Paramount Farms, the world's largest supplier of pistachios and almonds, has launched its Wonderful Pistachios in the Middle East at an event in Dubai.

Wonderful Pistachios offer consumers a new line of delicious, all-natural, guilt-free snacks with a bold, exciting look and contemporary sophisticated packaging, the company said.

Wonderful Pistachios are grown in California, then roasted and lightly salted.

“Pistachios are gaining recognition around the world for their heart health, weight management and nutritional properties,” said Kristof Vlaeminck, senior marketing manager Emea, Paramount Farms, producer of the Wonderful brand.

“The award-winning Wonderful brand is already sold in more than 30 countries around the world, and is widely recognized as the quality leader for California pistachios. We’re certain that Middle East consumers too will recognize the superior quality and unique flavors of our brand.”

A blind test, conducted in early 2009 amongst consumers in Saudi Arabia showed that more than half of respondents preferred Wonderful Pistachios to the alternative, he stated.

Californian pistachios have a unique crunchy texture developed from California’s sunny, Mediterranean climate and rich, fertile soil, which creates ideal growing conditions. Only California pistachios feature that distinctly nutty yet delicate and subtle flavor, appreciated by nut lovers worldwide. Wonderful’s pistachios are all natural with no additives, preservatives, or other adulterations, he said. 

Pistachios are a proven weight-wise snack as pistachios are one of the lowest-calorie, lowest-fat, and among the highest-fibre nuts. A 30g (about 1 ounce) serving of pistachios has 3 grams of fibre, more than most other snack nuts and more than many pieces of whole fruit.

Pistachios offer mono and polyunsaturated fats, making them a perfect snack for diabetics following recommended dietary guidelines.

California pistachios are an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper and manganese. They contain 10 per cent or more of the daily value of dietary fibre, protein, thiamin and phosphorus.-TradeArabia News Service