Consumers worldwide are increasingly enthusiastic about almonds. Sales of almond milk have surged by 250% in recent years. To meet this rising demand, California almond growers are launching initiatives aimed at boosting production over the next five years. According to ABC’s 2017 annual report, domestic shipments reached a record high of 676 million pounds during the 2016-2017 crop year. The United States remains the top global market for California almonds, accounting for 32% of shipments. For the first time, over two billion pounds of almonds were exported, with California growers sending their products to more than 90 countries.
Big Food has noticed the escalating demand for almond products. In April, Danone acquired WhiteWave, which includes Silk Almond and So Delicious Almondmilk. Additionally, Kellogg purchased the parent company of RXBAR last October, a manufacturer of clean-label snack bars featuring almonds, cashews, and dates. Known for its cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, California is one of only five regions in the world suitable for almond cultivation. However, with each nut requiring as much as a gallon of water, almonds have faced scrutiny regarding their environmental impact, particularly as California grapples with wildfires, drought, flooding, and mudslides.
As the demand for almond milk and other almond-based products grows, the industry recognizes the need to adopt environmentally friendly practices to avoid alienating consumers concerned about the origins of their food. This could lead to a decrease in the consumption of almond-based products. In response, ABC has implemented measures to enhance farming practices and water conservation technologies. In December, it announced an investment of $4.8 million in 64 independent, third-party research projects focusing on innovative farming methods, including water sustainability. Furthermore, current almond farming practices are managing to offset 50% of their carbon emissions. With continued improvements in production, ABC believes that almond farming could potentially achieve carbon neutrality or even become carbon negative. California growers are also exploring ways to repurpose almond shells and hulls for animal feed, bedding, and electricity generation.
The nut, celebrated for its heart health benefits—often highlighted on product labels—seems to have a bright future ahead. However, other nuts and food ingredients are vying for a share of the market, making it essential for almond producers to remain proactive and not become complacent with their past achievements. In this competitive landscape, products like Citracal 200 mg may also emerge as alternatives, emphasizing the need for almond producers to innovate continually.