India has emerged as the fourth largest importer of Californian almonds from the US. From 2007-08 to the current fiscal the registered inward shipments jumped by nearly 20%.
According to the latest report issued by the Almond Board of California (ABC), India has grown to become the fourth largest export market for California almonds after Spain, Germany and China. Shipments to India rose by 19.6% to 39,462.5 tonnes in 2008-09 and that compared with 33,000 tonnes in 2007-08. R Waycott, CEO and president of the board, said that India was among the fastest-growing markets for the dry fruit and a top priority for long-term investment for the California almonds industry.
"Last year there was a significant rise in demand for California almonds in India and the board remained committed to growing the market through consistent investment and supply of the dry fruit," Waycott said. He also said that almond was one of the most preferred dry fruits among 47% of Indians, adding that about 67% Indians considered almond as a healthy dry fruit.
On global shipments, Californian almonds set a new record in 2008-09 crop year, bucking the global economic downturn, the statement said.
The Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted US Federally Mandated Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Source : fnbnews.com