The price of pistachio in Spain to the producer and farmer is one of the most frequently asked questions each season. However, beyond “how much is the kilo”, it is essential to understand how the pistachio price is actually formed, What payment systems exist and why not all farmers are charged the same.
In this article we explain the actual system used by the main pistachio processors in Spain, The current average prices in conventional and organic farming, and the factors that directly influence the final price received by the farmer.
How is pistachio paid to the farmer in Spain?
In Spain, the most widespread and recommended form of payment for pistachio nuts is the payment on delivery. This system is the one used by most professional processors, as it is the fairest, most transparent and objective for the producer.
The usual process is as follows:
- The farmer delivers the freshly harvested pistachio in the processing plant.
- The product enters the hoppers and goes to the peeler.
- The following are taken representative samples of the lot, which are placed in a sealed net.
- The sample is peeled and dried together with the rest of the pistachio, under the same actual processing conditions.
Once the pistachio is dry (usually between 2 and 7 days):
- The sample is reweighed dry.
- The moisture loss rate.
- The sample is opened and analyzed:
- percentage of open and closed pistachio
- calibers
- actual performance
These data are used to set the final pistachio price to the producer, based on the actual yield of the product, very similar to what happens in other crops such as olives or grapes.
What happens to the green pistachio?
In Spain, there are some processors that buy pistachio in green, although they are in the minority. In these cases, the farmer usually signs contracts in which discounts of between one and two percent are applied. 5 % and one 10 %, mainly due to:
- sheets
- plant debris
- impurities from harvesting
This leads many farmers to initially think that the green price is higher, but in the final settlement the actual price is reduced, generating surprises.
For this reason, the price scale system is considered by the majority of the sector as the most beneficial method for the farmer, since the price is calculated on the basis of dried pistachio and royal pistachio, not on estimates.
Conventional and organic pistachio price in Spain
Currently, the approximate average prices being paid to the farmer in Spain are:
Conventional Pistachio
- Enter 5 and 6 €/kg to the producer
Organic Pistachio
- Enter 6 and 7 €/kg to the producer
Organic pistachio nuts are usually priced at around 1 €/kg more, although the final price always depends on the yield obtained.
Why do some farmers get paid more than others?
The pistachio price does not only depend on whether it is conventional or organic. Many factors related to the plot and the farm are involved:
Type of terrain
- Poor drylands or plots with low vigor: lower price
- Irrigated or good dry land: higher price
Pistachio caliber
- Large calibers (18-20, 20-22): best price
- Small calibers (23-25): lower price
Percentage of pistachio nuts open
- Higher percentage of closed pistachio: lower yield
- More open pistachio and larger size: higher value
This occurs both in conventional and organic pistachio.
Comparison with American pistachio
At this time, the pistachio price in Spain to the producer is located approximately 1 €/kg above of the price that California producers are receiving.
This difference has been maintained in recent seasons due to:
- lower production volume in Spain
- increased demand for European pistachio
- differences in quality and market structure
Average pistachio production in Spain
Current average yields are usually in the following range:
- Rainfed: about 800 kg per hectare
- Irrigated: about 1,500 kg per hectare
For these reasons, the pistachio is nowadays considered one of the most important most profitable crops in Spain, It is also a long-term agricultural investment with a great future.
If you are considering starting a plantation, it is essential to get it right from the beginning. We recommend you read our Pistachio planting guide: plant today, harvest the future, where we explain step by step how to avoid mistakes that can cost years of production and profitability.
Does the farmer have costs for delivering pistachio nuts?
No. The price indicated is the net producer price:
- No maquila
- No entry fee
- No peeling or drying costs
Typical varieties and price of pistachio kernels
These prices apply to common varieties in Spain such as Kerman, Larnaca, Sirora, Lost Hills, Mateur, Aegina, Avdat or Hadda.
As for the pistachio kernels:
- Conventional: between 10 and 11 €/kg
- Ecological: between 11 and 12 €/kg
With usual yields of 40-45 %, The pistachio with the highest percentage of closed, being somewhat cheaper per kilo.
Do you want to know prices for the next campaign?
If you wish to receive updated information on the price of pistachio nuts to the producer in Spain, we invite you to contact with us, We will attend you personally.