Entering the European market for pistachios

Food safety certification and frequent laboratory testing are necessary for pistachio suppliers who want to supply Europe. Emerging suppliers can attract buyers’ attention with sustainable production, good prices and social responsibility measures. Pistachio suppliers need to pay special attention to mycotoxin control in their products. Pistachio nut shipments can be rejected at European border controls if the aflatoxin content is too high.

1. What requirements and certifications must pistachios meet to be allowed on the European market?

General information on buyer requirements for processed fruit and vegetables is available in our study on buyer requirements on the European processed fruit, vegetables and edible nuts market. The sector level requirements for pistachios are analysed further here.

What are mandatory requirements?

Pistachios that are sold in the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and the United Kingdom (UK) must be safe. Only approved additives are allowed, and products have to conform to maximum levels for harmful contaminants. The most common requirements relate to pesticide residues and microbiological contaminants.

Labels must clearly show pistachios if they are used as an ingredient. EU food information rules list pistachios under allergens that need to be declared. Research shows that pistachios are responsible for causing mild to severe reactions in people who are allergic. Research closely links pistachio allergy to cashew nut allergy. Some studies also report that pistachio allergies are becoming more relevant as nut consumption grows. 

The EU only allows authorised additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses safety, while the European Commission and EU countries decide on authorisation. Additives should follow Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. The list of approved food additives can be found in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

The European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) reported 467 pistachio-related notifications between 2021 and 2025. Most of them were classified as serious.

Contaminant control 

Food contaminants are unwanted substances in food. They can make food unsafe. These controls are strict for aflatoxins, as per Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum contaminant levels in food. The main legal risks for pistachio exporters are mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins. Other risks include pesticide residues, chlorate, Salmonella, insect infestation and undeclared allergens. The EU also sets maximum levels for heavy metals, including cadmium. Authorities can reject, withdraw or recall products that exceed legal limits. 

Table 1: Main RASFF notifications for pistachio-related products, 2021–2025

Source: Autentika Global, RASFF, 2026

EU border controls are stricter for some pistachio origins than for others. Pistachios from Iran and Türkiye face special EU controls because of aflatoxin risks. Some pistachios from the United States dispatched through Türkiye are also subject to checks. Exporters from these origins should prepare test results and official documents before shipment.

Pesticide residues

The EU has set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food products. The EU maintains a list of approved pesticides that are authorised for use. This list is updated several times a year, so make sure to check it regularly.

One example of a pesticide-related incident is a May 2022 notification from Belgium. The notification concerned a shipment of pistachios with high residue content of the chlorpyrifos-methyl insecticide. 

Regulation (EU) 2020/749 sets the maximum permissible level of chlorates to 0.1 mg/kg for all tree nuts, including pistachios. 

Heavy metals

Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets the maximum level for cadmium in pistachios at 0.2 mg/kg of wet weight. The maximum levels do not apply to nuts for crushing and oil refining, as long as the remaining pressed tree nuts are not placed on the market as food. If any pressed tree nuts are placed on the market as food, the maximum levels apply.

Microbiological contaminants

Very low levels of Salmonella and E. coli in ready-to-eat or processed foods with pistachios can cause food poisoning. Tree nut processors should consider Salmonella and E. coli as major public health risks in their hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plans. In August 2025, an alert was issued in the Netherlands for pistachios from the United States because of contamination with Salmonella spp.             

Other contaminants

Some European rejections of pistachio shipments are related to insect infestation. In September 2025, a shipment of pistachios from Iran was stopped at the border in Estonia because insects were found in the product.

Mycotoxins

Aflatoxins are the main contaminant risk for pistachios. They can develop in the field and during storage. Warm and humid conditions increase this risk. Poor drying, insect damage and poor storage can also increase the risk of contamination. Roasting can reduce aflatoxins, but it does not reliably remove them. The EU has also set limits for ochratoxin A in pistachios.

Contamination of pistachio nut shipments with mycotoxins caused 343 border rejections in Europe between 2021 and 2025. In November 2022, a shipment of pistachios from Türkiye was stopped in Germany because of its high aflatoxin content. 

