Business · Energy & Commodities · 8 hrs ago
Pistachio prices nearly double in India as Diwali gift boxes shrink
In India, pistachio prices have nearly doubled in retail shops compared with a year ago, while almonds cost about 20% more.
Supply disruptions linked to the West Asia war and a smaller US crop have contributed to the rise.
Prices across nuts and dried fruit are up 25–40%, with higher shipping costs, reduced supplies from Iran and Afghanistan, and a weaker rupee also cited.
For Diwali, sellers are replacing pistachios with cheaper alternatives such as seeds and berries, and cutting the amount of almonds in gift boxes.
Even so, Diwali sales are up 5–7% from last year, according to industry executives.
Smaller gift boxes help companies stay within fixed budgets, while demand for premium nuts such as pecans, macadamias and hazelnuts is growing.
Pistachio prices in India have nearly doubled in retail trade from a year ago, amid supply disruptions linked to the West Asia war and lower US production.
Companies and retailers are reducing the amount of nuts in Diwali gift boxes and replacing pistachios with alternatives such as seeds and berries.
Almond prices have risen about 20%, while prices across the nuts and dry fruits basket are up 25-40% year-on-year.
Despite the changes, Diwali sales of nuts and dry fruits have risen 5-7% year-on-year, industry executives said.
Demand for premium nuts and flavoured cashews is also growing in the niche gifting segment.
- Who
- Indian dry fruit processors, importers, retailers and gift-box sellers are responding to higher prices and lower supplies.
- What
- Pistachio prices have nearly doubled in retail trade, prompting smaller gift boxes and substitutions.
- When
- During the 2026 Diwali season; pistachio prices are compared with a year earlier.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Supply disruptions linked to the West Asia war, lower US production, weather-related disruptions, higher shipping costs and a weaker rupee have contributed to rising prices.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Retail pistachio prices were lower than in the 2026 festive season.
Higher prices and falling supplies led companies and retailers to reduce gift-box quantities and substitute other ingredients for pistachios.
Sales of nuts and dry fruits rose 5-7% year-on-year, according to industry executives.
- Pistachio retail prices
- Nearly double from a year ago
- Almond prices
- Up about 20%
- Overall nuts and dry fruits basket
- Prices up 25-40% year-on-year
- California pistachio crop
- Expected to be about 40% of the previous year's crop
- India annual nuts and dry fruits sales
- Estimated at Rs 75,000 crore
- Diwali share of annual sales
- Estimated at 30-35%
What people are saying
Pistachio have been the game spoiler this year.
The grammage reduction is something that we have not seen before.
However, pistachios have almost disappeared from the gifting basket.
We have seen an increase of about 5-7% in the Diwali sale of nuts and dry fruits when we compare the overall sales or even the same store sales of this year against last year.