Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Non-Video

  • Revised Forecast Reveals Larger California Almond Crop

    Revised Forecast Reveals Larger California Almond Crop

    The 2025 California Almond Objective Measurement Report published Thursday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2025 will come in at 3.0 billion meat pounds.

    The Objective Estimate is up 7 percent from USDA-NASS’s Subjective Forecast in May and 10 percent higher than last year’s crop of 2.73 billion meat pounds.

    “The Objective Measurement reflects the hard work by California almond growers during uncertain times,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “While shipping has remained consistently strong, we know uncertainty remains surrounding future trade policies. We continue to engage with trade partners and stakeholders to encourage constructive solutions that support fair and stable trade so California almonds can continue to be enjoyed by consumers around the world.”

    The 2024 harvest yielded 2.73 billion pounds, 2.5% below the 2024 Objective Report estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precisely forecasting crop size given the current fluctuations in weather and economic factors.

    The report shared the 2025 almond crop experienced variable weather during bloom, which began in early February and peaked in the middle of the month. Storms brought rain, wind and hail, which hindered bee hours and blossom growth. Conditions improved in early March with warm temperatures accelerating the crop’s progress through the end of bloom. Mild temperatures and timely rain in spring supported nut growth and continued through early summer, lessening heat stress in orchards. Lower than normal pest and disease pressure have been reported. Harvest is expected to begin on time.

    “While this year’s Objective Measurement estimate is higher than the industry expected, shipments remain strong. We are focused on innovation—expanding almond applications, reaching consumers through new channels, and opening markets around the world,” added Turner. “The Almond Board is actively driving initiatives to stimulate demand around the world.”

    USDA-NASS’ forecasted yield is 2,160 pounds per acre, up from 1,980 in 2024. The forecast for the average nut set per tree is 4,364, an increase of 7 percent compared to 2024. The Nonpareil average nut set of 4,526 is 9 percent higher than last year. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.60 grams, down 0.6 percent from the 2024 average weight. The Nonpareil average kernel weight was 1.60 grams, down 2 percent from the 2024 average weight.

    The 2025 Objective Report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. The survey was conducted from May 24 to June 28 and 1,892 trees were sampled in 946 orchards. USDA-NASS conducts the annual Objective Report, Subjective Forecast and Nursery Survey to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions.

  • Enhanced Almond Nutrition with DPG Foliar Sprays and Potassium Plus

    Enhanced Almond Nutrition with DPG Foliar Sprays and Potassium Plus

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    DPG Foliar Sprays are expertly crafted to provide almond trees with essential nutrients during the critical hull split stage, a pivotal time for establishing robust bud development for the following season. These sprays deliver a precise blend of zinc, boron, and potassium, which work synergistically to enhance bud differentiation and strengthen tree vigor. The inclusion of carbon-based ingredients ensures superior nutrient absorption without the risk of tank precipitation, offering growers a sludge-free, highly efficient solution. By directly targeting the nutritional needs of almond trees, DPG Foliar Sprays maximize resource use, saving both time and money while promoting healthier trees and improved yield potential for the next season.

    DPG Potassium Plus™, a patented potassium fertilizer containing 28.3% K₂O derived from potassium formate, is designed to meet the intense demands of almond trees during the challenging summer months. Its advanced formulation provides unmatched solubility, allowing for rapid potassium uptake by roots, which is crucial for maintaining water regulation and bolstering stress tolerance. This is particularly vital during extreme heatwaves, like those experienced in 2024, as it helps maintain turgor pressure and reduces wilting, ensuring trees remain resilient under high temperatures. By supporting carbohydrate reserve accumulation, DPG Potassium Plus™ enhances energy storage, further contributing to sustained tree health and productivity.

    Beyond immediate nutritional benefits, DPG Foliar Sprays and Potassium Plus™ prioritize long-term soil health and sustainability. Their carbon-based, biodegradable formulations foster beneficial microbial activity in the soil without introducing harmful anions such as chloride or sulfate. This eco-conscious approach not only supports almond tree performance but also contributes to a healthier soil ecosystem, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices. For growers seeking reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions, DPG’s products deliver unmatched performance. Learn more at Deerpointgroup.com or contact The Deerpoint Group at 559-224-4000 for additional information on optimizing almond orchard nutrition.

