Overview

• The thick-shelled, pistachio- and often tahini-filled confection is being reimagined beyond bars into croissants, milkshakes and other formats with flavors from peanut butter and jelly to matcha.
• Major U.S. retailers and chains now offer Dubai-inspired items, including Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart, QVC, IHOP and Baskin-Robbins, while Lindt’s limited European bar drew crowds.
• Sellers report strong sell-through and premium pricing, with $18.99 bars and a $79.99 gold-infused version, and new holiday gift assortments entering stores.
• NielsenIQ reports U.S. pistachio-filled chocolate sales of $822,900 in the 52 weeks to June 28, with unit volumes up 1,234% year over year even as overall chocolate units slipped.
• Iranian producer Keinia links the craze to pistachio supply pressure, and Google searches peaked in March and have remained elevated since then.