The pistachio market - France (2024)

1.2 Global market

The global pistachio market, estimated at *.** billion USD in ****, is set to grow at an annual rate of *.**%, reaching *.** billion USD in ****. Although COVID-** has temporarily held back the sector by disrupting distribution chains and value-added activities, demand remains buoyed by the nutritional benefits of pistachios, which are rich in antioxidants and help manage cholesterol and sugar, as well as preventing diseases such as cancer.

These nuts are particularly popular with type * diabetics. Major producing regions, such as the USA, Turkey and Iran, account for **% of global production, withNorth America in the lead, accounting for **% of production in ****. The United States also dominates global exports, with China and the European Union its main markets.

At the same time, Turkey and Greece export to the US market to support domestic demand. The growing appeal of natural and vegetarian snacks, combined with changing eating habits, is boosting pistachio consumption, particularly in North America, where ideal climatic conditions favor their production.

Sales trends in the pistachio market (***) World, **** - ****, in millions of dollars Source: Data Bridge Market Research *Estimated size

Pistachio production World, **** - ****, in metric tons Source: INC After a general upward trend between **** and ****, pistachio production now seems to be on a ...

1.3 Europe versus the United States

In ****-****, global pistachio production is set to increase by **% on the previous year. Yet, of this spectacular increase, the European Union contributes very little:

World pistachio production World, ****-****, in thousands of tons Source: ****

The global pistachio market will experience strong momentum between **** and ****, as shown in the graph. In the United States, production surges by **%, from ***,*** tonnes in ****-**** to a record ***,*** tonnes in ****-****, accounting for around **% of world production. In contrast,Europe, although growing by **%, with production rising from **.* to **,*** tonnes, remains marginal in the overall market, contributing only around *% to the total increase.

Comparing Europe with the USA, the contrast is striking: European production in ****-**** is only around *% of that in the USA. This illustrates a significant gap between these two regions, despite a significant increase in European imports (***).

Thus, although Europe makes a modest contribution to the overall increase, its dependence on imports, mainly from the United States, remains high, underlining the key role of American production on the world market.

1.4 Domestic market

In France, average imports over the last decade of **,*** tonnes represent an average of *** million euros , almost four times less than its German neighbor. This is also less than its Roman neighbors Italy and Spain, which account for *** million euros and *** million euros respectively. However, these figures are clearly down, by almost

And within these national flows, a balance that reflects the international scene: whereas in ****, two-thirds of pistachios consumed in France came from California, compared with **% from Iran, the figures today are quite different. The numerous regulations imposed by European customs in May **** put Iranian and Turkish imports at a disadvantage and favor a European market, enabling a sharp increase in the value of imports from France's neighboring countries.

Value of pistachio imports by main countries France, **** to ****, in millions of dollars Source: ****

*,*** tonnes.

Pistachio production is currently almost non-existent, as its cultivation was abandoned in the **ᵉ century. However, this is likely to change significantly in the coming years, from **** onwards, as many agricultural producers in the south of France have decided to revive the cultivation of Made in France pistachios, as we will see later in the study (***).

To date, the only indicator that can be used to ...

1.5 The impact of Covid-19

Covid has had a slight impact on the pistachio market, and more generally on the market for crunchy aperitifs, particularly in terms of the origin of demand. Indeed, with airlines and catering outlets in an unstable situation, a large proportion of demand for these products was not accounted for during the ****/**** season. However, this loss of demand was offset by an increase in purchases of aperitif products in supermarkets by households themselves. On the other hand, the uncertainty of the times prompted the main producing countries to sell off their stocks, creating a positive supply shock, the direct consequence of which was a reduction in the price of aperitif products. This also partly explains why the French have not abandoned these products, as the following figures show:

Data on chewy aperitifs in French supermarkets in ****

Source: ****

The French are fond of physical aperitifs with friends, and this was the second most felt need during confinement(***), after the desire for a walk in the open air. They even managed to reinvent the way they consumed aperitifs during the health crisis: over **% of French people took part in at least one video-conferencing aperitif during the confinement, and over *% had made a habit of ...

