IRAN Pistachio Status
Crop year 2024 update
SUPPLY:
- Iran’s 2024 pistachio inventory was announced following the harvest of 230,000 tons.
- Approximately 50% of Iran’s pistachio crop is produced in Kerman province.
- The harvesting period was postponed by about 20 days, but the Chinese New Year was on January 29th.
- Maintain at minimum levels; the remaining inventory accounts for approximately 5-7% of the initial stock.
- The size of pistachios was small, and the percentage of bad-shaped fruits was almost double.
DEMAND:
- Due to the delay in harvesting Iranian pistachios, the Chinese began placing orders in September.
- Chinese buyers have started purchasing Round NO at prices ranging from $6.90 to $7.10 per kilogram.
- The demand for Iranian pistachio kernels increased, resulting in a price rise.
- Dubai Chocolate boosted awareness and demand for Iranian Green-Peeled Pistachio Kernels (GPPK).
CONSUMPTION STATUS & WAREHOUSE STOCK
IRAN PISTACHIO EXPORT STATUS
IRAN PISTACHIO TOTAL EXPORT: 154000 MT
External Drivers: Viral Demand & Supply Disruptions
During the 2024-2025 crop year, the limited supply of pistachio kernels from producers, combined with a viral TikTok trend featuring a “Dubai chocolate” (a luxury bar with a pistachio filling), triggered a global pistachio kernel shortage, pushing prices from $7.65 to $10.30 per pound.
The trend created ripple effects, prompting premium brands to rush and meet demand, and supplies were strained globally due to a poor U.S. harvest and scarcity of shelled Pistachios.
Meanwhile, the competitive price, exceptional variety (in terms of size and color), higher oil content, and better roastability are driving an increasing demand for Iranian Pistachio Kernels. Iran’s exports to the UAE increased by 40% over six months, reaching a peak in March 2025.
SHARE OF PISTACHIO KERNELS IN EXPORTS (DRIED IN-SHELL EQUIVALENT)
IRAN PISTACHIO CROP YEAR 2025
Produced 240,000 MT
August 10th - September 15th
- Unripe Pistachio Harvesting
- Raw Green Kernels (KALAK)
September 15th - October 10th
- Mature Pistachio Harvesting
- Standard Pistachio Kernel
| Kerman Province | Inventory (MT) |
|---|---|
| Rafsanjan | 68,000 |
| Sirjan | 17,000 |
| Anar | 9,000 |
| Zarand | 8,500 |
| Kerman | 8,000 |
| Shahr-e Babak | 5,000 |
| Ravar | 1,500 |
| Others | 3,000 |
| TOTAL | 120,000 |
IRANIAN PISTACHIO VARIETY DISTRIBUTION 2025
| Other Provinces | Inventory (MT) |
|---|---|
| Razavi Khorasan | 51,000 |
| Yazd | 19,000 |
| South Khorasan | 11,000 |
| Semnan | 10,000 |
| Fars | 9,000 |
| Isfahan | 5,000 |
| Markazi | 4,000 |
| Qom | 4,000 |
| Tehran | 2,000 |
| Sistan & Baluchestan | 2,000 |
| Qazvin | 1,000 |
| North Khorasan | 500 |
| Others | 1,500 |
| TOTAL | 120,000 |
IRAN PISTACHIO & CHINA MARKET 2025
Exported 38,000 MT
TO CHINA (KERNEL & CS)
TO CHINA (NATURAL OPEN)
China was once Iran’s top pistachio buyer, but its imports have dropped a lot in recent years. Here are some of the reasons:
- Stronger U.S. Competition: The world’s largest pistachio producer signs long-term contracts to supply continuously at a more stable price.
- Quality & Safety Concerns with Iranian Pistachios: Chinese buyers prefer U.S. pistachios in some cases because of uniform size, quality, and marketing. Recently, China has had stricter regulations about the Aflatoxin contamination.
- Changing Consumer Preferences in China: Chinese consumers are favoring snacking nuts, with branded products dominating shelves, while Iranian pistachios are less popular.
- Trade & Payment Challenges: Iran’s financial sanctions and banking restrictions, as well as fluctuating exchange rates and hard-currency repatriation problems, discourage both parties from long-term contracts.
- Domestic & Regional Challenges: Iran’s production has been hit by drought and electricity shortages, and supply reliability looks weaker to the importers. *Chinese buyers bypass China’s retaliatory tariffs against the US through some countries.
Leave A Comment