Spain has the conditions to lead the pistachio business in Europe

Agróptimum, a young Spanish agri-food and biotechnology business group and national leader in pistachio plants and plantation management, presented the first global study on pistachios: “Present and Future of Pistachio Cultivation and Processing: A Business Perspective” in which it describes the current situation of pistachios worldwide.

The analysis focuses on the evolution from 2010 to 2023 and future global trends—with a forecasted consumption increase exceeding 976,000 tons—and with a focus on Spain, detailing the investment interest in pistachios in Iberia.

The study concludes that pistachios emerge as a highly profitable and sustainable crop, supported by technological innovation and growing demand. Spain is strategically positioned to lead pistachio production in Europe, thanks to favourable climatic conditions, increased sector professionalism with operators betting on technology and innovation to enhance quality, and proximity to major export markets like the European Union.

The growing trend in production and high global demand suggests that in about a decade, production will not meet market demand, likely causing a gradual rise in origin prices, leading to greater crop profitability. This profitability goes hand in hand with innovation and technology. The adoption of advanced technologies and intensive cultivation techniques significantly improves pistachio profitability.

By 2040, the global cultivated area of pistachios is expected to reach nearly 1.8 million hectares, with a global production of over 1.6 million tons. This trend ensures a robust and expanding market.

A climate change resistant crop
The pistachio tree has a lifespan exceeding 100 years, generating benefits for decades. With a sophisticated mechanism to tolerate water stress and resistance to salinity and diseases, the pistachio can adapt to the challenges of climate change and has higher productivity than other woody crops at lower cost, making it one of the best-prepared trees for dryland cultivation in Spain’s semi-arid environments. Under suitable conditions, it can begin production in 3.5 years.

For more information:
Agróptimum
https://agroptimum.com/en