The crunchy little green nutrition gems have become ubiquitous, making appearances in everything from Starbucks drinks to croissant fillings and main dishes. This surge in popularity has led to a thriving pistachio economy in California, which is poised for further growth, according to Capital Press. Between 2016 and 2020, growers expanded their pistachio farmland by 173,540 acres, and by 2022, they added another 74,614 acres—a notable 20% increase. The adaptable pistachio trees thrive even in the desert-like conditions found in parts of the state. The Administrative Committee for Pistachios reported that California saw 35,000 new pistachio plantings in each of the last two years. Though these trees have a long juvenile phase, typically producing only a few nuts before reaching five years of age, they achieve full production between 8 and 12 years. The United States ranks as the second-largest producer of pistachios globally, following Iran, with California leading in production. Arizona and New Mexico are also beginning to make strides in this sector.
However, 2023 has posed challenges, as floods have severely impacted California’s crops, according to Andrew Ramirez, manager of Consumer & Customer Market Insight at Torani. “Following a couple of years of reduced yields due to drought, we now face additional challenges from floods. Will a smaller crop drive up demand? It’s possible,” he noted. Pistachios have a rich history, even referenced in the Old Testament’s Genesis, and have been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years.
Ramirez pointed out that there are now more diverse forms of pistachios available to consumers than ever before. “Thirty to forty years ago in the U.S., your choices were limited to red-dyed pistachios or plain ones. Now, we can enjoy them in various dishes, including baklava at Mediterranean restaurants.” The global pistachio market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to approximately $6.6 billion by 2030, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the 2022-2030 period. Baum + Whiteman and Lyons Magnus recently identified pistachios as the leading nut of 2023 in food trend research, with their presence extending across beverages, main courses, and even personal care products like soaps and moisturizers.
Sales of Torani Pistachio Syrup have already reached 93% of what they were in all of 2022, despite the year not being halfway over. “[This] suggests that 2023 is shaping up to be a significant year for pistachios. In 2022, our pistachio sales were composed of 65% from foodservice and 35% from consumer channels.” Amberly Wilson, the director of nutrition research and communication at American Pistachio Growers, attributes the nut’s pandemic popularity to its snackable nature. “As people turned to shelf-stable snacks and considered the overall impact of their food choices on health and the environment, interest in plant-based diets grew.”
Diana Salsa, associate vice president of marketing at Wonderful Pistachios, remarked, “This ‘happy nut,’ as referred to in China, has set the stage for exciting trends as we enter 2023.” She believes that increased awareness is a key reason behind pistachios’ current popularity. “They will likely remain a favorite in cold brews or as finishing touches on Instagram-worthy charcuterie boards, especially as consumers continue seeking healthier snack options.”
Looking ahead, Wilson is optimistic about the future of pistachios. “Their popularity is rising worldwide, and there is much more to discover regarding the unique health benefits of pistachios. Consumer interest is just beginning.” Furthermore, as people become more health-conscious, they may also consider which is better for osteoporosis—calcium citrate or carbonate—leading to even greater interest in nutrient-dense foods like pistachios. This green nut’s luxurious yet accessible appeal makes it a fitting choice in various culinary contexts, cementing its place in modern diets.