Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Pistachios

  • Rising Demand for U.S Pistachios in China

    Demand for pistachios in China has been steadily increasing, driven by rising consumer awareness of their health benefits and the growing popularity of nuts as a snack. This trend has positioned China as one of the largest pistachio importers globally, with most imports coming from the United States and Iran. U.S. pistachios are particularly favored for their superior quality. Chinese consumers tend to prefer large, uniformly colored pistachios with a high split rate. Packaging and branding strongly influence purchasing decisions. Innovative product offerings, convenient packaging, and ongoing consumer education are key to enabling U.S. pistachios capture a larger share of the market.

    Market Overview

    China’s Growing Tree Nut Consumption

    China’s tree nut consumption has grown by 5 percent annually steadily over the past 5 years. China’s national yearly intake of 8 million metric tons (kernel equivalent) represents 15 percent of the global total according to data from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC). However, China’s per-capita tree nut consumption in 2023 was only 0.56 kg, which is approximately one-fifth of the 2.6 kg consumed in the United States. By comparison, per capita tree nuts consumption is 2.7 kg in Australia, 1.6 kg in the EU, and 0.98 kg in South Korea.

    While per capita nut consumption in China is comparatively low, changes in dietary patterns are anticipated to boost the country’s nut intake. Consumers in the post-pandemic era are increasingly concerned about food nutrition and function. Tree nuts, which represent a healthy snack option, have recently become immensely popular among middle-class urban consumers. As a result, it is estimated that per capita tree nut consumption could reach 1 kg in 2030, almost double of 2023 consumption.

    The most consumed tree nuts in China are walnuts, almonds, pistachios, macadamia and cashews, mostly as snack foods, baking ingredients and dairy alternatives in coffee shops, with a smaller portion consumed as cooking ingredients. Pistachios have emerged as one of most popular tree nuts for Chinese consumers, with annual demand reaching around 160,000 metric tons in 2024. China was the world’s second-largest purchaser of pistachios in 2024, behind only the EU.

    Supply of Pistachios in the Chinese Market

    China has been a net importer of nuts for more than a decade due to the difficulty of growing popular varieties such as pecan, pistachios, and almonds, combined with the fast-growing tree nuts market. Except for walnuts and hazelnuts, demand for tree nuts exceeds supply in China.

    In 2024, China imported 133,744 metric tons (MT) of pistachios in 2024 from four countries, making it the world’s second largest pistachio importer. United States was the leading supplier with 90,675 MT

    representing 68 percent of China’s total imports. Iran was the second largest exporter, with 40,721 MT accounting for a 31 percent of China’s imports, followed by Australia (2,257 MT) and Turkey (91 MT). In 2024/25, China’s demand for pistachios is expected to remain high. See FAS China Tree Nuts Annual 2025 GAIN report for more details.

    China is almost totally dependent on imports to meet demand. According to CFNA recent report in August 2025, the rate of self-sufficiency of pistachios from domestic production is close to zero percent while estimated consumption is between 90,000-110,000 metric tons. Xinjiang province is the primary domestic source of pistachios in China, accounting for approximately 95 percent of the country’s production. In addition to Xinjiang, pistachios are also grown in Gansu, Shanxi, and Ningxia on a very small scale. CFNA estimates production of pistachios in Xinjiang at 300 metric tons in 2023 and 2024.

    Consumption

    In China, tree nuts are primarily consumed by middle- and upper-class individuals residing in first-tier cities and coastal regions of eastern China. According to a report on China tree nuts market from Kerry Group, 62 percent of consumers are women, while 53 percent are aged 34 and under, corresponding to Generation Z, who prioritize healthier lifestyles and personal happiness, 50 percent of Chinese consumers buy tree nuts at least once a week, spending more than 100 Chinese yuan ($13.86)

    per purchase. Market research data collected during the 2025 Chinese New Year holiday show that tree nut gift boxes (selected by 46.3 percent of respondents) overtook gift boxes of tea (36.4 percent) and baijiu (a Chinese liquor, 34.4 percent) as the most popular gift box category.

    Recent economic headwinds, however, have made Chinese consumers more price sensitive, which has in turn prompted food producers to reduce expenses to remain competitive. As a result, importers have become more cost-conscious when sourcing nuts from overseas suppliers. As the nut sector continues to develop new methods of using nuts, industry insiders are optimistic about the rise in nut consumption in China, especially during the holiday season. The prices of various treenuts including pistachios are rising in second half of 2025 as the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday season approaches.

