CONFERENCE NOTE · CFNA TREE NUTS · YIWU
From August 5 to 8, Nutoast attended the 2026 China International Tree Nuts Conference in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, joining industry associations, growers, processors, traders and food companies in discussions about the changing global nut market.
Organized by the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA), the conference combined market presentations, category-specific production reports, one-to-one business-matching sessions, an exhibition and industry visits.
According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), the event welcomed more than 530 participants, 108 exhibitors and representatives from 18 countries. Chinese event coverage used a broader counting scope, reporting more than 800 industry guests from over 20 countries and regions. Although the totals differ, both accounts reflect China’s growing connection with the international nut supply chain.
China Records a Significant Shift in Nut Trade
One of the most notable updates presented at the conference concerned China’s nut import and export performance.
On the reported figures, this was the first time China’s nut export value exceeded its import value.
Figures shared at the conference by CFNA President Cao Derong, as reported by Chinese industry media.
The contrast between slightly lower import volume and substantially higher import value also points to the influence of raw-material prices, product mix, origin and supply conditions. For food manufacturers and ingredient businesses, market development can no longer be evaluated only by shipment volume. Raw-material availability, cost structure and application value are becoming increasingly interconnected.
Global Pistachio Supply Expectations Move Lower
Pistachios were among the categories receiving particular attention as the market considers a potentially tighter 2026/27 supply environment.
Market update published after the conference. Market estimates, not final harvest results.
A market update published after the conference reported that global pistachio production is now expected to reach approximately 600,180 tonnes — around 46% lower than the previous season. This is also below the INC’s earlier May forecast of 701,050 tonnes.
Market update published after the conference. Market estimates, not final harvest results.
Total global pistachio supply, including available carry-in stocks, was projected to fall from approximately 1.31 million tonnes in 2025/26 to 875,650 tonnes in 2026/27, a decrease of about 33%.
Forecast uncertainty remains significant across the principal producing countries:
- In Türkiye, reliable national production figures had not yet been released. Estimates cited by exporters ranged from approximately 100,000 to 200,000 tonnes, while Italian processor Anastasi reportedly revised its expectation to around 130,000 tonnes.
- Iran’s production was projected to decline by nearly 50%, with irrigation disruption associated with electricity shortages identified by the Iranian Pistachio Association as one contributing factor.
- In the United States, harvesting was expected to begin in September, while unusually hot conditions during the flowering period had created concern about crop volume.
These figures remain market estimates rather than final harvest results. Nevertheless, the downward revisions across several origins indicate that pistachio buyers may need to monitor crop development, origin availability and specification requirements more closely during the coming season.
What This Means for Pistachio Product Development
A tighter raw-material environment affects more than procurement. It can also influence formulation decisions, product positioning, cost control and the selection of the right pistachio ingredient for each application.
A bakery filling, gelato base, confectionery centre, beverage sauce and foodservice topping do not necessarily require the same ingredient format or specification. When supply conditions change, matching the ingredient to the actual application becomes even more important.
This is where Nutoast connects market awareness with practical product development.
Nutoast works with distributors, food manufacturers and professional application teams across bakery, gelato, confectionery, beverages, desserts and foodservice. Rather than treating every requirement as a request for a standard pistachio paste, we focus on identifying the product format that fits the intended application and commercial context.
From Industry Information to Application Decisions
The 2026 China International Tree Nuts Conference demonstrated how closely global production, international trade and downstream food innovation are connected.
China’s changing trade position presents new opportunities for the industry, while the tighter pistachio outlook also introduces sourcing and development challenges. For ingredient companies and food manufacturers, responding effectively will require a clearer understanding of origins, supply conditions, specifications and end-use requirements.
Nutoast will continue to follow these developments and translate relevant market information into practical conversations with customers and partners.
Planning a pistachio application or reviewing your ingredient requirements for the coming season?