Market
Raw in-shell almonds in the United States are produced predominantly in California, where commercial orchards and handling infrastructure are concentrated in the Central Valley. The U.S. is a major global producer and exporter of almonds, with in-shell shipments serving export snack markets as well as buyers that crack and further process locally. Harvest is seasonal (late summer to fall), but product is stored and shipped year-round through dry, contamination-controlled supply chains. Market access is strongly shaped by buyer and regulator scrutiny of food-safety hazards (notably aflatoxins and Salmonella) alongside sustainability concerns tied to irrigation water use and pollination services.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter
Domestic RoleLarge domestic consumption market with substantial exportable supply from California
Market Growth
SeasonalityHarvest is concentrated in late summer to fall in California; shipments continue year-round from storage.
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin and microbiological contamination (including Salmonella) are the most trade-disruptive hazards for almonds; non-compliant lots can trigger border rejection/holds, recalls, or intensified inspection regimes in destination markets.Use validated supplier controls, sanitation and pest management, destination-aligned sampling/testing plans (e.g., aflatoxins), and maintain robust lot traceability with rapid hold-and-release capability.
Climate HighCalifornia drought conditions and water allocation variability can reduce yields and increase input costs, creating supply volatility for export programs.Diversify supplier base within California regions, use forward contracts where feasible, and monitor state and basin-level water restrictions impacting orchard operations.
Logistics MediumOcean freight volatility, port congestion, and container availability can delay export arrivals and increase landed cost, especially for in-shell volumes with lower product density than kernels.Book capacity early for peak shipping windows, use moisture control measures for long voyages, and build schedule buffers aligned to destination sampling/clearance timelines.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDestination-market import requirements (SPS documents, contaminant limits, labeling/marking) vary and change; mismatches can result in clearance delays or refusal.Maintain a destination-specific compliance checklist, confirm phytosanitary and additional declaration needs pre-shipment, and align certificates and labeling to the importer’s requirements.
Sustainability MediumBuyer due diligence on water use, pollinator impacts, and pesticide stewardship can affect preferred-supplier status and contract access for U.S. almonds sourced from California.Provide farm-level water and IPM documentation, participate in recognized sustainability programs where applicable, and document pollinator-friendly practices and audit results.
Sustainability- Water stewardship and groundwater management risk in California irrigated almond systems (drought and allocation variability can disrupt supply and costs).
- Pollination dependency and honey bee health concerns linked to large-scale almond pollination services.
- Pesticide stewardship and integrated pest management expectations (residue compliance and ecosystem impacts).
Labor & Social- Farm labor compliance risks in California agriculture (wage/hour compliance, heat illness prevention, and labor contractor oversight).
- Migrant/seasonal workforce vulnerability and heightened audit scrutiny in agricultural supply chains.
Standards- BRCGS
- SQF
- FSSC 22000
- ISO 22000
- HACCP-based food safety plans
FAQ
Where is U.S. raw in-shell almond production concentrated?Commercial production is concentrated in California’s Central Valley, where most orchards and handling infrastructure are located.
When does the main harvest occur for U.S. in-shell almonds?Harvest is concentrated in late summer to fall in California (typically August through October), with shipments continuing year-round from storage.
What are the most trade-disruptive compliance risks for in-shell almonds exported from the United States?Food-safety non-compliance is the biggest trade disruptor—especially aflatoxin exceedances and microbiological contamination concerns such as Salmonella—which can lead to border holds, rejection, or recalls depending on the destination market.
Which documents commonly accompany U.S. in-shell almond export shipments?Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, plus a USDA APHIS phytosanitary certificate when required by the importing country and a certificate of origin when required or when claiming preferential treatment; buyers and some regulators may also request a certificate of analysis for aflatoxins and other quality parameters.