The pistachio fever isn't free: In the last five years, the import of this nut has grown by 17,000%!

Argentina, like many nations worldwide, is experiencing a pistachio consumption fever driven by "Dubai chocolate", which combines chocolate with pistachio paste and kadaif dough. The problem is that the country does not supply the nut domestically. Chocolates, as well as ice creams and alfajores containing pistachios, are mostly made with products imported from the U.S. and Iran. Some shipments also arrive from Spain. So far in the current year 2025, Argentina imported 82.2 tons of shelled pistachios, a figure almost 50% higher than the 55.0 tons corresponding to the entire year 2024. In 2023, official statistics show pistachio imports totaling 35.4 tons, while in 2022, 17.9 tons were imported and in 2021, barely 480 kilograms. That is to say: in just five years, shelled pistachio imports increased by 17,000%! Such a figure – of course – could end up being even higher if new shipments continue to enter what remains of 2025 (which is most likely). The import price is extremely ...