Pistachios vanish from Diwali gift boxes this year as prices double, almonds rise 20%

Retail prices of pistachios have almost doubled compared with a year ago, driven by supply disruptions associated with the West Asia conflict and a smaller US crop. Almond prices, meanwhile, have climbed around 20%, according to dry fruit processors and importers. At the premium end of the gifting market, however, demand for exotic nuts such as pecans, macadamias and hazelnuts remains on the rise.