Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Almonds

  • How to Protect Your Almonds from Navel Orangeworm and Other Pests

    With spring weather arriving earlier, almond growers in California can expect an earlier influx of pests in their orchards — and to get started sooner on preventing them from harming their nut crops. According to UCCE Sacramento Valley Integrated Pest Management Supervisor Sudan Gyawaly, now is the time to watch out for things like navel orangeworm (NOW), peach twig borers, leaf-footed bugs and spider mites.

    Navel Orangeworm (NOW)

    Navel orangeworms (Amyelois transitella) are the most prominent pests in almond orchards. These moths lay their eggs on the shells after hull split, and the larvae burrow inside the shell, eating the nuts and sheltering inside. Signs of a NOW infestation in an orchard include:

    ·      Small, flat, oval-shaped eggs outside of almond hulls

    ·      Pinhole-sized holes in almond hulls

    ·      Hulls that are oily in appearance

    ·      Fungal infections of nuts

    ·      Extensive webbing inside the hulls

    ·      Partially eaten nuts

    ·      Larvae that are white to pink in color, with crescent marks behind the head

    Navel orangeworm damage to an almond. Photo by Matthew Malcolm

    To manage NOW in your orchards, be sure to continuously monitor male flight activity by using pheromone traps. Also continue to monitor NOW egg traps to establish a spring biofix (the first spring flight, which acts as the starting date for calculating growing degree days), to help you predict the timing of their later flights. The first flight usually occurs from late March through April, but earlier times are possible, depending on the weather.

    According to UC IPM, prevention is key to avoiding infestation. This includes removing all mummy nuts by the start of February. To eliminate existing NOW populations:

    ·      Establish a biofix

    ·      Hang pheromone dispensers in the trees to disrupt mating

    ·      Assess trap activity and begin spraying at hull split.  Apply pesticides at night and early morning for optimal results

    ·      Harvest and clean up as early as possible

    ·      Remove mummy nuts by March 15 of the next year.  Mow or disk mummies on the ground.

    Peach Twig Borer

    While less of a concern in mature orchards, peach twig borer — also a moth — can still be a menace for almond growers in younger fields by causing primary scaffold damage. Begin monitoring pheromone traps in April to establish a biofix and decide if a spray is necessary in May.  Consult with your pest control adviser if you are unsure.

    Leaf-Footed Bugs

    Stink bugs and leaf-footed bugs are especially troublesome after a warm winter. Leaf-footed bugs can be trickier to spot.  UC IPM lists the tell-tale signs of an infestation in your orchard as:

    ·      Gummy nuts — nuts with exudates on the outside of the hull — a signature warning

    ·      Nuts that have dropped prematurely

    ·      Black spots on kernels and wrinkled, misshapen nutmeat from adult feeding

    ·      Withered and aborted shells from bugs feeding on premature nuts

    Leaf-footed bug

    Stink bugs cause similar damage, but this is usually around May or June. Leaf-footed bug management can vary from orchard to orchard, depending on history and severity. Gyawaly advises basing spray decisions on this history plus on damage risk associated with seasonal conditions. Consult with your pest control adviser if you are unsure.

    Spider Mites

    Typically found in the lower parts of the canopy, spider mites may also come out earlier and in greater numbers with warmer weather. Their presence should be monitored once every two weeks.  For this pest, beneficial arthropods that prey on spider mites may be one of your orchard’s best friends. These species include:

    ·      Western predatory mites

    ·      Spider mite destroyers

    ·      Sixspotted thrips

    ·      Pirate bugs

    By monitoring and addressing mite and insect pests in the spring, the pest populations can be kept under control to ensure a large, high-quality almond harvest.

    Watch this interview on Navel Orangeworm: Video Interview

  • Almond Board of California Releases Market Update

    The Almond Board of California released its March position report on April 10, showing that industry shipments totaled 258 million pounds. Blue Diamond Growers notes that this is an increase of 16.5% year over year, surpassing expectations. March exports were up 21% compared to last year at 2025.2 million pounds. Export shipments are surpassing last yers pace, leading by 3% at 1.38 billion pounds and domestic shipments for March came in at 1.9% ahead from last year.

    “While domestic year-to-date shipments remain behind at 391 million pounds, down 15.9%, the increase this month is worth celebrating after months of softer results. Total industry shipments through March stand at 1.78 billion pounds, down 1.9% versus last year,” Blue Diamond Growers wrote in its March Almond Market Update. “The California almond industry has shown resilience and strong performance despite logistical delays associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. With concern around Australian crop quality due to late season rainfall, we may see additional opportunities for California almonds ahead.”

    The March shipment performance confirmed an effectively functioning market, with global demand continuing to absorb supply. Export markets remain the primary driver, supported by consistent movement into Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, despite recent disruptions. This includes 39.2 million pounds shipped to India. China/Hong Kong, also saw a 123% increase to 4.1 million pounds following last year’s tariffs. Shipments to Vietnam were at 5.6 million pounds, an 8.5% increase.

    The Middle East remains difficult, with reduced activity in the United Arab Emirates, but Turkey has seen an increase of 30% and Pakistan has seen an increase of 170%, indicating that demand is being redistributed rather than eroded.

    “The conflict in Iran has been a concerning factor for the industry for over a month. The March report serves as proof that demand across the Middle East remains intact as the region took 21.9 million pounds for the month. The current geopolitical conditions have introduced disruptions and logistical challenges to traditional trade flows in the Persian Gulf,” the Blue Diamond update read. “Saudi Arabia is also expected to act as an alternative routing option to supply regional buyers. The region remains a key demand center with creative execution strategies, and the normalization of logistics is expected to support future activity.”

    The market in Europe remains steady, with year-to-date shipments tracking ahead of 2025 by 7%.

  • ‘Demo 57 Orchard’ Near Los Banos Showcases 57 Almond Variety and Rootstock Combinations

    A new almond demonstration orchard featuring 57 combinations of varieties and rootstocks has been planted near Los Banos to help growers evaluate planting decisions for the next generation of orchards.

