2020 Almond Almanac

ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
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ALMOND ALMANAC
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL REPORT INTRODUCING THE CALIFORNIA ALMOND COMMUNITY

2 Mission + Vision
Welcome to the 2020 3 2020 Milestones
Almond Almanac 4 About Our Community
Within these pages you will find a

ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA PROGRAMS
comprehensive overview of California
almonds—the state’s #1 crop by 6 Programs + Budget
acreage, #1 ag export and #2 crop 7 Almond Orchard 2025 Goals
by value, and the #1 specialty crop 8 California Almond Sustainability Program
export in the U.S. 9 Research Overview
10 Production and Environmental Research
For almond farmers and processors,
14 Nutrition Research
this is your annual accounting
16 Almond Quality + Food Safety
of how your investment in the
17 Global Technical + Regulatory Affairs
Almond Board of California (ABC) is
18 Global Communications
leveraged to build long-term demand
21 Global Market Development
for California almonds around
22 Regional Market Updates
the world, as well as protect that
demand from erosion due to growing
CALIFORNIA ALMOND FACTS AND FIGURES
challenges, and an overview of ABC-
funded research that underpins the 30 California Almond Forecasts vs. Actual Production
continuous improvement efforts of 31 California Almond Crop Estimates vs. Actual Receipts
the California almond community. 32 California Almond Acreage + Farm Value
33 Crop Value + Yield per Bearing Acre
For anyone interested in California
35 California Almond Production by County
almonds, the Almanac provides the
36 California Almond Receipts by County + Variety
latest statistics1 about California
37 Top Ten Almond-Producing Varieties
almond production, acreage
38 Position Report of California Almonds
and varieties, as well as global
39 World Destinations
shipment and market information.
40 Domestic + Export Shipments
The Almanac is published annually by 41 Top Global Destinations
the Almond Board of California, the 42 California’s Top Ten Valued Commodities
Federal Marketing Order supporting 43 Domestic per Capita Consumption of Tree Nuts
the 7,600 almond farmers and
102 processors in California. RESOURCES
44 Doing More Through Collaboration
45 Almond Board Resources
1. The statistical analyses found in the report are
prepared on a crop-year basis, spanning August 1
through July 31, and include both current and historical
information. The statistical content is compiled using
handler forms required by the industry’s Federal
Marketing Order. Additional data, including crop
estimates and farm price, are supplied by the USDA
National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Region
Field Office.
1 1
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT I NTRODUCTION
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MILESTONES
Amidst the challenges brought on by 2020, the
California almond industry and Almond Board
20
of California (ABC) hit many milestones that propelled
the industry forward. Here are a few examples:
VISION
California almonds make
70 YEARS STRONG: Launched in 1950, the Almond Board
life better by what we of California celebrated 70 years of industry service.
grow and how we grow.
NEW WEBSITE: ABC debuted the new Almonds.com
in 11 regions around the world.
MISSION
Expand global consumption LAUNCHED THREE NEW AD CAMPAIGNS: ABC’s Global
Market Development team launched new advertising campaigns in three
of California almonds through countries: the UK, India and China. Learn more on pages 21-29.
leadership in strategic
market development, CALIFORNIA ALMOND SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM (CASP):
innovative research and ABC officially launched the CASP Supply Chain Program.
accelerated adoption of Learn more on page 8.
industry best practices.

ALMONDS LOVE BEES: 2020 marked 25 years of investment in bee health
research, and ABC launched the Five Point Pollinator Protection Plan and Bee+
Scholarship. Learn more on page 11.
NUTRITION RESEARCH PROGRAM CELEBRATES 25 YEARS:

Over the past 25 years, ABC published 185 nutrition research studies, 183
under the direction of Dr. Karen Lapsley, who retired after 21 years of service.
Learn more on pages 14–15.
STRATEGIC INNOVATION: To guide future ABC-funded research, staff engaged

with Strategic Ag Innovation Committee workgroups to develop long-term strategies in
the areas of harvest, irrigation, breeding and pest management. Learn more on page 10.
CORONAVIRUS ASSISTANCE: Almonds were included in USDA’s Coronavirus

Food Assistance Program and Section 32 food purchase program through efforts led
by the Almond Board and Almond Alliance of California. Read more on page 44.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ATLANTIC: ABC’s Sustainability Communications team

collaborated with The Atlantic to produce an online article and short documentary highlighting
the almond community’s responsible growing practices. Read more at bit.ly/almondatlantic.
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ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT I NTRODUCTION
About Our Community 91%

7,600 Distribution of Crop by Handler Size
crop year 2019/20
Family Farms FARMERS Number of Handlers
grow almonds 46
Percentage of Crop Handled
FARMERS in California,
producing nearly
The California almond growing 80% of the
32%
29%
26
community is driven by family farmers. global supply. 22%
17%
According to the most recently available USDA 15
Census of Agriculture data, there are around 7,600 almond
farms in California. Many are owned and operated by third- 102 <1%
11
4
and fourth-generation farmers who live on their land and HANDLERS
plan to pass it on to their children and grandchildren. 9% Other process California Less Than 1–24 25–49 50–99 More Than 100
Million Pounds Million Pounds
Source: USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture. almonds. Many are 1 Million Pounds Million Pounds Million Pounds
also family owned

53% and operated.
1–49 acres Where Almonds Are Grown
ORCHARDS production by county | crop year 2019/20
Nearly 70% of California DESTINATIONS
almond farms are 100 acres or less. DOMESTIC ...... Tehama
........
........
........
Small or large, California’s almond farmers take a long- ........
......
At 33% share of ......
........
........ Butte
...
term view of success based on respect for the land and ........
shipments, the ............
........
........... ........
.. .. ........ Yuba
...... ........... Sutter
..
......
local communities. Regardless of size, all almond

U.S.
............ ........ ..
............ ........ ..............
............ .... . Yolo
Glenn ... ........ ........ ........
........
16%
.. ..
14%
.. ..
farmers recognize that growth must be matched by an
.. ..
.. .. .. ........ .. .. .. ........
...... .. ......
Colusa ..
50–99
..
250+ acres
..
.... Stanislaus
unprecedented commitment to environmental responsibility. ........
. ........
........
17% acres remains the Solano .. .. .. .. ........

........ ........
.. .. .. .. ........
........
........
........
........ Madera
....
........
100–249 #1 GLOBAL San .. ........
........ ........
acres Joaquin .....

DESTINATION for >100 Million Pounds Merced ....
........
........
........
........
........
........
........ Tulare
...
Source: USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture. ........ ........

California almonds. ........
........
.. .. .. ..
........
.
50–100 Million Pounds Fresno .... ........
.. ........
2019/20 domestic
.. ..
.. ......
1–49 Million Pounds Kings ........
........
........
shipments marked Acreage .. .. .. ........
........
......
Kern
(1 Dot = 100 Acres)
the largest in history
at 774 million pounds.
INTERNATIONAL
For the second
year in a row,
World Almond Iran 1% Chile 1%
INDIA Production
Tunisia 1%
All Others 2%
Turkey 1%
Morocco 1%
WAS THE TOP crop year 2019/20
Australia 7%
EXPORT MARKET.
2019/20 export EU 8%
shipments went
to more than U.S. 78%
100 countries.
The top ten
export markets
represent 70%
of total export
shipments.
Source: International Nut and Dried Fruit Council.
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ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT ALMON D BOARD PROGRAM S
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
Programs + Budget Established in 2018, the Almond Orchard 2025

Goals are a tangible example of the California
The Almond Board of California’s programs are funded by an assessment placed on almond community’s commitment to continuous
improvement. Built on a foundation of past successes,
each pound of almonds grown in California. Working with board-appointed committees,
the goals help focus our research and outreach
subcommittees and workgroups, the Board of Directors approves the budget allocation
priorities in key areas—water, pest management,
for each program area. These areas are defined in the Program Budget Allocation
zero waste and dust—and provide a roadmap leading
chart below, and program updates can be found throughout the Almanac. toward the industry’s future. They also are a way
to proactively address questions from regulatory
Almond Quality +
Food Safety Services officials, food manufacturers and the public about
3% Information
Technical + Regulatory Technology 1% how almonds are grown.
Affairs 1%
Global
Administration
Communications
7% 14% NOW, JUST TWO YEARS INTO THE GOALS, THERE ARE MANY SIGNS OF
PROGRESS BEING MADE UP AND DOWN CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL VALLEY.
Program HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES:
Budget
Strategic Ag
Innovation Research
9% FURTHER REDUCING THE WATER USED TO GROW ALMONDS
Allocation Scientific Affairs +
SIGN OF PROGRESS: IRRIGATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
crop year 2019/20 1 Nutrition Research In partnership with local Resource Conservation Districts, the extension arm of
4% California’s Department of Conservation, ABC is helping farmers get back to
basics, ensuring their irrigation systems are efficiently delivering every drop.
Global Market Development 61% ACHIEVING ZERO WASTE IN OUR ORCHARDS

SIGN OF PROGRESS: WHOLE ORCHARD RECYCLING
At the end of their productive lives, whole almond trees are ground up and
incorporated into the soil. Research published by UC Davis in 2020 validates that
Committee Structure
whole orchard recycling improves soil health, boosts water efficiency, increases
yields and reduces greenhouse gases.1
Organic Scientific INCREASING ADOPTION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY

Advisory Advisory Board of Directors Finance Committee
Panel Panel FRIENDLY PEST MANAGEMENT TOOLS
SIGN OF PROGRESS: MATING DISRUPTION
New technology is allowing farmers to interrupt the mating cycle of navel orangeworm
(NOW) moths, reducing their numbers. Pheromones confuse male moths, making
Almond Quality, Technical +
Nutrition Strategic Ag Global Global Market them unable to find females. In combination with winter sanitation, mating disruption
Food Safety + Regulatory
Research Innovation Communications Development
Services Affairs is part of an effective Integrated Pest Management strategy for NOW.
Committee Committee Committee Committee
Committee Committee
IMPROVING LOCAL AIR QUALITY DURING ALMOND HARVEST

SIGN OF PROGRESS: RETHINKING HARVEST
Almond farmers are exploring new approaches to harvest, including semi-off-
The Almond Leadership Program is a one-year leadership training
ground harvest using a catch-frame system that drops almonds into windrows,
program that inspires and prepares almond community members
reducing dust. Researchers and farmers are also experimenting with off-ground
to join a network of leaders meeting the challenges of a changing
harvest, testing equipment and drying options used by different farming regions
industry. Program requirements can be found at Almonds.com/
around the world.
AlmondLeadershipProgram
1. Totals may not add precisely due to rounding.

