World pistachio production for 2021/22 is forecast to fall by 16%. This means a figure down to 829,000 tons. The reasons are the declines in Iran and Turkey, which more than offset the continued upturn in the United States. As a result of lower available supply, world consumption, trade, and ending stocks are expected to decline.
In addition, Iran’s production is forecast to fall to 135,000 tons, down 29%, according to the Iranian Pistachio Association. It is due to frost damage in many growing regions reduced yields, despite being the first year of the alternative crop cycle. As a result of the lower crop, exports are expected to fall by 41% to 135,000 tons.
However, domestic consumption is forecast virtually unchanged, while ending stocks are almost halved to 5,500 tons.
On the other hand, U.S. pistachio production is expected to increase again. This is a 10% increase to a record 523,000 tons. The reason is a combination of high yields and increased acreage.
The last time production increased in two consecutive years was in 2010/11, when high yields were also combined with increased area. This forecast is based on shipment data from the Pistachio Administrative Committee.
As for the EU, pistachio production is estimated to increase by 6,000 tons to 23,000 tons, thanks to a slight increase in Spain and Italy. In addition, imports could increase by 11% to a record 135,000 tons, with the United States supplying the bulk of the market.
Finally, Turkey’s production is forecast to plunge 65% to 87,000 tons. The drop is associated with low yields in the alternative crop cycle. The lower production will have a limited effect on trade, as almost the entire crop is consumed domestically.
Source: Fresh Plaza (2022)