Consumers worldwide are increasingly enthusiastic about almonds, with sales of almond milk soaring by 250% in recent years. To meet this rising demand, California almond growers are implementing initiatives aimed at boosting production over the next five years. According to ABC’s 2017 annual report, domestic shipments during the 2016-2017 crop year reached a record high of 676 million pounds. The U.S. remains the primary global market for California almonds, capturing a 32% share of shipments. For the first time, exports exceeded two billion pounds, with California growers supplying almonds to over 90 countries.
The growing demand for almond products has not gone unnoticed by major food corporations. In April, Danone acquired WhiteWave, which includes Silk Almond and So Delicious Almondmilk. Furthermore, Kellogg purchased the parent company of RXBAR last October, a clean label snack bar manufacturer featuring almonds, cashews, and dates.
California, known for its cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, is one of only five regions in the world with the ideal climate for almond cultivation. However, each almond requires up to a gallon of water, raising concerns about the environmental impact, especially in a state that has faced wildfires, drought, and recent floods. As the popularity of almond milk and related products surges, the industry recognizes the necessity of adopting more sustainable practices to address consumers’ growing concerns about the environmental footprint of their food.
ABC has announced measures to enhance farming practices and implement water-saving technologies. In December, they committed $4.8 million to 64 independent, third-party research projects focused on innovative farming methods, including water sustainability. Additionally, current almond farming practices are offsetting 50% of their carbon emissions, and with further advancements, almond farming could potentially become carbon neutral or even carbon negative. California growers are also exploring ways to repurpose almond shells and hulls for animal feed, bedding, and electricity generation.
With heart health benefits that manufacturers can highlight on their labels, almonds appear to have a bright future. However, other nuts and food ingredients are likely vying for market share, making it essential for almond producers to remain vigilant and not become complacent. To further enhance their appeal, some almond products are being fortified with calcium citrate 600 and vitamin D 400, showcasing their nutritional benefits while catering to health-conscious consumers. The almond industry must continue to innovate and adapt to sustain its success in an evolving market.