Soaring demand for pistachios from chocolatiers, bakeries and other food manufacturers is providing a timely boost to California’s world-leading pistachio sector. Industry experts said the success of Dubai chocolate—a viral sensation invented by a United Arab Emirates dessert company—has proven more than a fad. “Every chocolatier is using pistachio paste and has a green chocolate bar,” said Ali Amin, owner of Los Angeles-based Primex International Trading, which markets pistachios to countries around the world. Amin said the culinary trend has gone beyond chocolate, with pistachio paste seeing new or increased use as an ingredient in all kinds of food products. Zachary Fraser, president and CEO of the American Pistachio Growers, said he expects demand for pistachios will remain strong and bring increased returns to growers even as more acres come into production in California. “We are riding the Dubai chocolate craze, fueling it and building a movement,” Fraser said. Read more in Ag Alert: bit.ly/47KZaQv #News #AgAlert #CAFarmBureau #Pistachios #DubaiChocolate #CulinaryTrend #IncreasedReturns #FoodTrend