World Perspectives
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Volatility in Pistachios

The U.S. first displaced Iran as the world’s leading producer of pistachios in 2012 and for the past four years it has not even been a contest. Iran’s downfall was in part U.S. trade sanctions, but also its failure to manage water resources and disease problems properly. While the pistachio tree is largely a desert plant, water problems may yet befall the U.S. industry, which is largely based in California. However, another noticeable problem for pistachio production generally is volatile income from year to year since it is a biennial-bearing crop. Turkey has been expanding pistachio production relatively quickly and has surpassed Iran in output in recent years based on an alternating production cycle. Based on FAO data, produ...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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