The level of aflatoxin B1 in pistachios must not exceed 8 μg/kg, and the total aflatoxin content (sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2 aflatoxins) must not exceed 10 μg/kg. The level of ochratoxin A must not be higher than 5 μg/kg. 

What additional requirements and certifications do buyers often have?

European buyers want pistachios that are safe, clean and of stable quality. They also want clear documents, traceability and proof of food-safety control. Most buyers will not do business with a new supplier if they do not have recognised certifications. 

Quality requirements

Buyers usually check pistachio quality with international standards and their own product specifications. The most common references are the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) standard for in-shell pistachios and the standard for pistachio kernels. Codex Alimentarius also has a standard for unshelled pistachios. These standards cover quality points such as moisture, defects, foreign matter, insect damage and mould.

The EU does not have a separate official marketing standard for pistachio classes. In practice, buyers use UNECE, Codex, US grading systems or their own specifications. Always ask your buyer which standard they use before you send a commercial offer.

The most important quality points are:

• Moisture level;
• Size and grading;
• Percentage of open shells for in-shell pistachios;
• Kernel colour, especially for peeled green kernels;
• Damage, mould, insect damage and rancid taste;
• Crop year and shelf life.

For a more detailed look at the regional differences in pistachio sizes, consult the Guide to Global Pistachio Sizes developed by Germany’s Jupiter Pistachios. 

Food safety certification

Most European importers ask for food safety certification. For pistachios, buyers will often ask for certification recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). For pistachios, the most popular certification programmes recognised by GFSI are: 

• International Featured Standards Food (IFS Food);
• Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards Food Safety (BRCGS Food Safety);
• Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000).

Some buyers also accept Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety certification, especially if they also trade with the United States.

GFSI does not certify companies itself. It assesses certification schemes. You should check which scheme your target buyer prefers before you invest in certification. Large buyers may also audit your factory. They will often check your hazard analysis, cleaning records, pest control, traceability system and laboratory test results. For pistachios, they will pay special attention to aflatoxin control.

Social and environmental responsibility 

European buyers ask suppliers to show responsible business practices more and more often. This can include a code of conduct, worker safety rules, fair working conditions, environmental policies and traceability to farm or processor level. Many importers will ask pistachio suppliers to follow a specific code of conduct. Some European retailers have their own codes of conduct, such as Lidl, Rewe, Carrefour, Tesco and Ahold Delhaize.

Other firms may ask for common standards like the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) standard. SEDEX membership alone, without an audit, is not very complicated or expensive. Alternatives include the Ethical Trading Initiative’s Base Code (ETI), amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (amfori BSCI) code of conduct and BCorp certification.

Packaging requirements

There is no general rule for the packaging size of exported pistachios. The sizes commonly offered by the US exporters are 25lbs (for cartons) or 50lbs (for bags). Iranian and other exporters are more likely to offer pistachios in metric measurements. These commonly range from 10 to 50 kg. 

In-shell pistachios are less sensitive to handling damage than pistachio kernels. Iranian suppliers often offer in-shell pistachios in both cartons and bags/bulk packaging. Shelled Iranian pistachios are mostly offered in cartons. Bagged pistachios are usually better priced than cartons. Cartons often come in 10 or 12 kg sizes, while bags come in 50 kg sizes. 

Pistachio exporters should prepare for stricter packaging sustainability rules. Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste will apply from 12 August 2026. Packaging placed on the EU market will have to be recyclable. The regulation also restricts per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact packaging.

Labelling requirements

For bulk export packaging, the name of the product must appear on the label. Export labels should also include the lot number, net weight, crop year, origin, storage instructions, and name and address of the packer, exporter or importer. 

For retail packaging, labels must followRegulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers. Pistachios are allergens and must be clearly declared when used as an ingredient.

In September 2025, Germany issued an alert for peanut butter from Türkiye because almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios were not declared as allergens. In March 2025, Germany also reported incorrectly labelled confectionery from Türkiye because pistachios were not properly declared. 

Good traceability helps buyers act quickly if there is contamination. Exporters can improve traceability by linking each lot to the orchard, farm, processor and test results.

