Walnuts, Pistachios and Raisins – rising prices due to global disruption [70th Edition of PLANT-BASED Newsletter]

Author
Foodcom Experts
28.11.2024
7 min reading
Walnuts, Pistachios and Raisins – rising prices due to global disruption [70th Edition of PLANT-BASED Newsletter]
Summary
Table of contents
  • Pistachios are getting more expensive: Changing climatic conditions and rising production costs are making these popular nuts increasingly hard to find.
  • Potatoes in crisis: Extreme weather conditions in Europe are reducing yields, leading to higher prices for potato products.
  • Record coffee prices: Brazilian frost and drought limit supply, affecting Arabica prices worldwide.
  • China buys soya: Fear of a trade conflict with the US is causing China to focus on Brazilian supplies, changing the global commodity market.

Welcome Partners!

Welcome back to our newsletter!

Global changes in the food market are becoming increasingly apparent, affecting both the availability and prices of key products. In the latest edition of our newsletter, we focus on important challenges and trends: from rising pistachio and coffee prices, to problems with potato production in Europe, to China’s strategic action to secure soybean supplies. We also look at Turkey’s decision to cut tariffs on sunflower seeds and its potential impact.

Let’s see what else has happened in the plant products market recently!

Pistachios

Long prized for their unique taste and nutritional value, pistachios are now gaining popularity as an ingredient in a variety of dishes and snacks. They are rich in healthy fats, protein and fibre, supporting heart health and metabolism. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health, and have a low glycaemic index, making them a suitable choice for those concerned about blood sugar levels. The growing demand for pistachios is due to their wide use in cooking, from desserts to dry dishes. At the same time, fluctuating climatic conditions in key growing regions such as Iran and the US and rising production and transport costs are contributing to rising prices and limited availability. Producers are investing in new technologies and sustainable cultivation methods to meet the challenges and maintain a stable supply.

Walnuts

Known for their high content of omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as magnesium and zinc, walnuts remain one of the most valued ingredients in a healthy diet. They are an excellent source of antioxidants such as ɣ-tocopherol, which protect against oxidative stress, and support brain health and cognitive function. They help keep the brain, heart and nervous system working properly, and their versatility makes them indispensable in the kitchen. This year’s shortage of walnuts in Poland is due to the frosts, which have significantly affected the harvest, forcing the market to import more, mainly from China. The consequence is higher prices and less availability of the product. Producers are working to improve crop yields and resilience to minimise the effects of climate change.

Sultanas

Sultanas, popular for years as a healthy side dish and snack, have recently become increasingly expensive. They are a natural source of energy thanks to their fructose and glucose content and support bone health by providing boron, a mineral that supports calcium metabolism. The main reasons for the price increase are climate change in key exporting countries such as Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan and China, which have reduced harvests, and rising transport costs. Despite these difficulties, sultanas are still valued for their health properties – they contain fibre, potassium and antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular and digestive health. Producers are taking steps to increase production efficiency and stabilise prices to meet consumer demands.

What else?

Coffee prices at record levels since 1977

The Arabic coffee market has seen its highest price jump in more than four decades, reaching record levels since 1977. The main reason is the extreme weather conditions in Brazil, such as frost and drought, which severely affected this year’s harvest. Coffee production has fallen, which, with globally growing demand, has significantly unbalanced the market. In addition, disruptions in supply chains and rising transport costs are pushing up prices even further. Consumers around the world are already feeling these changes, paying more for their daily cups of coffee.

Climate change threatens potato production in Europe

Potato production in Europe is facing serious challenges from climate change, which is causing extreme weather events such as droughts and heavy rainfall. Key growing regions, including Belgium, the Netherlands and France, are experiencing significant yield declines, leading to higher prices for potatoes and related products such as Chips. Experts warn that a continuation of this trend could affect the stability of supply and force producers to look for new solutions, including more climate-resilient potato varieties.

Turkey cuts tariffs on sunflower seed imports

Turkey has announced a significant reduction in tariffs on sunflower seed imports, with the aim of easing price pressure on the domestic market and improving the availability of the raw material for the oil industry. The decision is in response to rising production costs and shortages due to global disruptions in supply chains and declining local yields. Experts predict that this change in customs policy may help stabilise sunflower oil prices in the Turkish market in the short term, although the long-term effects will depend on the international commodity market situation.

China buys Brazilian soya amid US trade concerns

China is increasing its purchases of Brazilian soybeans in preparation for possible trade tensions with the United States. The move is aimed at securing key supplies of a raw material vital to the country’s feed sector, particularly against a backdrop of growing concerns over possible trade disruptions with the US. As the world’s largest soybean exporter, Brazil is becoming a strategic partner of China, which could affect the global market, leading to changing trade flows and pressure on commodity prices elsewhere.

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