The new pistachio crop year has kicked off, with 934 million lbs of fresh crop receipts and a carry-in of 184 million lbs from last season. That brings total inventory to 1.12 billion lbs, but after factoring in shrinkage and losses, the actual available supply is around 1.02 billion lbs. Compared to last year’s crop, overall volumes are down by 32%. This year is considered an “off year” for pistachios, as the trees alternate between larger and smaller crops each season.
In September, a total of 54 million lbs were shipped, split between 33 million lbs for export and 21 million lbs for the domestic market. Domestic shipments were up 7.4% compared to the same time last year, but exports took a hit, dropping by 19.7%. The European Union remains the top destination for pistachio exports, making up 41.6% of total shipments, with Asia following at 34.0%.