  • Diamond of California® Expands Snack Nut Line with New Snack Pecans

    Diamond of California® Expands Snack Nut Line with New Snack Pecans

    Diamond of California® has announced the launch of Snack Pecans, marking the century-old specialty nut producer’s first-ever exclusively pecan snack offering. The expansion of Diamond’s Snack Nut line features two premier flavors—Sea Salt and Pecan Pie—available now online and on Amazon, with a nationwide in-store rollout planned for this summer.

    “While pecans have long been associated with the holiday season, their distinctive crunch, naturally buttery taste, and nutritional benefits make them an ideal choice for everyday snacking,” said Rachel Ercole, Director of Marketing at Diamond of California®. “The launch of our first dedicated pecan snack line represents a significant milestone for the brand, especially as pecans are driving growth in the flavored snack nuts category, with a large majority of consumers loving their rich, versatile taste that naturally pairs well with both sweet and savory applications.”

    Diamond of California® Snack Pecans Flavors:

    Sea Salt Snack Pecans: Diamond of California®’s new Sea Salt Snack Pecans are masterfully roasted and tossed with sea salt to enhance their natural buttery flavor. This isn’t just another salted nut; it’s a thoughtfully crafted snack that breaks pecans out of their traditional holiday confines. The simple addition of sea salt transforms these pecans into an elevated snacking experience that’s accessible, nutrient-dense, and delicious. (SRP: $3.99/3.25oz bag)

    Pecan Pie Snack Pecans: A dessert classic in snack form. Diamond of California®’s new Pecan Pie Pecans are freshly shelled, roasted, and lightly glazed to perfection. Plus, with the nutritional benefits of pecans these Pecan Pie Pecans make for a deliciously sweet and buttery snack you can feel good about. This flavor was inspired by the brand’s beloved “Favorite Pecan Pie” recipe.(SRP: $3.99/3.25oz bag)

    Diamond of California® Snack Pecans are available online via shop.diamondnuts.com and on Amazon, with a nationwide in-store rollout planned for this summer. To learn more about Snack Pecans and for more information on Diamond of California® visit their website or follow along @DiamondNuts on Instagram and Facebook.

    About Diamond of California®

    Diamond of California®, the century-old producer of specialty nuts, has worked with walnut growers since 1912, making the company one of the earliest pioneers of the farm-to-table movement. The company packages fresh walnuts, almonds, pecans and other culinary nuts in whole, sliced, diced, and chopped forms. Their most recent innovations, Ready-to-Use Nut Pie Crusts and Ready-to-Eat Snack Walnuts & Pecans, can be found in the baking and snack aisles respectively. Headquartered in Stockton, California, Diamond of California® is located in the state’s heartland, where most of its orchards lie. Diamond of California® believes that nuts make good food even better. That’s why they’ve offered fresh, high quality and great tasting nuts that are truly made for homemade, for over 100 years.

  • California Walnut Board & Commission Target Young Shoppers with New ‘Feel Good’ Campaign

    California Walnut Board & Commission Target Young Shoppers with New ‘Feel Good’ Campaign

    California walnuts are shedding their traditional image and emerging as a must-have ingredient for health-conscious young consumers. The California Walnut Board & Commission has launched its bold new “Feel Good” campaign – an integrated marketing effort designed to drive consumer demand and reposition walnuts as a vibrant, versatile offering within the fresh produce space.

    Grounded in extensive consumer research, the campaign introduces a modern, energetic look and feel designed to connect with millennials and Gen Z audiences, demographics that increasingly shape food trends and purchasing behaviors. At its core, “California Walnuts. Feel Good.” reintroduces walnuts as a fresh, versatile produce item that supports feel-good eating moments across consumers’ lifestyles.

    “This isn’t just a new marketing campaign – it’s a complete repositioning of California walnuts for a new generation of consumers who prioritize nutrition and versatility in their food choices,” said Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board & Commission. “By reaching younger consumers, we’re building future generations of walnut consumers and supporting California farmers for decades to come.”

    The cornerstone of the campaign is relationships with social media influencers. With 77% of Gen Z and 50% of millennials following social media personalities who strongly shape their purchasing decisions, according to KS&R Entercom Landscape Tracker, this strategy is intended to reach consumers where they spend their time: social media. As part of the campaign, the California Walnut Board & Commission is partnering with more than 20 cooking, wellness, lifestyle and hosting influencers who collectively reach millions of potential consumers.