What are the requirements for niche markets?

European buyers may ask for extra proof when you supply niche markets. This is common for organic, sustainable, premium, kosher and halal pistachios. These requirements can help you reach higher-value buyers.

Sustainability certification

Sustainability certification is still a small niche for pistachios. Fairtrade has a standard for nuts for small-scale producer organisations. This standard covers several nuts and can be relevant for pistachio suppliers, but Fairtrade pistachios are not yet a large market segment.

Rainforest Alliance is active in the wider nut sector, especially hazelnuts, cashews, macadamias and almonds. Its current public nut information does not present pistachios as a main certified nut category.

The Sustainable Nut Initiative (SNI)is useful for understanding buyer thinking on responsible sourcing. The main objective of this initiative is to improve the circumstances in nut-producing countries and to work toward sustainable supply chains. However, its website says it currently focuses on cashew and plans to work on other nut categories in future.

Organic pistachios

Organic certification can help your product reach premium buyers. It may also bring higher prices. To market pistachios as organic in Europe, they have to be grown using organic production methods allowed by European legislation. Growing and processing facilities have to be audited by an accredited certifier before you can put a European organic logo on your products. 

This also applies to the logo of the organic standard holder (such as the Soil Association in the UK, Naturland in Germany, Agriculture biologique in France).

Importing organic products is only possible if you have an electronic certificate of inspection (e‑COI). Each batch of organic products imported into the EU has to be accompanied by an e-COI as defined in the Commission Regulation that defines imports of organic products from third countries. 

Figure 1: Snack bar made with organic pistachios 

Source: Autentika Global

The use of the EU organic logo is optional for products imported from third countries. However, if you use the logo, the product needs to fully meet EU organic rules. The EU still recognises some third countries as equivalent under transitional rules. This recognition applies until 31 December 2026. Great Britain and Northern Ireland have separate organic import procedures. Great Britain requires a British Certificate of Inspection for organic imports from outside the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Northern Ireland follows EU organic rules and uses an EU certificate of inspection.

Religious certification

Halal certification and Kosher certification can help you supply specific religious consumer groups. The Kosher London Beth Din (KLBD) provides guidelines on how to obtain certification. Halal certification in Europe can be obtained from certifying bodies that provide certification services. Buyers may ask for certification from a specific body, so check before you apply for certification.

2. Through which channels can you get pistachios on the European market?

Pistachios are mostly used as a snack in Europe. They are also used as an ingredient by the food processing industry. The ingredient market is smaller, but it is growing faster than the snack market.

How is the end-market segmented?

The European end market for pistachios can be segmented by use and quality. The main uses are snacks and food ingredients. The snack segment is the larger segment. The ingredient segment is smaller, but it is becoming more visible. Higher-quality pistachios have a uniform size, good colour, low moisture and a clean taste. They also have low defect levels and low levels of foreign material. Pistachio buyers also look at other factors, such as shell opening, kernel colour, purity and food safety test results.

Figure 2: End-market segments for pistachios in Europe 

Source: Autentika Global, 2026

Snack segment

The snack segment is the main end market for pistachios in Europe. Pistachios are sold in-shell or shelled. They are sold roasted, salted, unsalted, flavoured or mixed with other nuts. 

In 2025, Circana reported that snacking accounted for more than 20% of global food and beverage sales. It also said that European consumers wanted variety, good value and better-for-you benefits in snacks. Pistachios fit this trend well. They are a simple nut snack with protein, fibre and healthy fats.

Figure 3: In-shell pistachios and other nuts sold without retail packaging 

Source: 2022-11-14_16-20-51_JO_day2-4_Madaba_JH by Juhele_CZ is marked with CC0 1.0.

Sales of pistachio kernels packaged for retail sales are increasing. These products can be used either as snacks or as ingredients in home cooking and baking.