For more information on the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals, visit: Almonds.com/Goals
1. Emad Jahanzad, et al. Orchard recycling improves climate change adaptation and mitigation potential of almond production systems.
6 PLoS ONE. March 2020.
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ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT ALMON
ALMON D
D BOARD
BOARD PROGRAM
PROGRAM S
S
Measuring Progress Innovation Through Research

A sustainability program tailor-made for almond farmers and Rooted in research and founded in fact, ABC supports the almond community by
processors, the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) investing in independent scientific research.
is a self-assessment tool that allows participants to evaluate
their practices and identify areas for improvement relevant Since 1973, the Almond Board of California’s research-focused committees have guided
to their operation. CASP, established in 2009, provides years the investment of 95 million farmer dollars, working with leading universities and experts to
of data that allows the industry to measure adoption of best uncover the positive impacts of almonds on human health, improve food safety and yields
practices as well as its progress toward the Almond Orchard and optimize farming practices.
2025 Goals. This data can be leveraged to communicate to
customers, consumers and regulators what farmers are doing in Together, these programs help California almond farmers and processors provide almond
the orchard to meet demand via responsible growing practices. lovers around the world with a safe, wholesome and sustainable product.
RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY Strategic Ag Nutrition Almond Quality,

Benchmarked gold-level equivalent against the Sustainable Innovation Research Food Safety +
Agriculture Initiative Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment
Committee Committee Services Committee
(FSA), CASP provides a common language to translate the practices
relevant to growing almonds in California to general sustainable FOUNDED: 1973 FOUNDED: 1995 FOUNDED: 2001
farming practices. Of the farms that have measured their individual INVESTMENT TO DATE: INVESTMENT TO DATE: INVESTMENT TO DATE:
practices against the FSA through CASP, 83% are silver-level $53.4M $31.4M $10.7M
equivalent or better, indicating top sustainability performance.1 PROJECTS FUNDED: 457 PROJECTS FUNDED: 119 PROJECTS FUNDED: 120
For more about farming For more about almonds’ For more on almond quality
innovation and sustainability, impact on human health, and safety, see page 16.
see pages 10-13. see pages 14-15.
CASP SUPPLY CHAIN PROGRAM
In response to increasing questions from buyers and retailers about
how almonds are grown, ABC launched the CASP Supply Chain
Program. The program’s main objective is to allow farmers to share
data on their growing practices anonymously, in aggregate, with
processors, who can provide that data to buyers whose customers
are increasingly interested in how their food is grown.
JOIN THE JOURNEY

Adapting to the COVID-19 landscape, ABC staff and partner
organizations quickly shifted regular in-person CASP workshops to
virtual tailgate meetings and lunch + learn gatherings. Over 2,000
farmers, field managers, applicators and others attended these
events in 2020. Given the great success of those events, CASP will
be offering a mix of virtual and in-person events in 2021.
6,020 13,171
CASP modules completed
MODULES IN 20191 since 2009, assessing 27 %
A record for the most CASP
of California’s productive
modules completed in one year.
almond acreage.1
1. California Almond Sustainability Program. November 2020.
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ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT ALMOND BOARD
ALMON PROGRAMS
D BOARD PROGRAM S
PRODUCTION AN D ENVIRON M ENTAL RESEARCH
Building the Orchard of the Future Pollination Partners

California’s almond farmers are committed to responsible stewardship Honey bees and almonds: a partnership designed by nature. When almond trees
of the land for the benefit of our families, communities and everyone bloom, bees get their first nutritious1 food source of the year as they pollinate
who loves to eat almonds. We have supported that commitment with our orchards, consistently leaving stronger than they arrive.2 While bees are only
nearly 50 years of investment in research to improve farming practices with us for two months of the year, we work to support their health for all twelve
and increase profitability while minimizing environmental impacts. because what’s healthy for bees supports healthy, high-yielding almond farms.
A STRATEGIC APPROACH RESEARCH FOR BETTER BEE HEALTH

ABC-funded production and environmental research is directed by the industry, for the industry. ABC has led bee research efforts since 1995, funding 126 projects
Guiding that investment are seven distinct workgroups, each composed of farmers, processors so farmers can confidently provide safe habitats for bees before they
and allied industry stakeholders. Based on research priorities set by the Strategic Ag Innovation move on to pollinate other crops. Looking beyond our orchards, we’re
Committee (SAIC), the workgroups review research proposals, track progress within their also working with experts to collaboratively solve the complex set of
respective focus areas and develop long-term research strategies to achieve priorities. challenges bees face: varroa mites, other pests and diseases, lack of
floral resources, limited genetic diversity and pesticide exposure.
Between SAIC and the workgroups, 77 almond industry members
volunteer their time and expertise to guide these important efforts.
FARMER BEST PRACTICES
Developed in collaboration with partners beyond our industry, ABC’s
IRRIGATION, NUTRIENTS + SOIL HEALTH POLLINATION + BEE HEALTH
Improving water, fertilizer and soil Supporting honey bee health
Honey Bee Best Management Practices serve as a guide to almond
management to meet orchard research and informing bloom- farmers and other crops for protecting bee health on-farm. Some
needs and reduce impacts specific practices for optimal yields almond farmers are taking these practices a step further by planting
blooming cover crops and hedgerows, and adding supplemental
ORCHARD, TREE + ROOTSTOCK BIOMASS nutrition and habitat for all pollinators.
Including rootstock and variety breeding Exploring new value-added
and evaluation, orchard configuration uses for almond hulls, shells
and yield-based management and woody biomass
SUPPORTING BEEKEEPERS
PEST MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABILITY
Guiding the California Almond Both in their operations via partnerships for pollination services and
Considering pest biology to develop
new approaches to control insects, Sustainability Program and through Almond Board-led collaborations, almond farmers have been
disease, weeds and more quantifying almonds’ sustainability longtime allies of beekeepers. One of those collaborations, the Bee
Informed Partnership’s Tech Transfer Teams, provides highly-trained
HARVEST field agents to work with U.S. beekeepers, monitoring hives and
Re-envisioning almond harvest to
advising on pest and disease best practices.
improve almond quality, reduce
dust and improve efficiency
Working Lands That Work Harder

Did You Know? Over the past year, nonprofit Project Apis m. added 104 new almond farmers3
Reports from all ABC-funded to its Seeds for Bees program, providing pollinator habitat on-farm. In the same
research can be found at period, there was a 200% increase in the amount of land California almond
Almonds.com/ResearchDatabase.
farmers reported dedicating to growing4 pollinator-friendly cover crops in or
adjacent to almond orchards.
1. Ramesh Sagili. Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University. 2. Ellen Topitzhofer, et al. Assessment of Pollen Diversity Available to Honey
Bees in Major Cropping Systems During Pollination in the Western United States. Journal of Economic Entomology. 2019. 3. Billy Synk, Director of
1010 Pollination Services, Project Apis m. November 2020. 4. California Almond Sustainability Program. November 2020. 11
PRODUCTION AN D ENVIRON M ENTAL RESEARCH
Water Wise Circular Economy

With its Mediterranean climate, California Almonds grow in a shell, protected by
is one of the five places on earth where a hull, on a tree. Traditionally these
almonds can grow—a key reason why coproducts were used for livestock
farmers are committed to using this precious bedding, dairy feed and electricity
By 2025, the almond natural resource in the most sustainable By 2025, the almond generation. Today, the almond
way possible. It’s also why 85% of almond community is spurring innovation for
community commits community commits
orchards use efficient microirrigation,1 an higher-value and more-sustainable
to reduce the amount of to achieve zero waste in
important contributor to the 33% reduction uses, with 85 projects funded to
water used to grow a in the amount of water needed to grow each
our orchards by putting date and promising research in
pound of almonds by pound of almonds between the 1990s and everything we grow the areas of recycled plastics, fuel,
an additional 20%. 2010s. 2 But we know there is still more to be to optimal use. regenerative agriculture and more.
done, and that’s why we’re doing it.
SOIL PEST MANAGEMENT

IRRIGATION CONTINUUM In a process known as biosolarization,
almond hulls, water, tarps and the power
This resource summarizes decades of water efficiency
of the sun create the ideal environment
research and was created to help almond farmers
for soil microbes to beat out harmful soil
accelerate adoption of water-conserving best
pests, providing an alternative to fumigants.
practices and technology. The guide is split into five key
While research continues into its long-
areas: monitoring irrigation system performance, soil
term effectiveness, early results are
moisture, plant water status, calculating orchard water
promising and also support the almond
requirements and measuring applied water. MATERIAL: HULLS
community’s 2025 pest management goal.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND RECYCLED PLASTICS

The ABC Field Outreach and Education team Through torrefaction (burning in the absence
provides on-farm support for almond farmers, of oxygen) almond shells are transformed
meeting one-on-one to share best practices and and added to post-consumer recycled
technical information, like the Irrigation Continuum. plastics, giving them added strength, heat
Collaborating with local partners, ABC is also helping stability and color. This approach increases
farmers ensure their irrigation systems are using our ability to recycle existing plastic,
water efficiently via free distribution uniformity resulting in less new plastic in the world.
MATERIAL: SHELLS
testing.
WHOLE ORCHARD RECYCLING

RESEARCHING NEW TECHNOLOGIES At the end of their productive lives,
Since the 1980s, ABC has been investing in irrigation whole almond trees are ground up
efficiency research, funding 228 projects to date and and incorporated back into the soil, a
ensuring farmers get the most crop per drop. With climate-smart approach that improves
the addition of a new long-term irrigation research soil health, boosts water efficiency
strategy, this program continues with focus on and increases yields in subsequent
validating emerging precision irrigation technologies orchards. 1 Farms that use this practice
for use in almonds. MATERIAL: TREES sequester 2.4 tons of carbon per acre,
equivalent to living car-free for a year. 2
1. California Almond Sustainability Program. Nov. 2020. 2. University of California, 2010. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2012. 1. Emad Jahanzad, et al. Orchard recycling improves climate change adaptation and mitigation potential of almond production systems. PLoS ONE. March 2020. 2. Seth
Almond Board of California, 1990–94, 2000–14. Wynes, et al. The climate mitigation gap: education and government recommendations miss the most effective individual actions. Environmental Research Letters. 2017.
12 13
N UTRITION RESEARCH
Did You Know?

Our 25-Year Heart Health Journey LDL: Low-Density Lipoprotein or FMD: Flow-Mediated Dilation
“bad” cholesterol levels should indicates the health of your blood
The foundation of the Almond Board of California’s nutrition research program is be “low” (less than 100mg/dL).3 vessels. If they dilate easily, then
heart health, from humble beginnings exploring almond impact they are healthy. Improved FMD
on cholesterol levels, followed by several studies generating reproducible HDL: High-Density Lipoprotein or means increased blood flow.
“good” cholesterol levels should
results in different populations globally, the latest science is exploring
be “high” (60mg/dL or higher).1 HRV: Heart Rate Variability indicates
the role of almonds in improving vascular health*. the heart’s response to mental
TC: Total Cholesterol levels stress. Increased HRV indicates a
reflect overall cholesterol-related heart better capable of adapting
health and should be less than to fluctuations in mental stress.
25 Years of Heart Health Research 200mg/dL to be healthy.2
1992
Published Heart-Health Benefits*

Publication of First Almond 2002–2006
Heart-Health Study
Portfolio Diet Studies
1996 2011
ABC Begins Investing in
2003
ABC Begins Participating in AHA Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (SRMA) pool data from existing studies to allow
Heart-Health Research Food Certification Program
FDA Qualified Heart-Health Claim researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from a comprehensive body of research.
1998 These analyses seek to overcome differences in study design and methodology as well as
Publication
2017
of First ABC- Almonds “healthy” individual study limitations and are considered the highest level of evidence available.4
Funded by new FDA criteria
Health Study
A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Nutritional
Science examined the collective effect of 1.5 oz per day almond consumption on blood
1990 2000 2020
lipids. The analysis of 18 published randomized controlled trials with 867 total participants
concluded that almonds have favorable effects on total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels
POPULATIONS STUDIED
and triglyceride levels and maintained “good” HDL cholesterol levels among participants
Since 1995, eating at least 1.5 oz (~45 grams) per day.
ABC has funded
>20 PARTICIPANT RANGE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS RESULTS
heart-health HEALTHY AT-RISK FOOD BODY AGE Effects of almonds on blood lipids.
research projects. HABITS TYPE RANGE
LOWERS: LDL cholesterol

LOWERS: Total cholesterol
LOWERS: Triglycerides
MAINTAINS: HDL cholesterol
New Study
investigated how almonds influence blood vessel health1
(via flow-mediated dilation) and the heart’s response to
mental stress2 (via heart rate variability).
1. Dikariyanto V et al. Snacking on whole almonds for 6 weeks improves endothelial function and lowers LDL cholesterol but does not affect liver fat and other
*FDA Qualified Health Claim: Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy adults: the ATTIS study, a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 111(6):1178-1189.
diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. 2. Dikariyanto V, Smith L, Chowienczyk PJ, Berry SE, Hall WL. Snacking on whole almonds for six weeks increases heart rate variability during mental stress
in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients.12(6):1828. 3. Musa-Veloso K, Paulionis L, Poon T, Lee H-Y. 2016. The effects of almond consumption
on fasting blood lipid levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Nutritional Science.5(e34):1-15. 4. Haidich AB.
Meta-analysis in medical research. Hippokratia. 2010;14(Suppl 1):29-37. 5. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm
14 1515
ALMON D QUALITY + FOOD SAFETY GLOBAL TECH NICAL + REGU LATORY AFFAIRS
Leading Exports in a Rapidly