    The California Walnut Board & Commission will also showcase trend-driven, authentic content designed to resonate with younger consumers. Paid media efforts will extend the campaign’s reach across social platforms, streaming services and online video – channels where these shoppers spend their time.

    Beyond digital, the campaign includes experiential marketing with sampling at wellness events nationwide, allowing potential consumers to taste and experience the convenience and versatility of California walnuts in environments that reflect their values and lifestyles.

    Discover recipes, industry insights and the latest on California walnuts at walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Board and Commission

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California.

    The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • Variety and Neighboring Crops are Predictors of Leaffooted Bug Risk in Almond

    Variety and Neighboring Crops are Predictors of Leaffooted Bug Risk in Almond

    Leaffooted bug is a sporadic pest in almond, but damage can be significant in years when pest pressure is high. The pest may evade early detection by growers and PCAs because it overwinters as adults in vegetation outside of the orchard and tends to colonize the upper tree canopy, rendering it generally out of sight. As a result, pest pressure is often realized after damage has occurred. The damage may vary considerably between almond varieties, adding yet another challenge for diagnosis.

    In Tulare County, heavy leaffooted bug damage was observed in May 2025 in almond orchards surrounded by citrus.  Adult leaffooted bugs (Figure 1A) overwintered in the citrus and then entered the neighboring almond orchards in March and April. By early May, symptoms of infestation included extensive nut drop (Figure 2A) and gummosis on the nuts (Figure 2B). Although the adults were not observed in the orchard, the pest was identified based on the observation of the characteristic egg strands of leaffooted bug (Figure 1B). In orchards with Nonpariel and Aldrich, both varieties were affected; however, the nut drop was more extensive in Aldrich than Nonpareil (Figure 2A).

    The full impact of the pest may not be realized until harvest because the quality of affected nuts remaining on the tree may also be compromised, thus reducing crop value. Nuts that are stung in late April to early July can be severely shriveled, have sunken lesions, or a brown spot depending on how developed the kernel was prior to feeding (Fig. 3, row 2-5).  These nuts stay in the tree, are harvested, and can significantly increase the percentage of nuts classified as inedible during nut quality assessments.  When examining a library sample of damaged kernels at harvest, nuts damaged by leaffooted bug fall into the same category as stink bug damage, as kernels damaged by these two pests are indistinguishable.

    In 2007, UCCE Kern County Farm Advisors David Haviland and Mario Viveros had the opportunity to evaluate the relative susceptibility of 15 almond varieties to leaffooted bug damage. That year, leaffooted bug invaded a Kern County variety trial research block that included 15 varieties planted in replicated, randomized blocks. This unique situation allowed for unbiased evaluation of the performance of varieties under equivalent pest pressure. Results indicated that the average number of aborted nuts per tree ranged from 0 to 33% of the total crop. Additionally, at harvest, the estimated rejects from leaffooted bug damage ranged from 0 to 30% of the harvested yield. Researchers also noted that crop loss varied by variety, with Fritz exhibiting the highest crop loss at 63%, followed by Sonora, Aldrich, Livingston, Monterey and Carmel.  The other varieties in the block had 3% or less total damage from the pest.

    The underlying basis for the differential susceptibility of almond varieties to leaffooted bug is unknown. Damage does not appear to be related to harvest date or shell hardness at harvest. Other factors such as plant volatiles, hull thickness, or shell hardness in April and May when the bugs are present may play a role in varietal susceptibility. Haviland and Viveros also noted that varietal susceptibility is somewhat relative, explaining that Wood Colony exhibited low susceptibility to leaffooted bug in the research plot, but significant damage was reported on Wood Colony in commercial orchards when combined with less susceptible varieties (ie. Nonpariel and Carmel).  These observations indicate that leaffooted bug prefers certain varieties, but in the absence of a preferred variety, the pest will remain in the orchard and feed on the most preferable variety of the less-preferred varieties present in the orchard.

