Pistachio Demand is Strong, But Acreage is Increasing

Richard Matoian is executive director of the American pistachio growers. We asked him if he was bullish about the industry.

“I am at this point, demand continues to be strong. We certainly have a lot of new acres coming into production over the next several years. We know that we need to continue to market ahead of the anticipated demand and make sure to keep that demand strong, and that we get even more consumers around the world to focus on American-grown pistachios.

And pistachios have a good story to tell.

“We have such a good health and nutrition story to tell a good food safety story to tell,” said. Matoian. “We need to get that information to consumers. Pistachios are routinely the number one preferred nut by consumers, but not always ranked as high in terms of its nutrition value perception. But once we explained to them that we're just as healthy as other tree nuts, we get more consumers turned on to our product.”

In walnut news, the U. S, Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Federal Marketing Order for walnuts grown in California. The date of the hearing is March 16th, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova. If necessary, the hearing will continue at 9:00 AM on March 17.