The U.S. pistachio crop for the current year has surpassed expectations, with a 15% increase from the original estimate of 1.3 billion pounds. By early November, receipts totaled more than 1.48 billion pounds, and the final crop could exceed 1.5 billion pounds. California, responsible for about 99% of the U.S. pistachio crop, has benefited from favorable conditions, including ample winter chill hours, favorable spring weather, and an on-year for the alternate-bearing crop.
The promising conditions have allowed U.S. pistachio farmers to enjoy a successful harvest, and the nut size from the large crop has defied expectations, with no significant reduction in size despite the abundance. Richard Matoian, president of the American Pistachio Growers Association, expressed confidence in the industry's ability to sell the record-size crop, even in the face of a larger crop from Iran, a key competitor.
One surprising aspect of this year's pistachio season in California was the minimal insect damage from Navel orangeworms (NOW), despite this being considered an epic year for the pests in Central California. Unlike almond farmers who are grappling with significant losses from insect damage, pistachio farmers have experienced low levels of Navel orangeworm damage. The success in minimizing pest damage has been attributed to a cooperative effort between pistachio processors and growers to protect the crop from pests and diseases.
The American pistachio industry faces competition from global players such as Iran and Turkey. While the U.S. produces about half of the world's pistachio crop, Iran and Turkey are significant contributors to global production. To enhance marketing efforts, the American Pistachio Growers Association has appointed Scott Fryer as the new vice president of global marketing. Fryer, who previously served as the marketing innovation director at Sun-Maid Growers in Fresno, brings his expertise to the pistachio industry during a period when the available supply is expected to exceed 1.6 billion pounds, considering the carry-in from the previous season.
The industry has focused on emphasizing the health benefits of pistachios in the human diet, but competition remains fierce in the global market. The U.S. pistachio industry continues to face challenges from international competitors, particularly Iran and Turkey, which together contribute a significant portion of the world's pistachio production. Despite these challenges, the American Pistachio Growers Association remains optimistic about the marketing prospects for the record-size U.S. pistachio crop.
Source: www.farmprogress.com