November almond shipments down 5 million pounds
The Almond Board of California has released the November position report, showing total monthly shipments at 140.5 million pounds compared to 145.6 million pounds last year. Domestic shipments were down 5.4% while exports were down 2.4%.
Demand started off the month soft but strengthened in the second half following a rebound in prices. Sales were limited as sellers pulled back with the shift in market momentum.
Demand in China improved, while a sharp rise in shipments to India is partially offset by some loads being re-sold due to defaults. Consumption in India has been excellent however, so market prospects remain high.
European demand has been down, but a lower-than-expected harvest from Spain is likely to result in market recovery. Middle Eastern demand has suffered due to political troubles. U.S. demand remains relatively low but has shown considerable improvement compared to October.
Australian almond industry continues to grow
Matthew Jones reports on FruitNet.com that Australia’s almond industry continues to grow with the opening of the new Almond Centre of Excellence research facility. The South Australian government has committed $2.8 million over the next 4 years to research “new almond rootstocks, varieties, tree architecture and crop management and harvesting techniques.”
A new experimental orchard site is also being established to provide “semi-commercial scale evaluation of new almond varieties and new growing systems.”
The almond industry is Australia’s largest and faster growing horticulture sector, setting a record gross production value of $691 million this season. Nearly 75% of sales were to export markets.
