Almonds market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The almond market in CIS started the period at 45 178 t in 2018, characterized by high concentration and dominance by a few large suppliers, primarily from Turkey. Global overproduction in the United States led to lower almond prices, creating favorable import conditions. In 2019, market volume edged up to 45 827 t, supported by growing consumer interest in healthy eating and clean-label products.

A sharp 28.6% surge to 58 925 t occurred in 2020. This jump was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated demand for healthy and natural foods, and by the emergence of new product segments like almond-based drinks and flour. Growth continued into 2021, with the market reaching 63 649 t, bolstered by rising popularity of lactose-free and vegan alternatives.

Market expansion persisted, reaching 69 918 t in 2023. Steady demand for almond snacks and health-focused products was supported by product diversification, including limited-edition flavors from major brands. Despite global supply chain influences, the market remained highly concentrated and reliant on imports, mainly from Turkey.

Production almonds in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of almonds, 2017-2020

Almond production in the CIS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 38 185 tonnes of almonds, marking a sharp year-over-year increase of 37.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 248.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 51.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports almonds from CIS

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 002 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 3 960 tonnes, representing a fourfold difference. In 2020, the CIS exported 2 082 tonnes of almonds, which is 47.4% lower than the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 295.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, almond exports from the CIS were not heavily concentrated. Turkey accounted for 5.6% of exports in kind, the United Arab Emirates for 3.9%, and Iraq for 3.2%. Together, these three countries captured only 12.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export values dropped to a low of 5.1 million US dollars in 2018 and rose to a high of 31.3 million US dollars in 2019, a 6.2-fold variation. In 2020, the CIS exported 11.9 million US dollars worth of almonds, a steep decline of 61.9% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 515.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner portfolio for almond exports in value terms from the CIS was quite broad. The United Arab Emirates represented 6.2% of exports in value terms, Turkey 5.7%, and Germany 3.2%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 15.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020

Imports almonds to CIS

Imports in kind, t

Almond imports into the CIS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 22 822 tonnes, up by 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 42.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China led as the top supplier of almonds to the CIS, accounting for 49.5% of imports in kind, followed by the United States at 23.0% and Chile at 9.1%. Together, these three countries made up 81.7% of total almond imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Almond imports into the CIS declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 89.3 million US dollars worth of almonds, down by 10.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 105.0 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China remained the key source for almond imports in value terms, accounting for 45.1%, followed by the United States at 20.4% and Chile at 14.3%. Together, these three countries took 79.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020