2.1 Pistachio consumption trends in France

Like imports, pistachio consumption in France has tended to decline over the last ten years. In just ** years, consumption has almost halved . The main reason for this drop in consumption is the price of pistachios, which, despite their appetizing appearance, are particularly expensive in the nut family. Thus, the loss of purchasing power by the French can explain this downward trend in pistachio consumption.

Per capita consumption of pistachios has fallen over the last eight years.

Pistachio consumption per capita France, **** to ****, in kg/year Source: ****

Trends in per capita consumption of the main dried fruits in France France, ****-****, grams per capita per year Source: ****

2.2 French pistachio consumption preferences

Pistachios can be eaten in several ways:

pastry; to make pistachio paste. This use of pistachios is very popular in West Asian countries, where many desserts require them, such as the famous baklava. In France, it is also widely used in pastries, with the famous pastry chef Pierre Hermé being a specialist.

ice cream; sold industrially in supermarkets or directly from an ice cream parlour. This fun-colored flavor is popular with a large number of ice cream consumers

It can be sold industrially in supermarkets or directly from an ice cream parlour. This fun-colored fragrance is popular with a large number of ice cream consumers, ranking *rd among French consumers' favorite scents. What's more, **% of them consider eating ice cream to be a real pleasure, and **% find ice creams generally too sweet - an interesting argument for pistachio ice creams, which can be eaten both sweetened and salted.

french people's favorite ice cream flavors France, ****, in percent Source: ****

oIL

Pistachio oil is a highly valuable oil with antioxidant properties. It can be found either in a single oil or in an oil with other peanuts. It has a very light green hue and a pronounced taste. A perfect accompaniment to salads, ...

2.3 The bulk trend, a trend for pistachios

The bulk market in France accounted for sales of *.* billion euros in ****, representing year-on-year growth of **%[***]. But what explains this growth?

The various reasons for buying bulk products are explained in the following graph:

Advantages of buying products in bulk France, ****, in Source: ****

Bulk products are between *% and **% cheaper for comparable quality, as there are no packaging costs and marketing costs are reduced. A proposition that should therefore continue to grow and spread on shelves such as those of organic stores[***].

What consumers want to do in the future France, ****, percentage Source: ****

These consumer desires help to explain why bulk is so successful. With today's environmental challenges, these trends are set to become even more pronounced.

Here are the products most frequently purchased in bulk:

Bulk shoppers' favorite products France, ****, percentage Source : LSA With this graph we see that oleaginous fruits are the most purchased products in bulk with **% of bulk buyers. The pistachio market can therefore count on this environmental asset in the future.

2.4 The French are changing their eating habits: organic, local and dietary products are favoured

In ****, many French people say they want to pay attention to what they eat. Here's what they want to pay attention to:

More responsible eating: what the French are saying France, ****, percentage Source: ****

These results demonstrate the French people's intentions to pay attention to what they eat, intentions that were confirmed in ****, as the desire to eat healthy, sustainable, local and seasonal food was more topical than ever with French consumers.these intentions were confirmed in the year under review, as the desire to eat healthy, sustainable, local and seasonal food became more topical than ever with the global pandemic and containment, which directly affected the daily lives and consumption habits of the French, placing health issues at the forefront. As a result, a majority of French people said they were buying more fresh produce (***)[***].

organic consumption trends in France France, ****-****, billions of euros Source: ****

As far as the organic market is concerned, by ****, **% of the French population will have consumed organic food. **.* billion euros in ****, down *.**% on ****. These consistently high results enable France to occupy *ᵉ place in the European ranking[***].

The French are paying attention to their sugar consumption, with **% of those surveyed by Ipsos saying they want to ...