    The 2025 observations in Tulare County, taken in consideration with the 2007 data from the UCCE variety trial suggest that the best way to monitor leaffooted bug is to focus attention on the most susceptible variety in the field. Gummosis and nut drop in the most susceptible variety will serve as an indicator of pest pressure in a given orchard. Growers with Fritz, Sonora, Aldrich, and Livingston should be extra vigilant in monitoring pest pressure.  Haviland and Viveros note that orchards composed of relatively unsusceptible varieties will have characteristically lower risk of leaffooted bug damage. Additionally, growers and PCAs should consider pest pressure from surrounding orchards and landscape plants that may serve as overwintering sites for the adults, thus contributing to the cryptic nature of the pest.

    Management programs for leaffooted bug consist of monitoring for the pest and spraying primarily with pyrethroids, when needed. Pest management guidelines for leaffooted bug and other pests can be found at www.ipm.ucanr.edu and reports of Almond Board of California-sponsored research can be found at https://www.almonds.com/research-database. — By Elizabeth Fichtner, UCCE Farm Advisor, Tulare County, and David Haviland, UCCE Entomology Advisor, Kern County

    Figure 2. Aborted nuts were prevalent on Aldrich, but the neighboring Nonpareil exhibited minimal damage (A). Gummosis and egg strands on aborted nuts indicated leaffooted bug damage (B).

    Figure 3. Leaffooted bug predation affects the quality of nuts remaining on the tree. Unaffected nuts are represented in row 1; affected nuts of varying quality are represented in rows 2-5.

    Figure 1. Leaffooted bug adults (A) are difficult to scout. Pest pressure is evident by the gummosis at feeding sites and the deposition of eggs in strands (B). Alternate hosts may harbor overwintering populations of leaffooted bug (C and D). Photos A, C, and D: W. Bentley.
    Figure 2. Aborted nuts were prevalent on Aldrich, but the neighboring Nonpareil exhibited minimal damage (A). Gummosis and egg strands on aborted nuts indicated leaffooted bug damage (B).
    Figure 3. Leaffooted bug predation affects the quality of nuts remaining on the tree. Unaffected nuts are represented in row 1; affected nuts of varying quality are represented in rows 2-5.
  • Almond Board Announces 2025 Election Results

    Almond Board Announces 2025 Election Results

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) has announced the Board of Directors election results, and the names of the following nominees have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for selection to terms of office beginning Aug. 1, 2025:

    Grower Position #1, Member:
    1-year term
    Paul Ewing, Atwater

    Grower Position #1, Alternate:
    Tobin Barth, Esparto

    Grower Position #2, Member:
    3-year term
    Brandon Rebiero, Modesto

    Grower Position #2, Alternate:
    Brad Klump, Escalon

    Handler Position #1, Member:
    3-year term (only one year of term remaining)
    Chad DeRose, McFarland

    Handler Position #3, Member:
    1-year term
    Darren Rigg, Le Grand

    Handler Position #3, Alternate:  
    Dinesh Bajaj, Orland

    Co-op Handler Position #1, Member:
    3-year term
    Laura Gerhard, Sacramento

    Co-op Handler Position #1, Alternate:
    Mel Machado, Modesto

    The Independent Handler Position #1 is normally a 3-year seat but was vacated part way through the term. The elected candidate for the member seat will only serve the remaining one year of the term. This position will be up for election again in 2026. The alternate position was not up for election.

    The ABC board is made up of five handler and five grower representatives, each with an alternate. It sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, advertising, public relations, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

  • Regulators Gain First-Hand Insight at Almond Board Environmental Stewardship Tour

    Regulators Gain First-Hand Insight at Almond Board Environmental Stewardship Tour

    Almond Board of California — More than 50 representatives from key regulatory agencies attended the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) annual Environmental Stewardship Tour on May 9, an initiative created over 20 years ago to provide policymakers with practical insights into almond farming and industry stewardship practices. This year’s tour took place at orchards owned by the Bowman family in Modesto, where attendees gained a direct view of daily farming decisions and innovative stewardship research.

    Garret Bowman, a fourth-generation almond grower, along with his sons, welcomed attendees and explained his approach to orchard management through the growing season. He covered essential practices for irrigation and nutrient management, pest control, varieties and rootstocks. Bowman’s Pest Control Advisor demonstrated equipment used for monitoring navel orangeworm flights. This demonstration illustrated the complexity and deliberate nature of pest management practices, highlighting the thoughtful decision-making process growers undertake to optimize both crop yield and environmental health.

