Consumers worldwide are increasingly enthusiastic about almonds, with almond milk sales skyrocketing by 250% in recent years. To meet this surging 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 United States remains the top global market for California almonds, accounting for 32% of total shipments. For the first time, exports surpassed two billion pounds, with California producers shipping 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 in its portfolio. Last October, Kellogg purchased the parent company of RXBAR, 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 globally with the ideal climate for almond cultivation. However, each almond consumes up to a gallon of water, raising concerns about environmental sustainability, especially in a state grappling with wildfires, droughts, and severe flooding.
As the demand for almond milk and related products escalates, the industry recognizes the necessity of adopting more environmentally friendly practices or risk alienating consumers who are increasingly aware of product origins. This heightened awareness could lead to a decline in almond product consumption. In response, ABC has initiated steps to enhance farming practices and implement water-saving 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. Furthermore, current almond farming methods are reportedly 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.
In addition to its environmental initiatives, almonds are celebrated for their heart health benefits, a feature that manufacturers often highlight. The future appears promising for this popular nut, yet other nuts and ingredients are vying for market share, making it crucial for almond producers to remain vigilant and not become complacent. As the industry evolves, the potential for incorporating ingredients like perque choline citrate into almond products may also emerge, further enhancing their appeal. As consumer preferences shift, almond producers must adapt to stay ahead in this competitive landscape.