Ingredient segment (food processing segment)

Food manufacturers use pistachio kernels, pieces, powder, paste and cream. This segment is growing in Europe. This growth is supported by greater consumer preference for healthier, processed ingredients and innovative products. Pistachio users include:

• The ice cream and dairy industry: Pistachio bits are very often used as an ice cream topping. The ice cream industry also uses pistachio paste. The dairy industry uses pistachio paste as an ingredient in yoghurts and cream dessert products. La Morella Nuts, owned by Barry Callebaut, sells 100% pistachio paste for dairy, ice cream, desserts and other uses. 
• The confectionery industry: Pistachio halves or pieces are mainly used to produce chocolate bars and other sweet snacks. Pistachio paste is also used in fillings and flavouring ingredients.
• The bakery industry: This industry uses whole kernels, halves, pieces and powder as an ingredient in cookies, pastries and Middle Eastern sweets (such as baklava, Turkish Delight). Food ingredient suppliers use pistachio paste to produce pistachio fillings.
• Food manufacturers: Pistachio paste/butter is a newer product in European markets. Pistachio paste is often imported in bulk and then packaged as a retail product.
• Meat processors: Pistachio kernels are used as an ingredient in Italian-style delicatessen products. For example, some mortadella recipes use pistachio kernels. 

Figure 4: Private label pistachio cream sold by Austrian retailer Billa

Source: Autentika Global

The recent Dubai chocolate trend has made pistachio cream more visible. Swiss chocolate makers developed their own Dubai-style chocolate products after the trend spread on TikTok.

Food ingredient buyers often need different quality levels than snack buyers. They may accept smaller kernels, pieces or paste. However, they still need a safe product with stable quality, colour and flavour.

Specialised ingredient suppliers serve several of these segments. Examples include Petrou Nuts (a Greek company specialised in nut pastes and caramelised nuts) and Georg Lemke (German nut ingredient supplier). Iran’s Khoshbin Group, La Morella Nuts, the UK’s Kanegrade and Italy’s Euronut are also important paste suppliers. 

Through which channels does a product end up on the end-market?

Specialised nut importers are an important channel for pistachios in Europe. Other channels include agents, food processors and foodservice companies.

Important players in the pistachio segment include roasting and packing companies. Some firms specialise in selling roasted, salted and spiced pistachios to packers in bulk. Some important European roasting companies include Ireco (Luxembourg), Intersnack (Germany/International), Max Kiene (Germany) and Trigon (the UK). 

US-based Wonderful Pistachios has roasting and packing operations in Europe. Many packing companies have roasting facilities in their factories.

Figure 5: European market channels for pistachios

Source: Autentika Global, 2026

Importer/Wholesaler

Pistachio importers often act as wholesalers. Some pistachios are sold to roasting companies which process and package them for sale to end consumers. Importers may also have their own processing and packing equipment to supply retail and food service channels directly. 

Hamburg-based Jupiter Pistachios specialises in importing and trading premium and organic pistachios. It also produces private label formats. California-based Wonderful Pistachios has logistic hubs in Belgium and other European locations. This allows them to play a significant role in the European pistachio market.

Another major supplier is ofi, which grows pistachios in California’s San Joaquin Valley and supplies pistachios for food industry use. A leading Dutch importer and wholesaler is Aldebaran Commodities. Zieler & Co. is a German pistachio nut importer and wholesaler. HOWA is German firm that imports, exports and wholesales pistachios and other nuts.

Agents/brokers

Agents involved in the pistachio trade act as independent firms that negotiate for their clients. They also act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. Typically, their service commissions are between 2 and 4%.

Another activity that agents/brokers perform is supplying private label pistachios for retail chains in Europe. Suppliers from low- and middle-income countries may find private-label tenders difficult. Some agents can participate in procurement procedures held by the retail chains together with their pistachio suppliers.

Pistachio agents in the leading European markets include: MW Nuts (Germany), Belfrudis and Nutfully (Belgium), Cardassilaris Family (Greece), and Global Trading & Agency and QFN Trading & Agency (the Netherlands). Spain-based players include Hispania Nuts Agents (almonds and pistachios), Pangea Brokers and Genial Nuts. Anaclerio Angelo is a pistachio and nut agent based in Bari, Italy. 

Retail channel 

Large retail chains usually import pistachios from low- and middle-income countries through intermediaries. These large-scale retail chains often sell pistachios under their private labels. The chain’s exact specifications and quality requirements must be met. 

