Consumers worldwide are increasingly enthusiastic about almonds. The sales of almond milk alone have surged by 250% in recent years. California almond growers are ramping up production initiatives over the next five years to satisfy this rising demand for their tree nuts. According to ABC’s 2017 annual report, domestic shipments during the 2016-2017 crop year reached a record high of 676 million pounds. The United States remains the top global market for California almonds, accounting for 32% of total shipments. For the first time, exports exceeded two billion pounds, with California growers dispatching shipments to over 90 countries.
Big Food companies have taken notice of the demand for almond products. In April, Danone acquired WhiteWave, bringing Silk Almond and So Delicious Almondmilk into its portfolio. Additionally, last October, Kellogg purchased the parent company of RXBAR, a clean label manufacturer known for snack bars made with almonds, cashews, and dates.
California, recognized for its cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, is one of only five regions globally that can cultivate almonds. Each almond requires around a gallon of water, leading to concerns about its environmental impact in a state grappling with wildfires, droughts, and, more recently, severe flooding and mudslides. As the demand for almond milk and other almond-based products grows, the industry acknowledges the necessity of adopting more environmentally sustainable practices to avoid alienating consumers who are increasingly concerned about the production methods of their food.
To address these concerns, ABC has implemented measures to enhance farming practices and water conservation technologies. In December, they announced a $4.8 million investment in 64 independent, third-party research projects focused on innovative farming techniques, including water sustainability. Current almond farming methods are already offsetting 50% of their carbon emissions. With ongoing improvements, ABC believes that almond farming could become carbon neutral or even carbon negative. Additionally, California growers are exploring initiatives to repurpose almond shells and hulls for livestock feed, bedding, and energy generation.
Almonds, known for their heart health benefits that manufacturers often highlight on their labels, seem to have a bright future ahead. However, other nuts and food ingredients are poised to challenge their dominance, underscoring the importance for almond producers to remain vigilant and not become complacent. Meanwhile, as consumers seek to understand the nutritional value of what they eat, questions such as “what is citrate in calcium?” may arise, emphasizing the need for producers to educate their audience about the health benefits of almonds and their components. This focus on education and sustainability will be crucial as the almond industry navigates the evolving market landscape while addressing consumer concerns.