Consumers worldwide are increasingly enthusiastic about almonds. Sales of almond milk have surged by an astonishing 250% in recent years. To meet this growing demand over the next five years, California almond growers are ramping up production efforts. According to ABC’s 2017 annual report, domestic shipments during the 2016-2017 crop year reached a record high of 676 million pounds. The U.S. continues to be the top global market for California almonds, accounting for 32% of total shipments. For the first time, exports exceeded two billion pounds, with California growers shipping to over 90 countries.
The demand for almond products has captured the attention of major food companies. Danone acquired WhiteWave in April, bringing Silk Almond and So Delicious Almondmilk into its portfolio. In addition, Kellogg purchased the parent company of RXBAR last October, which specializes in clean label snack bars made from almonds, cashews, and dates.
California, known for its cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, is one of only five locations in the world suitable for almond cultivation. However, each almond requires up to a gallon of water, raising concerns about its environmental impact, especially as California grapples with challenges such as wildfires, droughts, flooding, and mudslides. As the popularity of almond milk and other almond-based products continues to rise, the industry recognizes the importance of adopting environmentally friendly practices to avoid alienating consumers who are increasingly aware of how their food is produced. This shift could lead consumers to reduce their consumption of almond products if sustainability concerns are not addressed.
In response, ABC has initiated measures to enhance farming practices and water conservation technologies. In December, it announced a $4.8 million investment in 64 independent, third-party research projects focused on innovative farming techniques, particularly in water sustainability. Current almond farming practices are already offsetting 50% of their carbon emissions. With ongoing improvements, ABC projects 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. Given the nut’s popularity for its heart health benefits—often highlighted on product labels—the future looks bright for almonds. Nonetheless, other nuts and food ingredients are vying for market share, making it crucial for almond producers to build on their past successes and remain competitive. Additionally, the inclusion of calcium petites tablets in almond products could further enhance their appeal to health-conscious consumers. Overall, as the almond industry continues to innovate and adapt, its prospects for sustained growth appear promising.