    Currently, China’s tree nut market is dominated by snack products, with the share of foods made from processed nuts being modest. However, nut butters, nut oils, nut powders, and nut beverages are increasingly integrated into the Chinese diet. Pistachios are one of the most favored tree nut ingredients in baking and catering business, widely recognized by Chinese consumers as a “super food” rich in protein, dietary fiber, antioxidant and low in calories and fat. Consumers are also attracted to the color of pistachios when used in products.

    Following the popularity of Dubai Chocolate, products such as pistachio desserts, candy, coated pistachio kernels, etc. are continually developed and launched. Also, pistachios are increasingly used as bakery and pastry ingredients on bread, cakes, gelato, affogato, brioche, and ricotta toast. In recent USDA food service promotion programs, pistachios were also used in dinner entries such as pistachio-crusted crispy salmon and spicy chicken with fried American pistachios, gaining attention from local chefs and restaurant owners.

    Competition Landscape

    In China’s pistachio market, both international and domestic brands play significant roles. Pistachios from the United States are well known for their roasted and flavored snack pistachios. Chinese snack companies such as Three Squirrels and Be & Cheery specialize in packaged pistachio snacks as part of broader nut assortments. Costco and Tianhong are also important distributors of pistachios in China market. The following companies lead the market based on the processing capacity and sales revenue in the first half of 2025:

    1. Three Squirrels (Headquarters: Wuhu, Anhui Province): Founded in 2012, Three Squirrels is a well-known food brand listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Their products cover a full range of casual snacks such as nuts and dried fruits.

    2. Be & Cheery (Headquarters: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province): Established in 2003, they are a well-known food brand for nut sales, acquired by PepsiCo in 2020.

    3. Bestore (Headquarters: Wuhan, Hubei Province): Founded in 2006, they are a listed company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with over 2000 physical stores.

    4. Cha Cha (Headquarters: Hefei, Anhui Province): Founded in 2001, Cha Cha is a listed company on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, producing traditional roasted seeds and nuts.

    5. Wolong (Headquarters: Qingdao, Shandong Province): Established in 2012, Wolong mainly produces a variety of dried nuts and dried fruits. Their “Daily Nuts” product launched in 2015 making them a pioneer for this category of mixed nuts products.

    6. Laiyifen (Headquarters: Shanghai): Founded in 2000, Laiyifen is a large domestic retail chain for snack food with nearly 3,000 stores in more than 20 provinces and cities across the country.

    7. Hua Wei Heng (Headquarters: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province): Founded in 1992, they are a well-known brand in dried fruit and nut snack foods.

    8. Rainbow (Headquarters: Hong Kong, China): Founded in 1958, Guangdong Nanxing Rainbow Nut Products Co., Ltd. specializes in importing, processing, and producing a variety of nut products with a high market share in pistachios and macadamia nuts.

    9. Ganyuan (Headquarters: Pingxiang, Jiangxi Province): Established in 2006 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, Ganyuan’s main products include roasted seeds and high-end nuts such as cashews and macadamia nuts.

    10. Yao Sheng Ji (Headquarters: Hangzhou Lin’an, Zhejiang Province): Founded in 1998, they are a grower, processor and roaster of a series of nuts and dried fruits products.

    Key Growth Drivers for Pistachio Consumption

    1. Health & Wellness Trends: Pistachio consumption is experiencing significant growth driven by several key trends. First, the health and wellness movement is a major factor, as pistachios are marketed as a nutrient-dense snack rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. This aligns with the increasing health consciousness among China’s middle class and younger generations. Additionally, the demand for “clean-label” and low-sugar snacks has further boosted the popularity of pistachios.

    2. Premiumization: Pistachios are positioned as a premium nut due to their higher price point and imported origins. The introduction of flavored and roasted varieties, such as honey-roasted, spicy, and wasabi, appeals to the adventurous tastes of younger consumers.

    3. Catering Business Innovation: In China, approximately 70 percent of pistachios are distributed through the retail channel for snacking, and 30 percent is distributed to catering business. However, catering business innovation is increasingly playing a crucial role in the rising consumption of pistachios. Popular tea shops like Heytea and Naisnow Tea are incorporating pistachio paste into their milk teas, lattes, and desserts. Similarly, bakery chains and ice cream brands, including Häagen-Dazs, are using pistachio toppings and fillings in their products.

    4. E-commerce Expansion: The expansion of e-commerce platforms such as Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo has increased the accessibility of pistachios, particularly in lower tier cities. This has made it easier for consumers to purchase pistachios online.

