Wonderful Pistachios, the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio and almond grower and processor, with local operations in India as California Pistachios, partnered with the Nuts and Dry Fruit Council India to host the inaugural retail conference titled “Get Crackin: Decoding the Potential of Pistachios” on November 24, 2023, at The Turf Renaissance Bengaluru Racecourse Hotel.

(L to R): Lieven Plets, Vice President, Industrial Sales, EMEIA, WP&A; Shail Pancholi, Lead Industrial Sales, India, WP&A; Gunjan Jain, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer – VKC Nuts Pvt. Ltd. and President of Nuts and Dry Fruits Council India; Raja M, National Category Head, Big Basket and Simrun Chopra, Founder, Nourish With Sim

The conference aimed to bring together Indias leading modern trade retailers, e-commerce players, and Dryfruits and Nut (DF&N) brands to discuss and share insights on the global pistachio market, growth potential in India, consumer trends, product developments, nutrition, health benefits, and sustainable practices.

Distinguished leaders and category managers from both modern retail and e-commerce companies, along with leading Dry Fruits and Nuts branded players, participated with enthusiasm. Lieven Plets, Vice President, Industrial Sales, EMEIA, and Shail Pancholi, Lead Industrial Sales, India, from Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds, affirmed the companys commitment to the growing Indian market.

During the event, Lieven Plets commented, “We are thrilled to associate with the Nuts and Dry Fruit Council India for The Get Crackin’ retail conference. Pistachios have great cultural significance in the country for gifting. However, the aspiration for California Pistachios has steadily increased as people recognize nutritional benefits and consume them year-round, not just during the festive season. As the global leader in pistachios, we are excited to share our insights and foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives with leading organized players in India. We are committed to creating category awareness and contributing to the robust growth of pistachio consumption in India through our ongoing educational programmes talking about the benefits of pistachios.”

Mr. Gunjan Jain, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer – VKC Nuts Pvt. Ltd. and President of Nuts and Dry Fruits Council India said, “Last year, India consumed over 60M pounds of pistachios, out of which 75-80% was imported from California. This indicates a steady increase in demand. We strongly believe that by providing consumers with the right information and building a strong distribution network, that ensures accessibility and availability, this healthy snacking alternative can become a part of peoples daily diets. We are optimistic about the growth potential of the overall DF&N category.”

In addition to insightful addresses by Plets and Pancholi, an engaging panel discussion with a diverse group of industry veterans such as Mr. Gunjan Jain, President of Nuts and Dry Fruits Council India, Mr. Raja M, National Category Head, BigBasket and renowned health coach, Ms. Simrun Chopra, Founder, Nourish With SIM was organized as part of the retail conference. The discussion focused on consumer trends that are influencing consumption patterns and purchase behaviors in the snacking, challenges, and opportunities within the pistachio market, including why pistachios should be incorporated into daily snacking as a good source of plant protein with all nine essential amino acids, fiber, and several micronutrients.

Following the success of the inaugural retail conference, Wonderful Pistachios remains dedicated to fostering continued growth in the Indian market.

About Wonderful Pistachios

Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds is the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio and almond grower and processor. Located in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley, our operation delivers more than 800 million pounds of nuts globally each year. Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds supplies both industrial and retail customers, offering high-quality, consistent supply and adherence to rigorous food safety standards.

Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds is part of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $5 billion company, which also has other No. 1 brands such as Wonderful Halos, FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, JUSTIN Wine, and Teleflora.

To learn more about us, visit www.wonderful.com, www.wonderfulpistachiosandalmonds.com and b2b.wonderfulpistachios.com

About California Pistachios

Brought to you by The Wonderful Company, California Pistachios make for a delicious snack that offers both crunch and seasoning. Sun-ripened in the moderate Mediterranean climate of California, these distinctively green nuts pack taste and contain antioxidants and nutrients. And all you need to get the party started is to crack one open!

For more information about California Pistachios India, please visit californiapistachios.com/, Instagram at @CaliforniaPistachiosIN, and Facebook at CaliforniaPistachiosIN.