own fans all over the world.

Statistic: Production of pistachios (in-shell) in Iran from 2012 to 2021 (in thousand metric tons) | Statista
Statistics given from Statista

United States: A Strong Contender:

The United States is another major player in the pistachio export industry. California, in particular, has become synonymous with quality American pistachios. With their own distinct flavor profile and meticulous farming practices, American pistachios hold their own in international markets.

united-states-is-one-of-largest-producer-and-exporter-of-Pistachios

US Pistachio production Volume Table

Year

Production (Thousand Metric Tons)

2012/13

249.9

2013/14

213.2

2014/15

246.3

2015/16

134.6

2016/17

446.3

2017/18

226.9

2018/19

447.7

2019/20

336.1

2020/21

474

2021/22

524

Source

Based on the provided graph depicting the United States’ pistachio production from the 2012/13 season through the 2021/22 season, we can observe significant fluctuations and overall growth in the production levels. Here’s a detailed analysis of the production trends over these years:

united states Pistachio Production

  1. 2012/13 Season:

    • Production: 249.93 thousand metric tons

  2. 2013/14 Season:

    • Production: 213.19 thousand metric tons
    • Note: A slight decrease in production compared to the previous year.

  3. 2014/15 Season:

    • Production: 246.33 thousand metric tons
    • Note: Production levels bounced back to almost the 2012/13 levels.

  4. 2015/16 Season:

    • Production: 134.59 thousand metric tons
    • Note: A significant drop in production, the lowest in the given period.

  5. 2016/17 Season:

    • Production: 446.3 thousand metric tons
    • Note: A remarkable increase, nearly tripling the production from the previous year.

  6. 2017/18 Season:

    • Production: 226.92 thousand metric tons
    • Note: Production decreased again but remained higher than the 2015/16 levels.

  7. 2018/19 Season:

    • Production: 447.7 thousand metric tons
    • Note: Reached the highest production level for this period, slightly surpassing the 2016/17 season.

  8. 2019/20 Season:

    • Production: 336.12 thousand metric tons
    • Note: Production decreased from the previous peak but remained significantly high.

  9. 2020/21 Season:

    • Production: 474 thousand metric tons
    • Note: A significant increase, setting a new record high.

  10. 2021/22 Season:

    • Production: 523.9 thousand metric tons
    • Note: Continued growth, reaching the highest level in the entire period under review.

Summary

From 2012/13 to 2021/22, US pistachio production has shown significant volatility, with sharp declines in certain years followed by dramatic increases. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend points towards substantial growth, with production more than doubling from 2012/13 to 2021/22. The significant increases in the 2016/17, 2018/19, 2020/21, and 2021/22 seasons highlight the industry’s resilience and capacity for recovery and expansion.

Turkey: Bridging East and West:

Turkey’s pistachio industry has been gaining prominence in recent years. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkish pistachios offer a unique blend of flavors, making them a sought-after commodity in various markets. The country’s commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices has contributed to its success as an exporter.

turkey-also-one-of-largest-producer-and-Exporter-of -pistachios

A Decade of Growth: Turkey’s Annual Pistachio Production Statistics from 2012 to 2023

Turkey is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, with pistachio cultivation playing a significant role in its agribusiness sector. Over the past decade, from 2012 to 2023, Turkey’s pistachio production has seen significant fluctuations influenced by various factors such as climatic conditions, technological advancements, and market demands. This article provides a detailed overview and analysis of Turkey’s annual pistachio production statistics over this period, highlighting key trends and insights.

Annual Pistachio Production Statistics (2012-2023)

Turkey’s pistachio production statistics from 2012 to 2023 reflect a dynamic agricultural landscape. The data below illustrates the annual production (in metric tons) over this period:

 

  1. Fluctuations in Production Levels:

    • The data shows significant fluctuations in pistachio production, with notable peaks and troughs. The highest production was recorded in 2023 with 260,000 metric tons, while the lowest was in 2022 with 75,000 metric tons. These fluctuations can be attributed to several factors, including weather conditions, alternate bearing cycles of pistachio trees, and varying levels of pest infestations.

  2. Influence of Climatic Conditions:

    • Weather plays a critical role in pistachio production. Years with favorable climatic conditions, such as adequate rainfall and mild temperatures, have resulted in higher yields. Conversely, extreme weather events, such as droughts or frost, have adversely affected production. For example, the low production in 2014 and 2018 can be linked to unfavorable weather conditions.

  3. Technological and Agronomic Advances:

    • Advances in agricultural technology and practices have contributed to increased yields in certain years. The adoption of improved irrigation techniques, pest control measures, and better farming practices has helped mitigate some of the adverse effects of climatic variability. This is evident in the gradual increase in production from 2019 onwards.

  4. Market Demand and Economic Factors:

    • Global market demand and economic factors have also influenced production levels. High demand for Turkish pistachios in international markets has incentivized farmers to increase production. Additionally, government support and subsidies for pistachio growers have played a role in stabilizing and boosting production.

  5. Alternate Bearing Phenomenon:

    • Pistachio trees exhibit an alternate bearing cycle, producing a heavy crop one year followed by a lighter crop the next. This natural phenomenon contributes to the observed fluctuations in annual production. The significant variations between consecutive years, such as between 2013 and 2014 or 2022 and 2023, can be partly attributed to this cycle.

