Shelled almonds market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the shelled almond market in India grew steadily, with volume increasing from 38 173 t to 52 319 t. This expansion was fueled by rising health consciousness among consumers, a growing middle class seeking nutritious snacks, and favorable trade conditions, including delayed tariff hikes on US almonds which kept imports competitive and supported overall consumption.

The market surged to 63 384 t in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global trade flows. US-China trade tensions significantly reduced Chinese almond imports, diverting substantial US export volumes to India and boosting its market size. However, in 2022, volume contracted to 56 663 t due to a decline in California almond production caused by farmer losses and abandoned orchards, which led to global price increases and temporarily constrained import growth.

Recovery followed in 2023, with market volume reaching a peak of 68 012 t. Aggressive marketing campaigns by US suppliers, which secured over 80% of the Indian market, combined with strong government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and 100% FDI in food processing, stimulated demand for value-added almond products. Into 2024, continued growth in imports and improved supply chain logistics from the US indicate a sustained expansion of the market.

Production shelled almonds in India

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, India ranked as the world's seventh-largest producer of shelled almonds.

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

India's production of shelled almonds grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 46 988 tonnes of shelled almonds, representing a significant increase of 34.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 61%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of shelled almonds produced in India reached 389.5 million US dollars, marking a year-on-year increase of 38.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 32.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 281.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 12.5% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports shelled almonds from India

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2018 at 156 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, India exported 113 tonnes of shelled almonds, which was 24.2% lower than in 2019. The largest increase of 198.7% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of shelled almonds from India were the United Arab Emirates (32.3% of exports by volume), the United Kingdom (13.3%), and Sri Lanka (10.7%). Together, these three countries accounted for 56.4% of India's total shelled almond exports by volume.

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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export values reached their highest point in 2018 at 1.6 million US dollars and fell to their lowest in 2017, showing a threefold variation. In 2020, the value of shelled almonds exported from India totaled 0.9 million US dollars, which was 22.4% lower than in 2019. The largest decline of 23.0% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 198.4% was recorded in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates (38.4% of exports by value), the United Kingdom (12.5%), and Sri Lanka (9.1%) accounted for the largest share of India's shelled almond exports by value. Together, these three markets represented 60.1% 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 shelled almonds to India

Imports in kind, t

After declining for two years, India's imports of shelled almonds increased in 2020. Imports totaled 5 444 tonnes that year, up 3.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 52.9%, with an average annual decline of 22.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 248 tonnes, while the largest decline of 45.6% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan (33.0% of imports by volume), the United States (30.0%), and Syria (10.3%) were the principal sources of shelled almonds imported into India. Together, these three countries supplied 73.3% of India's total shelled almond imports by volume.

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

Following a two-year decline, India's imports of shelled almonds by value increased in 2020. Imports reached 52.5 million US dollars that year, reflecting a moderate increase of 9.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 48.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 19.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 47.8 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 46.6% occurring in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Afghanistan (29.8% of imports by value), the United States (21.5%), and Iran (20.1%) formed the core sources of shelled almonds imported into India by value. Together, these three countries accounted for 71.5% of total import flows.

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

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