Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: American Pistachio Growers

  • Roof Rat Bait Stations Available for Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) is offering free roof rat bait stations to all grower members.

    There is no limit on the number of bait stations growers may receive. Bait stations can be picked up at the APG office, or by contacting Joe Coelho to inquire about delivery options that may be available in the grower’s area.

    Roof rats can cause significant damage in orchards, and proper bait station placement is an important part of an effective management program. To help get the most from this resource, APG included links to a roof rat bait station guide, instructional video tutorials, and informational article below.

    If you have questions or would like to arrange pickup or discuss delivery options, please contact Joe Coelho at JCoelho@americanpistachios.org.

  • Studies Indicate Pistachios Healthier than Previously Thought

    Once cautioned against as fattening, new research indicates that pistachios are actually a superfood. Studies have shown the nut helps in lowering triglycerides and curbing appetite. Dr. Nikhil Dhurandhar from Texas Tech and Amber Wilson with American Pistachio Growers spoke recently with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to go over these recent findings. Watch this quick interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • When to Spray for Navel Orangeworm

    Navel orangeworm can be devastating for almond and pistachio growers and knowing when and where to spray can often depend on weather. Researchers have been working with state weather services to collect data and determine the best spraying times. Washington State entomologist Dave Crowder discussed these efforts recently with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • American Pistachio Growers Announces 2026-27 LeadOn Class

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently announced its 16th LeadOn pistachio industry leadership class.  Training motivated individuals with vested interest in the success and future of the U.S. pistachio industry, APG has developed this program to prepare the next generation of pistachio industry leaders.

    Jeff Anderson of Meridian Growers serves as the Chair of the LeadOn Committee and shared his enthusiasm for the program. “I believe that this course is going to play a more important role for APG moving forward,” he shared.  “Our purpose is to develop the next generation of APG leaders and introduce them to the inner workings of our brand.  Also, the support team is second to none, and I look forward to the future of the program.  I think we have an excellent class this year.”

    And the plan is working. A number of young LeadOn graduates are now serving as directors on the APG Board.

    Interest in this leadership program has grown tremendously over the years, with the largest class ever having graduated in February 2025.  In order to refine the course and experience, the LeadOn committee determined to make some changes to the program effective last year. “We capped the class at 18 and will remain that size going forward,” Anderson explained.  “We like the smaller and more intimate class size.  Another change is a grading system for each application to make it a little more competitive.  I’m very excited for what’s to come!”

    This year’s LeadOn cohort includes:

    DJ Ellsworth, Meridian Growers

    Jeremy Nugent, Oro Vista Farms, LLC

    Madeline Bollengier, Sharon Naraghi Farms

    Michael Brady, Setton Farms

    Matthew Mattos, Terra West Group/Mattos & Sons

    Lindsey Herman, Primex Farms

    Anthony Jacobo, L&P Pistachio LLC

    Todd Azevedo, Stone Land Company

    Matthew Cardoso, Horizon Nut Company

    Adam Collins, Peacock Nut Co.

    Henry Woolf, Mike Woolf Farming, LLC

    Richard Searle, Cochise Groves

    Mando Perez, Semios

    Krista Tavares, Syngenta

    Valentin Medina, Fuerza Harvesting

    April Taffera, Vestaron Crop Protection

    Joseph Brewer, G3 Enterprises

    Expected to graduate at APG’s 2027 annual Pistachio Industry Conference, this 2026-27 class will meet each month covering topics ranging from pistachio production and processing to marketing, food safety to government relations and advocacy, etc… Learn more about this year’s cohort in the coming issues of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.  The monthly “LeadOn Spotlight” column will highlight each of the class members and their commitment to the future of the pistachio industry, as directed by Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm, an alumni of the program who serves on the LeadOn Committee. Subscribe to receive the monthly publication HERE.

  • 10 Tips for Marketing in India

    Sumit Saran of SS Associates — American Pistachio Growers’ liaison in India — shared insights on how to market successfully in India at APG’s recent annual conference.  He pointed out that “India is not easy – it’s very diverse economically and culturally.”

    For instance, on the left side of a money bill, the amount is written in 14 languages.  Most Indians cannot read more than two of them.

