The almond market in California

Almonds are oval-shaped edible nuts that grow on almond trees, these are mostly planted in Mediterranean climates where they usually bear a profitable crop after three years.

Shelled, blanched, unshelled, or organic, almonds’ taste and price can vary a lot depending on various factors, including tree variety. The major varieties of the California almond industry are Butte, Carmel, Monterey, Nonpareil, Padre and Mission.

Although almonds can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics, its main use by far remains culinary. Raw or toasted, various dishes and desserts features almonds as a secondary or central ingredient, almonds are also commonly added to breakfast oatmeal or muesli.

This market research includes Growers, Hullers / Shellers, Handlers and Manufacturers.

The demand for almonds has grown, driven by the positive perception of almonds by consumers as a high-nutrient ingredient and the health benefits that arise from their regular consumption. Almonds are increasingly used as a healthy snack, benefiting from a growing base of Millennials and health-centric consumers adopting healthier lifestyles and snacking habits. Additionally, almond milk consumption has grown rapidly, and almond milk overtook soy milk to become the leading product in the milk-substitute market.

The area dedicated to almonds in California has expanded significantly. California produces most of the almonds grown in the United States, and a large share of the production is exported outside of the country. The main export destinations have included the European Union, India and China, despite trade issues with China.

Among the trends shaping the industry, mechanization has increased as a way of reducing costs for producers and hullers / shellers, while organic almonds are slowly gaining ground even if many farmers have yet to make the jump. Fresno, Merced, Tulare and Madera are among the leading counties in terms of organic harvested acreage.