    Abhijeet Kulkarni, ABC’s principal of technical and trade issues, described the significance of directly engaging regulators in orchard settings. “Fundamentally, it’s about outreach to various regulatory agencies that impact our industry,” Kulkarni explained. “Many of these decision-makers don’t have extensive backgrounds in agriculture, so this tour provides them with the context needed to fully appreciate what growers deal with on a day-to-day basis.”

    A key feature of the tour was a longer-term nitrogen research project led by UC Davis’s Dr. Thomas Harter, examining the impact of moving to high-frequency, low dose nitrogen applications on the potential for off-site movement of nitrogen. With 21 groundwater monitoring wells and sophisticated analysis of nitrogen movement, this multi-disciplinary research provides unique data on agricultural practices’ influence on groundwater quality and greenhouse gas emissions. And it is one of the few locations where current models of leaching are being fact-checked.

    UC Davis’s Thomas Harter describes his ongoing research on nitrogen application and leaching during the tour.

    Early findings indicate significant reductions in nitrogen leaching below the root zone, demonstrating the practice change not only improves nitrogen use efficiency, but can lessen environmental impacts. “This research allows regulators to see firsthand the industry’s proactive efforts to minimize environmental impact through scientifically informed practices,” Kulkarni noted.

    Following the orchard tour, participants gathered for lunch at Marlin Flory’s barn, where ABC staff, led by ABC’s Director of Environmental Policy Gabriele Ludwig, presented additional updates on current stewardship research and outreach efforts. This session sparked active dialogue, with regulatory staff posing thoughtful questions about irrigation practices, almond byproduct utilization, and other aspects of almond production.

    During lunch, ABC’s Gabriele Ludwig answers questions and informed participants of other stewardship research ABC is supporting.

    “Regulators asked insightful questions on everything from how growers choose almond varieties to irrigation technology and sustainability practices,” Kulkarni said. “For many, this was their first time in an almond orchard, and the experience clearly opened their eyes to the intricate realities growers navigate daily.”

    Attendees included senior staff from agencies such as the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Air Resources Board, California Department of Food and Agriculture, the head of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for California, and the head of Region 9 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By the following Monday, EPA officials in Washington D.C. had already heard about the value of the tour.

    “We can’t directly influence regulatory decisions,” Kulkarni concluded, “but through education and open dialogue, we can ensure decision-makers understand our industry’s proactive role in environmental stewardship.”

  • Input Requested for Deregulation of American Chestnut Developed Using Genetic Engineering

    Input Requested for Deregulation of American Chestnut Developed Using Genetic Engineering

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reopening public comment on a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) prepared in response to a petition seeking deregulation of an American chestnut variety, known as Darling 54. The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) produced this variety using genetic engineering for tolerance to chestnut blight.

    APHIS published the draft EIS for public comment on November 10, 2022. On December 12, 2023, SUNY-ESF informed APHIS that the plant tested was different than the plant listed in the petition. SUNY-ESF submitted a revised petition incorporating name corrections and providing clarification regarding the plant, additional updates and research findings related to molecular characterization, and other minor technical corrections.

    The Federal Register notice of availability of the draft EIS and draft PPRA can be viewed now on the APHIS News page. Beginning June 6, 2025, members of the public can submit comments for a period of 45 days through July 21, 2025, by going to www.regulations.gov and entering “APHIS-2020-0030” into the Search field.

  • USDA Secretary Rollins Supports U.S. Walnut Growers in U.K. Trade Mission

    USDA Secretary Rollins Supports U.S. Walnut Growers in U.K. Trade Mission

    The California Walnut Commission commends U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for her leadership and advocacy during last week’s trade mission to the United Kingdom, which highlighted significant opportunities for American agricultural exports.

    The mission – Secretary Rollins’ first since taking office – focused on advancing terms of a new U.S.-U.K. trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs, eliminating trade barriers and expanding U.S. market access. The agreement is projected to generate a $5 billion opportunity for U.S. agriculture exports, benefiting farmers, ranchers and producers across the country.

