Pista price in Pakistan, salted Iranian pistachios currently retail at PKR 2,800–3,000 per kg, roughly the same as last year Dawn. This stability comes despite an 83 % jump in import volumes and a 122 % surge in value during the first five months of FY25, when Pakistan bought 84,573 tonnes of dried fruits and nuts worth $66.2 million Dawn. Over July–October 2023, the country imported over 31,000 tonnes of dry fruits (primarily from Iran and Afghanistan) valued at Rs 5 billion, underscoring the critical role of these nuts in local diets and festive cuisines Arab News PK.
Pistachios in Context
Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is a drupaceous nut native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It accounts for 14 % of global tree-nut production, positioning it just behind almonds and walnuts in worldwide output nutfruit. Major producers include the USA, Turkey, and Iran, with cross-border trade influencing prices in Pakistan Wikipedia.
Key Price Drivers
Several factors shape the pista price in Pakistan:
- Import Volumes & Trade Routes: Winter demand peaks in markets like Quetta’s Tola Ram Road, where traders source directly from Iran and Afghanistan Home.
- Supply Disruptions: Militancy in Afghanistan’s Badghis region has halved local output in recent years, tightening supplies on Karachi’s Jodia Bazaar Dawn.
- Currency & Duties: A fluctuating PKR/USD rate and customs levies on imported nuts can add 10–20 % to landed costs.
- Seasonality: Off-season months see prices spike by up to 25 % as import arrivals taper off.
- Quality & Processing: Shelling, grading, and roasting add labor and machinery costs, creating a gap between raw pista price and kernel (magaz) price Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Retail vs. Wholesale Rates
- Retail (Salted Iranian): PKR 2,800–3,000 per kg Dawn
- Retail (Unshelled Raw Pista): Starts around PKR 1,000 per kg during bulk-sale promotions.
- Wholesale (Bulk Buyers): Approximately PKR 1,000–1,100 per kg for unshelled nuts, sourcing through semi-wholesale markets in Karachi and Lahore.
Pack-Size Pricing
- 100 g Pack (roasted & salted @ PKR 2,800/kg) ≈ PKR 280.
- 250 g Pack (bulk discount) ≈ PKR 650–700.
- 500 g Pack ≈ PKR 1,350–1,400.
Regional Market Snapshot
- Karachi (Jodia Bazaar): Hub for bulk imports; retail stalls price salted pista at PKR 2,800–3,000 per kg Dawn.
- Quetta: Winter festivals drive demand; local shops import directly via land routes from Iran/Afghanistan Arab News PK.
- Lahore (Akbari Mandi): Seasonal rates mirror Karachi, with slight premiums for prime-grade kernels.
Why Choose Al-Maharah?
At Al-Maharah, we offer competitive, lower-than-market rates on premium pistachios:
Product | Price (PKR per kg) | Buying Link |
Salted Ahmed Aghai Pista | 1,750–3,500 | Buy Now |
Ahmed Aghai Pista (Unsalted) | 1,799–3,599 | Buy Now |
FAQs
What is the current retail price of salted Iranian pistachios per kilogram in Pakistan?
Salted Iranian pistachios currently retail at Rs 2,800–3,000 per kg Dawn. This price point remains nearly unchanged from last year, reflecting controlled import costs and stable currency levels Dawn.
Why have pistachio prices in Pakistan remained relatively stable despite rising import volumes?
Price stability is largely due to a relatively steady PKR/USD exchange rate in 2024, which kept landed costs in check Dawn. Moreover, imports of dried fruits and nuts surged by 83% in volume and 122% in value during the first five months of FY25, ensuring ample supply Dawn.
When is the best time to buy pistachios in Pakistan for lower prices?
Import data shows that 84,573 tonnes of dried fruits and nuts were brought in from July to November 2024, making October to January the prime period for competitive pricing as fresh shipments land Dawn.
What factors influence the fluctuation of pistachio prices in Pakistan?
Key drivers include:
- Import Volumes & Trade Routes: Higher shipments via land routes from Iran and Afghanistan bolster supply Dawn.
- Supply Disruptions: Militancy in Afghanistan’s Badghis region has halved local output, tightening supplies into Karachi’s markets Dawn.
- Currency & Duties: Customs levies and PKR/USD volatility can add 10–20% to landed costs.
- Seasonality: Demand peaks around winter festivals, while off-season months may see tighter supply.
How do retail prices compare to wholesale rates for pistachios in Pakistan?
Retail customers pay around Rs 2,800–3,000 per kg for salted Iranian pistachios Dawn. Bulk buyers sourcing directly from importers can secure pistachios at Rs 3,500–5,500 per kg, depending on type and grade.
What is the price difference between salted and raw unshelled pistachios?
Salted Iranian pistachios command Rs 2,800–3,000 per kg at retail. In contrast, raw unshelled pistachios can start as low as Rs 900 per kg during bulk-sale promotions.
How should pistachios be stored to maintain freshness and quality?
Store pistachios in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption and rancidity. For extended shelf life—up to six months—refrigeration or freezing is recommended to slow oxidation and preserve flavor