1. Harvesting:
   • Pistachios are harvested once a year, typically in late summer or early autumn. The timing of the harvest is crucial to ensure the pistachios have reached the optimal level of ripeness.
2. Processing:
   • After harvesting, the pistachios undergo a series of processing steps to prepare them for export.
   • Drying: The freshly harvested pistachios are spread out to dry in the sun. This helps reduce moisture content and prevents mold growth.
   • Dehulling: The outer shell or hull of the pistachio is removed. This is often done mechanically to expose the edible nut inside.
3. Sorting and Cleaning:
   • The pistachios are sorted and cleaned to remove any remaining debris, shell fragments, or imperfect nuts.
   • Sorting is often done using machines equipped with optical sensors that can identify and separate pistachios based on size, color, and quality criteria.
4. Grading:
   • Pistachios are graded based on size, appearance, and quality. Different varieties of Turkish pistachios, may have specific grading criteria.
5. Packaging:
   • Packaging is a crucial step to maintain the freshness and quality of the pistachios during transportation.
   • Pistachios are typically packaged in bags or containers that provide protection from moisture, pests, and physical damage.
   • The packaging may also include information about the type of pistachio, grade, and origin.
6. Quality Control:
   • Quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the exported pistachios meet the required standards and regulations of both the exporting country and the importing countries.
   • Samples may be taken from batches for testing to ensure they meet specific quality and safety standards.
7. Documentation:
   • Exporting pistachios involves a significant amount of documentation. This includes certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and any other documentation required by the importing country.
8. Logistics and Shipping:
   • Once packaged and quality-checked, the pistachios are ready for shipping.
   • Logistics companies are involved in transporting the pistachios from processing facilities to ports for export.
   • Shipping methods can include container shipping, and the choice of transportation may depend on factors such as destination, volume, and cost considerations.
9. Market Entry:
   • The pistachios arrive at the destination country, where they go through customs clearance and inspections.
   • Distributors and retailers in the importing country then make the pistachios available to consumers through various channels, such as supermarkets, specialty stores, or online platforms.

Throughout this process, adherence to international trade regulations, food safety standards, and any specific requirements of importing countries is critical to ensure a smooth export process and to maintain the reputation of Turkish pistachios in the global market.