The Chinese call pistachios the "happy nut." But these days, it's California nut growers who are smiling.
China has become the industry's fastest-growing export market, boosting its purchase of U.S. pistachios to $109 million a year from $5 million in 2004.
And with more than 1.3 billion people, China could easily become the industry's biggest customer.
"They have the potential to buy a lot of pistachios," said Jim Zion, managing partner of Meridian Nut Growers in Clovis.
Underscoring that potential, a dozen Chinese importers and news media representatives this week are visiting the central San Joaquin Valley -- the heart of the nation's pistachio industry.
Read the complete story at fresnobee.com
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