TERRA BELLA – The nation’s second-largest pistachio grower and processor is cracking open a new organic line of products in Tulare County.
Setton Farms recently announced it has expanded its line of premium pistachios by opening a fully dedicated USDA organic-certified facility. Setton Organic, LLC will be located in Ducor, Calif. just five miles south of the main processing plant in Terra Bella, Calif. Setton’s products will now include SKUs in the rapidly growing organic category, with retail and bulk lines offering both roasted and raw in-shell and kernel pistachios.
“Our philosophy of expanding thoughtfully and sustainably drives all our efforts,” Setton Farms COO Mia Cohen said. “Offering the world our nutrient-dense organic pistachios is simply the next step in this process.”
Growing premium quality, organic pistachios begin in Setton Farms’ orchard. Natural repellants mitigate crop damage while the soil is fortified with compost from the pistachio hulls, leaves and branches sorted out during harvest. All equipment and silos are certified for use by CCOF, granting Setton’s products the official USDA organic seal.
Setton’s processing method, known for exceeding industry quality standards, utilizes three sorting techniques and a proprietary pasteurization system. A.I. driven inspection, sampling and automated packing streamline the process from start to finish. This technologically advanced 45,000 square foot operating facility will be equipped with four retail packaging lines and three bulk packaging lines, which will offer both roasted and raw in-shell and kernel pistachios.
The certified organic classic roasted salted variety is available now in a 7-ounce resealable bag. A versatile new display ships preloaded and can hang from a quarter pallet bin or stand upright on the provided base.
This year’s pistachio crop will be another record estimated at 1.5 billion pounds. The largest crop to date was several years ago at 1.16 billion pounds. The trade group American Pistachio Growers recently suggested that it could grow to 2 billion pounds by 2031. Among some growers, the prediction is spurring fears of over planting and potentially hurting prices. Processors are offering every kind of flavored nut to stimulate demand.
