Consumers worldwide are increasingly enthusiastic about almonds, with sales of almond milk skyrocketing by 250% in recent years. To address this soaring demand, California almond growers are implementing initiatives to boost 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 U.S. continues to be the leading global market for California almonds, accounting for 32% of total shipments. For the first time, exports exceeded two billion pounds, with California farmers exporting to over 90 countries.
The growing popularity of almond products has caught the attention of major food companies. In April, Danone acquired WhiteWave, integrating Silk Almond and So Delicious Almondmilk into its portfolio. Last October, Kellogg acquired 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 in the world with the ideal climate for growing almonds. However, each almond can require as much as a gallon of water, raising concerns about the environmental impact, especially as California grapples with wildfires, droughts, and, more recently, severe flooding and mudslides.
As the demand for almond milk and other almond-based products continues to rise, the industry recognizes the necessity of adopting more sustainable practices to satisfy environmentally conscious consumers. Failure to do so could lead to consumers reducing their consumption of almond-containing products. In response, ABC has taken steps to enhance farming practices and implement water-saving technologies. In December, the organization announced an investment of $4.8 million in 64 independent, third-party research projects focused on innovative farming techniques, including water sustainability. Additionally, current almond farming practices are offsetting 50% of their carbon emissions. With further advancements, ABC envisions 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 almonds’ reputation for heart health benefits, which manufacturers can prominently display on their labels, the nut seems poised for a bright future. However, other nuts and food ingredients are vying for market share, making it essential for almond producers to remain vigilant and not become complacent.
As consumers increasingly seek products rich in nutrients, including alternatives like calcium citrate available on platforms like Amazon, almond producers must innovate to maintain their leading position in the market. By focusing on sustainability and addressing environmental concerns, the almond industry can ensure a prosperous future while meeting the rising demand for health-conscious products.