    Besides cultural diversity, India has economic and marketing diversity — from traditional street markets to upscale, modern grocery stores. The rich and poor co-exist. Saran described that “India has no artificial corridors of existence. Both poverty and wealth are everywhere.”

    What unites India is a common aspiration for better health, nutrition and education, to create a better tomorrow. To achieve that, Indians are open to change, as shown in their recent transition to smaller family sizes.

    So far, though, India still has a young population.  About 60% of its people are under age 35, compared to only 34% in that range in the U.S.  The total population is 1.4 billion. Together, Indians have a strong economy that is resilient to global turmoil. People are highly connected and willing to spend, so new products can gain popularity due to a ripple effect even without promotions. In spite of some anti-import voices, imported foods have gone from niche to mainstream.

    Retail is also changing rapidly, especially the addition of “quick commerce” in which products arrive by motorcycle within 10 minutes of ordering.  Already underway in 300 cities, this year 55,000 metric tons were sold this way.  Saran was pleased to see that when he ordered coffee and pistachios by quick commerce, the pistachios arrived first.   

    Saran provided 10 simple mantras for discovering the pot of gold in India:

    • Troubles will not go away, so accept them.
    • India is on the move.  A new product may be slow to start but become unstoppable.
    • There is always room in India.
    • Indians are not necessarily price conscious, but they are value conscious — perfect for pistachios.
    • Define your niche in India and then target it.
    • Establish partnerships.
    • Don’t let one bad experience ruin the whole bunch.
    • It’s not just about the investment — it’s about involvement.
    • Have a long-term plan.  Remember that bamboo stays at four inches in height for four years, but in its fifth year it grows six feet per day.
    • Myths and realities are different.  “Indians are bad payers” — false.  “The cold chain is lacking” — false.  “Retail is lacking” — false.  “It’s too far away” — false; it is just an overnight plane ride.  “It’s too hot and the traffic is bad” — this is true.

    Pistachio marketing has a big boost from India’s top cricket player, Jasprit Bumrah, who is promoting pistachios to his 20 million social media followers as well as on signs and on TV.  He exemplifies the India that is young and interested in premium nutrition.

    Saran surmised, “The demand is rising — we can create something lasting.”   — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

    Star cricket player Jasprit Bumrah is promoting pistachios in India. Photo contributed by SS Associates

  • Pistachio Demand Skyrockets in India

    Demand for pistachios is so high in India that American growers are having a hard time keeping up. This is facilitated in part by the viral rise of Dubai chocolate, while a new trade agreement with the United States could unlock new opportunities. At the annual American Pistachio Growers Conference, Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network spoke with APG India In-Market Representative Sumit Saran to go over these developments. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Kingman Ag for their industry support.

  • Lower Global Harvest Benefits American Pistachios

    Pistachio growers are having a hard time keeping up with skyrocketing global demands despite a record crop, but down years in Iran and Turkey may keep buyers from going elsewhere. Meanwhile, American Pistachio Growers has seen unprecedented opportunities for marketing and exports. At the annual APG Conference, Vice President of Global Marketing Scott Fryer discussed these latest developments with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer. Watch this quick interview and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Kingman Ag for their industry support.

  • Surging Pistachio Demand Outpaces Supply

    The pistachio industry is seeing unprecedented success, but there are still headwinds to look out for as high demand means that growers and processors alike are having a hard time keeping up with the consumers. At the American Pistachio Growers Conference, President and CEO Zachary Fraser urged everyone to stay “humble and hungry” as they meet any upcoming challenges head-on. Fraser spoke with Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to talk about what’s new in the pistachio industry, and what to expect moving forward. Watch this video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. (Editors Note: Since the filming of this interview, Zachary Fraser has departed from American Pistachio Growers.)

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Kingman Ag for their industry support.

  • Land Tax Dispute

     

    Growers in Cochise County, Arizona are fighting back against a proposed tax increase on land used for permanent crops like pistachios, pecans and wine grapes. Growers like John Heuler have fought back and won in tax and appeals courts, but the county is taking the dispute to the State Supreme Court. At the American Pistachio Growers’ Annual Conference, Heuler spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to go over the latest details. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Kingman Ag for their industry support.

  • 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.