Pistachio and other dry fruit prices have increased across Nepal and India during the festive season, driven by reduced harvests in supplying countries, import disruptions, and seasonal demand.

In Nepal, pistachio prices have doubled from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 per kg during Tihar, according to Bachchan Sah, owner of Masala Bhandar in New Baneshwor. Almond prices increased from Rs 1,500-1,600 to Rs 1,800 per kg, while walnuts rose from Rs 500 to Rs 600-650 per kg.

Cashews are trading at Rs 2,000-2,200 per kg, while cardamom prices increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 per kg.

Traders attribute the increases to disruptions along Chinese import routes, customs delays, and international market conditions. Some importers are sourcing dry fruits through Khari Baoli in Delhi.

Nepal imported 5,672,921 kg of dry fruits worth Rs 918.55 million in October. This included 857,768 kg of walnuts worth Rs 355.032 million, 4,467,265 kg of coconuts worth Rs 240.41 million, and 213,189 kg of cashews worth Rs 205.885 million.

Vietnam supplied 120,134 kg of cashews, surpassing India’s 92,853 kg, while the United States supplied 104,487 kg of Nepal’s 105,598 kg almond imports.

Indian pistachio prices increase ahead of Diwali
In India, wholesale pistachio prices have increased approximately 50 per cent compared with last Diwali, while some retail prices have nearly doubled. Almond prices have risen around 20 per cent, and the overall dry fruit basket costs 25-40 per cent more year-on-year.

Trade representatives attribute the increases to reduced pistachio harvests in California and Iran, supply disruptions in West Asia, higher freight costs, and currency depreciation.

According to Ravindra Mehta of the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India, California’s pistachio harvest is expected to reach only about 40 per cent of last year’s volume.

Iranian pistachio output is also estimated at almost half the previous season’s level, limiting export availability.

With higher procurement costs, Indian retailers are reducing pistachio and almond quantities in Diwali gift packs, substituting seeds and berries, and lowering pack weights.

Despite these adjustments, dry fruit and nut gift pack sales have increased 5-7 per cent year-on-year. Industry estimates indicate that 30-35 per cent of India’s annual nuts and dry fruits sales occur around Diwali.

Demand for pecans, macadamias, hazelnuts, and flavored cashews has also increased in the premium gifting segment.

Source 1: Online Khabar

Source 2: CMB News