    Known as “Demo 57,” the RPAC Variety & Rootstock Demo Orchard was planted this year adjacent to the RPAC and PAPC facilities, allowing visiting growers to easily walk through the orchard and observe how different combinations perform over time.

    The project was designed so growers can evaluate today’s commercial varieties from prominent tree nurseries alongside newer selections and rootstocks that may shape future almond plantings.

    The orchard was planted in the same year PAPC founder and longtime grower Louie Parreira will celebrate his 100th birthday, a milestone that highlights how much almond production has evolved over the past several generations.  Louie’s son, David Parreira, reflected on how orchards were planted when earlier generations of the family first entered the almond business.

    “When my father and grandfather planted their first almonds, they were on a 24-foot square spacing, about 75 trees per acre. They planted four rows of Nonpareil, then two rows of Mission, then four rows of Nonpareil and two rows of Davey and so on. I don’t think they put much fertilizer on and irrigated only when the trees looked stressed. They were happy to make 500 pounds per acre. Harvest was all by hand and the beekeepers paid the grower to bring bees in so they could make honey. Obviously, almond production has changed a lot!”

    Almond grower and RPAC partner Dennis Soares, who entered the almond industry after two decades in the cotton business, said the industry has changed dramatically since he planted his first orchards.

    “Almond prices were around 75 cents a pound when I planted my first almonds in 1999. Coming from the cotton business, we learned some lessons the hard way about planting the wrong varieties, rootstocks and spacings, like planting Wood Colony at 18-foot spacing.

    “Today plentiful information is available to growers, and making the right decisions is critical when planting a new orchard.  This demo orchard gives growers a chance to see many different combinations and evaluate what might work best for their operation.”

    Soares noted the project also benefits from agronomic support from David Doll, widely known in the industry as the Almond Doctor.

    “Working with David Doll on agronomic support has been invaluable. He provides a tremendous amount of information and stays closely connected with the almond growing community around the world.”

    The project was developed in collaboration with leading nursery partners supplying genetics and planting material.

    John Duarte, President of Duarte Nursery, expressed that “we appreciate RPAC providing nurseries this opportunity to put forward our newest ideas and genetics. For our planting, we included Yorizane high-topped containerized trees on Bright’s Hybrid 5. We believe that this new orchard system will be the highest production and most efficient almond orchard to date. Time will tell. Growers will see it firsthand.”

    “Rootstock selection plays a major role in long-term orchard performance,” said Seana Day, CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery. “Having a demonstration site like this allows growers to compare combinations and better understand how they may perform in commercial plantings. We appreciate RPAC bringing together multiple nursery partners to make this possible.”

    “New almond varieties and rootstocks are coming to market faster than ever, and growers need reliable ways to evaluate them,” said Tom Burchell, owner of Burchell Nursery. “This orchard gives the industry a place to see how different combinations perform side by side in the same environment. We are proud to partner with RPAC on a project that will provide valuable insight for growers across California.”

    In addition to the variety and rootstock trials, the orchard includes a hedgerow planted with ten species of California native plants designed to demonstrate how habitat plantings may support beneficial insects in almond orchards.

    The Demo 57 Orchard is expected to serve as a site for future grower visits and field discussions as the different combinations develop. — Story by RPAC LLC

  • Growers Experience ‘Early and Fast’ Almond Bloom

    The 2026 post-bloom period has been typified by a lack of precipitation and summer-like temperatures throughout California’s central valley. Readings have run 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms, making the final days of winter feel more like summer. Daily maximum temperatures rose dramatically from the upper 70’s at the start of the period, reaching into the upper 80‘s and mid 90’s, setting new records on several days. Morning lows followed the trend set by the daily maximum values, rising from the low 40’s to upper 50’s and lower 60’s before settling back into mid-50’s by the end of the month.

    The 2026 bloom presented growers with several challenges and several contradictions. The bloom is best characterized as “early and fast.” While the winter months provided just enough hours below 45 degrees to support dormancy, the chilling was by no means “deep chilling”. This is best demonstrated by the fact that there were no frosty mornings until the first week of January in nearly all areas of the central valley. Elevated temperatures during the bloom pushed flower development at a very high pace and inclement weather eliminated bee activity within the orchards for five days during the peak of bloom. Considering the bloom by itself, it is hard to imagine a crop larger than what was produced in 2025, and growers are reporting quite a bit of variation in their apparent crop loads.

    While the bloom had its share of issues, post-bloom conditions have been very supportive of the developing crop. In fact, some would say too supportive. Bright sunshine provides excellent support for photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. But temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms also increases respiration, consuming carbohydrates and increasing the potential for stress. Some have noted that many orchards transitioned from the white of bloom to green foliage without passing through the “dirty” stage that describes the period when petals have fallen, prior to the leaves emerging. Taken by itself, this would normally be interpreted as having a poor crop set, as nutrients flow to push leaves, rather being consumed by the developing crop.

    While all of this is “fun” to talk about, the final determination of each of these impacts remains to be seen. What we know today is that the “first shed,” those flowers that failed to be fertilized have been already been cast to the ground or are about to fall in the case of the late blooming Butte and Padre. And the processes that precede the “second shed,” where nuts that the trees are unable to carry to maturity are sequestered from the flow of nutrients is well underway, with advanced examples already shedding nuts to the ground. Both of these normal processes are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal, driven by the elevated temperatures.

    As previously noted, growers have been working diligently to keep up with their orchard’s needs, irrigating, fertilizing, and managing vegetation within the orchards. Growers have been injecting liquid fertilizer materials into the irrigation water, the most efficient means of providing nutrients for the developing crop. Growers have also been terminating cover crops or native vegetation within the “middles,” the area between the tree rows to reduce water consumption.

