Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried (shelled kernel)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Shelled almonds are a core tree-nut commodity in Spain, supported by a large and expanding almond-growing area and a developed shelling/processing and export ecosystem. Spain is the leading almond producer in the EU and one of the leading producers globally, with production concentrated across several major autonomous communities. Production remains largely rainfed (secano), while irrigated (regadío) plantings are an important and growing component of newer intensive systems. Spain’s trade position is not only export-facing; sector sources also describe significant imports that are industrially processed and then channelled back out to export markets.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter; significant importer for industrial processing and re-export
Market GrowthGrowing (last decade (as reported by MAPA subsector analysis))notable expansion of planted area over the last decade
SeasonalityHarvest timing varies by region and variety; in Andalusia, official plant-health reporting indicates harvest generally starts in late August and runs through September, with later areas extending into early October.
Specification
Primary VarietyGuara
Secondary Variety- Marcona
- Largueta
- Comuna
- Lauranne
- Vairo
- Marinada
Physical Attributes- Whole kernels with uniform size/calibre and low defect (broken, shrivelled) rates are typical buyer acceptance parameters.
- Freedom from rancidity, mould, foreign matter, and insect damage is a core quality expectation for traded kernels.
Compositional Metrics- Mycotoxin compliance (especially aflatoxins) is a critical specification for kernels placed on the EU market, supported by routine lot testing and documented results.
Grades- Exporter/buyer specifications commonly use size/calibre and defect tolerances for commercial grading.
- Spanish export sector sources describe a quality-standards agreement initiative for Spanish almond exports involving exporter/industry associations (signed 6 March 2018).
Packaging- Bulk industrial packs (sealed liners within cartons or bags) are commonly used for B2B shipment; moisture protection is emphasized to preserve quality.
- Retail packs (when applicable) typically require EU-compliant allergen labelling for nuts.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest → hulling/dehulling → drying → shelling → sorting/grading → contaminant & quality testing (e.g., aflatoxins) → packing → domestic distribution/export
Temperature- Keep kernels dry and cool during storage and transit to reduce oxidation (rancidity risk) and mould development that can raise mycotoxin risk.
Shelf Life- Keeping quality is highly sensitive to moisture pickup and warm storage; breakdowns in dry-chain discipline can accelerate rancidity and increase quality claims/rejection risk.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination can exceed EU maximum levels for nuts/kernels, leading to border rejection, recall action, or inability to place product on the EU market.Apply strict drying and moisture-control practices, maintain pest-proof storage, and require accredited, lot-based mycotoxin testing with documented results before shipment.
Climate HighDrought and heat in major producing areas—where rainfed systems are widespread—can sharply reduce kernel yields and disrupt supply commitments; adverse seasonal weather can also weaken trees and affect fruit set and quality.Diversify sourcing across Spanish regions and between rainfed and irrigated suppliers; structure contracts to reflect crop-year variability and validate orchard water-risk exposure.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFor exports to non‑EU destinations, missing or incorrect phytosanitary certification (when required by the importing country) can result in rejection and commercial loss.Confirm destination requirements in advance and follow MAPA CEXVEG procedures to obtain phytosanitary certification where applicable, aligning documents to shipment lots.
Pest And Disease MediumRegional plant-health reporting in key producing zones (e.g., Andalusia) tracks orchard pests such as Monosteira unicostata (tigre del almendro) and defoliators; severe infestations can weaken trees and reduce production and kernel quality.Require supplier IPM plans and orchard monitoring records; monitor regional plant-protection bulletins and align pesticide-residue and pest-control practices to buyer requirements.
Logistics LowFor extra‑EU exports, freight disruption can delay arrivals and increase delivered cost; longer transits increase the importance of moisture-barrier packaging and dry-chain discipline to avoid quality degradation.Book capacity early during peak shipping periods, build schedule buffers, and specify sealed liners/moisture barriers with clear storage-condition requirements in contracts.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and drought exposure in key producing areas, particularly where rainfed (secano) systems dominate; irrigation efficiency and water availability are strategic constraints as irrigated plantings expand.
- Climate variability (heat, low rainfall, episodic frost events) can reduce yields and affect kernel quality, increasing supply volatility and defect risk.
FAQ
Which Spanish regions are most associated with almond production?MAPA’s sector reporting highlights Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, Comunidad Valenciana, Región de Murcia, and Extremadura among the main autonomous communities linked to national almond output and orchard area.
Which almond variety is commonly described as widely planted in Spain?Multiple sector and research references describe 'Guara' as one of the most widely planted varieties in Spain, with variety mix differing between rainfed and irrigated systems.
When is the typical almond harvest period in major producing areas like Andalusia?Andalusia’s RAIF crop reporting indicates harvest generally starts in late August, runs through September, and can extend into early October in later areas; timing varies by zone and variety.
What is the main compliance risk that can block EU market placement for shelled almonds?Aflatoxins are a key blocker: EU rules set maximum levels for aflatoxins in nuts and related products, so lots that test above the legal limits can be rejected or withdrawn. Routine, documented mycotoxin testing and strong drying and storage controls are central mitigations.
Is a phytosanitary certificate always required to export almonds from Spain to non-EU countries?Not always. MAPA explains that if the destination country requires a phytosanitary certificate, the exporter must request it through the CEXVEG process and present the consignment for inspection at the designated control point before the certificate is issued.