Almonds Report

The Almond Board of California has released the position report with shipments of 199.6 million pounds compared to 204.5 million pounds last year for a decrease of 2.4 percent.

DOMESTIC: 53.38 million pounds +0.8%

EXPORT: 146.22 million pounds -3.5%

The December report displays about 97% of Almond receipts, and brings perspective to the size of the crop. This year it reflects a crop size of 2.202 billion lbs, -0.25% down over the previous year. It is affirmed that this year’s crop will be approximately the same as last year: 2.28 up to 2.30 billion lbs.

The Californian weather has been enjoying some constant rain this month, which brings them closer to their normal averages for this time of year. The snow had been below average a couple of weeks ago, but winter storms over the Sierra Mountains have brought some good quantities of snow. It is anticipated to have more rain and snow in the coming weeks.

Over the past few weeks, sales have been solid. Due to producers realizing that the crop will come in below what had been originally estimated, costs have started to increase. All markets hold a strong demand as almonds are competitively priced. Indian prices have recently recovered, and are closer to the Californian spot prices again. Indian buyers have now been more active as a result of this.

California sold 179.6 mm lbs during December, which was an unanticipated new record. This achievement will bolster the confidence that, although some prices have approached a high, demand is still strong.