    As for pest management, the elevated temperatures have also pushed insect development, and the typical complement of insect pests are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal. Growers and Pest Control Advisors, PCA’s, have noted finding several important plant bug species, Leaf-Footed Plant Bugs and Stink Bugs species in orchards in all growing regions. Box Elder Bugs have also been reported in San Joaquin County. Early season feeding by plant bugs kills the nuts, causing them to drop from the tree, while feeding after kernel hardening results in “Brown Spot,” rendering the nut inedible. Within the past week, Navel Orangeworm adult moths have also been caught in pheromone traps placed in the orchards to monitor their presence. Now that Navel Orangeworm has begun emerging from their over-wintering sites in the mummy nuts remaining in the trees, growers have begun hanging devices for designed to disrupt mating and reduce the population of insects remaining in the orchards.

    Most growers have made at least one post-bloom treatment to prevent infection by Red Leaf Blotch. This is a new invasive fungal organism that has spread from a single orchard in Merced County in 2024 to most of the central valley by 2025. Treatments must be made prior to infection, and the organism takes approximately 40 days for symptoms to express following infection. Many orchards experienced severe infections in 2025 which caused significant levels of defoliation. University researchers have noted that two post-bloom treatments are required for adequate protection. Weather forecasters are predicting cooler conditions and a chance of rainfall over the first week of April, which researchers have shown will increase the risk of infection.

    Over the coming weeks, irrigation and fertility will be focal points of grower activity. Growers and their PCA’s will also be monitoring plant bug populations as they work to protect the crop ahead of the harvest. — By Mel Machado, Chief Agricultural Officer, Blue Diamond Growers

  • New Tool to Help Growers with Nutrient Plans

    As input costs continue to rise and regulatory pressure around nutrient management intensifies, almond growers are looking for tools that help them apply fertilizers more precisely — without sacrificing yield or tree health. A new Nitrogen and Potassium Calculator, developed through a partnership between the Almond Board of California and UC Davis’ Fruit and Nut Center, is designed to do exactly that.

    Hosted by the Fruit and Nut Center and available through Almonds.org, the calculator helps growers estimate how much nitrogen and potassium to apply, and when to apply it, based on orchard-specific information and expected yield. The goal is straightforward: improve nutrient use efficiency, reduce unnecessary applications, and limit money spent on product the crop doesn’t need.

    Built on Efficiency and Economics

    Nitrogen and potassium are among the largest input costs in almond production, accounting for a significant share of annual expenses. They are also essential to kernel development and protein formation, making precise management critical.

    “Kernels are full of protein,” said Sebastian Saa, Associate Director of Agricultural Research at the Almond Board of California. “That also means that they demand a significant amount of nitrogen.”

    But applying more fertilizer than necessary doesn’t improve outcomes. Instead, it can reduce efficiency, increase costs, and create additional challenges. “If you have too much nitrogen, it could leach into groundwater aquifers” Saa said, “but you are also making your trees more susceptible to diseases like hull rot.”

    The new calculator is designed to help growers avoid both sides of the problem, deficiency and excess, by matching nutrient applications more closely to actual crop demand.

    From Research to a Practical Tool

    The calculator reflects more than a decade of almond production research and builds on guidance already familiar to many growers, including the Almond Board’s Nitrogen Management Guide. “We have been working on this topic for about 20 years,” Saa explained. “This calculator reflects the latest of our thinking and includes potassium calculations, which we had not done before.”

    Rather than requiring users to answer every possible question up front, the calculator uses a stepwise process. Growers can enter basic information, such as orchard age and expected yield, to generate a preseason nutrient plan. As the season progresses and more data becomes available, the same plan can be revisited and refined.

    Yield plays a central role in the calculation, but the tool also accounts for nutrient contributions from other sources, such as irrigation water or organic amendments, helping growers avoid double-counting nutrients they already have. “How much to apply doesn’t only depend on yield,” Saa noted. “If you use soil amendments, some of those amendments contain nitrogen and thus reduce the need for fertilizer. All this is included in the calculator.”

    Adjust as the Season Unfolds

    As previously mentioned, one of the key advantages of the new calculator is its ability to adapt as the season progresses. Growers can save a unique link to their initial plan, return mid-season (end of April/beginning of May), and update inputs as yield estimates improve or new information, such as leaf tissue analysis, becomes available. “This allows the user to fine tune their former fertilization budget even further,” Saa noted.

    The calculator is hosted by UC Davis’ Fruit and Nut Center, which already supports a range of decision-support tools used by California growers. Growers can access the calculator directly through the Fruit and Nut Center website or by visiting the Grower Tools page on Almonds.org, where tools can be filtered by focus area, resource type, or host organization.

    Getting Nutrient Management Right

    Ultimately, the calculator is about helping growers make confident, informed decisions — balancing productivity, environmental stewardship, and cost control.

    “Getting it right is fundamental,” Saa said. “From an economic point of view, from an environmental point of view, and from an efficiency and productivity point of view.”

    With the new Nitrogen and Potassium Calculator, growers now have a practical, research-based tool to help do just that. “The sooner you make your fertilization plan, like at the beginning of the season, the higher the ROI is going to be,” Saa said.

    — By the Almond Board of California

  • Bloom Winding Down in Almond Orchards

    The 2026 almond bloom is winding down almost as quickly as it started this season. The weather for this period was significantly drier and warmer than that of the previous week. Temperatures reached as high as 80 degrees in the San Joaquin Valley, and the Sacramento Valley saw temperatures swing from lows in the 20’s last week to highs in the 70’s this week. Despite warmer and drier conditions, wind and clouds suppressed bee activity for much of the week in the Sacramento Valley. Bee activity in the San Joaquin Valley was fair to good for most of the period.

    Bloom in the Sacramento Valley has consistently stayed slightly ahead of the rest of the growing regions this season and continued its progress through petal fall and into jacket and early nutlet stages. Only Butte Padre plantings there have any significant bloom remaining at this point.

    Bloom continued its decline for Nonpareil, Monterey, Independence, and California varieties for this period in the San Joaquin Valley as well. Most of the remaining bloom is in Butte Padre plantings, though even these have passed their peak by the end of this period. Bees were more active in the milder weather there and worked whatever viable bloom they could still find.

