In-shell almonds market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The in-shell almonds market in Southern Europe grew from 468 thousand t in 2018 to 563 thousand t in 2020. This expansion was driven by the increase in almond cultivation area in Spain, supported by national aid for nut fruits that required minimum tree density per hectare. The entry of new processing companies, such as Campos do Roxo and MIGDALO in Portugal, also strengthened local production and organization, contributing to higher output.

Market volume contracted to 505 thousand t in 2021 and fell sharply to 394 thousand t in 2022. The decline in 2022 was largely due to intense competition from Californian almonds, which depressed prices and raised concerns about the viability of traditional plantations. However, the market recovered to 475 thousand t in 2023, aided by continued production growth in Portugal and Spain, alongside investments in advanced cultivation technologies like hedge planting and automation, which improved efficiency and resilience.

Regulatory developments, including European Union rules mandating origin labeling for shelled almonds from 2025, aimed to enhance market transparency. Shifting consumer preferences, particularly the rising popularity of almonds in plant-based and gluten-free diets, further stimulated demand and encouraged product innovation within the food sector.

Production in-shell almonds in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

Southern Europe's in-shell almond production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 559.0 K t of in-shell almonds, marking a solid 18.2% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 39.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports in-shell almonds from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Europe exported 3 617 t of in-shell almonds, a 62.7% decrease from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 700 t, with the largest increase that year of 132.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium remained the top buyers of in-shell almonds from Southern Europe. France accounted for 13.6% of exports in kind, Germany for 2.7%, and Belgium for 0.9%, together making up 17.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed years. Export values dropped to a minimum in 2018 and climbed to their maximum in 2020, showing a 2.9-fold shift. In 2020, Southern Europe's in-shell almond exports totaled 59 706 K $ US, reflecting a robust 19.6% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 20 328 K $ US, with the largest decline that year of 9.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 145.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms of in-shell almonds from Southern Europe were relatively evenly distributed. France contributed 21.3% of exports in value terms, Germany 6.9%, and Belgium 2.4%, jointly accounting for 30.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in-shell almonds to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Southern Europe's in-shell almond imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 7 642 t of in-shell almonds, a steep 51.0% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 69.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 065 t, with the largest decline that year of 10.0%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of in-shell almonds to Southern Europe came from a wide range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 21.6% of imports in kind, France for 2.4%, and Belgium for 1.5%, together representing just 25.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.8 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of in-shell almonds to Southern Europe were recorded at 38 772 K $ US, showing a 14.6% reduction from the previous year. The highest value was in 2019 at 45 422 K $ US, with the largest increase that year of 74.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and Belgium were important suppliers of in-shell almonds to Southern Europe in value terms. The United States accounted for 32.7% of imports in value terms, France for 4.3%, and Belgium for 3.0%, but their combined share reached only 40.0% of total imports, with the remaining 60.0% spread among many other partners.

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

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