almonds

India has emerged as the third largest export market for Californian almonds, following Spain and Germany, according to new figures from the California Almond Board.

Indian demand for almonds has risen with the growth of the middle class, and is the fastest-growing market for Californian almonds, and a priority for long-term export investment, reported FNB News.

The country imported 33,000 tonnes in the 2007/08 financial year, 24 per cent higher than the previous year and the second record import level in two consecutive years.

India’s northern region is the largest almond consumer in the country, followed by the western region.

California’s almond industry has experienced another record yield at 722,000 tonnes, compared to 627,000 tonnes in 2007/08.

Western Asia and Europe are the chief regional destinations for California’s almond crop, netting 54 per cent and 23 per cent respectively in 2007/08.