    Ranvir Tung, a grower in Fresno County, summed up the week by saying, “The remaining bloom progressed rapidly after the storms, and with leaf-out now underway, the next round of fungicide applications are being applied.”

    Bee hives began to be removed from the most advanced orchards at the end of this period. As orchards continue to dry out, growers will conduct maintenance activities such as mowing and removing trees that were downed in last week’s storms. They will also look to begin nutrient applications and pest management discussions. — By Anthony Scudder, Regional Manager, Blue Diamond Growers

  • Bulgarian Tree Nut Market Sees Rapid Expansion

    The Bulgarian tree nut market expanded rapidly in marketing year (MY) 2024/25, and the MY 2025/26 forecast is optimistic. There was a significant boost in consumption and trade, driven by both retail sales and the confectionary industry. Decreasing food inflation, improving incomes, and strong development in tourism/travel supported consumption growth. Domestic production increased to meet dynamic demand but still had a small market share. Expectations for MY 2025/26 are for lower local supply and higher imports while consumption is projected to maintain its gradual increase. In MY 2024/25, the United States maintained its leading role as a key supplier, with double digit growth in Bulgarian imports of U.S. tree nuts to about $20 million, or a 43-percent growth over MY 2023/24 ($14 million).

    However, U.S. exporters are facing increasing competition from price-competitive imports of walnuts (Ukraine and the People’s Republic of China) and of peanuts (Argentina and Nicaragua).

    Overview

    Bulgarian tree nut production (almonds and walnuts) is inconsistent – with regular major fluctuations in production depending on weather conditions. Harvested area is usually less than planted area as lowcyield often makes harvesting cost ineffective.

    Consumer demand increased considerably in MY 2024/25, driven by lower inflation, improved income, and stronger tourism. Retail sales, especially at specialized snacks-and-nuts retail outlets, proved to be highly popular and profitable. Official statistics data (National Statistics Institute) indicates that nut consumption per capita in calendar year (CY) 2024 grew by 12.5 percent to 1.8 kilograms (kg), from 1.6 kg in CY 2023. This follows double digit growth in the previous year (GAIN BU 2025-0002). On average, Bulgarian households purchased 3.5 kg in 2024 compared to 2.7 kg in 2023 or 30 percent more at an average price of 9.46 Euro/kg in 2024 compared to 8.45 Euro/kg in 2023 – a12 percent higher price. As this data is only for retail sales and does not include consumption in the food service industry or processing, actual market consumption is higher. The trend has reportedly continued into the current marketing year.

    Tree Nut Supply and Demand for MY 2024/25 and Estimates for MY 2025/26

    Production

    Bulgaria has good climate conditions for tree nut production (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts). The country produces a small quantity of almonds for the domestic market only. In the past, Bulgaria produced enough walnuts to meet its consumption and export small quantities in the region.

    In MY 2024/25, almond production saw significant growth – reaching 1,140 metric tons, (MT) its highest level since 2019, and 83 percent more than in the previous MY (Table 1). This growth was due mainly to a much higher harvested area – 71 percent more than in MY 2023/24, as well as 7.4 percent higher average yields. The share of harvested area of planted almonds increased from 41 percent in MY 2023/24 to 72 percent in MY 2024/25. This was a notable change after years of decline (Table 1, Graph 1). However, production was still below the record achieved in 2018 (1,286 MT). Reportedly, higher almond prices motivated producers to invest in better harvesting practices.

    Walnut production also increased to 4,240 MT, 23 percent more than MY 2023/24. However, this growth was due mainly to better average yields of 22 percent, while the harvested area expanded by less than 1 percent. The share of harvested area to planted area saw small growth, from 57 percent to 59 percent (Table 1, Graph 2). See GAIN BU 2025-0002 regarding production regions and age structure of orchards of almonds and walnuts. Due to an ongoing decline in subsidies for new orchards, the size and share of young orchards for both almonds and walnuts continued to shrink (Table 1).

    In MY 2024/25, average tree nut yields increased due to more favorable weather in different production regions. Almond yields increased by 7.4 percent and walnut yields by 22 percent, compared to MY 2023/24. Product quality also improved compared to the previous year.

    Organic tree nut production is not significant. Certified organic areas declined by 2 percent from 8,396 HA in 2023 to 8,235 HA in 2024. Organic tree nut production in 2024 grew by 41 percent to 1,614 MT compared to 1,144 MT in 2023. Total tree nut supply increased significantly to 5,380 MT by 32 percent over MY 2023/24 (4,072 MT) (Table 1). This had an impact on trade by reducing import needs despite booming demand.

    In MY 2025/26, based on the available area harvested and yield data (Ministry of Agriculture/MinAg and industry information), almond and walnut production are expected to decrease significantly, following sharp growth in MY 2024/25. The MinAg does not track almond production on a weekly basis and FAS Sofia estimates for production, supply, and demand for MY 2025/26 are based only on industry information (Table 2). Bulgaria’s severe 2025 summer drought is the main cause of this projected decline in production.

    Almond production is estimated to decrease to about 650 MT, a level seen two years ago, mainly due to reduced yields. For walnuts, the latest MinAg weekly bulletin (MinAg Bulletin #1, January 15, 2026, tentative data) reports walnut harvested area to be 52 percent lower, with average yields decreasing by 30 percent, leading to a 67 percent reduction in production compared to MY 2024/25. Based on this data and industry information, FAS Sofia forecasts walnut production to slide downward to 3,500 MT in MY 2025/26. These production estimates are subject to revision upon availability of final tree nut harvest data. The estimated decline in domestic supply will likely motivate higher imports.

    Consumption and Consumer Preferences

    Bulgarian consumer demand for tree nuts has strengthened in recent years. The Bulgarian retail market for nuts (tree nuts, peanuts, seeds, and trail mixes) in CY 2024 was valued at 134 million Bulgarian leva/BGN ($74 million) and at 138 million BGN in CY 2025 ($80 million). According to industry estimates (Euromonitor), the retail market is expected to grow to 161 million BGN ($92 million) by 2030. The average annual growth rate between 2025 and 2030 is projected at around three percent. In volume, retail market sales are estimated at 5,800 MT-6,000 MT. Food service sales are much smaller, (under 1,000 MT). The rest of consumption goes for industry use/processing and production of confectionary products (Tables 2 and 3).