Leading food retail companies in Europe are usually very important for pistachio sales. Some of the companies that have the largest market shares are Schwarz Group (Lidl and Kaufland brands), Carrefour, Tesco, ALDI, EDEKA, Leclerc, REWE Group, Auchan, Intermarché and Ahold Delhaize. 

Several retail alliances coordinate buying operations in Europe. These alliances change often, so exporters should check their current members before contacting buyers. Important examples include Eurelec, AgeCore, the European Marketing Distribution (EMD), Epic Partners and Concordis. These alliances show the buying power of European retailers. They are not usually direct sales channels for individual small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) exporters. 

Foodservice channel 

Hotels, restaurants and catering establishments are part of the foodservice channel. Specialised importers and wholesalers usually supply this channel. Foodservice often needs pistachios packed in weights of 1–5kg. This is different from bulk and retail packaging sizes.

World cuisines, healthy food and snacking are the major driving forces in the foodservice channel in Europe. The fastest-growing business types tend to be healthy fast food, street food, pop-up restaurants, restaurants that serve international cuisines and sandwich bars.

What is the most interesting channel for you?

Specialised importers that work with pistachios and other nuts are the most useful contacts for exports to Europe. This is very important for new suppliers. Supplying the retail segment directly is very demanding and requires significant investment in quality and logistics. Importers usually have good knowledge of the European market and know the situation in pistachio-producing countries. This makes importers useful contacts for exporters. They know how the market changes and can give practical export advice.

Pistachio importers often import other nuts and dried fruit as well. Thus, offering other products can increase your competitiveness.

New suppliers should try to establish lasting relationships with well-known importers. Many of these importers already work with selected suppliers. Importers often perform audits and visit producing countries on a regular basis. New suppliers often need to offer the same quality at lower prices than their competitors.

Packing for private labels may be an option for well-equipped and price-competitive suppliers. Be aware that private label packing is often done by importers that have contracts with retail chains. 

3. What competition do you face on the European pistachio market?

The United States, Türkiye and Iran are the main suppliers of pistachios to Europe. These countries supply more than 85% of all pistachios imported into Europe.

Which countries are you competing with?

The United States and Iran used to compete for the position of largest pistachio exporter. In 2021, Iran was the second-largest pistachio supplier to Europe. However, in recent years, Iran has lost significant market share in Europe. Türkiye overtook Iran in 2022 and has held the position of second-largest exporter to Europe since. In 2025, Spain, Italy and Greece produced around 34,000 tonnes and exported around 9,000 tonnes to other European countries.

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, 2026 *Spain, Italy and Greece

USA: The world’s dominant supplier of pistachios

The United States is the biggest pistachio supplier in the world. Its main strength is large-scale production in California. California produces almost all US pistachios.

US pistachio acreage is still growing. Californian pistachio-bearing acreage totalled 210,563 bearing hectares and 39,943 non-bearing hectares in 2025. The non-bearing orchards are immature plantings in their first through to their fifth year. This means that more young orchards will soon enter production. California’s pistachio acreage has increased nearly fivefold over the last 20 years. 

The US harvested a record crop in 2025. In-shell pistachio production reached 1.57 billion pounds, or about 713,000 tonnes. This was 43% higher than in 2024. The 2026 crop may be smaller, as pistachios follow an alternate-bearing cycle.

Long-term US supply is expected to grow. A forecast prepared for American Pistachio Growers expects US production to reach nearly 2.08 billion pounds, or 943,000 tonnes, by 2031.

In 2025, the United States exported 315,645 tonnes of pistachios, about 95,000 tonnes more than in 2021. US pistachio exports represented 58% of world exports in 2025. The main markets for American pistachios were Vietnam, Germany and China. In-shell pistachios make up about 93% of US exports.

US pistachio exports to Europe reached 120,687 tonnes in 2025. These exports are increasing at a rate of 7% per year. Germany is the main European destination with 31% of purchases, followed by Belgium (18%) and Spain (14%). 

For exporters from low- and middle-income countries, the US is hard to beat on scale. US suppliers offer stable volumes, strong logistics and regular marketing support. However, smaller suppliers can compete better in specific niches.

