Pistachio shipments decrease in September amid limited inventory

Meridian Growers reported a nearly 11% decrease in September pistachio shipments compared to the same period last year.

This drop is attributed to a minimal carryover from the 2023 crop, not lower demand. Processors had little inventory to ship until the 2024 crop became available.

The 2024 crop estimate stands between 1.05 and 1.075 billion pounds, with final numbers expected by the end of October.

“The available supply of pistachios is very tight this year,” according to Meridian Growers’ shipment report, due in part to a smaller-than-expected Iranian crop.

Prices are expected to firm for inshell pistachios and kernels as a result of the limited supply.