    Tree nut retail sales have been boosted by a stronger consumer focus and improved awareness of a healthier lifestyle and diet. Consumers are increasingly interested in product innovations, new flavors, and nut blends. The local retail market is dominated by a few market players who are expanding the assortment of nuts: emphasizing consistently high quality, adding value by new flavors and processed nuts products. Most specialized nuts retail outlets add quality and/or organic condiments, dried fruits, beverages (tea/coffee and soft drinks), and snacks as side products which sell well with nuts. Please, see GAIN BU 2025-0002.

    A recently retail market survey on the tree nut market for 2024 shows that the product category of roasted tree nuts generated annual growth of 10.4 percent in sales (value) as a result of 8.4 percent higher prices and 1.9 percent higher sales volume. The main factor driving the roasted nut market is less expensive prices compared to raw nuts. In addition, there was increased demand in the larger size packages offered in this segment – 250 grams (g), 500 g and 1 kilogram. Raw nuts, on the other hand, had 11.6 percent sales growth in value, driven by an 8.7 percent price growth. The preferred size packages were 70 g and 80 g, which sold the fastest due to the lowest price increase for this size. Private label sales for both types of nuts grew in double digits, driven by lower prices and consumer demand.

    Roasted nuts had a market share of 16 percent in volume and raw nuts had a market share of 40 percent. Peanuts were the most popular choice among processed nuts. Peanuts had 35 percent market share in sales in volume, nut mixes 9 percent, cashews 5 percent, almonds 3 percent, pistachios 3 percent, and other types of nuts were at 8 percent.

    In 2024, 212 new products were launched on the market in the “Processed (roasted) nuts” category. Thisvincluded 25 new products under peanuts segment, 13 percent in nut mixes, 7 percent in cashews, and 6vpercent in almonds and pistachios.

    Nut mixes or nut and fruit mixes remained the most important for raw nuts category. Data shows a 9 percent drop in the price of nut mixes and an 8.7 percent increase in the average price of raw nuts, driven by the change in the price of hazelnuts. For the raw nuts market (volume), the shares of different categories were the following: nut and fruit mix 29 percent, cashew 15 percent, almonds 14 percent, walnuts 12 percent, nut mix 9 percent, and other 13 percent. Raw nuts contributed to the development of the category with 44 new products, with the largest share of innovations being represented in almonds and walnuts (18 percent), pumpkin seeds, nut and fruit mixes (14 percent), sunflower seeds (7 percent), and peanut and nut mixes (7 percent). The focus was on larger size/weights.

    Successful marketing strategies included promotional activities around holidays. Snacks with healthy and functional ingredients, such as those high in protein and fiber, and low in calories and sugar, were leading. Innovative flavors brought new sensory experiences to consumers. Good positioning of these products on social networks was key to positive sales development. Promotional activities remained key for the nuts category, as the right strategies and positioning contributed to a significant increase in sales.

    The market share of the three top companies (Detelina, Victoria Nuts, and Elit) increased from 43.6 percent in 2024 to 43.8 percent CY 2025. The next five companies, Kronos, Dani, Kerpi, Milena-Hristo Hristov ET, and Ivtoni Shopov Ltd. accounted for 29.7 percent of the national market. Small companies (1 to 3 percent share each) jointly accounted for 26.8 percent in 2024 compared to 26.5 percent in 2025 (source: Euromonitor). Some players such as Yadki Nachev, Mr. Almond, Nuts Bg and Top Foods, combined specialized retail outlets for high-end, quality nuts with online sales and make efforts to expand their portfolio with plant based products such as almond milk, protein snacks and other.

    In MY 2024/25, there was more demand for tree nuts from both direct consumption and for processing in the confectionary industry. Improved local supply and quality of tree nuts led to slightly lower imports in volume. Despite higher market prices and local consumers being price sensitive, consumption is estimated to increase. Consumption estimates are based on FAS Sofia interviews with trade sources and statistical data on consumption patterns.

    Almonds: Domestic consumption has steadily grown in recent years due to the excellent image of almonds as nutritious, healthy, and quality snacks. FAS Sofia estimates almond consumption has increased by about 2 percent in MY 2024/25 and reached 3,230 MT, marking a new record. This increase also continued growth over the last 5 years. Imports accounted for about 80 percent of total supply (Table 2) despite 22 percent higher import prices negatively affecting consumption. Industry sources note growth in consumption could have been stronger if almond prices were not sharply higher.

    Travel, tourism, and hospitality outlets continued to support growth in consumption. Traders report local demand by the confectionary industry has improved (Table 2, Graph 3). FAS Sofia forecasts slightly higher almond consumption in MY 2025/26 with growth up to 2 percent (in volume) due to continuing price increases (see the Trade Section).

    Walnuts: Walnut consumption in MY 2024/25 saw greater growth than almonds and is estimated to have reached a new record of 10,864 MT, or 44 percent more than in the previous MY. This was due to better local production and a very significant 71 percent increase in imports. Imports accounted for 66 percent of total supply. The price increase for imported walnuts was less significant than almonds at 6 percent vs the previous MY which stimulated improved processing/industrial use and growing retail sales. FAS Sofia forecasts walnut consumption in MY 2025/26 to continue to grow to over 11,000 MT, especially in the light of more stable prices (Tables 3 and 4, Trade Section).

    Bulgarian processors are increasingly using nuts in sweet and confectionary products such as waffles, cookies, cakes, desserts, and chocolate. In 2024 and 2025, production of protein snacks increased significantly as most of these products contain nuts. In addition, plant protein-based milk, usually from nuts, became very popular, especially in urban areas. Some of this processing is for products that are exported. Exports of confectionary products (HS#1905) increased by 7 percent to $424 million in CY 2024 compared to $397 million in CY 2023. In January-October 2025, exports increased by about 23 percent compared to the corresponding period in CY 2024 (source: Trade Data Monitor/TDM). The major confectionary producers continued to expand production and to invest in new equipment and larger storage facilities.

