Summary

The global pistachio market, valued at $3,907.07 million in 2021, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7%, reaching $5,282.52 million in 2029. Despite an overall upward trend in production, a downward trend is observed from 2020 onwards. The United States and Iran have historically dominated production, accounting for over 70% of supply, with growing areas, particularly in California. European production is also on the rise, led by Italy and Spain. However, French imports and consumption have halved over the last decade, indicating a general decline. Regulations, notably those introduced by European customs in May 2020, have favored imports from neighboring countries. The Covid-19 pandemic affected distribution channels and prices, but was mitigated by increased purchases of aperitif products in supermarkets. Despite these challenges, there is a growing trend towards organic and "Made in France" products in the French market, indicating potential for future growth and changes in consumer preferences.

Diminishing appetite for pistachios in France

Looking at trends in the French pistachio market, it's clear that the once robust appetite for this nut-based snack is contracting. Consumption rates have fallen considerably over the past decade: national consumption has dropped to around 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes in recent years.

This decline is in line with the downward trajectory of imports, which have also almost halved over the period 2010-2020. Affordability seems to be a major obstacle to consumption in France. As pistachios are the most expensive of the nut family, French consumers see their purchasing capacity reduced due to financial constraints. In addition, growing awareness of health issues and the trend towards local and organic products could also redirect consumer preferences towards other nuts. In comparison, almond consumption has increased, probably due to a combination of more accessible prices and the convenience of not having to shell them.

Interestingly, per capita pistachio consumption has also fallen in recent years. as we approach the end of the decade, annual per capita consumption is hovering around figures below one kilogram. This is in stark contrast to earlier periods, when pistachios were a more important part of the French diet.

Despite the general decline in demand, the pistachio market in France is experiencing some moments of heightened interest, particularly during festive periods. This suggests that, even if overall consumption is declining, pistachios still occupy a place in French cultural and culinary events, probably due to their traditional use as an appetizer and pastry ingredient. Looking at the bigger picture, including the trend towards organic foods, optimism is the order of the day.

This sentiment is reinforced by renewed interest in the revival of pistachio cultivation in France, which could potentially reshape the domestic market in the years ahead. With production set to begin in earnest from 2024, the emphasis on Made in France and organic pistachios could potentially reverse the current downward trend.

In short, despite the pressing challenge of declining consumption and high prices, the French pistachio market is at a crossroads, with opportunities for resurgence thanks to strategic shifts in favor of local production and organic offerings. As such, current consumption stands at a modest but potentially pivotal moment in the history of the French pistachio market.

Key players shaping the global pistachio market

In the diverse and dynamic landscape of the global pistachio market, a few notable companies have stamped their authority and influence through consistent quality, innovative practices and strong distribution networks. These players, hailing from the four corners of the globe, have helped shape the trajectory of the pistachio industry and have positioned themselves as leaders in this specialized market. Let's explore the unique profiles of these key market players.

  • Wonderful pistachios and almonds

Part of The Wonderful Company, Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds is one of the world's largest producers and processors of almonds and pistachios. Located in California's Central Valley, the company prides itself on sustainable farming practices and a vertically integrated business model that guarantees strict quality control from farm to fork. Known for its popular "Get Crackin'" advertising campaigns, Wonderful Pistachios has become a household name synonymous with quality nuts.

  • Setton Pistachio from Terra Bella, Inc.

Setton Pistachio, another Californian giant, is a family-run business that has grown from a small pistachio farm into one of America's leading pistachio processors and traders. Its commitment to quality through state-of-the-art processing techniques and attention to the nutrition and health benefits of pistachios have earned it a solid reputation in the industry.

  • Paramount Farms

Paramount Farms is one of the world's largest commercial producers of pistachios and almonds. also based in California, Paramount Farms has a vast, highly productive operation, benefiting from the state's best agricultural conditions. It has played a key role in the growth of pistachio consumption in the US market and beyond.

  • Germack Pistachio

Company Founded in Detroit, Michigan, Germack Pistachio Company is one of the oldest pistachio roasters in the United States. A rich history and commitment to quality have enabled Germack to ride the waves of market change while retaining a loyal customer base. Its pistachios are renowned for their flavor and freshness, and are offered in a variety of innovative blends and flavors.

  • Keenan Farms

Keenan Farms, one of the largest pistachio processors in the United States, has carved out a niche for itself by prioritizing quality and consistency. The company's expertise in harvesting, processing and packaging enables it to deliver a superior product that meets consumer expectations, ensuring its reputable position in the market.

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  • Last update : 21/12/2023
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and presentation

The pistachio is a dried fruit produced by the pistachio tree, a Mediterranean shrub. It takes the form of a greenish, sweet-tasting seed, housed in a shell that opens when ripe.

Pistachios have two main uses. It is eaten :

  • salted and/or grilled as an aperitif
  • sweetened, in pastry-making, where it can be ground, crushed, transformed into cream or flavoring
  • in paste form, mixed with oil and sugar, particularly in West Asian countries

Like most oilseeds, pistachios are renowned in the sporting world for being a high source of protein (6g per portion), as well as being rich in vitamins and minerals. What's more, its active compounds promote good cardiovascular health.

Iran is the historical cradle of this crop, which can be traced back to the Persian Empire, before being gradually introduced into Europe under the Roman Empire, and even more so under the reign of Louis XVI. Its consumption took root in the United States at the end of the 19th century due to strong immigration from southern Europe, prompting the country to produce it locally in its arid southern lands, which are ideal for its production. These two countries have been producing over 70% for the last ten years, although the figure has recently been tending towards a single American monopoly.

