California has wrapped up harvesting a strong 2025-2026 crop of pistachios. “The timing this year was a bit different because we had a couple of mid-harvest rain events which delayed things slightly. You can’t run harvesting equipment when the ground’s wet for example,” says Zachary Fraser of the American Pistachio Growers.

© American Pistachio Growers

In all, the crop looks to be matching projected estimates of 1.5 to 1.55 billion lbs. and reports indicate it’s also a good quality crop. “With the excitement around pistachios, they’re going to go on and market good product,” he says.

In terms of challenges that pistachio growers are contending with, it’s fairly consistent with what they’ve been dealing with over the last year which includes the increasing cost of operations, accessing water reliably and the cost of water–pistachios are considered a high-water crop.

Exports to Mexico and Brazil
In other developments, pistachio growers and shippers in California are looking to ramp up their export activities in Mexico and Brazil. “Those are two markets that already love pistachios as a flavor and product so we’re excited to be building trade and promotional relationships with those countries,” says Fraser, adding that while pistachios are already popular with consumers in Canada, its neighbour to the north, with Mexico as the closest country to the south of the U.S., there’s potential in that market too.

© American Pistachio Growers

Meanwhile pistachio is an increasingly popular flavor found throughout Brazil. “Pistachio in premium products is big and on the rise in Brazil so we’re really excited to see what we can do in that country with pistachios,” says Fraser.

Overall pistachio growers are well positioned in the industry right now. “If you’re going to work in agriculture in California, it’s a good thing to be associated with,” he says. “There are choices being made that help the grower do their work more effectively and it’s a product that people love.”

For more information:
Zachary Fraser
American Pistachio Growers
[email protected]
https://americanpistachios.org/






Publication date:

Mon 27 Oct 2025





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