Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., operating under the brand name Setton Farms, is one of the largest pistachio growers, processors, and marketers in the United States. Based in Terra Bella, California, Setton is a vertically integrated company known for its premium pistachio products, robust export operations, and sustainable agricultural practices. With a legacy of family ownership and innovation, Setton Pistachio has built a reputation for product quality, safety, and global market leadership.
Company History
Founded in 1986, Setton Pistachio is a division of the Setton International Foods, Inc. family. It began as a small farming operation and has grown into one of California’s top pistachio processors. With over three decades of experience, Setton Farms has expanded its processing capacity, launched proprietary snack brands, and established a global footprint in more than 60 countries.
Under the leadership of Joshua Setton, the company continues to drive innovation in the nut industry, offering both branded consumer products and custom bulk solutions to major foodservice and retail partners.
Core Business
Setton Pistachio’s core business spans the full value chain of pistachio production:
- Farming and harvesting pistachios across thousands of acres in California’s Central Valley
- State-of-the-art processing and packaging of pistachio nuts in various forms
- Private labeling and bulk ingredient supply
- Branded consumer products under Setton Farms
- Export operations to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America
Product and Service Offerings
In-Shell Pistachios
- Raw
- Roasted & Salted
- Seasoned (Salt & Pepper, Garlic Onion, Chili Lemon, and more)
Pistachio Kernels
- Raw or Roasted
- Salted and Seasoned Variants
- Available in custom cuts for industrial use
Organic Pistachios
- Certified Organic In-Shell and Kernels
- USDA Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO verified
Value-Added Snacks
- Pistachio Chewy Bites: Bite-sized snack bars with pistachios and cranberries
- Pistachio Pub Mix: Gourmet snack mix with roasted pistachios, nuts, and crunchy bits
Services
- Private Label Manufacturing
- Custom Formulation and Bulk Ingredients
- Export Packing and Documentation Services
Specialization and USP
Setton Farms stands out for its:
- Vertically integrated operations: From farm to package, all stages are managed in-house
- Sustainability focus: Uses closed-loop water recycling, solar energy, and zero-waste initiatives
- Food safety protocols: SQF Level 3 certified, HACCP compliant, and FDA registered
- Product innovation: Pioneer of pistachio-based snack bars and gourmet flavors
Their robust traceability system ensures complete product tracking from orchard to shelf, giving retailers and consumers confidence in quality and safety.
Financials
While privately held, Setton Pistachio is estimated to be among the top five pistachio processors in the U.S., handling over 80 million pounds of pistachios annually. Industry sources estimate:
- Annual revenue exceeding $150 million
- Global exports representing over 40% of total production
- Investment in R&D and processing infrastructure topping $30 million over the last decade
Shipment and Trade Support
Setton is a major exporter of U.S.-grown pistachios, serving clients across:
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain)
- Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel)
- Latin America and Canada
Their in-house export team handles all regulatory compliance, including phytosanitary certification, customs documentation, and freight logistics, ensuring timely global distribution.
Target Market
- Retail consumers through branded products in supermarkets and e-commerce
- Foodservice and hospitality buyers in bulk or private-label format
- Industrial food manufacturers using pistachio kernels as ingredients
- Health-conscious snackers, targeting clean-label and non-GMO preferences
Their customer base includes wholesalerstural food retailers, club stores, and international food brands.
Capabilities
- Over 50,000 square feet of advanced processing space in Terra Bella, CA
- Optical sorting, laser scanning, and roasting lines to ensure quality
- Cold storage and climate-controlled warehousing
- R&D lab for flavor development and shelf-life testing
- Scalable packaging options from 1oz bags to 2,000lb totes
Certifications and Compliance
- SQF Level 3 and HACCP Certified
- USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified
- Kosher and Halal certified
- FDA registered and compliant with FSMA
The company undergoes regular third-party audits and is committed to the highest global food safety standards.
Customer Testimonials
"Setton Farms consistently delivers top-tier quality and reliable logistics. Their pistachios are a customer favorite."
– Procurement Director, Whole Foods Market
"We trust Setton with our private label needs because of their transparency, innovation, and attention to detail."
– International Distributor, Germany
Major Achievements
- Named Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration
- Over 60 countries served with compliant export documentation
- Developed the award-winning Pistachio Chewy Bites line
- Implemented one of the most advanced food safety systems in the nut industry
- Featured in Forbes and Food & Beverage Magazine for innovation and sustainability leadership
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella continues to lead the pistachio industry through commitment to excellence, product innovation, and global reach. As consumer demand for plant-based, protein-rich snacks grows, Setton remains at the forefront of healthy, high-quality nut production.