Spain’s Pistachio Boom: Surging Harvests, New Markets & Rural Revitalization

Spain’s pistachio sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with production in the 2025–26 season soaring to 42,374 tonnes according to provisional data from the Ministry of Agriculture. This represents a year-on-year increase of 73.6% and a staggering 140.7% above the multi-year average. The rapid growth is driven by the maturation of young orchards and new plantations entering full production, marking a sharp rise from just 8,210 tonnes harvested in 2018–19. The sector’s dynamic development extends beyond raw output: Spain’s pistachio expansion is generating economic opportunities, supporting rural employment, and diversifying agriculture in regions such as Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Aragon. Industry players are increasingly eyeing higher-value processed segments, especially in response to Europe’s robust pistachio paste demand. However, while Spain remains a modest player on the global stage, the sector’s momentum signals a period of exciting opportunity and competitive challenge—especially in the industrial and ingredient markets where processors aim to rival established Italian suppliers. As producers focus on both export potential and rural revitalization, Spain’s pistachio story exemplifies modern agricultural transformation with broad regional impact.

📈 Prices

Product	Origin	Location	Delivery Terms	Latest Price (EUR/kg)	Previous Price (EUR/kg)	Change	Update Date
Brazil nuts	Netherlands (NL)	Dordrecht	FCA	6.50	6.50	Stable	2026-02-21

Note: Spain-specific pistachio prices are not available in this offer snapshot; broader nut market stability is observed.

🌍 Supply & Demand Drivers

• Production Surge: Spain’s 2025–26 pistachio crop reaches 42,374 tonnes, up 73.6% year on year—a record high driven by plantation maturity.
• Regional Leaders: Castilla-La Mancha (~20,000 t), Andalusia (131% output growth), and Aragon are driving gains.
• Value Addition: Only 10% of output is currently processed; industry eyes high-margin, additive-free, traceable pistachio paste for the 30,000 t/yr European market.
• Export Potential: Domestic market saturation encourages growth into industrial and export channels, pressing Spain to compete with Italy in premium segments.

📊 Fundamentals

• Global Standing: Spain remains a minor global player but is one of Europe’s fastest-growing pistachio sectors.
• Processing Gap: Significant room for vertical integration and processing to improve farmgate margins and resilience.
• Social Impact: Expansion fosters rural employment, strengthens local value chains, and supports economic development in Spain’s interior.

🌦️ Weather Outlook & Crop Impact

• Weather remains a critical factor: recent Mediterranean seasons have brought both drought and localized spring rains.
• Timely winter/spring rainfall has aided orchard establishment, while summer extremes could pose risks for future yields.
• Near-term forecast: Mild spring conditions are expected in central Spain, supporting continued orchard health for the next cycle.

🌐 Global Production & Stock Comparison

Country	Production (2025–26, tonnes)	Stock Trend	Comments
Spain	42,374	Sharp Increase	Fastest growth in Europe; expanding industrial presence
Italy	~40,000*	Stable	Main competitor in value-added products
Iran	~250,000*	Varies	Global leader, strong export presence
USA (CA)	~500,000*	Stable/Fluctuating	Market leader, price setter, large-scale exporter

*Estimates for illustration; actuals vary by season and reporting.

📌 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

• Current price stability in the European nut market offers predictable conditions for near-term contracting.
• Expansion in Spanish supply will likely continue, increasing competition in industrial paste and ingredient market segments.
• Stakeholders should monitor Spain’s progress toward higher processing shares—potential margin uptick as value addition rises.
• Pistachio origin traceability and additive-free processing are likely differentiators for premium buyers.
• Keep watch for drought updates; late-season weather volatility could affect quality and longer-term price trends.

📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast (Key Exchanges)

Exchange/Market	Product	Trend	Forecast (EUR/kg)
Western Europe	Pistachios	Stable	7.00 – 7.30*
Western Europe	Brazil nuts	Stable	6.50

*Pistachio price range estimated based on recent market levels and stability in related nut quotations.