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Pistachios: sharp downward revisions

December 11, 2025 at 12:40 PM , Der AUDITOR
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REUS. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council’s (INC) most recent production estimates for pistachios, global production will decline despite the US bumper crop. Output is not in line with expectations in Iran and Turkey. Spain holds quite an advantage.

Downturn in global production despite bumper US crop

Sharp revisions characterise the INC’s November estimates. Total production will range 7% lower than last year at 1.104 million mt. Anticipation still is that US production will reach a record 726,400 (mt) (1.6 billion pounds) and the Administrative Committee for Pistachios confirmed that crop receipts reached 1.57 billion pounds (712,140 mt) in the October position report.

Lower estimates in Iran and Turkey

While Iran witnessed a year of record exports in 2024/2025 due to competitive prices, the first month of the new season, which started on 22 September, has been rather disappointing as the Iran Pistachio Association (IPA) reports. In addition, IPA has recently reduced this year’s crop estimate to 225,000 mt as more blanks than anticipated were harvested and nut sizes are smaller.

In Turkey, the situation is far from encouraging. Not only does the current season mark an off year in terms of production but drought and unfavourable weather conditions have also diminished the crop. Strong domestic demand coupled with limited supplies have driven up export prices to highly unattractive levels and the outlook for next year’s crop is not good either.

Spain with strategic advantage

Although production in Spain is lower than the 9,600 mt anticipated in May, output has nevertheless surged by 89% this year. Spain may only be a small supplier with many challenges, yet the country holds a logistical advantage and with the area under cultivation expanding, production should gain traction.

Global pistachio production, in-shell basis (mt)

Country

2024/25

2025/26

Diff.

USA

503,700

726,400

44.2%

Iran

217,000

225,000*

3.7%

Turkey

415,500

114,600

-72.4%

Syria

28,050

13,350

-52.4%

Spain

4,500

8,500

88.9%

Greece

6,000

6,000

0.0%

Italy

2,800

4,700

67.9%

Australia

4,450

3,000

-32.6%

Afghanistan

2,500

2,600

4.0%

China

300

320

6.7%

Total

1,184,800

1,104,470

-6.8%

Iran Pistachio Association (IPA), Greek Nuts & Fruits Trade Association, Australia Pistachio Growers’ Association, and other INC sources
*recent IPA estimate
Nov 2025

 

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