3.1 Value chain

Source: ****

3.2 Pistachio production and yields

Production

Pistachio shells are opened before harvesting. That's why it's imperative to ensure that the pistachios haven't been in contact with the ground, as there's a risk that microorganisms harmful to health will contaminate them. In this case, a fallen pistachio can easily be left on the ground, as it will serve as compost for future crops. Once harvesting has begun, it takes approximately ** to ** days. Harvesting takes place in several stages, as pistachio trees produce fruit that doesn't necessarily ripen at the same time, unlike more traditional trees such as apples. The first stage is usually the main one, harvesting around two-thirds of the tree's pistachios, corresponding to those that are fully ripe.

Harvesting is hard work when done by hand, as each tree has to be shaken to remove the fruit, which is then collected by wide nets around the tree. The next step is to sieve the pistachios, which also allows them to be tiered. All undesirable elements such as leaves, contaminated pistachios, branches, etc. are removed. The pistachios are then preserved, and must be quickly chilled to guarantee their quality. For those concerned, this is also the time when some pistachios are peeled.

In intensive-growing regions like ...

3.3 Distribution

It is impossible to find data on the distribution of pistachio sales alone. However, as pistachios are part of the dried fruit family, we can go through them by distribution channel, but if we extend the scope of the study a little, we can see that the French largely turn to traditional supermarkets to buy their dried fruit and seeds, since **% of sales are in hypermarkets.

Sales of nuts and seeds by distribution channel France, average ****-**** Source: ****

3.4 A market boosted by inflation?

In ****, sales of dried fruit and vegetables in France will reach €*** million. The increase breaks down into +**.*% in value and +*.**% in volume. This is most evident in the dried fruit sector, to which pistachios belong: while dried fruit volume is down by *.*% between **** and ****, value is up by *.*%, confirming the idea that growth in this sector is driven exclusively by higher prices...

Sales trends for dried fruit and vegetables France, ****-****, in Source: ****

4.1 Nutritional values

The pistachio, like most oilseeds, is an extremely nutritious nut, much appreciated by athletes for its high energy and nutritional density.

With its high fiber content and guaranteed satiety, it's a useful fruit for dieters. Its health benefits are not negligible: it contains antioxidants that help fight cardiovascular disease. It is also rich in vitamins B* and B*. Finally, its fatty acids help reduce "bad cholesterol" levels.

4.2 Sales prices

Sales prices vary widely depending on the store, the type of pistachio and whether it is organic or not. Prices in November ****:

Source: ****

4.3 Supply trends: the decline of organic produce

Organic

The organic market trend has increased until ****, but has begun to decline over the last two years.

Evolution of the percentage of organic food preferences France, **** to ****, in percent Source: ****

An even more revealing graph shows the evolution of the share of organic products in the food purchases of individuals who have already bought organic products.

Would you say that the share of organic products in your food purchases over the last ** months...? France, ****-****, in % Source: ****

We can see that a greater proportion of organic consumers are breaking away from this trend and reducing their organic purchases.

Organic consumption trends in France France, ****-****, billions of euros Source: ****

Made in France

Pistachio production in France was still going strong at the end of the **th century, but was abandoned in the last century. However, pistachio production seems to be re-emerging in certain southern regions such as Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This sudden resurgence of interest in pistachio cultivation can be explained by optimal climatic conditions, reinforced by global warming which has made the land arid. The first pistachios from this local, organic production will not be produced until ****, since they have only been planted since ****, and it takes ...

4.4 Seasonality, storage and different types of pistachios

Pistachios are an autumn fruit. They are traditionally grown in September, October and November. Some regions, such as California, begin harvesting as early as late August. However, the fruit's shelf life and intensive cultivation in California mean that it is available in supermarkets all year round.

The product can then be stored for up to * months after the stated use-by date, as long as the package has not been opened. Once opened, pistachios can be consumed for around ** days. Pistachios don't have to be kept in the fridge, but can be stored at room temperature.

