Pistachios have been eaten for more than 300,000 years. It is a nut that originated in the Middle East and became part of the diet of the Neanderthals. This “Syrian nut“, as it came to be known in ancient times, has not only been a delicious delicacy over the centuries, but has also been used to alleviate ailments and as an aphrodisiac.
Today, pistachios are more than just a popular snack. Consumers are increasingly aware of the versatility of this fruit, its nutrient profile and its bioactive compounds. As a result, demand for pistachios is growing in a number of countries.
In this post we present the most relevant figures on the global dynamics of pistachio consumption, as well as some estimates and growth rates. We also detail the main factors that are driving the consumption of this nut and the reasons for its demand in countries such as the United States, Iran, Turkey and Spain.
- Pistachio consumption in figures
- What are the factors driving the increase in pistachio consumption?
- Main pistacho consuming countries
- Sustained growth and innovation in pistachio cultivation
Pistachio consumption in figures
It is important to keep up to date with pistachio consumption patterns and key metrics. Demand for pistachios continues to rise, so this data is essential to identify business and development opportunities.
According to the INC (International Nude & Priet Fruit) organisation, global pistachio consumption in 2022-2023 showed a notable increase, reaching 843,006 metric tonnes.
If we focus on the main consumer countries, we have the following data:
| Consumer country | Metric tonnes consumed 2022-2023 |
| United States | 471.746 |
| Turkey | 240.000 |
| Iran | 91.000 |
| Syria | 19.500 |
| Greece | 10.000 |
| Spain | 3.000 |
| Italy | 1.150 |
For the period 2023-2024, world pistachio consumption is expected to grow by 4.10%. Specifically, countries such as the United States, Iran and Italy will experience a significant increase in demand: 5.73%, 82.42% and 4.35%, respectively.
Growth in pistachio consumption
Below, we present graphically the evolution of world pistachio consumption, between 2012/2013 and August/2023.
Source: Statista.com
What are the factors driving the increase in pistachio consumption?
Among the main drivers of the increase in world pistachio consumption are the following factors or situations:
Trends in consumer demand
Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and nutrition. They demand functional foods and cleanly labelled products containing ingredients with plant-based origins.
Consumer awareness of the benefits of pistachios for the body is growing. For example, it has been widely publicised that the nut is a rich source of fibre, protein, minerals and essential vitamins, making it perfect for creating nutritious, healthy and filling snacks.
Nutritional benefits of pistachios
The pistachio contains a considerable amount of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and other minerals (copper, sodium, zinc, etc.). It is also a source of vitamins A, E, C, K and B (except B12). It also has phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which give it antioxidant properties, among other properties.
Thanks to this profile of macro and micronutrients, the pistachio is associated with health benefits, such as:
- Protection against cardiovascular disease.
- Reduction of systolic blood pressure.
- Protection against various types of cancer.
- Balancing of blood glucose levels.
- Lowering cholesterol.
- Reduced likelihood of digestive disorders.
- Improvement of inflammation, etc.
Pistachios are also a major contributor to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. As a fruit rich in essential oils and fixed oils, it is a powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial. It can therefore be incorporated into creams, soaps, shampoos and other skin care products.
Versatility of pistachio
On the other hand, the culinary versatility of the pistachio has been more than interesting to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Its subtle flavour, creamy texture and unique colour make it an ideal nut for a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes in home cooking and haute cuisine, as well as in industrial food production.
Pistachio with or without shell, chopped pistachio, sliced or on sticks, pistachio powder, pistachio oil, pistachio paste, raw pistachio, roasted pistachio, etc. There are many options.
Pistachios are also a valuable ingredient in a wide range of food products to enrich them, improve their taste and make them more appealing to the consumer. For example, in snacks, ice cream, biscuits, cakes, bakery products, ham, sausages, rice, cereals, sauces, dressings, etc.
All this versatility leaves an open field for the development and innovation of pistachio-based products. This also attracts new consumers and expands business opportunities.
Main pistachio consuming countries
Global diversity is another factor affecting the demand for pistachios. Each region or country can show certain exclusive trends or demands that determine in one way or another the increase in consumption of this nut. For example:
- Turkey. Pistachios are an important part of Turkish culture and customs. It is usually consumed directly, as a snack. It is also an essential ingredient in sweets, baked goods and ice cream.
- United States. Interest in pistachio goodness and attraction to its unique taste has led Americans to make pistachio butter and pistachio-flavoured dairy products. The fruit is also used as an ingredient in salads and as a snack.
- Iran. Pistachios are an important part of Iranian traditions, stories and rituals. Pistachios should be present at every celebration and banquet, in special dishes, treats, meats, sausages and as toasted or salted snacks.
- Italy. In the last 10 years, Italians have doubled their consumption of nuts. This is because they have also increased their awareness of the benefits of these foods. Pistachios are usually consumed directly as snacks. They are also appreciated by the ice cream and confectionery industry.
- Spain. As in Italy, pistachio consumption in Spain is mainly driven by the growing demand for functional foods. They are eaten as snacks, raw or roasted. In addition, they are the protagonists of various sweet and savoury dishes, such as meats, salads, sauces and stews. They also garnish desserts and ice creams and even caramelised and dipped pistachios are marketed.
Sustained growth and innovation in pistachio cultivation
At Agróptimum we put experience, professionalism, technology and passion for agriculture at the service of your planting projects and commercial objectives. We are a partner that takes care of all the management in the pistachio, olive, vine and almond tree cultivation business.
We have the technical equipment and the latest generation machinery. In addition, we combine the agricultural knowledge we have inherited over the centuries with the innovative practices we develop through our biotechnological research.
If you want to optimise your farm, contact us. At Agróptimum we help you to make each of your plantations and cultivation projects profitable. We adapt to your requirements.
Sources:
INC (International Nude & Priet Fruit), NCBI, Statista, American Pistachios, MDPI, Rangin Kaman Co y Research.
