According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, more than 25,000 tons of pistachios worth $208 million were exported to 52 countries during the first half of the current Iranian year (started March 21), showing a more than threefold increase both in terms of volume and value year-on-year, ISNA reported. Earlier, Mohammad Hassan Shamsfard, the head of Dried Fruit and Nut Exporters Union, said Iran has reclaimed its first ranking in world pistachio production in 2015. According to the official, Iran’s pistachio production by the end of September stood at more than 220,000 tons, which already indicated an increase of 20,000 tons compared to last year. In recent years, the first place in production of pistachios was held by the US. According to Shamsfard, US production amounted to 180,000 tons by September end—the lowest over the past two years.