    California Walnut Commission representatives Jack Mariani, CEO of Mariani Nut Company, and Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission, along with trade representatives Peter Meadows and Ian Forbes, from The Garden joined other commodity groups for a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Embassy in London. The event provided a platform for key stakeholders to engage with Secretary Rollins and discuss ways USDA trade promotion programs can support U.S. agricultural exports to the U.K.

    “Having a seat at the table with Secretary Rollins gave us the opportunity to reinforce the importance of the U.K. market to California walnut growers,” said Mariani. “As part of the discussion, we were able to highlight how funds from the USDA Market Access Program (MAP) have been able to support trade and consumer programs across the country. This support led to increased exports into the U.K. market, growing it into a top 10 export market for California walnuts.”

    During the mission, Secretary Rollins highlighted several U.S. agricultural products, including California walnuts, on her social media platforms, signaling support for American specialty crops abroad.

    “The California Walnut Commission applauds Secretary Rollins for her dedication to U.S. farmers, enabling access for American products in existing markets, and opening new markets with strong demand for our products,” said Verloop. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the Secretary and her team to advance the access and marketability of California walnuts around the world.”

    For more information on California walnuts and international distribution, visit www.walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • Remarkable Market Growth Trajectory for U.S. Beef, Fresh Fruit & Tree Nuts in Taiwan

    Remarkable Market Growth Trajectory for U.S. Beef, Fresh Fruit & Tree Nuts in Taiwan

    In 2024, Taiwan was the eighth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, valued at $3.8 billion, 16 percent greater than 5 years ago. The top five U.S. agricultural exports to Taiwan are beef and beef products, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits and nuts. In December 2024, an agreement as part of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force. The agreement covers trade facilitation, customs, anticorruption, and support for small- and medium-sized businesses. The agreement has yet to conclude other topics undergoing negotiation, including agriculture. The United States was the largest supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan in 2024, accounting for 25 percent of Taiwan’s import market, followed by Brazil (10 percent) and China (6 percent).

    Macroeconomic Perspective

    Taiwan is a high-income East Asian economy with a real gross domestic product growth of 4.3 percent in 2024, driven by increased investments and a rebound in exports. Retail sales and spending on food services have continued to expand. Easing inflationary pressures, a healthy labor market, high wages, and rising household income will continue to support consumer sentiment and spending in the coming years, including imported foodstuffs.

    Demographics and Market Trends

    Taiwan has a population of 24 million people and a growth rate of 0.03 percent in 2024, with the largest population on the north and west coasts. Taiwan’s urban population is 80 percent of the total, and the major urban areas are New Taipei City, Taipei (the capital), Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. As a wealthy economy, consumers in Taiwan have strong purchasing power and frequently prioritize products with health benefits. E-commerce is growing in popularity as a platform for agricultural and food products. Taiwan is highly advanced in technology and social media, making digital marketing essential for businesses entering the market. Importers in Taiwan value the United States as a trustworthy trade partner.

    Key Opportunities for Expanding U.S. Exports to Taiwan

    Beef and Beef Products
    Beef and beef products are the largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, valued at $709 million in 2024, increasing 29 percent during the past 5 years. Taiwan ranked sixth among U.S. markets for beef and beef product exports in 2024. The United States ships frozen and chilled beef to Taiwan in a variety of cuts, including rib fingers, short plate, chuck roll, shank, and top blade. Additionally, the United States dominates grain-fed beef supplies in Taiwan, a segment of the market that continues to expand. The United States is the largest supplier of beef and beef products to Taiwan, accounting for 52 percent of the total market share, followed by Australia (19 percent) and Paraguay (13 percent). Taiwan continues to significantly rely on beef imports to fuel growing domestic demand due to limited beef production.

    Soybeans
    Soybeans are the second-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $601 million in 2024. Taiwan was the seventh-largest market for U.S. soybean exports in 2024.The largest soybean supplier to Taiwan is Brazil, accounting for $748 million, followed by the United States and Canada. Taiwan is expected to increase its soybean imports, as it currently relies on imports to meet 98 percent of its demand.

    Corn
    Corn is the third-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $384 million in 2024. U.S. corn volume increased by 92 percent since 2020, becoming more price competitive against other suppliers of corn, leading to a recovery in market share. Brazil is the largest corn supplier to Taiwan at $544 million, followed by the United States and Argentina ($136 million). Brazil’s corn exports to Taiwan declined by 24 percent in 2024, whereas U.S. corn exports to Taiwan increased 52 percent. In 2024, the United States gained market share as it harvested the largest U.S. crop in the fall of 2023.

