Production line and factory setup overview
This snack line cleans and grades Afghan pistachios, separates closed-shell and defective nuts, applies a controlled dry or brine seasoning, roasts by size fraction, cools rapidly and packs. Roast uniformity depends on size, shell opening, initial moisture and recipe.
Recommended lowest-entry line configuration For the lowest credible entry, select a 200-300 kg/h cleaner-grader with inspection table, 50-100 kg/batch roaster, seasoning drum or brine tank, cooling conveyor and semi-automatic pouch packer.
Production process and implementation sequence
- Pistachio receiving and sampling
- Air-screen cleaning and magnetic protection
- Size grading and closed-shell separation
- Manual defect inspection
- Dry seasoning or controlled brining
- Batch roasting by size fraction
- Rapid cooling and final inspection
- Weighing, sealing, coding and dry storage
Products, capacity and market fit
- Afghan pistachios can reach retail markets as a local finished snack.
- Size grading improves roast consistency.
- Batch roasting supports multiple recipes with modest capital.
- Separate grades reduce waste and protect premium lots.
- Roasted in-shell pistachios - Buyer-approved size, open-shell rate, roast, salt and moisture - Retail and wholesale snack buyers
- Closed-shell or kernel grade - Separately declared and inspected fraction - Kernel processors and ingredient buyers
Core production machinery and line specifications
| Machine / stage | Function / value | Production note |
|---|---|---|
| Air-screen cleaner | Removes light and oversize impurities | 200-300 kg/h |
| Pistachio size grader | Creates uniform roasting fractions | Three launch screens |
| Closed-shell separator | Separates density or opening grades | Trialled with Afghan pistachios |
| Inspection conveyor | Rejects stained, insect-damaged and empty nuts | Good lighting |
| Brine tank or seasoning drum | Applies declared salt or flavor | Recipe-controlled dosing |
| Batch nut roaster | Develops flavor and reduces microbial load | 50-100 kg/batch |
| Cooling conveyor | Stops roasting and prevents condensation | Filtered ambient air |
| Pouch weigher and sealer | Packs released grades | One or two launch sizes |
Raw materials, utilities and factory requirements
- Dry Afghan pistachios
- Food-grade salt and declared seasonings
- Potable water for brined recipes
- Barrier pouches, labels and cartons
- Stable three-phase electricity
- Food-grade heat source where required
- Clean compressed air where specified
- Ventilated washable processing room
- Dry allergen-controlled packing and storage
Indicative low-entry investment and implementation plan
These planning ranges prioritize economical machinery, local labor and local civil works. Final pricing follows confirmed capacity, product specification, delivery terms and site conditions.
| Scope | Indicative range | Entry-plan note |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning, grading and inspection | US$5k-11k | 200-300 kg/h dry section |
| Seasoning and batch roasting | US$7k-16k | 50-100 kg/batch |
| Cooling and packing | US$4k-10k | Limited launch formats |
| Quality and handling tools | US$2k-5k | Moisture and process control |
| Freight, installation and spares | US$4k-9k | Gas or electric heat |
| Indicative low-entry total | US$22k-51k | Building, pistachios and working capital excluded |
Detailed proposal and next step
The proposal contains the complete line flow, machinery scope, raw-material and utility requirements, implementation stages and indicative entry planning. Final configuration follows confirmed products, capacity, site and budget.