Pistachios are rising in popularity, driven by the viral 'Dubai chocolate' trend and expanding into new food products and French agriculture.
Pistachio's rising popularity
Pistachio, once mainly used in appetizers and desserts, has become a key oilseed thanks to the "Dubai chocolate" phenomenon. This chocolate bar, filled with pistachio cream, has sparked widespread interest and is now driving demand for pistachios in various food products.TikTok video boosts interest
A viral TikTok video featuring the Dubai chocolate bar helped generate enthusiasm for pistachios. This online attention has encouraged food industry players to invest in the market, leading to the development of new products like beverages, ice cream, cookies, and spreads.Global production sources
Pistachios are mainly produced in countries such as Iran, the United States, Turkey, and Syria. These regions have long been major suppliers of the nut, but recent trends show a growing interest in cultivating pistachios in new areas.Pistachio cultivation in France
Southern France has seen a resurgence in pistachio farming, particularly in regions like Provence, Drôme, and Corsica. The area planted with pistachio trees grew from 60 hectares in 2019 to over 500 hectares in 2023, reflecting a significant increase in local production.Reasons for crop diversification
The shift toward pistachio farming is partly due to climate change and the emergence of new pests affecting traditional crops. Farmers are adapting by diversifying their crops to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.