News Summary

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. has inaugurated a new processing facility in Zamora, California, expanding its capacity to meet the rising demand for pistachios. With 430,000 square feet of space, the facility is poised to enhance production for the 2025 harvest. The grand opening, attended by industry stakeholders, signals a commitment to sustainable practices and support for local growers. Setton’s recent acquisition of another processing facility and ongoing expansions further bolster its operations in an evolving pistachio market.

California – Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second-largest pistachio grower and processor, has inaugurated a new processing facility in Zamora, located in Yolo County, California. This significant expansion aims to enhance the company’s processing capabilities in response to skyrocketing demand for pistachios, with the facility expected to begin operations for the 2025 harvest season.

The recently opened plant, which spans 430,000 square feet, has 270,000 square feet currently in use. This new facility is part of the company’s strategy to boost production while adhering to sustainable farming practices. Construction on the facility took three years to complete, demonstrating Setton’s long-term commitment to the pistachio industry.

Demand for pistachios has been rising, and this facility is prime to meet these needs as Northern California boasts approximately 14,000 bearing acres of pistachios. This region also anticipates growth in areas such as Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties. The new location is expected to benefit local grower partners by reducing travel times and transportation costs, providing greater accessibility to processing facilities.

Grand Opening Event

The grand opening ceremony for the Zamora processing facility took place on June 5, 2023, and was attended by various stakeholders including growers, vendors, and state representatives. This event marks a notable point in Setton’s ongoing efforts to solidify its place in the agribusiness sector.

Recent Acquisitions and Expansion Plans

In addition to the new facility in Zamora, Setton Pistachio recently acquired Deer Creek Pistachio, another processing facility in Terra Bella, California. This acquisition is expected to increase the company’s hulling, drying, processing capacity, and service capabilities. Overall, Setton operates five facilities, which include two in Terra Bella, one in Pixley, one in Ducor, and the newly-established facility in Zamora.

Furthermore, expansions at Setton’s Brooklyn facility in Terra Bella are also underway, contributing to an increase in processing capacity. Altogether, these expansions are set to add over 100 million pounds of additional processing volume to the company’s operations. Plans for further expansion are already being discussed to continue meeting growing market demands.

Industry Trends and Commitment to Sustainability

Mia Cohen, Setton Farms Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that the expansion is driven by prevailing trends in the pistachio industry, particularly the growing popularity of plant-based snacking. These trends align with the company’s mission to support both their growers and environmental sustainability through increased capacity and improved processes.

As the pistachio industry continues to evolve, Setton Pistachio’s strategic plans and expansions position the company advantageously to meet rising consumer demands while promoting responsible farming practices. The new Zamora facility represents a forward-thinking approach in meeting both present and future needs within the pistachio market.