Türkiye’s pistachio industry is poised for a record-breaking year in 2024/25, with production expected to double year-on-year. Meanwhile, the almond sector is experiencing challenges, as rising costs and low government support are putting pressure on growers. Here’s a detailed look at Türkiye’s pistachio and almond markets and the factors shaping their future.

Pistachio Production to Reach New Heights

Türkiye’s pistachio production in the 2024/25 marketing year is forecast to exceed 385,000 metric tons (MT), more than doubling last year’s output. This surge is largely driven by an “on-year” in the pistachio production cycle, where yields tend to be higher. Contributing factors include an increase in the number of bearing trees and favorable weather conditions during the growing season. According to TurkStat, the number of bearing pistachio trees has risen by nearly 4%, with many trees now reaching their optimal yield age.

The Role of Modern Farming Techniques

In recent years, Turkish farmers have embraced modern farming practices, replacing old pistachio trees and investing in new orchards. This transition, along with improved pruning and fertilization techniques, has resulted in higher yields and reduced periodicity. Initiatives like the “May you have abundant pistachios” training program, launched by TEMA, have helped farmers in key regions such as Gaziantep and Sanliurfa to double their yields, signaling a promising future for the industry.

Almond Market Faces Production and Cost Challenges

In contrast, Türkiye’s almond production is forecast to see only a slight increase to 27,000 MT in the 2024/25 marketing year. While good weather conditions during the growing season prevented frost damage, almond growers are struggling with rising input costs, including electricity, labor, and water. As a result, some farmers in regions like Adıyaman have begun uprooting almond trees, frustrated by the inability to turn a profit under current market conditions.

Trade and Export Outlook

Pistachio exports are expected to reach a record 80,000 MT in 2024/25, with strong demand from markets like Italy, Germany, and the Middle East. Türkiye has historically re-exported pistachios from the U.S. and Iran, but with an anticipated oversupply, domestic pistachios will now play a more prominent role in exports. Meanwhile, almond exports are forecast at 33,000 MT, with the United States remaining the top supplier of imported almonds to Türkiye.

Consumption Trends

Domestic consumption of pistachios is expected to rise to 235,000 MT, driven by an increase in local production and stable retail prices. While food inflation in Türkiye is high, the price of pistachios in U.S. dollars has remained relatively unchanged, encouraging greater consumption among higher-income households. Almond consumption, on the other hand, is forecast to rise only slightly due to high retail prices, which continue to temper demand.

Türkiye’s pistachio sector is experiencing a boom, with record production and exports on the horizon for 2024/25. However, the almond market faces headwinds, with growers feeling the pinch of rising costs and inadequate government support. As the country navigates these challenges, both markets will be critical to Türkiye’s agricultural future.





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