    Industry sources expect the tree nut market in MY 2025/26 to be more stable with slower growth rates. This is due to the estimated decrease in local supply, creating opportunities for higher imports. Therefore, import prices will be critical for consumer demand. In September and October 2025 (MY 2025/26), almond imports prices were 37 percent higher than a year ago with imports in volume growing by 19 percent. This signals more modest growth in market/consumption volumes while sales in value will likely continue to expand. In October 2025 (MY 2025/26), walnut import prices dropped by 33 percent while imports in volume skyrocketed more than 5-fold, due to aggressive imports from People’s Republic of China (PRC). If this trend continues, walnut consumption has positive prospects for further growth in volume.

    Trade

    Imports of almonds and walnuts in MY 2024/25 grew to a new record of 10,970 MT over MY 2023/24 (Table 4, Graph 4). This represented a considerable 41 percent increase compared to 7,797 MT imported in MY 2023/24. In terms of value, almond imports reached $16.9 million, and walnut imports $15.0 million, or again a new record ($31.9 million) in tree nuts trade, 36 percent more than the value of tree nuts imports a year before ($23.4 million).

    Almonds: In MY 2024/25, almond imports (Shelled weight [SH]), declined by about 9 percent. In addition to better local supply, another reason for this reduction was the considerable growth in average import price of 22 percent to $6,326/MT compared to $5,165/MT in MY 2023/24 (Trade Data Monitor/TDM) (Table 2 and 4). These prices resulted in expanding imports in value, generating almost 12 percent over MY 2023/24 growth to about $17 million in trade. The bulk of imports were shelled almonds (HS#080212). The main suppliers of almonds to Bulgaria are the United States, Spain, and Greece.

    Imports from the United States (shelled almonds) in MY 2024/25 declined by about 9 percent in tonnage but grew by about 14 percent in value (Table 4) due to 24 percent higher import prices ($6,243/MT vs. $5,023/MT). The United States accounted for 64 percent and 63 percent of imports, in volume and value terms, respectively. Thus, U.S. almonds strengthened their market position as a leading origin. Spain accounted for 11 percent of imports and Greece for 13 percent (volume).

    In the first two months of MY 2025/26 (September and October 2025), almond import prices kept their upward trend at 37 percent higher than a year ago ($7,636/MT vs $5,562/MT). Nevertheless, imports demonstrated resilience and grew by 19 percent (in volume) and by 64 percent (in value) compared to a year ago.

    Walnuts: In MY 2024/25, walnut imports skyrocketed to a new record of about 8,300 MT (In-Shell weight [ISH]), increasing by 70 percent compared to the previous MY (Tables 3 and 4). In terms of value, imports grew to $15.04 million, a 81-percent increase over MY 2023/24 with 6 percent higher import prices for walnuts ($1,813/ MT in MY 2024/25 vs $1,711/MT in MY 2023/24) (Table 4). Shelled walnuts (HS#080232) are generally in higher demand and imports increased to 7,499 MT (ISH) compared to 4,347 MT (ISH) over the previous MY or 73 percent more. Shelled walnuts accounted for 90 percent of total imports versus 10 percent for walnuts in-shell. The PRC and Ukraine are the main suppliers of shelled walnuts with 70 percent and 15 percent share each, respectively, of total imports. Ukraine is also the major supplier of walnuts in shell with 65 percent of imports while the PRC accounts for 27 percent.

    The United States exports both shelled and in-shell walnuts to Bulgaria. However, in MY 2024/25 U.S. walnut imports decreased to only 20 MT in-shell product (ISH) at $43,000, mainly due to strong price-competitive imports from the PRC and Ukraine (Table 4). In the first month of MY 2025/26 (October 2025), walnut import prices reverted their trend and dropped by 33 percent from a year ago ($1,328 MT vs $1,991/MT). As a result, imports grew substantially both in volume (by 513 percent) and in value (by 310 percent) compared to a year ago.

    Major walnut export markets for Bulgaria are Greece, Albania, and Kosovo. In MY 2024/25 walnut exports increased by 110 percent (to 1,673 MT vs 797 MT) compared with the previous MY (Table 4), due to a better total supply. Reportedly, some of these quantities were transshipped and/or further processed imported product.

    Other Tree Nuts: Favorable demand for tree nuts has gradually diversified and expanded to less familiar, high-end tree nuts such as pistachios. In MY 2024/25, pistachio imports (ISH) grew to a new record of 1,423 MT vs 1,308 MT in the previous MY which marked a 9 percent increase despite sharply higher average import price of 45 percent ($10,079/MT vs $6,963/MT). In terms of value, imports were 57 percent higher at $14.34 million (Table 4). Trade in U.S. pistachios (in-shell pistachios) declined by 41 percent in volume and by 26 percent in value, mainly due to expensive prices.

    The United States kept its position of a leading supplier with 30 percent share in total imports. However, some of the product imported from Germany, the second leading supplier, was also of U.S. origin. (Table 4). In October 2025 (MY 2025/26), imports continued to expand with 103 percent growth in imported tonnage and 154 percent increase in value. Import prices were 25 percent higher than a year before but more stable at the average level seen in MY 2024/25 ($10,323/MT).

    — By Mila Boshnikova-Petrova, USDA Foreign Ag Service, Bulgaria

  • Turkey Levies Higher Tariffs on Walnuts and Almonds

    As of February 1, the Turkish government raised the tariff on imported walnuts from 15 to 20 percent. The government also increased the additional financial responsibility tax charged on imported walnuts and shelled almonds.

    Turkey Raises Import Duty and Tax on Imported Walnuts & Almonds

    At the end of December last year, the Turkish government announced its 2026 tariff schedule (TU2026-0001) that raised the duty on imported walnuts from 15 to 20 percent. Post understands from industry sources that new tariff will kick in on February 1 of this year.

