News Summary
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella has inaugurated a new processing facility in Zamora, California, to enhance processing capabilities and meet the rising demand for pistachios. The 430,000 square-foot plant, operational by 2025, supports local growers by reducing transportation costs and improving efficiency. Setton’s expansion aligns with trends in healthy snacking alternatives and signifies its commitment to environmental sustainability and agricultural growth in the region.
California – Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the second-largest pistachio grower and processor in the United States, has launched a new processing facility in Zamora, located in Yolo County, north of Sacramento. The grand opening of the facility occurred on June 5, 2023, with attendance from local growers, vendors, and state representatives.
The new plant, which has been under construction for the past three years, covers an expansive area of 430,000 square feet, of which 270,000 square feet is currently operational. The facility aims to bolster Setton’s processing capabilities to meet the rising demand for pistachios in a market increasingly favoring plant-based snacks.
Scheduled to be operational for the 2025 harvest, which is anticipated to be record-breaking, the Zamora facility marks a significant expansion for Setton Pistachio. Northern California has an estimated 14,000 bearing acres dedicated to pistachio cultivation, with projections indicating growth in several counties, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo.
Partnerships with local growers are expected to flourish as the facility will reduce travel times and lower transportation costs due to its strategic location. This is particularly advantageous for growers in Northern California, enhancing operational efficiency while fostering a thriving pistachio industry in the region.
Setton Pistachio’s recent acquisition of Deer Creek Pistachio, a processing facility based in Terra Bella, has also contributed to increasing its hulling, drying, processing capacity, and service capabilities. Overall, the company now operates five processing facilities: two in Terra Bella, one in Pixley, one in Ducor, and the newly inaugurated plant in Zamora. Additionally, expansions at Setton’s Brooklyn facility have further increased the company’s processing capacity.
The new expansions are projected to augment Setton’s operational capabilities by adding over 100 million pounds of additional processing volume. This growth aligns with the increasing trends within the pistachio industry, reflecting the ongoing demand for healthy snacking alternatives. The company remains committed to supporting its growers while prioritizing environmental sustainability through enhanced processing capacities.
As the pistachio market continues to evolve, Setton Pistachio emphasizes its dedication to adapting to these trends, ensuring that both growers and consumers benefit from the expanded operations. Looking forward, the company has plans for further expansion, securing its role as a leader in the pistachio processing industry and contributing positively to the agricultural landscape of California.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Business Journal: Tulare County Pistachio Company Expands
- Google Search: pistachio processing California
- Food Processing: Setton Pistachio Opens Facility in Zamora
- Wikipedia: Pistachio
- Visalia Times Delta: Setton Bids to Buy Touchstone Plant
- Google News: Setton Pistachio California
- SJVSun: Setton Farms Bids for Touchstone Plant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
- SJVSun: Judge Approves Sale of Touchstone Plant
- Google Scholar: pistachio industry California
