Pistachios Market Update for October 2021

In this month’s update of the pistachio market, we’re going to talk about the market, how it has been so far, the harvest season, how it’s going, and crop size and future expectations from the industry.

What Does The Market Look Like?

Unlike the US and Iran, a big portion of Turkish pistachios is consumed in Turkey. In the past, especially during off-years, total crop size was not enough for domestic demand. But, since crop size has started increasing in Turkey, we will see enough production in Turkey even during off years. 

Major export markets for Turkish pistachios are Europe, MENA, and the USA, mainly ingredients. China and India are now emerging markets. Export quantities depend on price and availability. Since the prices were very reasonable last year, Turkey received a lot of inquiries from all international markets.

Harvesting So Far

Last year Turkey had 366.210 hectares (549.3150 MU) of total pistachio planted area. This year it increased to 381.847 hectares (572.7705 MU). It means the planting area increased +4,2% in a year.

As per the Turkish Statistical Institute, in 2010 total number of trees was 40.179.000. In 2019 total number of trees has reached 73.045.000 with 52.061.000 pcs (bearing and 20.984.000 pcs (non-bearing) trees, representing a +82% increase in 10 years.

Crop Size

Due to very limited precipitation in major pistachio growing areas, the new crop size will be much lower than our initial expectation. According to our fieldwork, we are expecting 89.000 mts production (in-shell basis) this year. On the Other hand, the carry-over quantity is 220.000 mts. So, the total Saleable quantity will be 309.000 tons.

Future Expectations

Considering new planting areas, around 30% non-bearing trees, and modern farming practices (like irrigation, etc.), we expect around 540.000 mts in 5 years. So that means that Turkish pistachios will not only be available for ingredient markets. 

But also snack markets in the world consumption. All major and Chinese markets will welcome Turkish Pistachios with their unique taste and reasonable prices. Especially last season, Turkish exporters shipped many quantities to China. 

Feedbacks from importers and consumers are very nice. We believe that we will see more Turkish pistachios in the Chinese market in the future.