CALIFORNIA SUSTAINING GLOBAL ALMOND DEMAND
Domestic Consumption Greatest Source of Increased Almond Demand
Mark Jansen, President and CEO Blue Diamond Growers, issued a press release TODAY reporting that for the second consecutive year, domestic consumption of California Almonds is driving demand. U.S. shipments have grown 11% over a year ago, and in December they posted a 20% gain. The U.S. is the most consistent, largest and greatest source of growth for California almonds.
Total global shipments for the month were flat to last year. Year to date, shipments exceed prior year by 6%. We are now projecting a 2 billion pound crop, which should give the industry just enough almonds to sustain the current growth rate of 6%.
Mark Jansen currently serves on the Executive Council for the California Chamber of Commerce, is on the Executive Council for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, is Director, International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, and is on the Board of Trustees for the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Learning.