A Long-Standing
Changing Global Environment
Commitment to Food Safety Almond Board of California is working across markets and stakeholders, finding
The Almond Board of California’s Almond Quality and Food Safety strategic and collaborative ways to address the complexities of the agriculture
program ensures almonds are produced in a safe, responsible supply chain. Integrating Almond Board-funded research, the California Almond
manner throughout the food supply chain so consumers around Sustainability Program (CASP) aggregated data, Almond Orchard 2025 Goals
the world can have the highest level of confidence in our product. and technical expertise, ABC is actively working on the industry’s behalf to ensure
California almonds remain a leader in a rapidly changing global environment.
EXCEEDING SAFETY EXPECTATIONS In 2020, ABC actively addressed

almond-related issues in several key markets by:
California almonds’ commitment to food safety
has long preceded U.S. FDA Produce Safety U.S. India China
and Preventive Control requirements under the Monitoring water Following Educating Developing protocol
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). In March quality and Irrigated Lands Sustainable Groundwater authorities on quality under U.S.-China Phase
Regulatory Program, air Management Act rollout. versus food safety 1 agreement for export
2019, the FDA issued a final Guidance Document quality, pesticide policy grade standards. of pelletized or cubed
recognizing the food safety programs the California and farmer incentives. Submitting over 25 almond hulls.
almond community proactively and voluntarily comments concerning U.S. Promoting
created and implemented over the years. This and global standards, nutrition benefits Engaging with the U.S.
chemical tools and more. under Indian Trade Representative on
means that through enforcement discretion,
regulations. retaliatory tariffs.
almond farmers and huller/shellers are no longer Partnering
subject to Produce Safety requirements, validating with researchers, farmers
the food safety controls already in place. and NGOs to help
farmers sustainably manage
California’s vital resources.
ALMOND FOOD SAFETY STARTS IN THE ORCHARD
Prevention begins in the orchard using Good

Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and continues through
to the huller/sheller and handler operations using
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). For California
almonds, GAPs were first launched and widely adopted
in 2001 as the cornerstone of food safety, and focus ..
on how to control and mitigate contamination at the
orchard level. Farmers today follow generation two
of the GAPs, with generation three to be released
in early 2021—reflecting current best industry
practices intended to maximize food safety.
EXPANDING PASTEURIZATION OPTIONS

ABC’s pasteurization program was established in 2007 to ensure a safe,
North Africa/
nutritious food product. Since the program’s inception, there have been zero
Middle East
outbreaks of foodborne illness attributed to California almonds. As the program
Engaging Supporting various issues Japan
continues to evolve, pasteurization methods have expanded to include many EU Facilitating with U.S./EU in Morocco, Algeria, Oman , like Developing
options—dry heat, blanching-type processes, oil roasting and more. Many Addressing EU protocols for stakeholders on resolving redundant import aflatoxin
more processes have been validated in the EU and around the globe. recognition of reprocessing pesticide and paperwork, navigating market strategies
less than 1% rejected sustainability closures and more. with U.S.
inspection level. consignments. requirements. government.
16 17
GLOBAL COM M U NICATIONS
How We Grow
Global Communications serves two primary purposes. The first is to
keep farmers and processors informed of the latest research, innovation,
ABC collaborated
consumer attitudes and behaviors, and global issues impacting how we with The Atlantic
grow almonds. The second is to share the story of how we grow almonds— to produce an
online article and
responsibly—with consumers around the world. short documentary
highlighting the
almond community’s
TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE TO THE ALMOND COMMUNITY
responsible growing
A core element of the Global Communications practices. To view
program is transferring knowledge from Almond the article and
SEPT/OCT 2020 | ISSUE 11
HOW WE GROW Board of California-supported research to farmers

and processors. The Almond Board’s Field Outreach
documentary visit
bit.ly/almondatlantic.
program, in-the-orchard workshops, print and digital

publications, and The Almond Conference are all
focused on ensuring farmers and handlers have
the information they need to make key decisions
to improve profitability and make continuous
improvements in how they grow and process almonds. SHARING HOW ALMONDS ARE GROWN WITH PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF AG
Consumers all over the world love almonds for their nutrition and versatility. In fact, this
The Global Communications team also shares “health halo” is based upon 20+ years of Almond Board-funded nutrition research exploring
important updates on Almond Board programs, like
Huller/Sheller’s Vision to
the various health benefits of almonds. However, consumers are increasingly interested in
Yield Positive Returns, Reducing Water Use First to Arrive, Last to Leave: Experience the
with Valve Control Remembering Martin Pohl New Almonds.com
(Carbon) Negative Outcome
global marketing and technical and regulatory affairs,

Taking the long view to capture For years, the industry has Martin Pohl, former president In early July, the Almond
learning more about how their food is grown—and who grows it. The Global Communications
efficiency gains and return value to sought out and developed new and co-founder of Board of California launched
its member-owners is nothing new for technologies to improve water Hughson Nut, Inc., is being its newly redesigned website,
North State Hulling Cooperative, Inc. use efficiency in the orchard, remembered across the Almonds.com. The updated site
with farmers and processors. The weekly In The

This ethic was central to their founding and in 2018 the California almond community for his provides an elevated experience
team is dedicated to educating the public about almonds’ orchard-to-table story and sharing
in 1968, when a handful of almond almond industry went one step unique brand of leadership, for visitors with a host of
growers formed the Chico-based further by committing to reduce humble spirit and strong improvements to make it easier
co-op to reduce operating and the amount of water used to dedication to the industry for almond growers, processors,
maintenance costs in their personal grow a pound of almonds by and people he so loved. customers and consumers to
Orchard digital and bimonthly How We Grow print

hulling/shelling operations. an additional 20% by 2025. find essential information.
Page 9 Page 3 Page 16 Page 19

the responsible practices used to grow them. Learn more on page 20.
newsletters are a great way to stay informed on what
the Almond Board is doing to promote almonds around
the world.
Did You Know?

The newly redesigned Almonds.com
takes an industry-first focus with two
main areas for the industry
to stay informed:
1 The Almond Industry tab

2 The Tools & Resources tab
Visit the new Almonds.com today.
ABC Field Outreach team members Ashley
Correia (left) and Tom Devol (right) work
directly with farmers to adopt best practices.
18 19
GLOBAL COM M U NICATIONS GLOBAL MARKET DEVELOPM ENT
Building Trust Building Demand for

Across the globe, people love Almonds Around the World
almonds for their nutrition and
The Almond Board of California is charged with building long-term demand for
versatility. Building upon that
California almonds. By conducting a rigorous market analysis,
“health halo,” ABC’s Sustainability
the Global Market Development team identifies and prioritizes the best markets
Communications program
around the world that will provide the greatest return on investment to the
works to bolster the reputation of almond community. The Almond Board currently runs marketing programs in
California almonds by highlighting 11 key markets. Learn more about ABC’s marketing activities on pages 22-29.
the farmers who grow them and
the responsible practices used in GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT: ALMONDS CONTINUE TO
their production. GROW AS A KEY INGREDIENT IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Almonds have long been used by food manufacturers because of their great taste, versatility and nutrient
content. Today, consumers are becoming more conscious of their food choices and almonds are extremely
SUSTAINABILITY
versatile across food trends and product preferences. The 2019 Global New Product Introductions (NPI)
COMMUNICATIONS
Report showed almonds being introduced in traditional categories as well as newer categories for almonds
While this program historically focused like dairy alternatives and spreads. The expansion of almond usage is being seen around the world:
on direct communications within the
FUELING
UP
U.S. and supporting ABC’s global
marketing regions when issues arise,
this year it has expanded into Europe,
working to understand expectations and
opportunities in that market. One of the ways ABC is
spreading the word is
by sponsoring electric
vehicle charging stations
at premium grocers in
key California cities and
across the U.S.
11 Program Markets
Did You Know?

In the U.S., almond NPI grew at a faster rate than all other nut types.
Almonds.com/GrowingGood
Almonds continued
is your online home for Europe had the greatest number of almond NPI at 5,416. In fact,
to be the #1 nut almonds overtook hazelnuts as the nut with the most NPI in 2015 and
almond sustainability—
globally with over have maintained the lead since.
including the 2020 edition
12,000 new products Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for almond NPI.
of our annual sustainability
introduced. This is
report, Growing Good. India recorded the highest growth of almond NPI, up 64% from 2018 to
up +13% over 2018. 2019. Additionally, almonds overtook cashews to become the #1 nut type
in India for NPI.
1. 2018 Global New Product Introductions Report (Innova). 2. Please see pages 14–15 for detailed information about this study.
1. Innova Market Insights, 2019 Global New Product Introductions Report, May 2020. The Global New Products Report is an annual tracking
study monitoring overall new product introductions, as well as new product introductions that contain almonds and other nuts.
20 21
GLOBAL MARKET DEVELOPM ENT
United States Mexico

#1 GLOBAL SHIPMENTS
DESTINATION
MARKET SUMMARY CONTINUE TO MARKET SUMMARY
FOR CALIFORNIA Reaching: Consumers, Health Professionals, Food Professionals INCREASE, UP 3% Reaching: Consumers, Health Professionals, Food Professionals
ALMONDS. Active Since: 1999 COMPARED TO Active Since: 2018
FY 2019/20 Shipments: 774 Million Pounds 2018/19. FY 2019/20 Shipments: 24 Million Pounds
THE SNACK THAT FUELS AMERICANS #PONTEALMENDRA

The U.S. marketing program is driving demand for almonds as a snack by ensuring that Consumers in Mexico report it is difficult to make good decisions
when consumers need energy, they reach for the natural, energy-giving protein of almonds. when it comes to choosing snacks that are good for them. The
ABC program in Mexico reinforces the idea that one good choice—
almonds—can lead to big changes.
SKIN HEALTH: In 2019, the very
“¡PONTE ALMENDRA!”: Social media is a highly efficient advertising
first research study exploring
vehicle for most markets, and in Mexico it is the best advertising
almonds and skin health was
platform to reach our target consumer. When the coronavirus
published. The team launched
pandemic led to stay-at-home orders in Mexico, the marketing
an educational campaign across
team got creative and partnered with online fitness coaches to
social media, digital, radio and
reach consumers through ABC’s #PonteAlmendra at-home social
public relations to build awareness
media campaign. These fitness coaches created challenges for
of the findings of this new study.1
consumers, encouraging them to snack well (on almonds) while
also exercising. One challenge was dubbed #ExerciseNut, playing
off the concept of snacking on almonds paired with exercise.
NEW ADVERTISING: In 2020, the U.S. team launched a new series of advertisements under a “garage
sale” theme where almonds are shown as saving the day in a fun, relevant manner. This advertising has
been quite effective, and the social media strategy was adjusted later in the year to communicate how
Canada
almonds can fuel working and workouts from home to be more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CANADA HAS
THE HIGHEST
RELEVANT SPORTS PROGRAMMING: After the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) Olympic PER CAPITA MARKET SUMMARY
programming was delayed, the U.S. team quickly responded with a new plan that included being a CONSUMPTION Reaching: Consumers, Health Professionals, Food Professionals
lead online sponsor for the 2020 NFL draft. Additionally, ABC capitalized on eSports trends, a form of OUTSIDE OF Active Since: 1999
competitive video gaming, partnering with Twitch, a livestreaming platform, on an integrated program THE U.S. FY 2019/20 Shipments: 60 Million Pounds
featuring livestreaming and advertising.
CANADIANS LOVE ALMONDS

Almonds are well loved by Canadians, and in this market ABC focuses on public relations outreach,
leveraging the work of the U.S. program. The goal of this program is to ensure almonds continue to be
mentioned by the media, driving awareness and consumption of almonds as a snack.
HEALTH GUIDE FEATURE:

The latest food guide from the government
of Canada prominently features almonds
as a healthy snack. https://food-guide.
canada.ca/en/tips-for-healthy-eating/
1. Foolad N, Vaughn AR, Rybak I, Burney WA, Chodur GM, Newman JW, Steinberg FM, Sivamani RK. Prospective randomized controlled pilot study on
the effects of almond consumption on skin lipids and wrinkles. Phytotherapy Research. 2019;1–6. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6495
22 23
Europe UK, GERMANY, FRANCE AND ITALY
ALMONDS MARKET SUMMARY Germany

CROWNED #1 NUT Reaching: Consumers, Health Professionals, Food Professionals
IN NEW PRODUCT Active Since: 2008 MOVING BEYOND TRADITIONAL USES: In a market
INTRODUCTIONS IN FY 2019/20 Shipments: 575 Million Pounds1 where almonds have traditionally been linked to
EUROPE FOR FOURTH Christmas and marzipan, our Snack the California Sun
CONSECUTIVE YEAR.2
campaign continues to show Germans how California
almonds fit into their lives all year round. In addition
to TV, YouTube and digital advertising, this year new
PUTTING ALMONDS AT THE HEART OF HEALTHY EATING and dynamic advertising on social media served
As demand for healthy food in Europe grows, consumer expectations continue to evolve. to remind our audience of the rich but light energy-
Through our marketing programs, the Almond Board of California shows consumers why almonds giving benefits of almonds, whatever the weather.
should be their go-to choice: because they are healthy, tasty, natural and responsibly produced.
DO YOU ALMOND?: That is the question on everyone’s lips in the UK after the launch
of our bold, new UK campaign in 2020. The fun campaign celebrates those who fuel France
UK with almonds, showing how almonds help keep them on their A-game, and in winter Décryptage COMMUNIQUÉ VERSION FEMINA POUR AMANDES DE CALIFORNIE ACCEPTING HEALTHY SNACKING: France is a market
2020 involved an advertising take-over in London’s busiest train stations. The “Do where historically snacking has been considered
AMANDES DE CALIFORNIE
.L’étude, menée à l’Université de Californie à Davis, s’appuie sur la consommation de 2 portions de 28 g par jour pendant 16 semaines. 2.Gebauer S.K., Novotny J.A., Bornhorst G.M. and Baer D.J. Food processing and structure impact the metabolizable energy of almonds. Food & Function. 2016;7(10):4231-4238.
You Almond?” advertisements were featured on Europe’s largest digital billboard at a dirty word! Our research shows that our target
London Waterloo station.
6 excellentes raisons
audience is eating more almonds, and they believe
de se mettre à l’amande
Berryman C.E., Fleming J.A., Kris-Etherton P.M. Inclusion of almonds in a cholesterol-lowering diet improves plasma HDL subspecies and cholesterol efflux to serum in normal-weigh individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol. The Journal of Nutrition 2017; 147(8): 1517-1523.
Les amandes, vous appréciez leur douceur et leur saveur… Mais connaissez-vous snacking can be part of a healthy lifestyle. This
leurs pouvoirs extraordinaires ? Découvertes avec les amandes de Californie.
DES SOINS DE BEAUTÉ GRIGNOTER INTELLIGENT

year ABC continued to educate consumers about
almonds’ multiple health benefits through public
À SAVOURER Bonnes pour le corps et l’esprit,
La beauté vient aussi de l’intérieur. les amandes regorgent de
La consommation quotidienne nutriments, notamment de
d’amandes contribuerait à la protéines végétales, de graisses
relations activity and health professional advocacy.

diminution des rides selon saines et de fibres. Bonnes pour
une étude américaine1 qui souligne la planète, les amandes de
les effets positifs en profondeur, Californie sont produites
longueur et largeur sur les rides par des cultivateurs responsables
des femmes ménopausées. envers leurs ressources.
GARDER LA LIGNE
Saviez-vous que les amandes RECHARGER LES BATTERIES
grillées et non grillées Les amandes sont une source
fournissent moins de calories élevée de magnésium qui
que ce que l’on pensait contribue à réduire la fatigue
jusqu’alors ? Une étude2 montre et le stress. Un petit coup de
qu’avec des amandes entières, les pouce sain et gourmand pour
participants absorbent en réalité affronter les événements petits
25 % de calories en moins que le et grands de la journée et rester
nombre de calories listées sur en forme entre les repas.
les étiquettes nutritionnelles.
PROTÉGER SON CŒUR COMPTER 1,2,3

Une poignée d’amandes L’idéal pour bien profiter
et tant de bienfaits. Favorisant de leurs bienfaits, c’est de
FY In France, watch for the launch of a

l’augmentation du bon consommer une portion
cholestérol et la réduction du quotidienne de 28 g d’amandes.
mauvais cholestérol, les amandes Rassurez-vous, inutile de peser.
diminuent significativement Ayez le réflexe 1,2,3 amandes :
brand-new consumer advertising

le risque de maladies 1 pour 1 poignée, 2,3,
cardiovasculaires3. Avec une pour 23 amandes.
alimentation équilibrée, bien sûr ! Facile, non ?
POUR EN SAVOIR PLUS, RENDEZ-VOUS SUR www.almonds.fr

campaign in summer 2021.
3
1
Italy
IGNITING ENERGY: 2020 marks the second year in our
newest EU market, and ABC’s award-winning Energy
Recharge campaign is cutting through. Consumers
crowned almonds as the #1 nut eaten as a snack, and
#1 nut for health.2 Our TV, digital, paid social and public
relations campaigns continue to position almonds
as a healthy and tasty snack that naturally recharges
your day, and also fuels Italians’ desire for food that
is uncomplicated, good for you and tastes great!
1. Shipment number includes total for Western Europe. 2. Innova Market Insights, Global New Product Database, 2019.
24 25
India ALMONDS ARE

CONSIDERED THE
TOP NUT FOR
China
• #1 EXPORT
SNACKING AND
DESTINATION FOR MARKET SUMMARY CHOCOLATE
MARKET SUMMARY
CALIFORNIA ALMONDS, Reaching: Consumers, Trade Reaching: Consumers, Food Professionals
ACCORDING
UP BY 11% COMPARED Active Since: 2010 Active Since: 1999
TO CHINESE
TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR. FY 2019/20 Shipments: 256 Million Pounds FY 2019/20 Shipments: 99 Million Pounds
CONSUMERS.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH POTENTIAL BY STRENGTHENING TRADITION MAKING PROGRESS ON CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS

Almond consumption in India is steeped in centuries of tradition with mothers soaking and peeling DESPITE TARIFF CHALLENGES
almonds and giving them to their kids first thing in the morning. The marketing program reinforces this While the industry has seen an uneven trade landscape and reduced shipments to China,
tradition while leveraging new opportunities like increasing consumption as a snack, driving beauty the market is still the 4th largest export market for California almonds. ABC continues to
associations and communicating about immunity in the post-COVID world. believe in the long-term growth potential in this market, and its marketing program aims to
show consumers that almonds are a daily snack that delivers beauty from the inside out.
NEW FAMILY CONSUMPTION

CAMPAIGN: The program in NEW ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN:
India launched new television The Magic Hands campaign launched
advertisements aimed at in late 2019 and ran in China throughout
increasing the frequency of almond 2020. The playful campaign depicts
consumption among all family “Magic Hands”—a.k.a. almonds—working
members. Leaning in on traditional to improve skin radiance while also
usage, one advertisement reminds showing the nut itself as being beautiful
mothers to give almonds to their in all its forms (in-shell, almond blossoms,
children while two other ads feature etc.). The campaign ran in Beijing,
working professionals, reminding Shanghai and Guangzhou.
them to take care of themselves, too.
ENGAGING E-COMMERCE:
Traditional Chinese festivals are a big
MARKETING AMIDST A PANDEMIC: The Almond Board of California (ABC) hosted its first virtual
deal, and China’s e-commerce market
event for Indian media. The event focused on the importance of ensuring family health and nutrition
is an even a bigger deal. In 2020, ABC
amidst the ongoing pandemic. Panelists included leading Indian actress and mother Soha Ali Khan,
leveraged two top festive seasons
well-known nutritionists Madhuri Ruia and Ritika Samaddar, and Emily Fleischmann, VP,
on the e-commerce platform Tmall—
Global Market Development, ABC.
Chinese New Year in February and the
Foodie Festival in May. ABC worked
with Tmall to create a tailor-made
campaign featuring California almonds.
The campaign educated consumers on
almonds’ skin beauty benefits and drove
traffic to 15+ partner nut brands.
LEVERAGING BEAUTY INFLUENCERS: In late 2020, ABC hosted a live video session called The Skin
Experts which featured several key influencers: two dermatologists, a nutritionist and a famous beauty
blogger. The event leveraged their credibility and influence in skin health. The campaign is reaching
millions of Chinese consumers online, giving them a reason to believe in the beauty power of
California almonds.
26 27
Japan
SHIPMENTS
CONTINUE TO MARKET SUMMARY
ALMONDS ARE THE Trade Marketing
+ Stewardship
NUMBER ONE NUT
INCREASE AT CONSUMED AS AN
Reaching: Consumers, Trade
A STEADY RATE INGREDIENT
Program Relaunch: 2018
YEAR OVER YEAR, GLOBALLY.1
FY 2019/20 Shipments: 85 Million Pounds
UP 5% COMPARED PROGRAM SUMMARY
TO FY 2018/19. Reaching: Food Professionals
Active Since: 2012
A BEAUTIFUL LIFE WITH ALMONDS

For the Almond Board of California (ABC), a key
measure of success is top-of-mind awareness of
almonds. Last year in Japan this measure increased
by 37% according to ABC’s Global Perception ALMONDS’ VERSATILITY IN THEIR MANY FORMS MAKES
Study. THEM A GO-TO FAVORITE FOR PRODUCT
DEVELOPERS: Almonds fulfill many current and emerging
CONSUMER FOCUS: This program in Japan
consumer needs and desires. ABC’s trade program educates
was traditionally focused on trade education,
and reinforces almond attributes around nutrition, versatility,
but in 2020 the program shifted to launch a
consumer demand and sustainability. Advertising and public
robust consumer public relations program.
relations activities such as media outreach and trade events
Communications aim to educate consumers
educate food professionals to help bring these key messages
on the beauty benefits of almonds.
to life.
#1 FAVORITE NUT
South Korea YOU &
ALMONDS RETAINED ALMONDS
MARKET SUMMARY NEW ADVERTISING: In early 2020, the trade program
#1 POSITION OVER
ALL OTHER NUTS Reaching: Consumers, Trade launched a fresh, best-in-class advertising campaign
FOR TOP-OF-MIND Program Relaunch: 2018 positioning almonds as a versatile ingredient nut.
FY 2019/20 Shipments: 56 Million Pounds
AWARENESS FOR THREE The campaign runs globally across platforms including
CONSECUTIVE YEARS. print, digital and social media.
CALIFORNIA ALMONDS.
OWN WHAT’S NEXT, RIGHT NOW.
There’s consumer demand for almonds
in all of their forms—and we can see why.
Almonds provide tons of healthy and
versatile opportunities for your products.
Whether it’s whole, milk, powder or butter,
ALMONDS, THE PERFECT BEAUTY SNACK

California almonds can help provide the
solutions consumers crave.
Almonds.com/food-professionals
In recent years, the way Koreans think about beauty has undergone a shift from focusing on external
beauty to balancing inner and outer beauty. For the past three years, the Almond Board’s marketing © 2019 Almond Board of California. All rights reserved.
program has focused on this new trend by positioning almonds as an ideal beauty snack.
DATE: 8.20.19 CLIENT: ALMF TRIM SIZE: 212 x 278 mm APPROVAL INITIAL APPROVAL INITIAL
FILE NAME: ALMF181219E Versatility PREPARED BY: Dave LIVE SIZE: 185 x 244 1 ART DIRECTOR 4 CRT DIRECTOR
PUB/ISSUE: World of Food Ingredients - SepOct INTERNAL ROUND: R1 BLEED SIZE: +3 mm 2 WRITER 5 PROJ. MGR
A DAY WITH ALMONDS: Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown in South Korea, ABC held an event to educate
FILE TYPE: INDD CC CLIENT ROUND: Approved LASER SCALE: 100% 3 COPYEDITOR 6 ACCOUNT MGR
2020 ALMOND ORCHARD TOUR: In February, ABC hosted 18

NOTES: Ships 8.22
consumers about the beauty benefits and daily portion size of almonds. The event, which resulted in sustainability professionals from 13 large snack manufacturers
much media coverage and had a turnout of over 2,500 people, featured mini games, a Pilates class and for a two-day bloom tour. ABC worked with farmers and
the Beauty Talk Show. research and sustainability partners to showcase how
responsible almond farming practices meet many companies’
sustainable sourcing targets.
1. Global Perceptions of Almonds, Sterling-Rice Group, 2019.
28 29
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT FACTS AN D FIGU RES: FORECAST VS . ACTUAL
crop years 2011/12–2020/21 | million pounds

California Almond Crop Estimates vs. Actual Receipts
California Almond Forecasts crop years 2001/02—2020/21 | million pounds
vs. Actual Production CROP YEAR
OBJECTIVE HANDLER LOSS AND REDETERMINED LBS. REJECTS
FORECAST RECEIPTS EXEMPT MARKETABLE WEIGHT IN RECEIPTS
2001/02 850.0 824.1 29.3 794.8 16.7
20 3,000 lbs 2002/03 980.0 1,083.7 20.2 1,063.5 8.2

21 3,000 lbs 2003/04 1,000.0 1,032.9 21.8 1,011.1 19.8
2004/05 1,080.0 998.0 25.2 972.8 14.5
2,551 lbs 2005/06 880.0 911.7 23.0 888.7 16.0

19 2,200 lbs
20 2,500 lbs
2006/07 1,050.0 1,116.7 28.9 1,087.8 24.0
2007/08 1,330.0 1,383.0 24.7 1,358.3 17.2
2,270 lbs 2008/09 1,500.0 1,614.6 42.7 1,571.9 13.9

18 2,450 lbs
19 2,300 lbs
2009/10 1,350.0 1,405.9 26.9 1,379.0 19.6
2010/11 1,650.0 1,628.2 27.9 1,600.3 18.1
2,260 lbs 2011/12 1,950.0 2,020.4 40.5 1,979.9 16.1

17 2,250 lbs 2012/13 2,100.0 1,884.0 35.6 1,848.4 23.1
18 2,200 lbs 2013/14 1,850.0 2,009.7 39.0 1,970.7 21.0
2014/15 2,100.0 1,867.9 29.3 1,838.6 23.4

2,136 lbs
16 2,050 lbs 2015/16 1,800.0 1,894.4 47.8 1,846.6 25.3
17 2,000 lbs 2016/17 2,050.0 2,135.7 48.3 2,087.4 26.0
2017/18 2,250.0 2,260.5 48.6 2,211.9 54.8

1,894 lbs
15 1,800 lbs 2018/19 2,450.0 2,269.6 46.2 2,223.3 39.3
16 1,850 lbs 2019/20 2,200.0 2,551.2 47.0 2,504.2 42.1
2020/21 3,000.0 * 60.0 †

2,940.0 *
1,868 lbs
14 2,100 lbs
Sources: Almond Board of California. Objective forecast provided by USDA, NASS California Field Office. *Not available at time of publication. †Estimated.
15 1,950 lbs
2,010 lbs
13 1,850 lbs
14 2,000 lbs
Did You Know?
1,884 lbs
12 2,100 lbs Nearly 85% of
13 2,000 lbs almond orchards use
efficient microirrigation, far
2,020 lbs above the 42% average for
11 1,950 lbs
Actual Production
12 Objective Forecast
California farms overall.
1,750 lbs
Subjective Forecast
Sources: Almond Board of California. USDA-NASS California Field Office. Sources: California Almond Sustainability Program. Nov. 2020. California Department of Water Resources. California Water Plan Update 2013: Volume 3,
Chapter 2.
30 31
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT FACTS
FACTS AN DAND FIGURES
FIGU RES: CROP
California Almond Acreage Crop Value + Yield per Bearing Acre

2011–2020
crop years 2010/11–2019/20
$7,944 Value per Acre
Bearing Acres
Non-Bearing Acres 8.3% Yield per Acre in Pounds
2,540 $7,255
% Change from Previous Year of Bearing Acres
350,000 TBD* 2,300 2,280
7.3% 2,210 2,200
2,130 2,160
300,000 2,090
330,000 6.8% 2,010 2,000
300,000
240,000 6.2% 1,180,000 1,260,000
170,000 1,090,000 $6,178
120,000 1,030,000
110,000 950,000 970,000 $5,874
75,000 880,000 5.7% 5.8%
800,000 820,000 930,000 $5,441
$5,209 $5,140
$5,165
3.9% $5,010
2.5%
$3,771
2.2% 2.1 %
10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020*
Source: USDA, NASS/PRO 2020 California Almond Objective Forecast.

Source: USDA Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Region (NASS/PR) 2020 Acreage Report.
*Estimate; non-bearing acreage for 2020 available in April 2021.
California Almond
Acreage + Farm Value California Almond Crop-Size
crop years 2011/12–2020/21 History + Inedible Percentage
crop years 2010/11–2019/20
ACREAGE IN ACRES YIELD VALUE IN DOLLARS
CROP
BEARING NON-BEARING TOTAL
NEW
AVERAGE
TREES PER
BEARING
ACRE
PRODUCTION* FARM FARM VALUE
VALUE PER
BEARING
GROWING REGIONS2.42%
YEAR PLANTINGS (MILLION LBS.) PRICE ($1,000)
ACRE YIELD (LBS.) ACRE Gross Crop Size, including Inedibles, in Million Pounds 2,551
2011/12 800,000 75,000 875,000 30,732 111 2,540 2,020 $1.99 $4,007,860 $5,010 Inedible Gross Percentage 2,270
2,260
2,136
2012/13 820,000 110,000 930,000 27,632 112 2,300 1,884 $2.58 $4,816,860 $5,874 2,020 2,010
1,884 1,868 1,894
1.73%
2013/14 880,000 120,000 1,000,000 29,772 112 2,280 2,010 $3.21 $6,384,690 $7,255 1.65%
1,628
2014/15 930,000 170,000 1,100,000 35,464 114 2,010 1,868 $4.00 $7,388,000 $7,944
1.34%
2015/16 950,000 240,000 1,190,000 42,824 114 2,000 1,894 $3.13 $5,868,750 $6,178 1.25%
1.23%
2016/17 970,000 300,000 1,270,000 37,575 116 2,210 2,136 $2.39 $5,052,460 $5,209 1.11%
1.05%
1.22%
2017/18 1,030,000 330,000 1,360,000 33,421 117 2,200 2,260 $2.53 $5,603,950 $5,441
2018/19 1,090,000 300,000 1,390,000 26,261 119 2,090 2,270 $2.50 $5,602,500 $5,140
0.80%
2019/20 1,180,000 350,000 1,530,000 16,924 122 2,160 2,551 $2.43 $6,094,440 $5,165
2020/21† 1,260,000 ‡ ‡ ‡ 122 2,380 3,000 § § §

10/11
10/11 11/12
11/12 12/13
12/13 13/14
13/14 14/15
14/15 15/16
15/16 16/17
16/17 17/18
17/18 18/19
18/19 19/20
19/20
Source: USDA, NASS/PRO. Note: Almond Board does not track prices. *Production numbers provided by Almond Board of California. Source: Almond Board of California.
Estimated as of July 7, 2020. ‡Acreage statistics will be available in April 2021. §Value statistics will be available in July 2021.
†
32 33
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT FACTS AN D FIGU RES: CROP
Almond Tree Fruit Weight crop year 2019/20
Kernels 31%
2.550 billion pounds of kernels
4.031 billion pounds of hulls
1.645 billion pounds of shells
Shells 20%
Hulls 49%
Sources: Kernel Weight–USDA Incomings received by Almond Board of California. Shell & Hull Estimations—Varietal Coproduct Ratios and
Production Volumes (Almond Board of California 2020).
California Almond Production by County

crop years 2010/11-2019/20 | million pounds
SAN JOAQUIN
ALL OTHERS
STANISLAUS
SOLANO
MADERA
TEHAMA
MERCED
COLUSA
FRESNO
TULARE
SUTTER
GLENN
BUTTE
KINGS
TOTAL
YOLO
KERN
NORTHERN CENTRAL SOUTHERN
2010/11 47.1 83.2 55.8 4.4 4.9 11.7 13.6 164.2 68.0 202.5 344.2 403.5 29.9 149.7 42.2 1.6 1,626.6
2011/12 49.0 85.5 59.7 5.1 6.9 11.9 17.9 216.7 87.9 269.7 443.0 472.6 39.0 206.1 44.5 1.6 2,017.2
2012/13 50.9 85.1 57.9 5.4 7.0 12.5 18.1 201.4 91.5 261.8 413.6 393.4 30.7 203.5 49.1 2.1 1,884.1
2013/14 56.0 103.6 69.7 6.0 7.3 14.7 22.5 213.8 95.9 284.9 398.1 427.2 32.6 216.9 55.8 1.9 2,006.9
2014/15 55.2 90.2 58.7 5.1 7.7 13.3 18.1 198.2 94.3 274.4 370.5 390.3 31.9 202.9 57.0 1.9 1,869.7
2015/16 57.4 109.7 75.4 6.0 7.4 16.0 27.3 188.7 97.2 260.7 376.5 366.1 32.4 215.2 53.9 2.3 1,892.1
2016/17 54.3 104.0 68.9 6.2 8.3 17.4 28.0 222.3 104.9 291.0 433.2 433.2 40.2 242.6 73.9 2.2 2,130.6
2017/18 52.1 112.9 72.6 8.4 8.7 18.6 39.7 223.7 108.7 303.2 494.4 429.5 43.6 264.0 80.9 2.4 2,263.7
2018/19 57.1 96.8 69.4 11.3 9.0 16.2 39.4 235.1 135.5 341.9 462.4 398.2 48.5 261.4 81.1 4.7 2,268.1
2019/20 43.2 113.6 63.5 14.5 10.4 18.4 55.8 223.4 124.4 302.3 598.3 491.7 68.8 298.9 116.4 6.8 2,550.2
Source: USDA Form FV193, Report of Inedible Content of Almond Receipts. Counties with production less than 2 million pounds are aggregated under All Others.
Totals may not add precisely due to rounding.
34 35
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT FACTS AN D FIGU RES: CROP
Top Ten Almond-Producing Varieties

crop years 2009/10 vs. 2019/20
California Almond Receipts

by County + Variety
2019/20
41%
39% 2009/10
crop year 2019/20 | in pounds
BUTTE/ INDEPEN- ALL ALL

COUNTIES % CROP NONPAREIL MONTEREY CARMEL FRITZ
PADRE DENCE OTHERS VARIETIES
NORTHERN
BUTTE 1.7% 18,545,081 5,588,772 2,469,327 3,597,309 427,354 742,701 11,848,888 43,219,432 22%
COLUSA 4.5% 49,549,474 14,950,562 12,463,575 10,413,735 6,678,393 1,943,419 17,589,092 113,588,250
18%
GLENN 2.5% 30,338,073 8,645,877 3,731,450 6,963,756 940,892 289,428 12,547,123 63,456,599
SOLANO 0.6% 5,678,602 1,158,372 1,037,010 513,556 6,563 3,700,495 2,454,156 14,548,754
12%
11%
SUTTER 0.4% 3,758,800 1,351,173 1,355,349 498,032 68,126 641,881 2,678,711 10,352,072 10%
TEHAMA 0.7% 9,410,351 2,558,904 1,034,756 2,098,861 973 131,017 3,128,831 18,363,693
6% 5% 6%
5% 5%
YOLO 2.2% 23,840,576 4,816,927 8,284,854 4,032,298 682,506 2,826,627 11,310,558 55,794,346 4% 4% 4%
2% 2% 2%
YUBA 0.1% 525,055 22,841 102,193 46,184 23,145 310,562 279,692 1,309,672 1% 1% 1%
0%
OTHERS 0.1% 1,608,572 117,315 465,695 130,226 2,474 281,689 499,402 3,105,373
TOTALS: 12.7% 143,254,584 39,210,743 30,944,209 28,293,957 8,830,426 10,867,819 62,336,453 323,738,191 Nonpareil Monterey Butte/ Independence Carmel Fritz Wood Aldrich Sonora Price Other
Padre Colony
CENTRAL
MERCED 8.8% 87,876,955 27,629,953 30,219,887 15,633,748 8,504,370 16,689,424 36,848,972 223,403,309 Source: USDA Incoming Receipts. Note: The varieties Butte, Padre and Butte/Padre are combined under Butte/Padre.
SAN JOAQUIN 4.9% 48,377,164 11,992,478 6,885,446 13,338,215 4,254,330 20,224,844 19,298,633 124,371,110 Totals may not add precisely due to rounding.
STANISLAUS 11.9% 112,897,528 35,106,845 25,229,423 31,221,900 10,645,975 32,443,393 54,715,552 302,260,616
OTHERS
TOTALS:
0.1%
25.6%
539,061
249,690,708
9,031
74,738,307
184,526
62,519,282
137,388
60,331,251 23,404,675
0 636,463
69,994,124
40,375
110,903,532
1,546,844
651,581,879
Carry-In as a Percentage
SOUTHERN
FRESNO 23.5% 248,845,539 75,435,794 125,952,948 10,354,928 20,184,452 32,021,754 85,500,226 598,295,641
of Prior Year Shipments
KERN 19.3% 206,939,659 57,874,465 129,222,875 9,138,066 38,413,514 12,814,349 37,296,625 491,699,553 crop years 2011/12–2020/21
KINGS 2.7% 24,338,394 9,056,036 16,428,678 124,008 1,951,302 9,759,024 7,135,161 68,792,603
MADERA 11.7% 128,480,897 30,482,499 64,455,763 10,370,660 11,301,712 6,359,870 47,407,752 298,859,153
TULARE 4.6% 47,405,826 8,080,163 28,008,524 1,165,887 6,273,628 15,568,838 9,901,181 116,404,047
OTHERS 0.0% 381,215 86,154 224,063 3,608 19,717 0 85,169 799,926
TOTALS: 61.8% 656,391,530 181,015,111 364,292,851 31,157,157 78,144,325 76,523,835 187,326,114 1,574,850,923
23%
21%
GRAND TOTAL 100.0% 1,049,336,822 294,964,161 457,756,342 119,782,365 110,379,426 157,385,778 360,566,099 2,550,170,993
18% 17% 18% 19% 19%
16%
15% 14%
Source: USDA Form FV193, Report of Inedible Content of Almond Receipts.
Note: The varieties Butte, Padre and Butte/Padre are combined under Butte/Padre.
11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21*
Source: Almond Board of California. *Forecasted.
Did You Know?

California’s Central Valley is one of the few
places in the world—and only place in the U.S.—
with an ideal almond-growing climate.
36 37
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT FACTS AN D FIGU RES: CROP AN D SH I PM ENTS
World Destinations crop years 2015/16–2019/20 | million pounds

Historical Crop Size + Shipments vs. Farm Price
crop years 2005/06–2019/20 | billion pounds Destination 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20
Americas
$4.00 North America
Canada 44.65 55.51 58.30 60.52 59.59
3.0 Mexico 17.42 18.47 22.17 23.55 24.23
TOTAL NORTH AMERICA 62.12 73.98 80.50 84.08 83.85
Crop Size Total Shipments Farm Price per Pound
Argentina 0.51 1.64 2.31 0.35 1.40
Brazil 1.24 2.67 3.81 2.46 4.97
Chile 3.93 7.27 6.50 5.40 7.30
2.5 Latin America/ Colombia 1.75 2.25 3.44 3.51 5.17
Caribbean Costa Rica 0.69 0.66 0.81 1.08 1.29
$3.21 Peru 0.97 1.81 2.11 1.59 3.20
$3.13 Trinidad 0.56 0.38 0.69 0.68 0.60
TOTAL LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN 10.36 17.35 20.88 16.88 24.97
2.0 TOTAL AMERICAS 72.48 91.34 101.38 100.96 108.83
$2.81 Asia-Pacific
China/Hong Kong 141.66 150.77 169.78 128.09 98.55
$2.58 $2.53 Japan 61.31 71.15 78.80 81.28 84.95
$2.50 Northeast Asia
1.5 $2.43 South Korea 46.23 54.45 50.84 56.92 56.10
$2.39 Taiwan 9.33 11.46 9.61 9.34 9.95
TOTAL NORTHEAST ASIA 258.53 287.93 309.04 275.63 249.55
Indonesia 2.81 2.63 3.38 4.63 4.26
$2.06 Malaysia 6.37 5.62 7.02 9.34 8.68
1.0 $1.99 Philippines 0.44 0.72 0.49 0.56 0.55
Southeast Asia Singapore 3.33 3.57 4.08 3.85 4.14
$1.79
$1.75 Thailand 4.12 3.97 5.19 7.33 8.25
$1.65 Vietnam 22.12 42.59 55.17 57.23 14.38
TOTAL SOUTHEAST ASIA 39.25 59.15 75.35 83.02 40.36
.5 $1.45 Afghanistan 0.00 0.00 1.38 2.27 2.83
India 126.45 167.08 199.52 231.35 255.77
South/Central Asia Kazakhstan 0.26 0.96 7.77 7.87 8.92
Nepal 0.19 0.29 0.15 0.54 0.96
Pakistan 12.81 20.80 11.82 9.69 10.18
TOTAL SOUTH/CENTRAL ASIA 140.10 193.44 221.83 251.88 279.15
05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 Australia 2.77 3.54 3.82 5.73 3.32
Australasia/Oceania New Zealand 3.80 3.29 3.36 3.70 3.93
TOTAL AUSTRALASIA/OCEANIA 6.58 6.84 7.21 9.46 7.34
Sources: Almond Board of California. USDA, NASS/PRO. TOTAL ASIA-PACIFIC 444.45 547.36 613.45 620.00 576.39
Europe
Belgium 20.12 19.50 20.76 24.53 22.32
Denmark 7.28 7.42 8.23 7.48 7.55
Position Report of California Almonds

France 23.25 27.83 29.21 30.02 30.52
Germany 102.81 130.21 134.33 110.46 133.93
Greece 7.80 9.02 10.27 11.40 12.16
crop years 2011/12-2020/21 | million pounds

Ireland 0.71 0.55 0.60 0.64 0.74
Italy 57.72 58.14 68.38 67.06 76.67
Western Europe Netherlands 46.84 51.51 52.04 72.19 73.76
Norway 6.56 5.44 6.43 5.60 7.03
REDETERMINED Portugal 1.43 1.77 2.46 1.99 1.54
CROP TOTAL SALABLE DOMESTIC EXPORT TOTAL SALABLE
MARKETABLE CARRY/IN RESERVE Spain 201.10 210.63 203.36 195.64 192.56
YEAR SUPPLY SHIPMENTS SHIPMENTS SHIPMENTS CARRYOVER
WEIGHT Sweden 6.70 5.66 7.31 7.20 7.76
Switzerland 7.90 3.60 4.82 5.01 2.23
2011/12 1,979.9 254.0 N/A 2,233.9 546.7 1,351.9 1,898.6 335.2 United Kingdom 32.45 34.37 34.08 32.60 34.14
TOTAL WESTERN EUROPE 523.31 566.45 583.04 572.65 603.43
2012/13 1,848.4 335.2 N/A 2,183.6 588.4 1,278.0 1,866.5 317.2 Bulgaria 1.86 2.11 2.19 2.24 2.88
Croatia 1.13 1.87 2.15 3.03 4.47
2013/14 1,970.0 317.2 N/A 2,287.2 641.8 1,295.6 1,937.4 350.6 Czech Republic 1.41 2.11 1.84 1.80 1.89
Estonia 3.85 6.28 11.45 8.54 12.26
2014/15 1,838.6 350.6 N/A 2,189.2 639.4 1,173.1 1,812.5 376.6 Georgia 0.13 0.25 0.22 1.38 2.09
Central/ Latvia 0.62 1.55 5.52 2.51 1.57
2015/16 1,846.6 376.6 N/A 2,223.2 593.2 1,218.0 1,811.2 412.0 Eastern Europe Lithuania 1.80 3.23 4.22 4.79 6.07
Poland 1.82 2.93 3.83 4.39 3.98
2016/17 2,087.4 412.0 N/A 2,499.4 676.0 1,425.0 2,101.0 398.7 Russia 0.44 1.15 1.34 1.75 0.86
Serbia 0.40 0.34 0.26 0.26 0.54
2017/18 2,211.9 398.7 N/A 2,610.6 734.7 1,516.8 2,251.5 359.0 Ukraine 0.53 0.77 1.75 2.84 3.90
TOTAL CENTRAL/EASTERN EUROPE 15.97 25.65 36.91 35.43 42.50
2018/19 2,223.3 359.0 N/A 2,582.3 741.2 1,522.9 2,264.0 318.3 TOTAL EUROPE 539.28 592.10 619.95 608.08 645.93
Middle East/Africa
2019/20 2,504.2 318.3 N/A 2,822.5 774.3 1,598.2 2,372.4 450.1 Bahrain 0.94 1.15 1.50 1.69 1.73
Cyprus 1.06 1.12 1.21 1.22 1.29
2020/21* 2,940.0 450.1 N/A 3,390.1 916.8 1,948.3 2,865.1 525.0 Iraq 0.50 1.11 0.96 1.24 1.22
Israel 8.72 10.49 8.75 11.53 14.51
Jordan 8.60 10.17 9.49 11.40 12.62
Source: Almond Board of California. Note: Totals may not add precisely due to rounding. *Estimated. Middle East Kuwait 3.62 4.27 3.72 4.87 3.36
Lebanon 6.76 5.46 6.35 7.45 3.96
Oman 0.04 0.04 0.18 0.15 0.53
Qatar 0.39 1.12 2.10 2.92 2.21
Saudi Arabia 14.19 20.83 14.74 20.27 23.15
Turkey 37.15 53.46 51.74 36.14 61.38
United Arab Emirates 57.32 64.37 63.54 69.01 86.32
TOTAL MIDDLE EAST 139.37 173.59 164.28 167.92 212.29
Algeria 8.33 9.93 5.28 7.58 9.74
Egypt 5.73 1.91 2.25 4.08 7.51
North Africa Libya 0.65 0.41 0.39 0.84 2.16
Morocco 0.01 1.10 3.66 7.12 28.06
Tunisia 3.02 1.22 0.25 0.34 0.67
TOTAL NORTH AFRICA 17.74 14.58 11.84 19.96 48.15
Sub-Saharan Africa South Africa 4.47 5.57 5.68 5.56 6.12
TOTAL SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 4.73 5.87 5.89 5.93 6.57
TOTAL MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA 161.83 194.04 182.01 193.81 267.01
TOTAL EXPORT SHIPMENTS 1218.05 1424.83 1516.79 1522.85 1598.16
Total Shipments TOTAL U.S. SHIPMENTS 593.19 675.96 734.73 741.17 774.25
TOTAL GLOBAL SHIPMENTS 1811.24 2100.79 2251.52 2264.02 2372.41
Source: Almond Board of California.

38 Note: Totals may not add precisely due to rounding. Destinations that shipped more than 500,000 pounds in crop year 2019/20 are listed. 39
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT FACTS AN D FIGU RES: SH I PM ENTS
Export Shipments by Product Type

Domestic + Export Shipments crop years 2015/16–2019/20 | million pounds
crop years 2015/16–2019/20 | million pounds In-shell Manufactured Shelled

350
Domestic 353 345
299 136
1,598
Export
144 144
1,517 1,523 239
1,425 137
1,218 119
735 741 774 1,112

676 1,019 1,034
593 988
860
15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20

15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20
Shipments Central/Eastern Europe

2%
Latin America
1%
Top Global Destinations
by Region
Middle East/Africa
11%
crop year 2019/20 | million pounds
774
crop year 2019/20
Asia-Pacific North
America
24%
36% Top 10 export markets represent
of total export shipments.
256
193
134
Western Europe 99
86 85 77 74
25% 61 60
Source: Almond Board of California. Note: Totals may not add precisely due to rounding. U.S. India Spain Germany China/ UAE Japan Italy Netherlands Turkey Canada
Hong Kong
Source: Almond Board of California July 2020 Position Report.
Did You Know?

Water-saving technologies like microirrigation helped
farmers reduce the amount of water it takes to grow each
pound of almonds by 33% between the 1990s and 2010s.1.
1. University of California, 2010. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
2012. Almond Board of California, 1990–94, 2000–14.
40 41
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT FACTS AN D FIGU RES: ALMON DS + OTH ER CROPS
Top Ten California Crop Acreage 2018*

1,090 Did You Know?
Acres, in thousands
980
Growing 400+
$6,254
Value of Production, millions USD
$5,468 829
commodities,
California produces
504 more than ⅓ of U.S.
$2,616 vegetables and ⅔
315 302
264
214
$1,815 of fruits and nuts.
$1,122
$879 147 143
$770 $756
$549
$68
Almonds** Hay, Alfalfa Grapes** Rice Walnuts** Cotton Pistachios** Lettuce Oranges Wheat
and Other Lint
Source: CDFA, California Agricultural Statistics Review.

*Calendar year January through December 2018. Value based on farm-gate prices. **Bearing acreage.
Domestic per Capita Consumption of Tree Nuts

California’s Top Ten Valued Commodities crop years 2015/16–2019/20 | pounds per capita
$7,340 2019* | millions USD Almonds Walnuts Pecans Pistachios Hazelnuts
2.36 2.38
2.31
$6,090
2.07
$5,410 1.80
$3,060 0.57 0.50 0.57

0.44 0.43 0.47 0.42 0.55 0.51 0.49 0.49 0.54
0.39 0.43
$2,220 0.23
0.05 0.06 0.1 0.9
$1,940 $1,820 0.04
$1,290 $1,220 $1,170 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20*
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, Fruit & Treenut Situation and Outlook. *Preliminary.
Dairy Almonds Grapes Cattle, Strawberries Pistachios Lettuce Walnuts Floriculture Tomatoes
Products Calves
Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture: California Agricultural Production Statistics. https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Statistics.
*Calendar year January through December 2019. U.S. Production + Imports of Competing Nuts
crop years 2010/11–2019/20 | million pounds (shelled basis)
Top Ten U.S. Specialty Crop Exports by Value
MACADAMIA
ALMONDS WALNUTS HAZELNUTS PECANS PISTACHIOS ALL TREE NUTS
$4,901 2019* | millions USD CROP NUTS
YEAR
Crop Imports Crop Imports Crop Imports Crop Imports Crop Imports Crop Imports Crop Imports
2010/11 1,628.2 8.1 441.5 0.5 21.8 10.9 140.4 88.5 250.1 0.6 18.2 89.4 2,500.3 485.1
2011/12 2,020.4 15.9 400.6 4.8 31.2 9.6 124.6 74.6 222.0 0.9 22.3 86.1 2,821.1 449.3
2012/13 1,844.0 39.4 442.1 8.4 28.4 15.2 140.8 79.3 278.3 1.2 20.0 111.1 2,753.5 515.6
2013/14 2,009.7 33.9 437.7 11.9 36.9 14.5 130.8 92.5 234.5 0.5 18.6 112.5 2,868.2 582.1
2014/15 1,867.9 31.2 506.1 21.2 26.1 10.9 128.1 104.0 246.3 0.9 20.9 133.8 2,795.4 666.9
$2,010
2015/16 1,894.4 31.8 527.0 10.8 23.3 9.2 104.5 113.7 134.6 1.2 21.4 155.5 2,705.1 668.1
$1,338 $1,251 $1,250 2016/17 2,135.7 26.6 608.4 15.7 35.1 11.5 127.9 132.6 446.3 1.4 19.1 137.6 3,372.6 697.2
$954 $878 2017/18 2,260.5 32.5 557.1 12.7 25.6 13.8 141.1 137.1 226.9 1.6 22.3 171.9 3,233.5 738.8
$727 $697 $600
2018/19 2,269.6 32.3 598.8 2.6 40.8 16.8 104.5 166.0 487.5 1.3 16.0 256.0 3,517.1 720.2
2019/20* 2,551.2 26.3 574.9 2.7 35.2 13.5 134.7 157.7 356.9 1.6 18.5 207.5 3,671.4 694.6
Almonds Pistachios Wine Frozen Walnuts Fresh Coffee Fresh Fresh Berries Fresh
Potatoes Apples Grapes Oranges Sources: USDA, Economic Research Service, Fruit & Tree Nut Yearbook Tables. Note: Crop totals represent utilized production. Almond crop totals are
+ Tangerines from Almond Board of California’s year-end Position Report. *Preliminary.
Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Services Global Agricultural Trade System. *Calendar year January through December 2019.
42 43
ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA // ANNUAL REPORT RESOU RCES
Doing More Through Collaboration Almond Board Resources
+
CALIFORNIA
ALMONDS
Since ancient times, almonds have been
prized throughout the world for their
delicious taste, crunchy texture and,
increasingly, for their nutritional value.
California is the world’s largest producer of
almonds. With its ideal growing conditions,
including a mild climate (hot dry summers
and cool rainy winters), rich soil and
abundant sunshine, this area produces
Technical Kit The Almond Conference
Annual event for farmers and
about 80% of the global almond supply,
exporting to nearly 90 countries. To ensure OVERVIEW OF THE CALIFORNIA ALMOND INDUSTRY
Provides information on almond

a consistent, high-quality, wholesome More than 6,000 growers carefully tend more than 1,020,000 acres (412,780 hectares) of
product year-round, state-of-the-art almond orchards throughout central California, a region noted for its ideal growing conditions.
equipment and specialized techniques
for growing, harvesting, processing and
packaging are used. ALMOND PRODUCTION BY COUNTY (2013/2014)
The California Almond industry respects
the environment and keeps consumer
health in mind, with food safety and quality
assurance programs in the orchard and in TEHAMA
processing and packaging. ................
.................
...........
GLENN
California Almonds are highly versatile and .................
................. ......... BUTTE
available in numerous varieties and forms
................. .................
suitable for diverse product applications. ................. ................. ...... YUBA
Use this guide to help determine the most .................. SUTTER
processors to receive updates on

...........
suitable variety, size, form and grade of ..................
................. YOLO
.........
almond for your needs.
varieties, forms, handling tips

................ .................
..................
COLUSA .................. ..................
STANISLAUS
................
.........
.................. MADERA
SOLANO ................ .................. ................
............... ....................
SAN ...................
.
JOAQUIN
................ ....... TULARE
MERCED ................ ....
..................
..................
................
FRESNO ................ .......
................
KINGS ................ ....
................
................
industry research, production news

KERN ................
and USDA standards and grades

>100 million pounds
50–100 million pounds
Acreage (1 dot = 100 acres)
and regulatory issues. Presentations

USDA Almond from past TAC events can be found at
GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA ALMONDS
ALMOND PRODUCTION BY COUNTY VARIETIES AND SIZES* 18/20 20/22 23/25 25/27 27/30 30/32 32/34
>100 million pounds
ALDRICH CLASSIFICATION
California Type, Carmel Type
TEHAMA SHELL
............ 1–50 million pounds Soft shell, good shell
GLENN integrity, fair suture opening
......................................
........................ Acreage (1 dot = 100 NUT
..... BUTTE
acres) Medium, narrow shape,
... YUBA slightly wrinkled surface
......................................
......................................
........ SUTTER
.......................................
...... YOLO
BUTTE
Since 2013, the Almond Board of California and Almond Alliance of California
CLASSIFICATION
..................................... California type, Mission type
COLUSA .................................. .......................................
STANISLAUS
SHELL
............ Semi-hard shell, light color,
smooth surface, low suture
MADERA opening
SOLANO ......................... ........................................ NUT
Almonds.com/TACpresentations
....................................
Small, short plump shape,
SAN .................................. wrinkled surface
JOAQUIN .... TULARE
MERCED .................................
....................................... CARMEL CLASSIFICATION
California type
... SHELL
FRESNO .................................... Soft shell, good shell integrity,
fair suture opening
KINGS ....................................
................ NUT
Medium, narrow shape,
slightly wrinkled surface
KERN ....................................
FRITZ CLASSIFICATION
Grades Poster
California type, Mission type
SHELL
Semi-hard shell, good shell
integrity, low suture opening
NUT
Small, medium plump shape,
fairly wrinkled surface
COMPOSITION OF WHOLE NATURAL ALMONDS
100 grams, edible portion
INDEPENDENCE CLASSIFICATION
Nonpareil Type, California Type
SHELL
PROXIMATE MINERALS VITAMINS Soft shell, light color, high
suture opening
Food Energy 575 KCAL Calcium 264.0 mg Vitamin E* 26.2 mg
NUT
Protein 21.2 g Iron 3.7 mg Thiamin (B1) 0.2 mg Medium, flat shape, smooth
surface
Total Lipid (fat) 49.4 g Magnesium 268.0 mg Riboflavin (B2) 1.0 mg
Phosphorus 484.0 mg Niacin 3.4 mg
Saturated
Fatty Acids 3.7 g Potassium 705.0 mg Vitamin B6 0.1 mg MARCONA CLASSIFICATION
Mission Type, Other Type
Monounsaturated Sodium 1.0 mg Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg SHELL

Hard shell, ???
Fatty Acids 30.9 g Zinc 3.1 mg Folate 50.0 mcg
NUT
Polyunsaturated Manganese 2.3 mg Short and Plump ???
Fatty Acids 12.1 g
Save the date: December 7–9, 2021

Cholesterol 0.0 g
Dietary Fiber 12.2 g

MONTEREY CLASSIFICATION
California type
*Alpha-tocopherol. SHELL
DISCLAIMER: The range of values obtained through various private and government investigators are Hard shell, smooth surface,
true and accurate to the best knowledge. Variations may occur due to crop differences year to year. low suture opening
Analyses and ranges of values obtained by various private and governmental sources may vary from
actual data obtained from current and future crops. NUT
Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard References, Release 24 (2011). Large, long narrow shape,
deeply wrinkled surface
NONPAREIL CLASSIFICATION
Nonpareil Type
SHELL
Soft shell, light color, high
have worked together to provide the California almond industry with a voice,
suture opening
NUT
Medium, flat shape, smooth
surface
PADRE CLASSIFICATION
California type, Mission type
SHELL
Hard shell, good shell
integrity, no suture opening
NUT
Small, short wide shape,
wrinkled surface
PRICE CLASSIFICATION
California type
SHELL
Soft shell, dark brown color, rough
surface, high suture opening
NUT
AlmondConference.com
Small, short narrow shape, fairly
wrinkled surface
An overview of almond varieties, sizes,

SONORA CLASSIFICATION
California type
SHELL
Soft shell, dark brown color, rough
surface, high suture opening
NUT
Large, long narrow shape, light
color, smooth surface
WOOD COLONY CLASSIFICATION

California Type, Carmel Type
SHELL
Soft- shell, ???
NUT
Long and Flat ???
*Size, color and/or shape varies by year.
USDA GRADES
WHOLE MINIMUM CHIP & FOREIGN PARTICLES SPLIT & OTHER SERIOUS UNDER
DIAMETER DISSIMILAR DOUBLES
KERNELS (IN INCHES) SCRATCH MATERIAL & DUST BROKEN DEFECTS DEFECTS SIZE
U.S. FANCY — — 5% 3% 5% 0.05% 0.1% 1% 2% 1% —
U.S. EXTRA NO. 1 — — 5% 5% 5% 0.05% 0.1% 1% 4% 1.5% —
U.S. NO. 1 (SUPREME)* — — 5% 15% 10% 0.05% 0.1% 1% 5% 1.5% —

U.S. Fancy U.S. Extra No. 1 U.S. No. 1 (Supreme)*
U.S. SELECT SHELLER RUN — — 5% 15% 20% 0.1% 0.1% 5% 3% 2% —
U.S. STANDARD SHELLER RUN — — 5% 25% 35% 0.2% 0.1% 15% 3% 2% —
expanding opportunities to advocate for industry priorities and encouraging forms, USDA standards and grades
U.S. NO. 1 WHOLE & BROKEN 30% 20/64 5% 35% x 0.2% 0.1% x 5% 3% 5%
UOS
†
U.S. NO. 1 PIECES x 8/64 x x x 0.2% 1% x 5% 3% 5%
x No limit established. Also included in “Other Defects.” Includes max. 2% under 20/64 inch. Includes max. 5% under 20/64 inch. % also included in “Chip & Scratch.”
*U.S. No. 1 is commonly referred to by industry as Supreme. However, Supreme is not a USDA grade. †UOS = Unless Otherwise Specified. (Effective 3/24/97) U.S. Select Sheller Run U.S. Standard Sheller Run U.S. No. 1 U.S. No. 1
Whole & Broken Pieces
USDA GRADING PARAMETERS
DISSIMILAR DOUBLES CHIP & SCRATCH FOREIGN MATERIAL PARTICLES & DUST SPLIT & BROKEN OTHER DEFECTS SERIOUS DEFECTS
Different varieties of Two kernels developing Loss of kernel skin as a result of Pieces of shell, hulls, or other Fragments of almond kernels Seven-eighths or less of Any defect that materially detracts from the Any defect that makes a kernel
almonds in one load. in one shell. One side mechanical processing. Greater than foreign matter that will not pass or other material that will pass complete whole kernels that appearance of the individual kernel or the or piece of kernel unsuitable
Used for whole almond of a double kernel is 1/8" (3.2mm) in diameter, it is defined through a round-opening screen through a round-opening screen will not pass through a round- edible or shipping quality of the almonds. (includes decay, rancidity,
applications or for further flat or concave. as injury; if affecting, in aggregate, measuring 8/64" (3.2mm) measuring 8/64" (3.2mm) opening screen measuring 8/64" The defects include gum, shrivel, brown insect injury and damage
processing, such as greater than 1/4" (6.4mm) in diameter, in diameter. in diameter. (3.2mm) in diameter. spot, and discolored. by mold).
blanching and roasting. it is defined as defect.
FORMS
Industry Resource Directory

WHOLE SLICED SLIVERED DICED MEAL OR FLOUR OIL BUTTER, PASTE
NATURAL OR BLANCHED NATURAL OR BLANCHED BLANCHED NATURAL OR BLANCHED NATURAL OR BLANCHED COMMON SPECIFICATIONS NATURAL OR BLANCHED
COMMON SPECIFICATIONS COMMON SPECIFICATIONS COMMON SPECIFICATIONS COMMON SPECIFICATIONS COMMON SPECIFICATIONS Cold-pressed, light and pale TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
USDA grades for natural THICKNESS THICKNESS Large: 28/18 ...... 28/64" & 18/64" (11.1 & 7.1 mm) Coarse ground amber color • Alternative to other nut butters
almonds; processor or customer Thick: 1.5–1.8 mm Regular: 3.0–5.0 mm Medium: 22/8 .... 22/64" & 8/64" (8.7 & 3.2 mm) Fine ground TYPICAL APPLICATIONS • Filling for chocolate, cereal
specifications for blanched almonds Regular: 1.1–1.4 mm Medium: 4.0–6.0 mm Small: 12/8 ........ 12/64" & 8/64" (4.8 & 3.2 mm) (Grinders and screens • Salad dressings and cold dishes bars, confectionery, bakery
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS Thin: 0.7–1.0 mm TYPICAL APPLICATIONS Fine: 8/0 ............ 8/64" (3.2 mm) determine particle size) • Non-food (e.g., cosmetics,
• Natural, roasted or flavored snacks Extra Thin: 0.5–0.7 mm • Roasted or flavored snacks TYPICAL APPLICATIONS TYPICAL APPLICATIONS moisturizer)
• Embedded or enrobed in chocolate TYPICAL APPLICATIONS • Ingredient for baked goods, cereal • Topping for dairy items, baked goods • Important in European-style bakery
• Ingredients for confectionery, energy • Topping for salads • Texture for confectionery • Coating for ice cream bars • Gluten-free bakery
bars, bakery • Ingredient for cereal • Topping for prepared foods, salads • Filling for bakery or confectionery • Sauce thickener
• Inputs for processing • Coating for savory dishes • Crust for meats, seafood • Coating for fried foods
• Garnishing for baked goods, desserts
Almonds.com 1150 Ninth Street, Suite 1500 Modesto, CA 95354 USA T: 209-549-8262 © 2015 Almond Board of California. All rights reserved.
support among those who are making decisions that impact how almonds Almond Almanac Connects farmers and processors to
are grown and sold. In 2020, we worked together to address the impacts of Annual year-end report that allied industries like beekeepers, farm
provides an overview of almond advisors and solar providers
COVID-19 and continued tackling issues facing the industry, such as trade statistics and Almond Board of Almonds.com/ResourceDirectory
wars, pesticide regulations, water availability and more. California (ABC) programs
Almond Living Magazine
Growing Good A digital magazine housing articles that
CORONAVIRUS FOOD CORONAVIRUS FOOD Overview of the responsible practices touch on various ABC initiatives. This is
a great place to see firsthand how ABC
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CFAP) ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2 (CFAP 2) used to grow California almonds
is connecting with consumers and food
Almonds.com/GrowingGood
In April, USDA announced an $18 billion Coronavirus In September, USDA announced a second and health professionals
Food Assistance Program (CFAP), providing program with an additional $14 billion dollars Almonds.com/Magazine
2025 Goals Roadmap
direct support to agriculture producers based on for producers who continue to face market Illustrates how the almond community
losses where prices and market supply chains disruptions and associated costs because of is measuring and working toward the
Press Room
were significantly impacted by the pandemic. COVID-19. Again, ABC and the Almond Alliance, Almond Orchard 2025 Goals One-stop shop for the latest news
After the Almond Alliance’s success in ensuring together with FSA, ensured farmers would Almonds.com/2025Goals published by ABC
Almonds.com/PressRoom
almonds were included, the Alliance and ABC be in a good position to apply for CFAP 2.
collaborated with USDA’s FSA to help farmers Research Update
Twitter
participate in CFAP. Three webinars were held as + Database
part of an outreach and education effort. By the Almond sustainability news
An annual publication featuring served up in 280 characters
close of the program, California almond farmers one-page summaries of each research @almondboard
received over $1 million in direct payments. project underway
Almonds.com/ResearchDatabase
Facebook
Almond A place for almond farmers and
processors to stay in touch with ABC
Leadership Program @AlmondBoardofCalifornia
A year-long program covering all facets
of the California almond industry YouTube
through seminars, tours, special
Hub for all Almond Board-produced
projects and community service events
videos about almonds, industry
Almonds.com/
education and consumer outreach
AlmondLeadershipProgram
youtube.com/AlmondBoardofCA
California Almond LinkedIn

Sustainability Program Information about various ABC
Free online productivity tools initiatives and career opportunities
and assessment modules for farmers LinkedIn.com/company/almond-
and processors to learn about best board-of-california/
practices and regulatory requirements
SustainableAlmondGrowing.org Questions? Collateral requests?
LOOKING TO 2021
Ag in the Classroom ? Contact ABC:
[email protected]
Following the 2020 election process, the Almond Board and Almond Alliance will be focused Teaching resources explaining how
209.549.8262
on educating new policy makers on the goals and contributions of California almonds and the almonds are grown and processed, the
role they play in California, the U.S. and around the world. history of California almonds and the
many ways to enjoy the versatile nut
Almonds.com/AgInTheClassroom
44 45
1150 Ninth Street, Suite 1500
Modesto, CA 95354
T: 209.549.8262 | F: 209.549.8267
Almonds.com
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ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

ANNUAL REPORT INTRODUCING THE CALIFORNIA ALMOND COMMUNITY

Within these pages you will find a

accelerated adoption of Learn more on page 8.

industry best practices.

NUTRITION RESEARCH PROGRAM CELEBRATES 25 YEARS:

STRATEGIC INNOVATION: To guide future ABC-funded research, staff engaged

CORONAVIRUS ASSISTANCE: Almonds were included in USDA’s Coronavirus

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ATLANTIC: ABC’s Sustainability Communications team

About Our Community 91%

also family owned

local communities. Regardless of size, all almond

17% acres remains the Solano .. .. .. .. ........

acres Joaquin .....

Source: USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture. ........ ........

ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

Programs + Budget Established in 2018, the Almond Orchard 2025

Global Market Development 61% ACHIEVING ZERO WASTE IN OUR ORCHARDS

Organic Scientific INCREASING ADOPTION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY

IMPROVING LOCAL AIR QUALITY DURING ALMOND HARVEST

1. Totals may not add precisely due to rounding.

Measuring Progress Innovation Through Research

RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY Strategic Ag Nutrition Almond Quality,

JOIN THE JOURNEY

1. California Almond Sustainability Program. November 2020.

PRODUCTION AN D ENVIRON M ENTAL RESEARCH

Building the Orchard of the Future Pollination Partners

A STRATEGIC APPROACH RESEARCH FOR BETTER BEE HEALTH

Working Lands That Work Harder

PRODUCTION AN D ENVIRON M ENTAL RESEARCH

Water Wise Circular Economy

SOIL PEST MANAGEMENT

BOOTS ON THE GROUND RECYCLED PLASTICS

WHOLE ORCHARD RECYCLING

Did You Know?

Published Heart-Health Benefits*

LOWERS: LDL cholesterol

MAINTAINS: HDL cholesterol

Leading Exports in a Rapidly

EXCEEDING SAFETY EXPECTATIONS In 2020, ABC actively addressed

ALMOND FOOD SAFETY STARTS IN THE ORCHARD

Prevention begins in the orchard using Good

EXPANDING PASTEURIZATION OPTIONS

GLOBAL COM M U NICATIONS

HOW WE GROW Board of California-supported research to farmers

program, in-the-orchard workshops, print and digital

global marketing and technical and regulatory affairs,

with farmers and processors. The weekly In The

Orchard digital and bimonthly How We Grow print

Page 9 Page 3 Page 16 Page 19

Did You Know?

1 The Almond Industry tab

GLOBAL COM M U NICATIONS GLOBAL MARKET DEVELOPM ENT

Building Trust Building Demand for

Did You Know?

GLOBAL MARKET DEVELOPM ENT

United States Mexico

THE SNACK THAT FUELS AMERICANS #PONTEALMENDRA

CANADIANS LOVE ALMONDS

HEALTH GUIDE FEATURE: