"There is a growing commercial interest in the pistachio at an international level, mainly for direct consumption and as an ingredient of the agri-food industry, but also for other uses; supported in the product properties (healthy nature, easy adaptation to different types of presentation, combination and consumption) and on aspirational factors in countries and/or layers of the population that until recently they did not know or did not consider this ingredient.
Countries such as Spain, Italy or Portugal, in Europe; are called to play a relevant role, providing good opportunities for producers and manufacturers with increased product quality and flexibility. The selling price of the pistachio in Spain has grown steadily until the 5.5 to 6.0 €/kg, a cumulative increase of between 12% and 15% since 2010; and even reaches the 12€/kg for exports. It is believed that the price will tend to stabilise, but not to fall, at least not significantly.
The implementation of a business project focused on the supply of plant for both Spain and exporting is considered feasible and timely (necessary, for others), as this is supported by an evident and current marketing reality, and with a stable horizon at worst, when turning to the more conservative forecasts. Approximately 75% - 80% of the plants that are sold are without graft, but it is considered that this trend will gradually be reversed. The price of a plant without grafting ranges between 60 cents and 1'5 euros, while the price of a grafted plant varies between 14 to 17 euros (price of ""bare root"" grafted plant) and 30/35 euros (if it is a top quality graft). Convenience (suitability and price) and confidence (effectiveness and service) are attributes that the project must include in order to respond to the national and international market expectations.
Based on the Feasibility Economic Study, LAIMUND would increase its Turnover in 18%, after 4 years from the start of the sales, and would also increment staff at least in 6-10 people in that period. The study has demonstrated the profitability of EUROPISTACIA Business Idea even in the Basic Hypothesis, which is defined as the most conservative scenario and criteria, reaching 58,2% IRR without the SME INSTRUMENT E.U. Grant, and it grows up to 69,9% IRR when considering such public fund.
Combining the introduction of P. terebinthus and P. vera to in vitro conditions, its efficient multiplication and successful acclimatization following the regulations for an ecological production during phase I contains several technological innovations which according to the study realized by the agency IDEA results in a novel product. Assuming the development of an efficient protocol for grafting plants prematurely, their improved traits will offer a series of additional benefits to the growers. As exposed, Laimund unifies important requisites like the needed know-how, trained workforce, fitting installations and adequate associates necessary for putting the project in practice. According to the market research realized during phase I, the three different products of EUROPISTACIA with their added value are suitable to meet the expectations of the business plan developed simultaneously."