Iran: A pistachio exporter in gradual decline 

Iran’s 2025 pistachio production amounted to 225,000 tonnes according to Iran’s Pistachio Association (IPA). Kerman is the largest producing province. Kerman accounts for around 46% of Iran’s pistachio output and 45% of the crop area. Iran has around 600,000 hectares of pistachio bearing area. In the 11 years leading up to 2025, Iran’s pistachio cultivation area grew by 83%.

All commercial varieties of Iranian pistachios fall into 2 categories distinguished by shape: round and long. Currently, there are 4 commercial pistachio varieties cultivated in Iran: Fandoghi, Kalleh Ghouchi, Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei. 

Iranian pistachios are valued for their high kernel to in-shell ratio and high percentage of large kernels. Iran exports a large share of pistachio kernels. In 2024, Iran exported 161,724 tonnes of pistachios, up from 110,095 tonnes in 2023, according to IPA. These exports included 105,130 tonnes of open in-shell pistachios, 18,964 tonnes of closed shell pistachios and 33,609 tonnes of kernels. 

In 2024, the largest buyers of Iran’s pistachio exports were China (17%), India (11%) and Iraq (7%). Of the total exported quantity, 4% goes to Europe. Germany accounts for 66% of the European share. Spain is the second largest European importer with a 11% share. Exports to Europe have fallen by 22% per year since 2021. 

IPA estimates domestic pistachio consumption at 17,000 tonnes. In recent years, exports have been limited by many factors. Government restrictions on the transfer and exchange of foreign currencies and international economic sanctions are large problems. The sector also has to deal with high domestic inflation and the 2026 war with the USA. As a result, in 2025, Iran’s share of the global pistachio market fell below 14%.

Türkiye: An important pistachio producer and consumer 

Most pistachios produced in Türkiye are consumed locally. This leaves small quantities for export. According to the INC, Türkiye was the largest global consumer of pistachios in 2024. China was in second place, followed by the United States. Türkiyeis the only country with domestic consumption of more than 200,000 tonnes. Turkish pistachio exports increased from 23,394 tonnes in 2021 to 39,807 tonnes in 2025. 

Around 32% goes to Europe, with Italy being the main destination (58% of European imports in 2025), followed by Germany (22%). On average, exports to Europe have increased by 3% per year since 2021.

The main pistachio cultivars in Türkiye are Kirmizi, Uzun, Halebi and Siirt, according to the INC. Most pistachios are sold as kernels for the food ingredient industry. Most pistachios are grown in south-east Türkiye. Sanliurfa and Gaziantep provinces are the main producing areas. Türkiye’s production of high quality pistachios is expected to increase thanks to a large number of young bearing trees.

European suppliers: An emerging source for European buyers

Spain, Italy and Greece are minor pistachio producers on the global stage. However, they still play a role in supplying buyers in Europe. On average, their exports to other European buyers increased by 15% annually between 2021 and 2025. Some of these exports were re-exports. 

Spain has expanded pistachio production significantly. The area planted with pistachio trees has reached 85,000 hectares. Spanish growers have formed the country’s pistachio growers’ association. Other notable groups include the Albacete Pistachio Growers’ Association (ASPPA), the Spanish Pistachio Association (ASOESPI), the Association of Pistachio Producers and Marketers (APPISTACO) and the Association of Spanish Pistachio Producers of Castilla-La Mancha (ADIPE).

Pistachio is a traditional crop in Italy’s Bronte region in Sicily, but it has also been expanding to other parts of Sicily and Basilicata. Pistachios grown in Bronte have the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

Greece is another important producer and consumer of pistachios. Some of the country’s culinary dishes and confectionery products use pistachios. One example is the Halva sweet snack. The EU declared Aegina pistachios (in Greek) a PDO product in 1996. Local pistachio farmers formed the Aegina Pistachio Growers association.

Which companies are you competing with?

Many companies produce, process and export pistachios. Competitors differ by origin and market role. Some are large growers and processors. Others focus on ingredients, retail brands or food industry supply. 

