American Pistachio Growers
Empowering the Pistachio Industry, One Nut at a Time
Company Overview
- Legal Name: American Pistachio Growers (APG)
- Established: 2009 (as APG, though pistachio advocacy dates back decades)
- Headquarters: 9 River Park Place East, Suite 410, Fresno, California, USA
- Contact Person: Zachary Fraser (Executive Director)
- Email: info@americanpistachios.org
- Phone: +1 559-475-0435
- Website: americanpistachios.org
- Company Type: Non-Profit Trade Association
- Membership: Over 800 members, including growers, processors, and industry stakeholders
- Geographic Focus: Primarily USA (California, Arizona, New Mexico), with global reach through marketing initiatives
Mission and Vision
American Pistachio Growers (APG) is a non-profit trade association representing U.S. pistachio growers, processors, and industry partners. Its mission is to build demand for American-grown pistachios worldwide, educate consumers and trade stakeholders about the health benefits and culinary versatility of pistachios, and support growers through advocacy, research, and promotion.
Products Promoted
APG promotes a variety of pistachio-based products, including:
- Pistachios (In-shell and Shelled)
- Natural Roasted & Salted
- Unsalted
- Raw
- Value-Added Products
- Pistachio Butter
- Pistachio Flour
- Pistachio Oil
- Pistachio Snacks (bars, clusters, mixes)
Industry and Market Insights
- Pistachio Production (2023):
- U.S. production: 576,000 metric tons
- California: >99% of U.S. pistachio acreage
- Export share: ~65% of total production
- Top Export Destinations: China, European Union, India, Turkey, Canada
- Economic Impact:
- Pistachios contribute over $5.2 billion annually to the U.S. economy
- More than 15,000 jobs supported across farming, processing, and distribution
- Health Market:
- Recognized as a complete protein source
- Endorsed by the American Heart Association (Heart-Check Certified)
Certifications and Standards
- USDA Certified: U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2 Grades
- Heart-Check Certified: American Heart Association
- Food Safety Compliance: FSMA, HACCP, GAP standards
Education & Research Initiatives
APG funds extensive research on pistachios, including:
- Nutritional benefits (e.g., heart health, weight management, gut health)
- Agricultural sustainability practices
- Post-harvest handling and storage
- Global marketing campaigns and trade education programs
Key collaborations include:
- Harvard University: Cardiovascular health studies
- Loma Linda University: Satiety and weight control research
- University of California, Davis: Agricultural sustainability projects
Marketing and Promotions
- Global Campaigns: China, India, Europe, Middle East
- Celebrity Chef Partnerships: Including global culinary ambassadors showcasing pistachio recipes
- Content Channels:
Resources and Materials
Advocacy and Industry Representation
APG actively engages in:
- U.S. policy advocacy for agricultural support and trade access
- International trade promotion and market access expansion
- Food safety and agricultural best practices dissemination
- Sustainability initiatives for water conservation and reduced carbon footprint
American Pistachio Growers is the unified voice of the U.S. pistachio industry, committed to driving demand, enhancing industry knowledge, and ensuring the long-term success of its members and the entire value chain.