Record-Smashing Year for Almond Shipments – in Just 10 Months
June 14, 2021 California almond shipments to consumer markets in the U.S. and across the globe set a record this year, despite port and trade issues and COVID-19 complications.
The May Position Report from the Almond Board of California (ABC) shows that the California industry shipped 219 million pounds in May – a record for the month – bringing the total of almond shipments this crop year to 2.45 billion pounds. The record was set with two months still to come in the crop year for almonds, which ends in July.
“This shows continuing high demand for California almonds among consumers around the world,” ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott says. “People love almonds because they’re a remarkably sustainable plant protein, they’re versatile in a range of cuisines, they have outstanding health and beauty benefits, and they’re delicious.”
Growers continue to expand their large footprint in California. Earlier this past spring, USDA announced total almond acreage, including non-bearing trees, is estimated at 1.6 million, up 5.3% from the previous year. Production continues apace. One month ago, USDA announced California almond orchards will produce 3.2 billion pounds of nuts this year, up 3% from last year’s 3.12 billion-pound crop.
California ships almonds to more than 100 countries, and export growth has been impressive, with a 30% overall increase over last year to date and record shipments in a number of markets.
A month ago, India made history for California almonds. For the first time ever, a single market exceeded 300 million pounds of imports in one crop year. The current May report shows that India has now received 322 million pounds and is up 54% over the previous year to date.
The entire Asia-Pacific region continues its strong growth with a 46% increase overall. In that region, the China/Hong Kong market is up 72% year-to-year despite tariffs, South Korea increased by 42% and Vietnam is up an astounding 132% from last year.
Almost all European markets, east and west, continued their impressive growth in response to the high demand. Germany and Spain posted strong gains as did the Netherlands and Italy. Overall, European imports are up 18% from 2019-2020.
The Middle East and North Africa are also regions with strong growing markets. Countries of note include the United Arab Emirates, which grew 31%, Egypt with 20% growth, and Morocco, which has a year-to-date increase of 148% over last year.
Growth in the U.S. continues to be strong, especially considering that the domestic market is large and well established. The year-to-year increase stands at 4% for the crop year.
“The worldwide appetite for almonds and our range of products continues to grow,” Waycott says. “Almonds outpaced all other nuts in new product introductions ranging from dairy alternatives and snacks to confectionery, bakery and bars. Our industry members have done a terrific job of moving the current crop and meeting the demand from consumers here in the U.S. and around the world.”
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