TEHRAN- The Director General of the Office of Temperate and Dry Fruits Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Department said that 100,000 tons of pistachios worth $730 million were exported to 67 countries worldwide, including 18 European Union member states, during the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21-November 21, 2025).

Dariush Salempour added: “According to official statistics provided by the Customs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, nearly 100,000 tons of pistachios (in-shell pistachios, pistachio kernels, green pistachio kernels, and other related products) were exported to target countries in the first nine months of this year.”

The largest export volumes were to Turkey, India, the United Arab Emirates, the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and China, he added.

This official stated: “Last year, an unprecedented performance in pistachio production, processing, and export was recorded in the country, with over 175,000 tons of pistachios worth $1.7 billion exported.”

Stating that national and international standards are observed in pistachio production and export, he clarified: “In line with sustaining the production and export of this valuable product, the Ministry of Agriculture initiated the "Complementary Action" program last year in cooperation with relevant bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education and the National Standards Organization.”

Salempour estimated the country's fresh and dry pistachio production in the year 1404 (March 2025 - March 2026) at nearly 300,000 tons and said: “With over 600,000 hectares of pistachio orchards, Iran ranks first in the world in terms of cultivated area.”

He assessed the overall pistachio production situation this year as good, despite some climatic challenges and imbalances, and stated: “A portion of this production is being stored and stocked in warehouses, which will be gradually exported based on demand or supplied to domestic markets for consumption.”

The Director General of the Office of Temperate and Dry Fruits Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Department added: “In addition to a significant portion of pistachios being supplied and consumed fresh domestically, the majority of dried and processed pistachios are supplied to both the domestic and foreign markets.”

Iranian pistachios are renowned globally as the "green gold" of Persia, prized for their distinctive flavor, rich taste, and superior quality. With over 600,000 hectares of orchards, Iran leads the world in pistachio cultivation area, producing varieties like Akbari, Ahmad Aghaei, and Fandoghi. These nuts are not just a culinary delight but an economic powerhouse, with exports reaching over 65 countries. Despite climatic challenges, Iran maintains rigorous production standards. The pistachio holds deep cultural significance, featuring prominently in traditional cuisine and ceremonies, symbolizing prosperity and hospitality in Persian culture for thousands of years.

MA