Almond update shows strong exports, tighter supply

Blue Diamond Growers reported a strong start to the 2026 almond crop year, with August exports rising 31% year over year to 143.2 million pounds as the industry navigated higher prices and signs of tighter supply.

Total August shipments reached 190 million pounds. Domestic shipments totaled 46.8 million pounds, down 3.3% from a year earlier. Global shipments have exceeded year-earlier levels in six of the past seven months, according to the Blue Diamond Almond Market Update report.

India led export growth, receiving 44.3 million pounds, up about 170% from 16.4 million pounds in August 2025. Blue Diamond attributed the increase to replenishment ahead of the festival season and comparison with unusually low shipments a year earlier.

European shipments increased about 6% to 45.8 million pounds despite higher almond prices. Direct shipments to China and Hong Kong fell 52%, while shipments increased to Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

On the supply side, August crop receipts reached 401.9 million pounds, 55% above August 2025 because harvest began about two weeks earlier. Blue Diamond emphasized that the faster receiving pace does not indicate a larger projected crop.

The 2026 crop year began with a 470.7-million-pound carry-in, down 2.7% from the prior year, with 447.1 million pounds estimated as edible. Early Nonpareil quality has shown low reject levels, while yields from Nonpareil and Independence receipts have indicated a smaller 2026 crop than 2025, as forecasted.

Blue Diamond said higher prices have generated buyer resistance in some markets, leading buyers to reduce quantities or shorten purchasing coverage. The company expects coming crop receipts to provide additional information on total crop size and kernel sizing.

Access the Almond Board of California’s Industry Position Report here.

Graphics courtesy of Blue Diamond Growers Sept. 11 Almond Market Update. Featured photo by Mel Machado.