American companies

Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds (WPA) is one of the strongest global competitors. It says it has 93 square miles of planted orchards in California, supplies 70 countries and processes 800 million pounds of pistachios every year. It also has logistics hubs in Belgium, China and the United Arab Emirates.

The non-profit association American Pistachio Growers (APG) represents more than 850 growers and processors. APG helps promote the image of US pistachios in export markets. Other important American competitors include Setton Farms, Horizon Nut, Keenan Farms and Nichols Farms. Horizon Nut is a cooperative processor owned by California family farmers. 

The success of American competitors shows that scale, food safety and stable supply matter a lot. SMEs cannot usually compete with them on volume.

Iranian companies

Iranian companies have a lot of experience and offer a wide range of pistachio types. They are especially strong in the kernel segment. AHT Foods is a pistachio supplier with IFS, organic and Sedex certification, and it offers bulk and private-label solutions. Khoshbin Group is a leading pistachio exporter certified by BRCGS. 

Other relevant Iranian exporters include: IRNUTS, Nazari Pistachio, MEPE, Green Diamond Tree, Poopak and Arian Milan. SMEs can learn from their focus on kernels, paste, and customised bulk supply.

Turkish companies

Turkish companies are very strong in pistachios for snacks, sweets and food processing. Tiryaki Agro Holding supplies pistachios and other agricultural products globally, with facilities in Gaziantep. Its Tiryaki Anadolu subsidiary has handled the group’s Turkish production since 2023. Other important Turkish exporters include: Kahraman, Asim Samli, Karin Gida, Kılıç Kesmez Gıda and Aydın Kuruyemis.

European companies

European companies compete mainly in processing, branding and ingredient supply. European suppliers include Italian-based Anastasi (a leading B2B supplier), Marullo, Caudullo and New Factor, which represents the Wonderful Pistachios brand in Italy.

In Spain, Pistachos del Sol, produces, processes and markets pistachios. The company says it holds organic and IFS certifications. Other important suppliers include Domo Pistachios, Pistamed, Pistagood, Pistachos Nazaríes and Pistachos de la Mancha. Family-run Grau Nuts offers pistachios and other nuts, seeds and snacks. Importaco Group is a large international company involved in importing, processing and selling pistachios and other nuts.

Investment group Atitlan bought 800 hectares of pistachio orchards in November 2023. Atitlan, Elaia and AGNBRO Capitalin are partnering to develop the largest pistachio processing plant in Spain. The project was boosted in 2024 after Santander bank and Atitlan launched Atgro. Atgro is a platform for investing over €500 million in agricultural projects, including in pistachios.

Some important Greek firms include Makin Nuts, Larinuts, Smart Nuts Group and Petrou Nuts. 

Which products are you competing with?

Pistachios have a unique flavour and form. The manual removal of shells from the kernels is part of their appeal as a snack. Almonds and cashew nuts are somewhat similar in terms of snacking use and price. However, they have a different taste profile and are visually different.

4. What are the prices of pistachios on the European market?

Retail prices for pistachios differ by country, pack size, brand and quality. Mainstream roasted and salted in-shell pistachios often sell for about €13/kg (mostly for unbranded pistachios) to €22/kg. Premium, organic or branded packs can cost more than €30/kg. 

Shelled pistachios cost more because processors remove shells, sort kernels and sell a higher edible share. Shelled pistachios usually range from about €40/kg (Carrefour Simpl private label) to €60/kg (Wonderful Pistachios) in retail. An approximate breakdown of pistachio prices is shown below.

Source: Autentika Global, 2026 

Pistachio prices move mainly with crop sizes, inventories and demand in the United States, Iran and Türkiye. In 2025/2026, the United States expected a record crop. Lower crops in Iran, Türkiye and Syria kept global supply tighter.

Export prices differ a lot by origin and product form. In early 2026, in-shell pistachios were quoted at about €4,900/t for Iranian origin, €7,200/t for US origin and €8,000/t for Turkish origin. Shelled pistachios were much more expensive. In early 2026, shelled prices were about €9,600/t for Iranian origin, €11,400/t for US origin and €14,900/t for Turkish origin.

Autentika Global carried out this study on behalf of CBI.

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