Output Expected to Drop by 48% Amid Climate Challenges

Iran Pistachio Production Forecast for the 2025/2026 Crop Year

Iran, one of the world’s leading pistachio producers and exporters, is expected to experience a significant decline in pistachio production during the 2025/2026 crop year. According to the latest production forecast released by the Iran Pistachio Association, total dry in-shell pistachio production is estimated at approximately 118,000 metric tons, compared with approximately 225,000 metric tons in the previous season, representing a 48% year-over-year decline. Iran Pistachio Production Forecast 2026

This reduction is primarily attributed to unfavorable climatic conditions, spring temperature fluctuations, pollination challenges, environmental stress, and pest outbreaks that affected many pistachio-growing regions across Iran.

For international buyers, importers, processors, and investors, understanding these production trends is essential, as Iran remains one of the world’s most influential suppliers of premium pistachios.

Overview of Iran’s Pistachio Industry

Iran has been recognized for centuries as one of the world’s major producers of premium-quality pistachios. The country’s diverse climate allows cultivation of several internationally recognized pistachio varieties, including:

• Fandoghi
• Ahmad Aghaei
• Akbari
• Kaleh Ghouchi
• Other long varieties

Iranian pistachios are exported to dozens of countries across:

• Europe
• China
• India
• GCC Countries
• Southeast Asia
• CIS Markets

Because of this global position, any major change in Iranian production directly affects international pistachio prices and worldwide supply.

Production Forecast

According to the forecast, Iran is expected to harvest:

The report indicates that this is one of the largest production declines recorded in recent years.

Such a significant reduction is expected to influence:

• Export availability
• Domestic supply
• International prices
• Long-term contracts
• Inventory management

Regional Production Distribution

Production remains concentrated in several major pistachio-producing provinces.

The largest expected producers include:

Total Estimated Production: 118,000 Metric Tons.

Iran Pistachio Production Forecast 2025/2026: Production Expected to Decline by 48%

1. Hero Banner
2. Executive Summary
3. Overview of Iran’s Pistachio Industry
4. Production Forecast
5. Province-by-Province Analysis
6. Climate Challenges
7. Pistachio Varieties
8. Export Outlook
9. Global Market Analysis
10. Price Forecast
11. Opportunities for Buyers
12. FAQ
13. References

Iran Pistachio Production Forecast 2026

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Iranian Pistachio Orchard During Harvest

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Iranian pistachio orchard during the 2025 harvest season

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World Pistachio Market

The global pistachio market has experienced strong growth over the past decade, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthy snacks, plant-based proteins, and premium confectionery products. Worldwide pistachio production for the 2025/26 marketing year is estimated at approximately 1.1 million metric tons, while the market value exceeded USD 5.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to continue growing at an annual rate of around 5% through the next decade. (Statista)

Major Producing Countries (2024/25)

Source: International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC), compiled by Statista. (Statista)

Key Market Trends

• United States remains the world’s largest producer and exporter, with California accounting for nearly all U.S. production.
• Iran is still recognized globally for premium-quality pistachios, particularly varieties such as Akbari, Ahmad Aghaei, Kalleh Ghouchi, and Fandoghi.
• Turkey continues to expand exports, supported by strong demand for Antep pistachios.
• Rising consumption in China, India, the European Union, and the Middle East is driving long-term market growth.
• Demand from the chocolate and confectionery industry—especially pistachio cream and “Dubai chocolate” products—has increased global prices in recent years. (Financial Times)
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Main Importing Markets

• China
• Germany
• India
• Italy
• Spain
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Canada

These countries represent major opportunities for exporters of premium Iranian pistachios.

Outlook:

The long-term outlook for the global pistachio market remains positive due to:

• Growing health awareness among consumers.
• Increasing demand for natural, high-protein snacks.
• Expansion of pistachio use in bakery, dairy, desserts, and confectionery.
• Growth of online food retail and premium food products.

Global Pistachio Production Share (2024/25)

Estimated share of worldwide pistachio production by major producing countries.

Iran Climate Zones

 Climate Zones of Iran

Iran is one of the world’s most climatically diverse countries due to its mountain ranges, deserts, and long coastlines. Based on recent climatological analyses, Iran can be divided into six major climate zones. (Royal Meteorological Society)

(Royal Meteorological Society)

Climate Distribution

• Humid: ~10% (Caspian coast)
• Mountain & Semi-humid: ~25%
• Semi-arid: ~25%
• Arid & Hyper-arid: ~40%

This makes Iran one of the largest countries with extensive arid and semi-arid environments. (Agris)

Why Iran Has So Many Climate Types

• The Alborz Mountains trap moisture from the Caspian Sea, creating lush forests in the north.
• The Zagros Mountains receive winter rainfall from Mediterranean weather systems.
• The Central Plateau lies in a rain shadow, resulting in deserts such as Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut.
• The Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman coastlines experience hot, humid subtropical conditions. (Iranica Online)

For an export website (especially for pistachios, saffron, dried fruits, and agricultural products), this topic is valuable because it explains how Iran’s diverse climates contribute to the exceptional quality of its crops, helping international buyers understand the country’s agricultural advantages.

Pistachio Export from Iran

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Iran Pistachio Production Comparison

Main Causes of Production Decline

Estimated Variety Distribution

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