War in the Middle East has led to a shortage of pistachios

The war in the Middle East has negatively impacted pistachio supplies, disrupting shipments from Iran, the world’s second-largest pistachio producer, the Financial Times reported.

The regional conflict has pushed pistachio prices to $4.57 per pound, the highest since May 2018, the publication notes. Supplies from Iran have been disrupted, and pistachios are a key ingredient in Middle Eastern confectionery, including popular chocolate bars.

Iran supplies one-fifth of the world’s pistachio production and a third of its exports. Shipping companies canceled shipments to Middle Eastern hubs, including the UAE, on March 2, as the conflict began.

Substituting nuts is a common option, but replacing pistachios as a key ingredient in some confectionery products is difficult, according to manufacturers.

Tags: prices, nuts