MODESTO (CALIFORNIA): Most Indians swear by their daily handful of almonds, and with the staggering 85 per cent of those in India coming from California, Emily Fleischmann, vice president of global market development at the Almond Board of California (ABC), says India has played a “critical role” in the remarkable success story of California almonds.
India, the largest export market and second-largest overall market for California almonds after the USA (728 million pounds), received shipments surpassing a record 400 million in 2023-24, marking an impressive 21 per cent growth compared to the previous year.
“Soaking almonds overnight and giving three-five to kids before they head to school, or even enjoying them as an adult, is a common practice in India. Even the belief that almonds enhance mental acuity creates a special dynamic that no other market worldwide shares. PTI
