California pistachio growers expect smaller crop due to heat

LOS ANGELES (August 3, 2026) — Wonderful Pistachios BB #:358637, the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio grower and processor, released its forecast on the upcoming 2026 California pistachio harvest, projecting a significantly smaller than typical “off-year” crops, driven exclusively by extreme heat conditions outside of any pistachio growers’ control.

Retailers and consumers can expect price increases of California pistachios products to maintain continuity and industry stability in advance of the Fall 2027 crop returning levels to normal.

Despite the smaller crop, the company emphasized that strong planning, carryover inventory from last year’s record harvest, and long-term infrastructure investments will ensure continued availability for customers worldwide.

“Shoppers will still see the same pistachios, at the same stores, on the same shelves,” shared Michael Hohmann, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds.

A Weather-Driven, Naturally Smaller ‘Off Year’

According to the July 2026 issue of Nutfruit Magazine, the official publication of the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC), the upcoming Fall 2026 crop at the time of reporting was forecasted at 315,000 metric tons (about 695 million pounds), which is about 60% below last year’s 2025 on-year crop and about 40% down from the previous off-year in 2024. More recent orchard evaluations project an even greater reduction in crop.

This level of reduction is solely attributed to extreme heat during the critical spring bloom period, including a record-setting March with more than 10 days exceeding 90°F (~32°C). These conditions led to significant cluster and nut drop, reducing overall yield potential across California orchards.

“These high temperatures and conditions were entirely outside of a pistachio growers’ control,” said Andy Anzaldo, Senior Vice President of Grower Operations at Wonderful Pistachios. “While pistachios naturally follow a two-year cycle, the 2026 crop will be lighter than a typical off year due to these weather dynamics.”

Pistachios are what growers refer to as an alternate-bearing crop, meaning trees naturally cycle between larger yielding “on years” and smaller crops during “off years.” This alternating pattern has been a defining characteristic of pistachio production for decades and is factored into long-term planning across the industry.

Measured Price Adjustments to Maintain Balance and Support Farmers Through a Challenging Year

The smaller crop also presents financial challenges for growers across California and, in response to the lighter crop, Wonderful Pistachios projects the cost of California pistachio products to consumers may increase depending on the retailer and channel.

Importantly, these pricing adjustments are anticipated to be lower than the estimated 60% reduction in year over year crop size that Nutfruit Magazine predicts, reflecting a disciplined approach to balancing grower sustainability with customer needs.

“This is a measured adjustment to maintain stability across the category while supporting growers behind it,” added Hohmann. “The price that consumers are going to see will not be as significant as what the farmers will have lost.”

Wonderful Pistachios works with approximately 1,000 independent grower partners, many of whom depend on stable pricing to sustain their operations year over year.

“We have to ensure the long-term viability of our farmers, who are part of the foundation of this country,” said Anzaldo. “Years like this are particularly difficult, and responsible pricing plays an important role in helping growers remain in business and continue investing in their orchards.”

As a bright spot for consumers, Wonderful Pistachios noted that pricing for its new chocolate-covered pistachio varieties will remain unchanged, offering continued value within its growing product portfolio.

Optimism Looking Ahead to On-Shelf Availability and the ‘On Year’ 2027 Fall Harvest

Wonderful Pistachios emphasized that consumers will continue to find California pistachios readily available. This continuity is supported by carryover inventory from recent record-breaking harvests, combined with the company’s vertically integrated supply chain and long-term planning approach.

Since its inception, Wonderful Pistachios has invested more than $1 billion in production, processing, and storage infrastructure, enabling the company to efficiently manage supply across crop cycles. The company has the largest storage capacity of any grower and harvester, providing a reliable year-round pistachio supply.

Looking forward, the industry anticipates a significant rebound in the next “on year.” Early projections indicate that the 2027 California pistachio harvest could reach record levels, potentially exceeding 1.9 billion pounds, consistent with historical patterns following lighter crop years.

For more information about Wonderful Pistachios visit wonderfulpistachios.com or follow @wonderfulpistachios on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.