How Middle Eastern businesses are coping with high pistachio prices

Editor's note: This report is based on interviews with industry representatives at Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 in Dubai. The accompanying photographs are illustrative file images from Afghanistan and Spain, not images from the Dubai exhibition.

The Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 trade show ran from November 3 to 5 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, under the theme "Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation." The expo, now in its 12th edition, brought together food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and packaging and logistics providers. Amid elevated pistachio prices, businesses discussed ways to manage sourcing costs and supply risks.

Iran, the United States and Türkiye are among the world's major pistachio producers. Global pistachio prices have remained elevated amid uncertainty over harvests, shipping routes and supply from producing countries.

Uncertainty along shipping routes and fluctuations in output from major producing countries have added pressure to established agricultural trade networks.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, noted that established trading networks have shown resilience. He said experienced traders have continued doing business despite disruptions, with the main impact being delivery delays rather than a complete breakdown in trade.

However, even where supply chains have held up, persistently high prices are prompting businesses to rethink how they source ingredients and secure more competitive prices.

Some buyers are looking beyond ready-to-use kernels, considering purchases of in-shell pistachios and arranging processing separately.

Yang Juan, procurement manager at Food Specialties China, said supply constraints have prompted the company to consider buying in-shell pistachios and finding new processing partners to extract the kernels. The aim is to secure more competitive prices and a more reliable supply.

As companies adapt their sourcing strategies, industrial hubs in the UAE are using clusters of suppliers, manufacturers and logistics providers to strengthen supply chain links.

Saud Abu Shawareb, executive vice president of industrial leasing at TECOM Group, said food manufacturers at Dubai Industrial City can connect with raw material suppliers and logistics providers within the same industrial hub, helping streamline operations and improve efficiency.

From diversifying suppliers to strengthening processing and logistics capabilities, businesses are looking for ways to manage the impact of higher pistachio prices.

For food manufacturers across the Middle East, diversified sourcing, efficient processing and access to regional trade hubs are increasingly important tools for navigating price volatility.