    Besides this increase to the customs duty, the Turkish government also raised the additional financial responsibility tax (AFRT) charged on imported walnuts, shelled almonds, coffee, and a few other items with the same February 1 effective date.

    Depending on domestic market conditions, Turkey makes periodic adjustments to the tariff rates and AFRT applied to imported tree nuts. These adjustments are reportedly made in a way to make sure Turkey does not exceed the 43.2 percent bound tariff rate that it’s allowed under the WTO agreement to charge on imported walnuts and almonds.

    This latest move to raise tariffs and the AFRT on imported tree nuts comes after Turkey wiped away its 10 percent retaliatory 232 tariffs on U.S. tree nuts in September of last year. See TU2025-0051 for reporting on the removal of the retaliatory tariffs.

    — By USDA Foreign Ag Service Turkiye

  • Phytophthora Sampling in the Stockton East Water District

    This work was partially funded by the Stockton East Water District — Crown rot and root rot caused by Phytophthora species are diseases of great concern for almond growers. Many people believe that irrigating with surface water puts your trees at risk of Phytophthora, and that irrigating with groundwater is the best way to prevent these diseases. However, a recent study of Phytophthora in irrigation water and orchard soils tells a different story.

    The Bottom Line:

    Irrigation management is Phytophthora management. This study showed that Phytophthora is common in orchard soils. Regardless of whether they are irrigated with surface water or groundwater, over 30% of tested orchard soils were positive for Phytophthora. Since water (either standing water or saturated soil) allows Phytophthora to cause disease, good irrigation management is crucial to prevention, no matter what your water source.

    — Reduce ponding: irrigation application rate should not exceed soil infiltration rate.

    —Reduce length of soil saturation: run shorter sets (24 hrs max) more frequently.

    — Avoid water on the trunk of the tree and avoid soil saturation at the trunk: plant on berms, use stream splitters, choose microsprinkler wetting patterns that avoid the trunk, move drip emitters away from the trunk.

    Using a resistant rootstock is an excellent tool to help limit Phytophthora disease if you are planting a new orchard (see this chart for rootstock info) or putting in replants. Even with a resistant rootstock, good irrigation management is crucial because no rootstock is immune.

    The Details:

    Phytophthora is a genus of fungus-like organisms which contains over 200 different species. Many of these species are important pathogens of orchards, causing root rot or crown rot (for example Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora cactorum, and Phytophthora mediterranea) or pruning wound cankers (mainly Phytophthora syringae). Many previous studies have shown that Phytophthora species are common in surface sources of irrigation water, such as rivers, canals, and sloughs. Phytophthorahas not been found in groundwater from wells, unless that well has been contaminated with surface water. From this, people have assumed that irrigating with surface water puts an orchard at risk of Phytophthora root or crown rot, and that irrigating with groundwater is ”safe.” However, biology is rarely that simple: in my experience, orchards irrigated with groundwater can struggle with Phytophthora, and many orchards irrigated with surface water do not show symptoms of Phytophthora disease.

    In 2021 and 2022, collaborators and I conducted a study to look at the effects of Phytophthora in irrigation water from a broader perspective. This study took place in the Stockton East Water District (SEWD), a local water agency that manages both groundwater and surface water use by agricultural producers east of Stockton, CA. The study had three objectives:

    — Test SEWD surface water for Phytophthora during the irrigation season.

    — Test for live Phytophthora coming through irrigation emitters.

    — Test orchard soils for Phytophthora, comparing orchards irrigated with surface water vs groundwater.

    Objective 1. Test SEWD surface water for Phytophthora during the irrigation season

    During the 2021 irrigation season, we sampled water from surface water irrigation sources throughout the SEWD. Some locations (core sites) were sampled monthly from June through October, and some locations (additional sites) were sampled twice during the season, in July and October. Samples were taken back to the lab and tested for Phytophthora using DNA sequencing.

    Overview of the Stockton East Water District (SEWD) with water sampling sites marked.

    We found that Phytophthora species were common in SEWD waterways. Over the course of sampling, we found 39 Phytophthora species, 10 of which are known pathogens of orchards crops grown in the SEWD. Many of these species were found throughout the irrigation season. We did find that different waterways had different Phytophthora species, and some waterways had more orchard pathogens than others. However, every waterway, and nearly every site, had at least one Phytophthora species of concern to orchards. These results are consistent with many previous studies, which have determined that Phytophthora species are common in surface sources of irrigation water.

    Phytophthora species detected in Stockton East Water District waterways throughout the irrigation season.

    The Phytophthora species listed in this table are reported to cause disease on walnut (W), cherry (C), almond (A), or pistachio (P). If the crop is bold, the Phytophthora species is particularly aggressive on that crop. A plus (+) indicates that the Phytophthora species was detected at least once in that waterway. A period (.) indicates that the species was not detected in that waterway. Nineteen other Phytophthora species (not listed) were detected, but these are not known to cause disease on orchard crops.

    Objective 2. Test for live Phytophthora coming through irrigation emitters

    In objective 1 we determined that Phytophthora is common in the SEWD waterways. However, very few studies have looked at whether Phytophthora in a waterway can get into an orchard through the irrigation system. This is especially true of drip irrigation systems, which require substantial filtration of surface water to keep emitters from plugging.

    During the 2021 and 2022 irrigation seasons, we collected water directly from irrigation emitters during a normal irrigation and tested this water for the presence of live Phytophthora. This was done in three surface-water-irrigated orchards, two with drip emitters and one with sprinklers, as well as two groundwater-irrigated orchards, one with drip emitters and one with sprinklers.

    Orchard sampling stations used to detect live Phytophthora in water from A, sprinklers and B,

    drip emitters.

    We found that Phytophthora commonly survives the journey from surface water sources into the orchard, and that the irrigation system type did not seem to matter. Also, the presence of a sand media filter did not seem to affect how regularly we detected live Phytophthora coming through irrigation emitters.

