Rising Demand for Pistachios in Morocco
As Morocco grapples with an increasing internal demand for pistachios, driven by evolving consumer habits, the country is witnessing a significant rise in its pistachio imports. Recent statistics reveal that Morocco imported over 4,000 tons of pistachios in 2025, marking a historic high with a total value of approximately $33.9 million. This figure represents a staggering 27.5% increase compared to 2024, indicating a growing market for this nut in the Moroccan culinary landscape.
Traditionally, Morocco has not been a producer or consumer of pistachios, unlike its neighboring countries in the Maghreb region, which have long been influenced by Ottoman culinary traditions. However, recent years have seen a dramatic shift, with the country increasingly turning to international markets to meet its pistachio needs. The surge in imports is largely attributed to changing local consumption patterns, particularly influenced by global culinary trends that favor Eastern pastries and premium chocolate products, where pistachios play a central role.
Pistachio Cultivation as an Agricultural Priority
The rise in pistachio consumption has coincided with the expansion of Eastern dining establishments and high-end chocolatiers in Morocco, contributing to a continuous increase in demand. Notably, data from East Fruit indicates that pistachio imports have risen consistently for six consecutive years, with an impressive growth of 11.5 times since 2019. During this period, annual growth rates reached nearly 50%, reflecting a remarkable shift in consumer preferences.
The scarcity of locally produced pistachios further justifies the need for imports, as Morocco has minimal production of this nut, despite certain regions like Souss and Oriental having climates conducive to pistachio cultivation. In response, the Moroccan government has designated pistachio farming as a key agricultural focus within its national strategy, "Generation Green 2020-2030," aimed at diversifying agricultural practices in arid regions.
The pistachio market presents a promising opportunity for both agricultural diversification and the agro-food industry, especially considering its growing popularity in modern bakeries and restaurants, particularly in ice cream preparations. Dried fruits, including pistachios, are consumed year-round, with demand peaking during Ramadan and festive occasions. The United States remains the primary supplier of pistachios to Morocco, accounting for 92% of imports in 2025, while Turkey has also solidified its position as a significant supplier by increasing its shipments by 3.5 times within a year. Iran accounted for a mere 2.2% of the total imports.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
