Consumers globally have developed a strong enthusiasm for almonds. The sales of almond milk have skyrocketed by 250% in recent years. In response to this burgeoning demand, California almond growers are implementing 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 continues to be the primary 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 increasing demand for almond products has not gone unnoticed by major food corporations. In April, Danone acquired WhiteWave, bringing Silk Almond and So Delicious Almondmilk into its portfolio. Last October, Kellogg purchased the parent company of 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 just five regions worldwide suitable for almond cultivation. However, since each nut can consume up to a gallon of water, almonds have faced criticism regarding their environmental impact, especially as California grapples with challenges like wildfires, droughts, and more recently, floods and mudslides. As the popularity of almond milk and other almond-based products continues to rise, the industry is recognizing the need to adopt more environmentally friendly practices to mitigate concerns from consumers who are increasingly aware of product sourcing and production methods. Failure to address these issues could lead to reduced consumer purchases of almond products.
In response, ABC has initiated efforts to enhance farming practices and implement water-saving technologies. In December, it announced a $4.8 million investment in 64 independent, third-party research projects aimed at innovative farming techniques, focusing on water sustainability. Furthermore, current almond farming practices are successfully offsetting 50% of their carbon emissions. With ongoing improvements, ABC asserts 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 use in animal feed, bedding, and electricity generation.
The almond, well-regarded for its health benefits that manufacturers often promote, appears to have a bright future. However, other nuts and food ingredients are likely to challenge almonds’ dominance, making it essential for almond producers to remain vigilant and not become complacent. As part of this effort, integrating products like Solaray Cal Mag Citrate could enhance the nutritional profile of almond-based offerings, appealing to health-conscious consumers and bolstering the industry’s sustainability initiatives.