Shelled almonds market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The shelled almond market in Southern Europe, dominated by Spain, showed notable volume changes between 2018 and 2023. Market size grew from 218.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 227.6 thousand tons in 2021, supported by a sustained expansion of almond cultivation area—which increased by 45% over the preceding decade—and technological advances in rootstocks that boosted sustainable production. Rising domestic demand for convenient, shelled nuts further contributed to this upward trend.

In 2022, adverse climatic conditions and severe water shortages led to a sharp drop in production, pulling the market volume down to 171.6 thousand tons. The market recovered to 204.8 thousand tons in 2023, fueled by continued growth in household consumption—which jumped 32.6% between 2022 and 2023—and strategic alliances among Spanish companies strengthening the supply chain. Regulatory changes under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) also influenced sector management and support throughout the period.

Quality and safety concerns, including aflatoxin risks that triggered batch withdrawals, prompted tighter supply-chain controls. The industry increasingly emphasized sustainable practices and innovation, while regulatory adjustments in 2024 aimed to align the sector with the new CAP 2023-2027 framework, focusing on responsible production and stable market conditions.

Production shelled almonds in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Southern Europe produced 156.3 thousand tons of shelled almonds, marking a 17.1% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 37.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 11.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 19.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Southern Europe's shelled almond production value declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 157 million US dollars, down 6.1% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 9.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 264 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 19.4%.

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

Exports shelled almonds from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Shelled almond exports from Southern Europe rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 112.6 thousand tons, showing a significant 15.8% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 50.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for shelled almonds in kind was fragmented. Germany accounted for 23.3% of exports, France for 17.3%, and the United States for 6.2%, together making up 46.9% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, shelled almond export values from Southern Europe decreased. In 2020, exports reached 834 million US dollars, down 7.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export values increased by 20.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.3%. The peak value was in 2019 at 898 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, export values were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 23.0% of exports, France for 17.8%, and the United States for 8.4%, together representing 49.2% 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 shelled almonds to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Southern Europe imported 172.7 thousand tons of shelled almonds, a modest 3.7% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 10.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 0.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated shelled almond imports in kind, accounting for 76.6% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among various smaller destinations.

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, M $ US

After two years of gains, shelled almond import values into Southern Europe declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 016 million US dollars, reflecting a slight 2.7% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import values increased by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The highest value was in 2019 at 1 044 million US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States consistently represented 76.0% of total import values, indicating a high concentration on this market, while the rest was shared among other countries.

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

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