Almonds market in India, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The Indian almond market saw initial growth supported by rising health consciousness and the popularity of almond-based products like almond milk, which boosted consumption. Lower global almond prices, influenced by a strong rupee and ample supply, made almonds more affordable, while delayed tariff hikes on U.S. goods facilitated steady import flows to meet demand, given minimal domestic production.

Market volume surged sharply in 2020, with imports rising by over 56 thousand tonnes to reach 234 thousand tonnes, and continued to expand through 2022. Broader global industry trends, including new product launches and sustainability efforts by major almond companies, provided a supportive backdrop for this growth phase.

The market reached 284 thousand tonnes by 2023, driven by record imports exceeding 259 million kilograms. Government policies such as the Production Linked Incentive scheme for food processing and 100% foreign direct investment encouraged value-added almond manufacturing. Simultaneously, domestic almond cultivation in Kashmir declined as farmers shifted to apple crops, reinforcing reliance on imports, with U.S. almonds capturing over 93% of the import market by 2024 due to strong marketing and logistics.

Production almonds in India

In kind, 2017-2020, t

India ranked 21st globally in almond production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of almonds, 2017-2020

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India produced 10 874 tonnes of almonds, marking a 0.8% decline from the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 688 tonnes. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2019, with a drop of 19.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with growth of 93.9%.

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

Exports almonds from India

Exports in kind, K t

India's almond exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 0.2 thousand tonnes, which is 21.4% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 66.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -30.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong were the leading destinations for India's almond exports in volume terms. Vietnam accounted for 26.4% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 22.7%, and Hong Kong for 17.2%, together making up 66.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Almond exports from India declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, India exported almonds worth 1.5 million US dollars, down by 22.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 51.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -21.3%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 3.8 million US dollars. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 48.5%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with growth of 22.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for India's almond exports in value terms were the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, collectively accounting for 60.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports almonds to India

Imports in kind, K t

India's almond imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 223.6 thousand tonnes, showing a rise of 34.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 51.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the key supplier of almonds to India, accounting for 83.8% of total imports in volume terms, while a diverse group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Almond imports into India increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 927.4 million US dollars, representing a gradual rise of 9.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 15.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.0%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the dominant partner for India's almond imports in value terms, with a share of 81.8% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

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