Widely used in Türkiye, pistachios are consumed on their own, as well as being extensively used in the ice cream, chocolate, and beverage industries. However, the conflict in Iran has further complicated supply at a time when procurement was already limited. Moreover, this shortage coincided with a period of rapidly increasing global consumer demand.
On the global demand side, there's been a remarkable increase. The pistachio-flavored "Dubai chocolate," which went viral on social media in late 2023, accelerated demand in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Brands like Häagen-Daz and Táche have incorporated the product into their ice cream and plant-based milk lines, while Starbucks has popularized pistachio-flavored coffee. According to Expana's US pistachio benchmark prices, prices have risen by approximately 30 percent in the two years since the end of 2023.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Iran accounts for approximately one-fifth of global pistachio production and one-third of exports. The U.S., on the other hand, provides about 40 percent of production and roughly half of shipments.