    5. Plant-based Diets: Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular in China. Post estimates that China’s plant-based food business has expanded at a 14 percent annual rate over the last 5 years, with its value reaching around $10 billion in 2024. Furthermore, the number of enterprises producing plant-based foods and beverages is now over 8,000. As a result, consumption of tree nuts, especially pistachios which are known as a complete protein product, will have positive momentum for long term category growth.

    USDA Cooperators engaged in almonds, pistachios, pecans, cranberries, blueberries, tart cherries, raisins, prunes, walnuts, peanuts, dry pea and lentils regularly send representatives to attend the above two events in coordination with USDA FAS. — By USDA Foreign Ag Services China, Ted Shibata and ATO Shanghai staff

  • Scientists Offer Breakage Insights with Potential Benefits for Crops

    When pistachio hulls split before the nuts are harvested, insects and fungi can get inside, damaging the nut, costing farmers money and contaminating the nuts. About 4% of the overall crop experiences hull split, but some cultivars can split as much as 40% under certain conditions.

    For the first time, scientists at the University of California, Davis, are seeking solutions for California’s $2-billion-a-year pistachio industry. New research reveals how the hull is built and how cell walls in certain layers break down, along with the genes and corresponding mechanisms that spark and control those changes.

    Pectin, a component of cell walls, makes fruit skin strong in part by keeping cells hitched to each other. In pistachio hulls, the composition of pectin changes as the hull ripens, causing the cells to come unhitched. This leads to cracks and tears in the hull.

    In the Journal of Experimental Botany, recent Ph.D. graduate Shuxiao “Susan” Zhang, a student in the lab of Department of Plant Sciences Professor Georgia Drakakaki, identified genes that control how cell walls change as the fruit ripens, leading to the hull breaking down. The research will help breeders select for traits that will make the hulls less vulnerable to tearing and cracking.

    “This is the first time anyone has studied the pistachio hull at the anatomical and cellular level while also looking at gene expression and physiological data,” Drakakaki said. “Susan really got into the details of how the hull is built with different layers and how the cells in those layers are of different sizes. The layers respond differently to changes in pectin, and that causes the hull to split in different ways.”

    Zhang built on the work of two more scientists in the department and their teams. Grey Monroe, an assistant professor, and Barbara Blanco-Ulate, an associate professor, assembled a reference genome of Pistacia vera ‘Kerman,’ the leading female pistachio cultivar in California. They also defined the stages of the nut’s growth and the characteristics at each stage. Their work was published last year.

    A Model for Fruit Split in a Variety of Crops

    Over three years, the team took samples of pistachio hulls from trees in a commercial orchard near Fresno and at the Wolfskill Experimental Orchard, operated by UC Davis near Winters, Calif. They worked with the most common varieties grown in the state, including Kerman, Golden Hills and Lost Hills. They took samples from trees at different points late in the hulls’ development, stretching over several months.

    Using special imaging tools and techniques, Zhang and her team measured hull thickness and cell size, and they counted hulls that were intact, tattered, cracked or both. They also measured how well cells in the hull were sticking to each other, and in each sample counted the cells that had come unhitched.

    Then, the team pulled out RNA from the samples to learn which genes were being expressed at different stages as the hull develops and breaks down. They found that key genes express differently as that process unfolds.

    Since all hulls were intact at 91 days after flowering, Zhang and team reasoned that fruit ripening may be linked with hull split. So, the team also examined the genes — including those involved in pectin modification — that change the cell wall as the fruit ripens. Researchers discovered that cells in the interior layer of the hull expand, while cells in the exterior layer tend to stay the same size. This, in combination with changes in the cell wall, led to different types of hull breakdown.

    “This is one of the major novelty factors for our paper,” Zhang said. “Loads of people have looked at pectin in all kinds of fruits, but not many people have observed that, depending on which cell layer you’re in, the pectin, cell size and so on will change differently during ripening.”

    The physics of forces operating within the cell layers and humidity also influence degradation of the hull, Zhang found.

    Because pistachio hulls are the fruit of the tree, even though we eat the seed, the research has applications for many non-berry fruit crops, Zhang concluded.

