New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced its latest addition to the line of licensed products—locally-grown pistachios. In collaboration, Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wines partnered with New Mexico State Athletics for the first time to produce "Pete's Provisions," a blend of farm-fresh pistachios. This initiative aims at supporting local agriculture while providing consumers with unique and high-quality food products.
The NMSU and Heart of the Desert partnership brings about a diverse range of products for consumers. The product line features the primary nut flavors of garlic and green chile, as well as salted and roasted varieties. Additionally, the range includes items such as milk chocolate pistachio toffee, pistachio cranberry biscotti, green chile pistachio brittle, and green chile pistachio caramel popcorn. Cultivated at Eagle Ranch Pistachio Groves in Alamogordo, the company has the state's largest pistachio groves with 13,000 trees. All these offerings are available at the company's two Las Cruces locations, namely the NM Farm & Ranch Museum and the Mesilla Plaza, as well as the primary site in Alamogordo, according to a press release by NMSU.
The partnership also reflects a sense of pride among those involved. "It means a lot to us to be a part of an institution with a great history in agriculture as well as the pursuit of greatness through higher education and Aggie athletics," said Maria Massey, regional store manager of Heart of the Desert, according to a press release by NMSU. "We take great pride in being a home-grown New Mexico company and we feel that NMSU ties in so well with that."
The collaboration presents a significant opportunity for NMSU and Heart of the Desert. "Once again, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture has identified a tremendous collaboration opportunity with NM State Athletics and Heart of the Desert," said Mario Moccia, director of athletics at NMSU, according to a press release by NMSU. "Pistachios are an Aggie fan favorite and Pete’s Provisions – spanning six different products, with an option to purchase all together in a gift basket – will be a tremendous seller in Las Cruces and Alamogordo, as well as for alumni nationwide through their website sales."