As we saw earlier in this study, the pistachio tree is the pistachio tree. However, the pistachio tree is not necessarily fruit-bearing; it can also be ornamental, in which case its resin is sometimes used. As far as fruiting pistachio trees are concerned, the most famous varieties of true pistachio are the following:

Kerman, which is particularly resistant to cold and produces large pistachios. Its name comes from an Iranian region. Aegina, which, as its name suggests, comes from the island of Aegina, where the Iranian pistachio tree was introduced. The local growing conditions favor a pronounced, unique taste. The Bronte pistachio, considered by some to ...

5.1 General European Union marketing rules

Marketing standards for fruit and vegetables, including pistachios in the "Nuts" categoryis strictly regulated by implementing regulation (***) number ***/****, last amended on August *, ****.

Nuts are covered by Annex * (***), Part A. The main points are as follows:

Minimum requirements:

within the tolerances allowed, products must be :

intact sound; products affected by rotting or deterioration that would make them unfit for consumption are excluded clean, practically free of visible foreign matter practically free of parasites free from pulp damage caused by parasites free of abnormal external moisture free of any foreign smell and/or taste.

The condition of the products must be such as to enable them :

to withstand transport and handling, arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.

Minimum maturity requirements :

products must be sufficiently developed, but not excessively so, and fruit must be sufficiently ripe without being overripe. The development and state of ripeness of the products must allow the ripening process to continue until they reach a sufficient degree of ripeness.

Tolerances:

the presence in each batch of products not meeting the minimum quality requirements is permitted within a tolerance of **%, by number or weight. Within this tolerance, products affected by spoilage are limited to *% in total.

Marking:

Each ...

5.2 UN/ECE standard

This is a standard for the marketing and commercial quality control of fruit and vegetables, involving all market players.

Inshell pistachios

The regulations are quite similar to those of the European Union, but with additional, even more precise points.

Minimum requirements:

The shell must be :

Intact; however, slight superficial damage or partial opening of the pistachio is not considered a defect, provided the kernel is physically protected Clean; practically free of any visible foreign matter, including residues of adhering pericarp or dust affecting in total more than **.*% of the total shell surface Free from blemishes, areas of discoloration or spread stains in pronounced contrast with the rest of the shell affecting in aggregate more than **.*% of the shell surface. In-shell pistachios must not show any traces of shelling.

The kernel must be :

Free from rancidity Sufficiently developed Free from superficial blemishes, discoloration or extensive staining in clear contrast to the rest of the kernel, affecting in total more than **.*% of the surface of the kernel

The conditions for the entire product are virtually identical to those of the European Union (***). in addition, the water content of pistachio nuts must not exceed *.*% of the total product.

Marking

Packaging must be marked with ...

5.3 Toxins in pistachios

Mycotoxins, in particular aflatoxin and ochratoxin A, are known for their carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, teratogenic, immunotoxic and potentially neurotoxic effects. These toxins, produced by molds of the Aspergillus type, develop mainly in conditions of high humidity and unsuitable temperatures, often during harvesting, transport or storage. Due to their oil-rich composition, pistachios offer a favorable environment for the proliferation of these fungi, making them one of the most closely monitored products for food contamination.

To protect consumers, the European Union has set strict thresholds for the presence of mycotoxins in pistachios marketed on its territory. Regulation (***) no. ****/****, which is regularly updated, sets maximum limits at * µg/kg for aflatoxin B* and * µg/kg for all aflatoxins. These limits are designed to reduce the risks to human health, in particular the carcinogenic effects associated with prolonged exposure to these substances. European authorities adapt these standards in line with scientific advances, while maintaining strict criteria to ensure product compliance at every stage of the supply chain.

Import controls also play a central role in preventing mycotoxin contamination. The majority of pistachios consumed in Europe come from third countries, notably Iran and the USA, regions where aflatoxin levels have historically been higher. In response to these ...

6.1 Player segmentation

• MAITRE PRUNILLE
• DACO BELLO
• The Wonderful Company
• Intersnack (Knabber Geback Group)
• Menguy's