    The California Pistachio Board funded most of this research, with additional support from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the James Monroe McDonald Endowment and the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources. — By Trina Kleist, UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences

  • Nematode Management Tips for Tree Nut Growers

    Nematodes can be a headache for growers. Luckily, ways to manage them are being researched and developed. At the Malcolm Media Tree & Vine Expo and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, Andreas Westphal with UCCE Riverside discusses nematode management. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • High Demand Means Bright Outlook for Pistachio Industry

    Pistachio harvests were slightly smaller than initially anticipated, but still set record numbers. Optimism is also high with rising demand for pistachios. At Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Net, American Pistachio Growers President/CEO Zachary Fraser discusses the state of the pistachio industry. Watch this brief video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Secretary Rollins Announces $40M in Section 32 Purchases of Almonds & Pistachios

    This week at the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, CA, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced expanded enrollment for 2026 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and new Section 32 commodity purchases that will result in more healthy, U.S. grown food in the hands of Americans. Following the convention, Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.

    Secretary Rollins and former California Ag Secretary A.G. Kawamura at his strawberry farm in Irving, California.

    “President Trump is making historic investments in the farm safety net and today’s announcement is one more action that supports our dairy producers by managing risk and strengthening markets so they can continue to provide wholesome nutrition for Americans,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The Trump Administration will continue to stand with America’s farmers as the farm economy recovers from years of neglect under the last administration. Our mission to Make America Healthy Again continues after the recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 announcement, with the upcoming purchase of U.S. grown food that will reach those in need, all while benefitting American farmers facing unfair actions from foreign competitors.”

    OBBBA Improves DMC Coverage and Premium Fees

    Secretary Rollins announced the enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year, an important safety net program that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. Starting January 12, 2026, dairy producers can enroll in DMC. The enrollment period ends February 26, 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, reauthorized DMC for calendar years 2026 through 2031 and provided substantial program improvements, including establishing new production history and increasing Tier 1 coverage.

    The OBBBA increased DMC’s Tier 1 coverage level increased from five million pounds to six million pounds. All dairy operations that elect to enroll in DMC for 2026 will establish a new production history. Existing dairy operations that started marketing milk on or before January 1, 2023, will use the higher of milk marketings for the years of 2021, 2022, or 2023. New dairy operations starting after January 1, 2023, will use their first year of monthly milk marketings, even for a partial year. Milk marketing statements or production evidence are required to establish a production history.

    Dairy operations also have the option to lock-in coverage levels for six years (2026-2031) with premium fees discounted by 25%.

    DMC offers different levels of coverage, including an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.

    For more information visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.

    Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases

    Secretary Rollins also announced USDA’s intent to purchase up to $80 million in specialty crops from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.

    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.

    USDA AMS will purchase up to $80 million of the following commodities:

    •Almonds: $20M

    •Grape juice: $20M

    •Pistachios: $20M

    •Raisins: $20M

  • Healthy Soil, Stronger Crops: How Live, Native Microalgae is Transforming California Farming

    —SPONSORED CONTENT—

    Across California, growers are seeing measurable gains in yield, water efficiency, and soil health, all thanks to live, native microalgae.

    California growers know that every drop of water, every inch of root zone, and every dollar spent matters. With drought, salinity, and floods happening nearly every year, the margin between surviving and thriving often lies beneath the surface, in the soil.

    Healthy soil is alive with organisms that each play a role in supporting crop growth. Some, like earthworms, are easy to see, while others work on the microscopic level. Among these tiny contributors are microalgae, which naturally occur in most soils and help drive key biological processes like root development, soil structure, and water and nutrient availability. When microalgae are thriving, the whole soil system becomes stronger and more productive.

    That’s where MyLand’s Soil as a Service™ comes in. MyLand, a soil health company based in Phoenix, is returning live, native microalgae to the soil through growers’ existing irrigation systems, helping farms rebuild biological activity and unlock the full potential of their land.

    The results, verified by independent third-party data, speak for themselves. In 2024, California farms using MyLand saw:

    • 168% increase in harvested pistachios during an off-bearing year
    • 23% more marketable citrus fruit per acre
    • 4% less soil sodium
    • 32% higher organic carbon
    • 50% drop in tree water stress

    For California nut growers like Justin Wylie and Joe Coelho, MyLand’s Service is helping rewrite what’s possible for long-term soil health and profitability.

    Building resilience in pistachio orchards: Justin Wylie’s story

    At Wylie Farms, a fifth-generation pistachio operation in California’s Central Valley, Justin Wylie has spent years watching extreme weather push his soil to its limits. Heavy rains once meant phytophthora, runoff, and erosion, while drought cycles left the ground compacted and trees under stress.

    That trajectory began to change when he adopted regenerative practices, including the integration of live, native microalgae through the MyLand Service. His orchards began to thrive even during intense rain, with stronger ground cover and native grasses helping stabilize sloped terrain and minimize erosion.