The dynamic global pistachio market has been valued at $3,907.07 million in 2021 (approx. €3,646.54 million) and is expected to reach $5,282.52 million in 2029 (approx. €4,930.23 million), registering a CAGR of 3.7% over the 2022-2029 forecast period.

The French pistachio market has been in decline for the past ten years (imports and consumption divided by 2), but new supply trends embodied by Made in France and organic products could reverse this trend.

1.2 Global market

The global pistachio market is expected to experience moderate growth until ****, with sales expected to increase by *.*% per year:

Pistachio market sales trend (***) World, **** - ****, in millions of dollars Source: Data Bridge Market Research *Estimated size

Pistachio production World, **** - ****, in metric tons Source: INC After a general upward trend between ...

1.3 European market

According to the latestUSDA report, dated February ****, production is set to rise by more than *,*** tonnes to around **,*** tonnes of pistachios, thanks in particular to increases in Italy and Spain, the main European producers along with Greece. In the same report, we learn that imports are also set to rise by ...

1.4 Domestic market

In France, average imports over the last decade of **,*** tonnes represent an average of *** million euros , almost four times less than its German neighbor. This is also less than its Roman neighbors Italy and Spain, which account for *** million euros and *** million euros respectively. However, these figures are clearly down, by ...

1.5 The impact of Covid-19

Covid has had a slight impact on the pistachio market, and more generally on the market for crunchy aperitifs, particularly in terms of the origin of demand. Indeed, with airlines and catering outlets in an unstable situation, a large proportion of demand for these products was not accounted for during the ...

2 Demand analysis

2.1 Pistachio consumption trends in France

Like imports, pistachio consumption in France has tended to decline over the last ten years. In just ** years, consumption has almost halved . The main reason for this drop in consumption is the price of pistachios, which, despite their appetizing appearance, are particularly expensive in the nut family. Thus, the loss of ...

2.2 French pistachio consumption preferences

Pistachios can be eaten in several ways:

pastry; to make pistachio paste. This use of pistachios is very popular in West Asian countries, where many desserts require them, such as the famous baklava. In France, it is also widely used in pastries, with the famous pastry chef Pierre Hermé being a ...

2.3 The bulk trend, a trend for pistachios

The bulk market in France accounted for sales of *.* billion euros in ****, representing year-on-year growth of **%[***]. But what explains this growth?

The various reasons for buying bulk products are explained in the following graph:

Advantages of buying products in bulk France, ****, in Source: ****

Bulk products are between *% and **% cheaper for comparable ...

2.4 The French are changing their eating habits: organic, local and dietary products are favoured

In ****, many French people say they want to pay attention to what they eat. Here's what they want to pay attention to:

More responsible eating: what the French are saying France, ****, percentage Source: ****

These results demonstrate the French people's intentions to pay attention to what they eat, intentions that were confirmed ...

3 Market structure

3.1 Value chain

Source: ****

3.2 Pistachio production and yields

Production

Pistachio shells are opened before harvesting. That's why it's imperative to ensure that the pistachios have not been in contact with the ground, as there's a risk that microorganisms harmful to health will contaminate them. In this case, a fallen pistachio can easily be left on the ground, as it ...

3.3 Distribution

It is impossible to find data on the distribution of pistachio sales alone. However, as pistachios are part of the dried fruit family, we can go through them by distribution channel, but if we extend the scope of the study a little, we can see that the French largely turn to ...

4 Offer analysis

4.1 Nutritional values

The pistachio, like most oilseeds, is an extremely nutritious nut, much appreciated by athletes for its high energy and nutritional density.

With its high fiber content and guaranteed satiety, it's a useful fruit for dieters. Its health benefits are not negligible: it contains antioxidants that help fight cardiovascular disease. It is ...

4.2 Sales prices

Sales prices vary widely depending on the store, the type of pistachio and whether it is organic or not.

4.3 Supply trends: organic and the return of French production

Organic

The organic market trend has been on the rise for years and shows no signs of abating, with the French paying ever greater attention to the origin of the products they consume, especially since the health crisis.

The number of French people who never buy organic food has fallen year ...

4.4 Seasonality, storage and different types of pistachios

Pistachios are an autumn fruit. They are traditionally grown in September, October and November. Some regions, such as California, begin harvesting as early as late August. However, the fruit's shelf life and intensive cultivation in California mean that it is available in supermarkets all year round.

The product can then be ...

5 Regulations

5.1 General European Union marketing rules

Marketing standards for fruit and vegetables, including pistachios in the "Nuts" categoryis strictly regulated by implementing regulation (***) number ***/****, last amended on August *, ****.

Nuts are covered by Annex * (***), Part A. The main points are as follows:

Minimum requirements:

within the tolerances allowed, products must be :

intact sound; products affected by rotting or ...

5.2 UN/ECE standard

This is a standard for the marketing and commercial quality control of fruit and vegetables, involving all market players.

Inshell pistachios

The regulations are quite similar to those of the European Union, but with additional, even more precise points.

Minimum requirements:

The shell must be :

Intact; however, slight superficial damage or ...

6 Positioning the players

6.1 Player segmentation

  • MAITRE PRUNILLE
  • DACO BELLO
  • The Wonderful Company
  • Intersnack (Knabber Geback Group)
  • Menguy's

List of charts

  • Pistachio-producing countries
  • Harvested area
  • Consumption by country
  • Sales trends in the pistachio market (projection)
  • Pistachio production
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Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

MAITRE PRUNILLE
DACO BELLO
The Wonderful Company
Intersnack (Knabber Geback Group)
Menguy's

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