    Summary of Phytophthora detections in water collected from irrigation emitters

    Objective 3. Test orchard soils for Phytophthora, compare orchards irrigated with surface water vs groundwater

    In objectives 1 and 2 we determined that Phytophthora is common in SEWD waterways and that it can survive the trip through an irrigation system and into the orchard. However, in most cases Phytophthora must survive in the soil to infect the orchard when conditions are right. Even though we knew that irrigation with surface water is bringing Phytophthora into orchards, we didn’t know if this affects the incidence of Phytophthora in orchard soils.

    In 2021, we collected soil from 20 SEWD orchards exclusively irrigated with groundwater for at least 60 years and from 20 SEWD orchards mainly or exclusively irrigated with surface water over the same timeframe. This soil was tested for the presence of Phytophthora species using both the DNA sequencing from objective 1 and the live detection methods from objective 2.

    We found that Phytophthora is common in orchard soils, with 32.5% of sampled orchards (13 out of 40) testing positive. We also found that the source of irrigation water did not affect the chances of finding Phytophthora in the soil: groundwater irrigated orchards were as likely to have Phytophthora as orchards irrigated with surface water. This indicates that irrigation with surface water was not the main factor determining whether Phytophthora was present in orchard soils and that irrigation with surface water may not increase risk of Phytophthora disease in orchards.

    Hytophthora species in bold are particularly aggressive on orchard crops

    The results from this study confirm that Phytophthora is common in surface water but show that irrigating with surface water was not the main factor determining whether Phytophthora was present in an orchard. Where is the Phytophthora coming from? It is hard to know, but historical flooding may play a role. We also know that Phytophthora can be moved into an orchard on planting material and in soil on equipment. Where does this leave us in terms of management? This study shows that Phytophthora is very common in orchard soils, regardless of the source of irrigation water. Since over 30% of tested orchards were positive for Phytophthora, it would be prudent to assume you have Phytophthora in your orchard. Saturated soil allows Phytophthora to infect and cause disease, so good irrigation management is crucial to prevention. By “good irrigation management”, I mean that you want to reduce the length of time that orchard soils are fully saturated and avoid having standing water. This can be done by using irrigation emitters with output volumes suited for your soil infiltration rate and by irrigating more frequently for a shorter duration (24 hrs maximum). In addition, you want to apply irrigation water in the root zone but away from the trunk to reduce the opportunity for infection of the trunk or major roots. This can be done using stream splitters with sprinklers to protect the trunk, choosing a microsprinker wetting pattern that avoids the tree trunk, or moving drip emitters away from the trunk of the tree. At planting, consider using a resistant rootstock, and plant on berms. Note that even if you are using a resistant rootstock, good irrigation management is crucial because no rootstock is immune.

    I want to leave you with this thought: irrigating well is much more important for preventing Phytophthora than the source of your irrigation water. I have been to many surface-water-irrigated orchards with no symptoms of Phytophthora. Some of the worst orchards I have seen, in terms of Phytophthora disease, were irrigated with groundwater with the driplines right against the trunk on 3rdleaf trees. Irrigation management is Phytophthora management.

    Thank you to my collaborators on this project, Greg Browne (USDA-ARS) and Mohamed Nouri (UCCE San Joaquin County). Special thanks to Justin Hopkins with the SEWD for his help planning and executing this project. Thank you also to the SEWD growers who welcomed me into their orchards for sampling. This work was partially funded by the Stockton East Water District. — By Jaime Ott, UC Extension Tehama, Shasta, Glenn, and Butte Counties

  • Best Practices for Nighttime Applications

    Honey bee health remains a top priority for almond growers as bloom approaches. According to the Almond Board of California’s Honey Bee Best Management Practices (BMP), one of the most effective ways to reduce bee exposure to crop protection materials is to schedule applications during the evening or nighttime hours, when foraging bees have returned to their hives. The BMPs also emphasize strong communication among growers, beekeepers, PCAs, and applicators to ensure everyone involved knows when applications will occur and can coordinate accordingly.

    Working after dark though can be dangerous. While doing so helps to reduce pollinator exposure to applications, it also requires growers to operate within California’s specific nighttime safety regulations.

    Understanding Nighttime Safety Requirements

    California’s Outdoor Agricultural Operations During Hours of Darkness standards apply to all agricultural work occurring between sunset and sunrise. These regulations require growers to ensure adequate visibility throughout the work environment. Orchard areas, walkways, and paths to restrooms must meet minimum illumination levels measured directly where workers walk or perform tasks.

    Additionally, equipment such as trucks, tractors, and other self-propelled machinery must have headlights and rear lights capable of illuminating at least 50 feet ahead and behind, improving safety for both operators and ground crews. These lighting requirements help reduce the risks posed by diminished nighttime visibility, especially when work involves multiple people and moving equipment.

    Preparing Crews with Pre‑Shift Safety Meetings

    Before each night shift begins, California regulations require supervisors to hold a safety meeting to review important site information. Workers must be informed of the locations of restrooms, drinking water, designated break areas, nearby bodies of water, and high traffic zones. Because nighttime conditions can make familiar surroundings more difficult to navigate, these meetings ensure workers can safely move around the orchard and are aware of any specific hazards.

    Employers are also required to provide and ensure the use of Class 2 high‑visibility garments, helping equipment operators maintain awareness of workers on the ground. Review the Outdoor Agricultural Operations During Hours of Darkness fact sheet for more information and all of the requirements.

    A Unified Approach for Safer, More Effective Operations

    When growers pair honey bee protection guidelines with the required safety measures for nighttime work, the result is a more sustainable and efficient approach to orchard management. Bees remain safely inside their hives during nighttime applications, greatly reducing their exposure to crop protection materials. At the same time, crews can work confidently and safely under proper lighting, with clear preparation and the right equipment.

    As bloom approaches, these practices support the long‑standing commitment of the almond industry to safeguard both pollinators and people. This thoughtful balance ensures that orchards remain not only productive, but also safe and welcoming places for the bees that sustain them. To learn more about protecting pollinators, download the ABC Honey Bee Best Management Practices guide. — Article and image courtesy of Almond Board of California