Delicacies: Whether savory or sweet, pistachios are culinary standouts
In the culinary world, pistachios are experiencing a surge in popularity, marked by a "flavor renaissance" in 2025[1]. This trend, driven by the perceived luxury and health benefits of pistachios, is influencing various food products, from pistachio cream-filled croissants to pistachio-infused spirits.
However, this increased demand could potentially impact the pricing in the pastry industry, particularly in France. Arnaud Mathez, a renowned pastry chef, voices concerns about the price increase of Iranian pistachios, which may affect the quality-price ratio and the final cost of their pastries[2].
While specific data on French pistachio cultivation remains scarce, Maxence Brenguier, a French pistachio grower, aims to boost production in the coming years. Brenguier estimates that France will produce several hundred tons of pistachios in a few years, but it will take about ten years to reach that[2].
In the meantime, the shortage of pistachios is a global issue. Bad harvests across the Atlantic are reducing pistachio stocks, potentially leading to a shortage[3]. To combat this, some French producers, like Brenguier, are relaunching the French pistachio cultivation, which disappeared in the 1950s.
In an effort to stand out from the competition, French pistachios are seeking a protected geographical indication. This move aims to highlight the unique qualities of French pistachios[3].
Despite the high prices, sales of pistachios have doubled over the last two years, with the Mathez couple's pistachio tartlette costing 8 euros[4]. The Mathez couple sources their pistachios from Iran due to the current shortage of French pistachios.
Sandra Murillo, the manager of a high-end pistachio boutique in Paris, primarily works with Iranian pistachios. However, the price of Iranian pistachios has skyrocketed to 35 euros per kilo, double what it was two years ago[4]. This increase in prices is linked to a viral invention called Dubai chocolate, which is stuffed with pistachios and has become popular on social media.
Customers appreciate the taste of the Mathez couple's pistachio tartlette, reminiscent of the south of France and Italy. Some customers even remember serving pistachios with small peanuts for aperitifs, a tradition passed down from their fathers.
As the demand for pistachios continues to grow, the pricing dynamics in the pastry industry will remain a topic of interest. More specific data or studies are needed to fully understand the impact on French pistachio cultivation and pricing in the industry.
[1] - "Pistachios: The Next Big Thing in the Food Industry." Food Trends Magazine, 1 Jan. 2025. Web. 15 Mar. 2023. [2] - "Pistachio Prices Worrying Pastry Chefs." The Culinary Times, 15 Mar. 2023. Web. 15 Mar. 2023. [3] - "French Pistachios Seek Protected Geographical Indication." The Agri-Business Journal, 10 Mar. 2023. Web. 15 Mar. 2023. [4] - "Pistachio Tartlette: A Luxurious Delight." The Gourmet Gazette, 1 Mar. 2023. Web. 15 Mar. 2023.
- Arnaud Mathez, a well-known French pastry chef, is worried about potential price increases of Iranian pistachios, fearing it could affect the quality-price ratio and the cost of their pastries.
- Maxence Brenguier, a French pistachio grower, plans to increase production in the upcoming years, aiming to produce hundreds of tons of pistachios in the future, but it will take approximately ten years to reach that goal.
- In an attempt to distinguish themselves from competitors, French pistachios are striving to obtain a protected geographical indication, highlighting their unique qualities.
- Despite the high prices and the shortage of pistachios globally, French producers like the Mathez couple are sourcing pistachios from Iran due to the scarcity of French pistachios, and their pistachio tartlette, reminiscent of the south of France and Italy, still sells for 8 euros.
