Setton Pistachio Opens New Processing Facility in Zamora

Categories: California Business NewsCalifornia News

Setton Pistachio's latest facility in Zamora aims to boost local agricultural economies and meet growing demand.

News Summary

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella has opened a new processing facility in Zamora, California, expanding its capacity to meet growing pistachio demand. Covering 430,000 square feet, the facility aims to enhance processing capabilities in Northern California, where pistachio cultivation is on the rise. The opening event on June 5, 2023, was attended by industry stakeholders to celebrate the new plant, which will streamline operations and reduce transportation costs for local growers. Setton’s strategic expansions also include an acquisition of an additional processing site to reinforce its position in the competitive market.

California – Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the second-largest grower and processor of pistachios in the United States, has officially opened a new processing facility in Zamora, located in Yolo County, north of Sacramento. This significant expansion aims to bolster processing capacities in response to the increasing demand for pistachios, while also committing to sustainable farming practices.

The new Zamora plant, which has been under construction for three years, covers an expansive area of 430,000 square feet, with 270,000 square feet actively utilized at launch. The facility is set to become operational in time for the anticipated record-breaking 2025 pistachio harvest. This exciting development comes at a time when Northern California is witnessing a rise in pistachio cultivation, with approximately 14,000 bearing acres in the region. Growth is expected in counties such as Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo.

The grand opening event on June 5, 2023, welcomed growers, vendors, and state representatives to celebrate the new processing capabilities. The location of the Zamora facility will provide meaningful benefits to grower partners in Northern California by reducing travel times and transportation costs associated with getting their products processed. This strategic placement is vital for local agricultural economies.

In conjunction with the new Zamora facility, Setton has also recently acquired Deer Creek Pistachio, an existing processing site in Terra Bella. This acquisition has further enhanced Setton’s hulling, drying, and processing capacity, indicative of the company’s commitment to meeting growing demand in a competitive market. Including the new site, Setton now operates five processing facilities: two in Terra Bella, one in Pixley, one in Ducor, and the recently opened plant in Zamora.

The expansion does not end with Zamora. Setton is also implementing expansions at its Brooklyn facility in Terra Bella, significantly increasing processing capabilities. The combined impact of these expansions is projected to add over 100 million pounds of additional processing volume across Setton’s operations, with further expansions planned for the future. This growth trajectory aligns with the rising trends in the pistachio industry, driven in part by the increasing popularity of plant-based snacking options.

Setton’s Chief Operating Officer emphasized the company’s dual commitment to supporting both their growers and environmental sustainability through these increased capacities. As demand for health-conscious snack alternatives rises, the company is well-positioned to meet consumer preferences while contributing positively to local agricultural sustainability.

The opening of the Zamora processing plant marks a pivotal point for Setton Pistachio and the broader pistachio market in California. As the industry adapts to changing consumer demands and a growing focus on sustainability, Setton’s strategic expansions reaffirm its status as a leader in the pistachio processing sector.