Iran has been a pistachio producer since the fifth century BC and the days of the Achaemenid Empire. Aficionados of the Iranian nuts ascribe their dominant position in global markets to superior taste and quality.
Iranian farmers fear, however, that they are losing top position to, of all countries, the US, an arch political foe .
Alarm bells rang in 2008 when heavy frosts meant Iran's exports fell behind those of the US . Exporters say they managed to catch up in 2009 and are now marginally ahead of the US, but they fear other fundamental problems will cause them to lose their leading position.
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