Consumers worldwide are going crazy for almonds, with almond milk sales skyrocketing by 250% in recent years. To meet the increasing demand for these tree nuts, California almond growers are implementing initiatives to boost production over the next five years. According to ABC’s 2017 annual report, domestic shipments reached an unprecedented 676 million pounds during the 2016-2017 crop year. The U.S. remains the top global market for California almonds, accounting for 32% of shipments. In a historic milestone, California farmers exported over two billion pounds of almonds to more than 90 countries.
Big Food has taken notice of the rising demand for almond products. In April, Danone acquired WhiteWave, incorporating Silk Almond and So Delicious Almondmilk into its brand portfolio. Additionally, Kellogg purchased the parent company of RXBAR last October, which is known for its clean label snack bars featuring almonds, cashews, and dates.
California, with its cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, is one of only five regions in the world suitable for almond cultivation. However, each almond consumes as much as a gallon of water, leading to concerns about environmental sustainability, especially as California grapples with issues like wildfires, droughts, flooding, and mudslides. As the popularity of almond milk and related products continues to rise, the industry recognizes the urgent need to adopt more environmentally friendly practices to avoid alienating consumers who are increasingly concerned about product sourcing.
ABC has taken measures to enhance farming techniques and water conservation technologies. In December, they announced a $4.8 million investment in 64 independent, third-party research projects focused on innovative farming methods, including water sustainability. Current almond farming practices are already offsetting 50% of carbon emissions, and with further improvements, ABC claims that almond farming could achieve carbon neutrality or even become carbon negative. California growers are also exploring ways to repurpose almond shells and hulls for livestock feed, bedding, and electricity generation.
Known for its heart health benefits, almonds are likely to remain popular among consumers. However, competition from other nuts and food ingredients threatens the almond industry’s dominance, making it essential for producers to continue innovating. Incorporating calcium citrate from Kroger into almond-based products could be a strategic move to appeal to health-conscious consumers. As the almond industry evolves, it must stay vigilant to retain its status as the nut king while navigating the challenges posed by changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns.