Free of charge

Almonds: growers calculate higher costs

April 5, 2022 at 4:46 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

SACRAMENTO/MADRID. Favourable weather conditions in the Californian growing areas ensure that the almonds can develop well. Following the flowering period, warm temperatures prevailed, but last week a low-pressure area caused extensive local rainfall.

Losses especially in the Sacramento Valley

During this time, growers were busy getting an overview of the damage caused by the frost. According to the experts at Blue Diamond Almonds, as things stand, the greatest loss was seen in the Sacramento Valley, whose flowering, in contrast to other areas, was already further advanced at the time of the frost, which made the trees more sensitive to the cold temperatures. In regions with late bloomers and a delayed start to flowering, the trees were better equipped to withstand the frost.

Due to significant price increases for fuel, fertilisers and pesticides, growers are bracing themselves for much higher production costs this year, and in some cases certain resources are no longer available at all - no matter what the price. Water scarcity is also a major issue this year; in some regions, the state water allocation has been cancelled, so almond growers have to look for alternative methods of obtaining water.

In all regions, the fruit set is forming, while unfertilised sheaths, supported by strong winds, are falling from the trees. In order to protect the young nuts from pests, the plantations are being examined particularly closely this year, as there were some losses last year due to insect infestation.

US prices pick up again

In the European spot market, prices for US almonds have increased by EUR 0.05-0.15/kg compared to last week, depending on the variety. California, SSR, 23/25, natural are currently at a level of EUR 4.80/kg FCA Spain. At the same time, offers for Spanish Valencias, 12/14 mm, natural are unchanged at EUR 4.35/kg FCA Spain.

Almonds

Type

EUR/kg

Valencia, 12/14 mm, natural, Spain

4.35

Valencia, +14 mm, natural, Spain

4.50

California, SSR, 23/25, natural, USA

4.80

California, SSR, 23/25, blanched, USA

5.50

FCA Spain

EU imports have increased

The EU imported a total of 295,777 mt of shelled almonds from third countries in 2021, led of course by the USA with a whopping 279,522 mt (+8.4% yoy). Other suppliers with a much smaller share were Australia, Chile and Uzbekistan. Within the EU, Spain is by far the most important almond exporter; last year the country supplied 73,435 mt (+10% yoy) of shelled almonds to other EU countries. The total trade volume within the EU was 144,000 mt.

EU almond* imports, in mt

Supplier

2020

2021

Diff.

USA

257,954

279,522

8.4%

Australia

14,268

13,693

-4.0%

Chile

377

452

19.9%

Uzbekistan

346

370

6.9%

UK

11,362

344

-97.0%

Others

1,463

1,396

-4.6%

Total

285,770

295,777

3.5%

European Commission

*08021290 Fresh or dried almonds, shelled (excl. bitter)

View more
price chart, almonds, natural, +14, Valencia
price chart, almonds, natural 13/14, Largueta
price chart, almonds, blanched, 27/30, California SSR
more price charts

Attached Files

File icon
price chart almonds, natural, 12-14 mm, Valencia
File icon
price chart almonds, natural, 27-30, California SSR

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Jul 1, 2025
NEW FARM. Australian Macadamias has sharply downgraded the mid-season crop forecast in July. Growers and processors are struggling with one of the most difficult and unpredictable seasons in recent years.
Nuts
Jun 30, 2025
NEW DELHI. Farmers in India are keen to purchase high-quality seeds to sow peanuts. Edible oil is trading lower. Yields have risen sharply in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Nuts
Jun 26, 2025
ORDU. Bids did not live up to the TMO’s expectations in last week’s tender for hazelnuts. Wide price gaps prevail. Good news concerning the 2025 crop has emerged in the orchards. Economic indicators are somewhat promising for Turkey.
Nuts
Jun 23, 2025
NEW DELHI/HANOI. Low prices and sluggish demand have forced processors to close in India. With high US import tariffs prevailing for Vietnam, trading has shifted towards China. Demand for cashews is back on track in Europe.