Consumers worldwide are going crazy for almonds, with sales of almond milk alone surging by 250% in recent years. To keep up with the increasing demand for these nuts, California almond growers are launching initiatives aimed at boosting production over the next five years. According to ABC’s 2017 annual report, domestic shipments for the 2016-2017 crop year reached a record high of 676 million pounds. The U.S. remains the leading global market for California almonds, accounting for 32% of total shipments. For the first time, exports exceeded two billion pounds, with California growers supplying more than 90 countries.
Big Food is also keenly aware of the soaring demand for almond products. In April, Danone acquired WhiteWave, which includes Silk Almond and So Delicious almond milk. Last October, Kellogg bought RXBAR, a clean-label snack bar manufacturer featuring almonds, cashews, and dates.
California, known for its cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, is one of only five locations on Earth with the ideal climate for growing almonds. However, each almond requires up to a gallon of water, raising environmental concerns in a state that has faced wildfires, droughts, severe flooding, and mudslides in recent years. As the appetite for almond milk and other almond-based products grows, the industry recognizes the need to adopt more sustainable practices to address consumer concerns about environmental impact. If they fail to do so, there is a risk that consumers may reduce their consumption of almond products.
In response, ABC has initiated steps to enhance farming practices and implement water-saving technologies. In December, the organization announced a $4.8 million investment in 64 independent, third-party research projects focusing on innovative farming techniques, including water sustainability. Current almond farming practices are already offsetting 50% of carbon emissions. ABC believes that with further advancements, almond farming could achieve carbon neutrality or even become carbon negative. Additionally, California growers are exploring ways to repurpose almond shells and hulls for animal feed, bedding, and electricity generation.
Almonds, celebrated for their heart health benefits—which manufacturers can highlight on their labels—seem to have a bright future ahead. However, other nuts and food ingredients are vying for the top spot, making it crucial for almond producers to remain vigilant and not become complacent. As the market evolves, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate malate, magnesium, and vitamin D3 tablets into almond products could provide additional health benefits, appealing to the health-conscious consumer. The almond industry must innovate and adapt to sustain its current success while accommodating the growing interest in these nutritional supplements.