Turkish Pistachio Industry: Current Status and Prospects

Record harvest in 2024-2025

Turkey achieved a new record pistachio harvest in the 2024-2025 season. Despite strong domestic demand and a stable exchange rate, prices remained high. However, next year is expected to be a slow year for production.

Long-term growth and sustainability

The continued planting of new orchards strengthens Turkey’s position as a sustainable and reliable supplier of pistachios. Global interest in Turkish pistachios is currently on the rise.

Production Outlook

Turkey expects to harvest 130,000-140,000 tonnes for the coming season. Severe cold and heat waves have been reported, but orchards have not been widely affected, with only limited damage in smaller western areas. The main production areas have been spared.

Yield fluctuations

Pistachio harvests in Türkiye vary greatly between high and low yield years, mainly because most of the production comes from older trees. Younger orchards are expected to stabilize production over the next 5 to 10 years.

Export Trends

This year’s exports are expected to be 13,000-14,000 tons. The increasing global demand and growing popularity of pistachios indicate a positive trend for pistachio kernel exports. Meanwhile, the cultivation areas in Türkiye are expanding.

High domestic consumption

Türkiye has the highest per capita consumption of pistachios in the world. Traditional sweets, innovative products such as pistachio paste, and even Dubai’s chocolate industry are fueling local demand.

Export Challenges

Turkish pistachios are relatively more expensive compared to Iranian and American pistachios, which limits export volumes. Farmers and exporters remain less active in international markets. However, as production increases, Turkey will eventually need to export more – although large-scale exports are not expected anytime soon.

Source: INC