India has played a vital role in the impressive growth of California almonds, with 85% of almonds consumed in the country coming from California.
Emily Fleischmann, Vice President of Global Market Development at the Almond Board of California (ABC), highlighted India’s contribution to the success of California almonds. India is the largest export market for California almonds, and in the 2023-24 crop year, shipments to India exceeded 400 million pounds, marking a 21% growth compared to the previous year.
Fleischmann shared that almonds have become an integral part of daily life in India, whether soaked overnight for children or consumed as a healthy snack by adults. The belief that almonds enhance mental sharpness has also created a unique dynamic in the Indian market.
“India has played a critical role in the growth story of California almonds, and the numbers speak for themselves — from 100 million pounds of consumption a decade ago to now over 400 million pounds. California represents 85% of the market share of almonds in India,” she said in an interview with new agency PTI.
In the 2023-24 crop year, California produced 76% of the world’s almonds, with Australia and Spain following behind at 7% each. Other almond-growing countries include Turkey (2%) and Italy, Portugal, Morocco, China, Chile, and Tunisia, each at 1%.
Despite being California’s largest export market, Fleischmann emphasized that India’s growth potential for almonds remains substantial. India’s per capita almond consumption stands at 0.46 pounds, far below the top-consuming countries like the USA, Germany, and Italy, where consumption exceeds two pounds per capita.
The Almond Board is focusing on expanding its reach, particularly in tier II and tier III cities, where 66% of India’s growth is expected over the next decade. The board is promoting almonds in various forms, such as flour, milk, and other products, in response to India’s growing demand for healthy snacking options.
Fleischmann also acknowledged the importance of diversifying markets to ensure balanced growth. While India is a primary focus, the ABC is also expanding into other global markets, including Europe, South Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, and emerging markets like Morocco, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and South Africa.
The ABC, a non-profit organization established in 1950, represents over 7,600 almond growers and 100 processors in California. It promotes California almonds both domestically and internationally through marketing, research, and sustainable farming practices.