    The addition of microalgae quickly became central to his soil health strategy. Supporting the soil with live biology helped jumpstart broader microbial activity, which in turn supported nutrient cycling and improved water dynamics.

    With soil function improving year-over-year, Justin was able to scale back chemical inputs without sacrificing yield or crop quality, thereby sidestepping the typical ‘J curve’ many growers experience when transitioning to regenerative systems.

    Healthier soil has also meant less tree stress and more efficient water use. This change has helped Justin create a foundation of resilience that now carries his orchards through both wet and dry years. His message to fellow growers is practical and encouraging: “Take the smallest amount of acreage that you can stand to lose the crop on, which is, of course, a worst-case scenario. My goal has been to not experience any sort of drop-off in production and quality. And I think we’ve been successful.”

    Now, Justin’s trees are more resilient, his soil is more balanced, and his operation is better positioned for the next generation.

    From skeptic to advocate: Joe Coelho’s journey at Terra Linda Farms

    A few hours south, in Riverdale, California, Joe Coelho was facing familiar challenges at Terra Linda Farms. Saline soils, uneven infiltration, and the constant pressure of water scarcity were daily stressors. After nearly four decades of farming pistachios and almonds, Joe had seen countless improvement options come and go.

    “I’ve seen a lot of solutions over the years,” he said. “But some of the changes I’ve seen with MyLand are very shocking and in a good way. It’s the first time in my career I’ve seen something move this fast.”

    Skeptical at first, Joe decided to try MyLand’s Service on 600 acres. Within two years, the data told a clear story. He cut nitrogen use by 30%, replaced $450 per acre of inputs, and maintained the same yields.

    MyLand’s soil analysis confirmed rapid improvements:

    • +359% organic phosphorus reserves
    • +428% total phosphorus
    • +98% iron availability

    “Part of my problem is just having enough time in the day to do everything,” he said. “Just having MyLand as a one-stop shop for a lot of different solutions is fantastic and saves a lot of headaches at the end of the day.” As a fully managed service provider, MyLand requires no extra effort from growers.

    As Director of Sustainability and Member Outreach for the American Pistachio Growers, Joe now shares his experience with peers facing the same challenges. “It’s not just about yields,” he said. “It’s about reducing complexity, farming more efficiently, and solving multiple problems with one solution.”

    A future rooted in healthy soil

    From Wylie’s pistachio orchards to Coelho’s mixed nut farms, a clear theme is emerging across California agriculture: live, native microalgae do the job. By restoring the living foundation of soil, MyLand’s Service is helping growers achieve measurable results faster than conventional methods alone.

    For California farmers navigating water limits, soil salinity, and rising costs, the path forward is simple: let biology do the work.

    Visit MyLand.ag to learn more.

  • New Pilot Program for Walnut Inspections Could be a Game-Changer for Entire Tree Nut Industry

    California walnut growers have been wanting to see more consistency on incoming inspections, and DFA of California has been leading the charge to deliver on that. Brendan O’Donnell, President of DFA of California met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details on a new pilot program in walnuts that has been implemented this season that could be a game changer for the entire tree nut industry. Watch the interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going on at Fresno State, Thanks to Pistachio Harvester Partnership with OXBO

    Thanks to a collaborative partnership with OXBO, Fresno State ag students have hands-on access to state-of-the-art pistachio harvesting equipment. During the thick of pistachio harvest, Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Ag instructor John Williams, Jordan College of Agriculture Dean Rolston St. Hilaire, and OXBO Fruit Division President Robert Huckaby out in the Fresno State pistachio orchard to explain the collaborative nature of this partnership and how it stands to benefit the future of the pistachio industry. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Getting American Pistachios Exempt from Mexico’s “Unhealthy” Snack Tax

    As American Pistachio Growers eyes Mexico for increased export growth potential, they have been sharing the results of health studies on the benefits of pistachios with consumers there.  Currently the government of Mexico taxes its citizens on foods it deems unhealthy with a snack tax, and unfortunately, pistachios are on that list! Zachary Fraser from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share the details of this issue and how they are working with the Mexican government to change that. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • American Pistachios Dominate the Culinary World this Week in California

    As pistachio growers gear up for harvest, American Pistachio Growers has partnered with restaurants all over California to celebrate Pistachio Week with both novel and classic pistachio-inspired culinary delicacies. Hannah Young from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share what growers and consumers alike have to look forward to during Pistachio Week. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.