Forecasts for continued growth of the U.S. almond industry are optimistic with near-record production, high prices, and increased export opportunities. For the 2012-13 crop year California almond growers produced 1.88 billion pounds of almonds – 7% below the previous year but still the second biggest crop on record. Estimates for the 2013/14 crop year are 1.85 billion pounds from 810,000 acres. Exports to China fell 12%, but 2012/13 was still the second best year of shipping to that country. Global shipments fell 2% from an all-time record, however U.S. almond exports grew by over 7% into new territory. The Almond Board marketing efforts have positioned the almond as not only an ingredient, but as a healthy snack and the board foresees great potential growth in the Chinese market. China’s economy is expected to be valued at $12 trillion by 2020. Most of China’s middle class is people under the age of 45 that are well paid, educated, health conscious, and buying items such as TVs, mobile phones, – and almonds. Another key market is still North America. Over the past five years North American shipments of almonds have increased 50%. The fact that almond’s biggest markets are still expanding is causing a positive outlook for continued expansion of the almond industry.
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