Conclusion

Turkey’s pistachio production from 2012 to 2023 demonstrates a complex interplay of climatic, technological, and economic factors. Despite the inherent fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a capacity for resilience and growth. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for stakeholders in the pistachio industry, from farmers and exporters to policymakers, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities in this vital sector.

The annual production volume of Turkish pistachios

Year

Production (Thousand Metric Tons)

2012

120

2013

240

2014

80

2015

170

2016

 85

2017

180

2018

 80

2019

230

2020

85

2021

 250

2022

75

2023

260

Belgium:

Belgium is the third largest pistachio exporter with an average export of 12,168 tons (from 2019 to 2023).

Belgium-the-third-largest-pistachio-exporter

Germany: exporter or Importer?

Germany is the fifth largest pistachio exporter with an average export figure of 10,429 tons (from 2019 to 2023), but it is interesting to know that Germany is also one of the largest importers of pistachios from Iran and America, which we have discussed in the article on the largest importers of pistachios in We talked about the world

Germany-is-one-of-the-largest-pistachio-exporters

The Pursuit of Quality:

In the world of pistachio exports, quality is paramount. At Tari Trading, we understand the importance of providing our customers with the finest pistachios available. That’s why we take pride in offering Iranian pistachios, which are renowned for their unmatched quality and flavor. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you receive pistachios that meet the highest industry standards.

American vs iranian pistachios

In this article, we examined the differences between Iranian pistachios and American pistachios, which you can read

When it comes to pistachio exports, these five countries lead the way in supplying top-quality nuts to markets around the globe. At Tari Trading, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best that the pistachio world has to offer. Whether you’re an importer seeking premium pistachios or simply a connoisseur of fine nuts, we invite you to experience the exceptional taste and quality of Iranian pistachios.

Don’t miss our next article, where we’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of Iranian and American pistachios, helping you make informed choices for your pistachio needs. Stay tuned for more nutty insights from Tari Trading!

The average export volume of 5 of the largest pistachio exporting countries from 2016 to 2023

pistachio Exporting by country

Rank

Country

Avarge Export Quantity (2016-2023) Tons


1

United States

225,133

2

Iran

92,532

3

Beljium

12,168

4

Turkey

10,274

5

Germany

10,429

Who Are the Largest Pistachio Producers?

As mentioned earlier, we listed the top 5 largest pistachio producers by country. Now it’s time to introduce the leading pistachio-producing countries.

The largest pistachio-producing countries are:

  • USA
  • Iran
  • Turkey

These countries account for the highest pistachio production in the world. They are also the top pistachio exporters globally. However, other countries, such as Italy and Greece, also produce and export pistachios, though on a smaller scale.

Who Are the Main Pistachio Exporters?

Out of the 5 countries we introduced, why are only 3 of them considered major producers?
This is because not every producer country is an exporter. For instance, countries like Germany and Belgium are considered significant pistachio exporters. However, due to their climatic conditions and unsuitable weather, pistachio trees cannot grow in these countries, meaning they are not pistachio producers. These countries import pistachios, process or package them, and then export them to other countries.

Which Country Should You Buy Pistachios From?

We won’t tell you exactly which pistachio to buy, as it depends on your market demand and your preferences. However, we will guide you on how to purchase pistachios for import to ensure a successful business venture.

Our recommendation is to buy pistachios from a pistachio-producing country.

If you’re unsure which pistachio is best for you, you can check out this article: What Is the Best Pistachio in the World?

Why Should You Buy Pistachios from Producing Countries?

We recommend purchasing pistachios directly from producing countries like Iranian pistachios, American pistachios, and Turkish pistachios.

This approach offers several benefits, including:

Benefits of Buying Pistachios from Producing Countries:

  1. Lower Prices – Due to the high competition among producer countries, prices are more competitive compared to non-producing countries.
  2. Higher Quality – You can access fresh, high-quality pistachios directly from the source.
  3. Fresher Products – When you purchase pistachios from producing countries, you get fresher products, which directly translates into better quality.

By purchasing directly from producer countries, you benefit from a fresher, higher-quality product at a lower price, giving you a competitive edge in your business.

FAQs

What country produces the most pistachios?

Currently, in 2024, the United States is the largest producer of pistachios in the world, having held the first place in producing the most pistachios in recent years.

The United States is the largest producer of pistachios in the world, followed by Iran and Turkey, which are major exporters of pistachios.

Taste preferences vary from person to person, and each country’s pistachios offer distinct flavors. Iranian pistachios are often praised for their rich, buttery taste and vibrant green color. American pistachios are known for their large size and slightly sweet flavor. Turkish pistachios are favored for their robust and earthy taste. Syrian pistachios are appreciated for their crunchiness and intense flavor. Greek pistachios are esteemed for their small size and intense flavor.

The primary pistachio-producing countries include Iran, the United States, Italy,Turkey, Syria, and Greece. Each country’s pistachios have their unique characteristics, making them sought after in different markets worldwide.

The United States is the largest exporter and producer of pistachios in the world.

As of 2022, the United States has been the leading producer of pistachios, followed by Iran and Turkey.

We hope this FAQ helps you make an informed decision when selecting pistachios for your business. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Tari Trading Company, we’re committed to providing the highest quality pistachios to our valued customers.

Contact us

Thank you for choosing Tari Trading, where heritage meets quality.

4 Responses

  1. Its awesome article regarding pistachio producers and exporters, I got good information from reading this post.

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