In Saint John, He pistachio It was no longer an exotic bet a new expanding regional economy. In recent years, the plant has gained ground due to global demand and products such as Dubai chocolate filled with pistachios, which boosted consumption even further. Today, rows of trees with yellow fruits dominate the dry landscape of western Argentina, where the dry climate and cold winters create ideal conditions.
This was reflected in an article by Reuterswritten by the journalist Leila MillerIt details how this crop evolved from a marginal phenomenon to an emerging player on the Argentine agro-industrial map. It’s worth remembering THE NATION He also discussed several times the rise of this product, which is “green gold” for many.
According to information cited in the report National network for the study of pistachios in Argentina – created in 2023 – the planted area increased fivefold in just five years and it’s already there 10,000 hectares. Most of this is concentrated in San Juan, although there are also developments in Mendoza, San Luis and La Pampa. The specialists explain that the potential is much greater: the network has identified some 65,000 km² with suitable conditions for expanding production.
Unlike the USA, Iran or Turkey – which are now world leaders – Argentina still plays a subordinate role. But it has one competitive advantage that the industry is watching closely: it is only relevant producer on the continentwhich would allow it to supply off-season markets in the northern hemisphere, the agency’s publication highlights Reuters.
“Without a doubt, Argentina can become a great producer“, the news agency quotes Alberto Aguilera, responsible for the pistachios that SolFrut develops in San Juan. The company has already almost 1100 hectares implemented and hopes to begin harvesting in 2027.”There is the land, the water and the climatic conditions“, he added.
As explained, the boom also reached the gondolas. The news agency emphasized that the trend promoted not only snacks and cereals as raw materials, but also derivatives such as ice cream, pastries and even alfajores with pistachio cream. “People can’t get enough of it.”said Stephen Vasquez, executive director of the United States Pistachio Management Committee.
Plants in Argentina mainly co-evolve California recordswhere it is 200,000 hectares dedicated to cultivation. And demand is growing faster than supply. “We have a huge unmet need that we cannot meet“said Maximiliano Ighani, son of the country’s pistachio pioneer and manager of the family business Pisté. The company has existed since 2023 has more than doubled its production and hopes to achieve 400,000 plants in 2025.
His father, Marcelo Ighani, recalled the reaction that his first bet provoked in San Juan in the 80s: “They said I was crazy“, he said Reuters.
According to a report by Federal Investment Council, between a third and half of local pistachios are exported, mainly to Italy, Russia, Australia and Latin American countries.
The investment required to get started in the business is high. SolFrut, for example, assigns $30,000 per hectaresays the report. Jose Chediack, The president of Phronesis Group – owner of the company – acknowledged that the industry is in a great time, but expressed caution about how long it will last.
The expansion of pistachio also coincides with a moment of change for the wine sector. The decline in global wine consumption was found to accelerate productive conversion at wineries in San Juan and Mendoza.
Ramiro Martins, a producer from Mendoza, decided to diversify: he implemented 100 hectares of pistachios and vineyards switched to almonds and walnuts. “We understand that the market is moving towards healthier habits“He explained.”We really have a lot of hope and happiness in this project“.
With about 800,000 inhabitantsSan Juan is already experiencing the impact on its economy. That’s where the pistachio is today third surface fruitbehind olive trees and vineyards. “The pistachio will have a very strong impact on the economy of San Juan” explained Miguel Moreno, Minister of Agriculture of the province. “This sustained demand has surprised everyone and, in my opinion, is an incentive for long-term investments“.
The phenomenon is being felt in ice cream parlors, which offer versions such as white chocolate pistachios or Dubai-style pistachios, and alfajores factories have added product lines.
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