Almonds have long been integrated into India's cultural practices, from urban areas like Mumbai to rural regions such as Kanpur. The tradition of consuming almonds daily is deeply rooted, with many families aiming to include them in their diets. Raju Bhatia, a nut importer with years of experience in the industry, notes a shift in almond consumption patterns in India, attributed to the health-conscious attitudes of the younger generation and the increasing affluence among the Indian populace.
According to Bhatia, the growth in education regarding the health advantages of almonds, coupled with rising economies and disposable incomes, are key factors influencing this trend. He highlights that the middle class, currently estimated at 300 million, is anticipated to double in the coming years, further propelling almond consumption. Bhatia views this demographic shift as an opportunity, given India's status as the "youngest country in the world" with a median age of 29 and over 60% of its population under 30. This younger demographic prefers healthy eating options over fast food, which bodes well for the almond market.
Source: ABC.net