    Taiwan’s pork industry has recovered from various non-African swine fever diseases that reduced its feed demand. A recovery in feed demand drove recent import growth.

    Wheat
    Wheat is the fourth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $325 million in 2024. Taiwan’s top suppliers are the United States, followed by Australia ($73 million) and Canada ($7 million). The United States has historically been the major wheat supplier to Taiwan, with market share fluctuating between 70 and 90 percent in the last 10 years. Taiwan imports 99 percent of its wheat demand.

    In recent years, per capita wheat consumption increased as Taiwan’s high-income and sophisticated consumers demanded more diverse offerings. Taiwan has a vibrant baking industry, including some high-profile award-winning bakers. In addition to western-style wheat products, Taiwan’s consumers also have access to a diverse range of traditional wheat products, including noodles, buns, and dumplings.

    Fresh Fruits
    In 2024, fresh fruit was the fifth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan at $262 million, a 34-percent increase compared to the 2020 figure. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, followed by New Zealand ($255 million) and Japan ($222 million). The top fresh fruits that the United States exported to Taiwan were fresh apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, plums, and oranges, including both conventional and organic fruits.

    Apples are the top imported fruit in Taiwan, with an import volume of 156,419 metric tons (MT) globally in 2024. The United States regained market share from South Africa and Japan, with U.S. apple exports reaching 63,637 MT, accounting for 41 percent of the market share by volume. This shift is due to moth detections on South African apples in May 2023, which led to an export suspension to Taiwan. South African apple exports were only 7,021 MT in 2024, with the United States filling this supply gap. Although people in Taiwan consume a wide variety of fruits, apples remain an important fruit in daily life.

    Dairy Products
    In 2024, U.S. exports of dairy products to Taiwan were $108 million, declining 11 percent during the past 5 years. This decline was in value. Volume remained steady between 2020 and 2023 but declined from 21,000 MT to 19,000 MT in 2024 due to New Zealand’s competitiveness and lower prices. The top suppliers for dairy products in Taiwan for 2024 were New Zealand (40 percent of imports), the United States (10 percent), and France (9 percent). Due to the westernization of diets and the popularization of healthy eating concepts, the overall dairy market continues to expand. The popularity of drinks like lattes and milk tea in recent years has led to an increase in the demand for liquid milk in many convenience stores and beverage shops on the streets.

    The butter market in Taiwan will continue to show stable import demand, as local production of butter is only a few tons and cannot significantly meet the overall market demand. New Zealand, France, and Australia were the top butter suppliers to Taiwan in 2024, at $93 million, $28 million, and $9 million, respectively. The United States is the seventh-largest supplier at $4.9 million in 2024.

    Tree Nuts
    U.S. tree nut exports to Taiwan reached $85 million, up 27 percent from 2020. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, with a market share of 39 percent, followed by Vietnam (31 percent) and China (14 percent). Almonds and walnuts are the most prevalent tree nuts in Taiwan, together accounting for more than half of total global imports. U.S. almond exports to Taiwan were $30 million, and U.S. walnut exports were $21 million in 2024. In addition, pistachios are a fast-growing category, and the United States is the prominent supplier of pistachios to Taiwan at $21 million in 2024. The United States is the only supplier of pecans, with exports of $5 million in 2024. Food manufacturers have successfully promoted and positioned tree nuts as a healthy snack, in which 60 percent of the imported tree nuts are mostly used for snack processing, while 40 percent are utilized in bakeries to enhance texture, flavor, and decoration.

    Trade Policy

    In December 2024, the first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force, but additional negotiations from the initiative on other topics, including agriculture, have not concluded. This agreement was signed on June 1, 2023, by representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States and includes commitments on anticorruption, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, customs administration and trade facilitation, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. The first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade is available on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s website.

    Conclusion

    Taiwan is a high-income economy with a large population and a major market for U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. agricultural and related products such as beef, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits, seafood, dairy products, tree nuts, and pork have a good opportunity to expand exports to Taiwan. Importers in Taiwan see the United States as a reliable business partner, with quality products, competitive prices, and transparent business practices.