India accounts for 85% of California almonds consumed within the country, marking it as the largest export market for California almonds. The 2023-24 crop year saw shipments to India surpass 400 million pounds, reflecting a 21% increase from the previous year. Emily Fleischmann, Vice President of Global Market Development at the Almond Board of California (ABC), noted, "India has played a critical role in the growth story of California almonds, and the numbers speak for themselves — from 100 million pounds of consumption a decade ago to now over 400 million pounds."
In the same crop year, California produced 76% of the global almond supply, with Australia and Spain each contributing 7%. Other producers include Turkey (2%), and Italy, Portugal, Morocco, China, Chile, and Tunisia at 1% each. Despite India's status as the largest market, its per capita consumption is 0.46 pounds, which is lower compared to the USA, Germany, and Italy, where it exceeds two pounds per capita.
The Almond Board aims to expand its reach in India, particularly in tier II and tier III cities, where 66% of growth is anticipated over the next decade. The board is promoting almonds in various forms, such as flour and milk, to meet the demand for healthy snacks. While India remains a primary focus, the ABC is also exploring other markets including Europe, South Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, and emerging markets like Morocco and Turkey.
Source: Times of India