The flavor profile of European Almonds is earthy with a slightly bitter edge. These almonds are perfect for eating, cooking, baking, and a variety of other uses.
Almonds grown in Europe
Almonds are grown and consumed at high rates in the European Union. In addition, the European Union (EU) is California's largest export market, and Spain is the state's biggest single-country market. One-third of California's annual almond exports go to the EU-28. This is just one of the many places where California's bounty is sold and enjoyed.
- Spain: The Spanish economy's output has always been rather erratic.
As a result of the current high prices paid for almonds, more almond orchards are being established every year, diverting farmers' attention away from the poor pricing of field crops. Almonds are becoming increasingly lucrative for investors thanks to the introduction of new kinds, the improvement of irrigation techniques, and the high prices achieved in recent seasons. Production is expected to rise by 20% from 2016's harvest to 2017, according to the most recent official projection provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment (Manama). This corresponds to an estimated 71,622 MT (shelled basis). This estimate is just that: an estimate. Most of the major producing regions will see increases in output compared to the previous marketing year, according to preliminary projections from Manama. Due to the extreme drought, only Castilla-La Mancha will experience a reduction in output of 25%.
- In the European Union's 28 member states, Italy is second only to Spain as a producer of almonds. About 88% of Italy's almond supply comes from the regions of Sicily and Puglia.
The most popular grapes in the country are Tuono, Pizzuta d'Avola, Fascionello, Filippo Ceo, Fragiulio Grande, Genco, Falsa Barese, and Ferragnés. The summer drought that afflicted the Italian peninsula is expected to reduce MY (marketing year) 2017/18 almond production in Italy by almost 40 percent from the previous year. The standard is set high for quality. 
Almonds importers in Europe
It is possible to trace a significant portion of Europe's growing demand for almonds to the region's growing interest in consuming a diet higher in nutritional value. Almonds are the most valuable type of nut that is brought into Europe from other parts of the world. Exporters in nations such as Spain and Germany, as well as those in countries with expanding markets such as the Netherlands and Italy, have opportunities available to them. Certification of food safety, supported by stringent laboratory testing and criteria for CSR, is absolutely necessary for exporters. The almond fruit's kernel is the most interesting element to consider in terms of its potential economic value. Shakers that are powered by motors are typically used to harvest almonds after their hulls have been removed. After that, the nuts are delivered to another location to be cleaned and sorted. When the crop has been harvested, the husk is removed and the almonds can be shelled, typically using shelling or cracking machines of various designs. Almonds in their unshelled form can also be kept for later use. Blanched almonds are the result of having the brown skin removed using blanching equipment; however, exporters rarely take this extra step because importers and processors do it themselves. Trees used to produce almonds require a Mediterranean climate, with wetter winters and drier summers. The United States accounts for around 80% of global almond output, followed by Australia, Iran, and Tunisia. In the season ending in 2017–2018, global almond output topped 1.2 million tons. Nonpareil, Carmel, Monterey, Butte, Padre, Mission, and Sonora are some of the most well-liked Californian varietals. The most widely consumed Spanish varieties are Valencia, Marcona, Largueta, Mallorca, and Amarga. Almonds are sold in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and "branch abilities," each of which is a unique identifying trait that is taken into account when categorizing the various almond varieties. 
Price of almonds in Europe
The cost of shelled almonds dropped by over two euros in 2021, although it still hovered around 9.95 euros per kilo, the same as in 2018. Despite a minor decrease in price since 2017, unshelled almonds still cost an average of 13.49 euros per kilo, making it more cost-effective to purchase almonds that have already been shelled.
- India: The 38.3 million pounds shipped to India this June is a significant increase from the 14.3 million pounds sent there in the same month in 2017.
The market is finally receiving the delayed goods from the previous months. Shipments thus far this year are up from this time last year, totaling 339.5 million lbs. In order to have enough on hand for Diwali, regular purchases of the current crop have been made throughout the past few months. As the market anticipates robust demand throughout the year, India will begin purchasing new crops for consumption after Diwali. 
- Increase of 33% year-over-year in shipments to China, totaling 8.2 million lbs. As of now, shipments are still 25% lower than this time last year.
To guarantee timely delivery for Singles Day and Chinese New Year holidays, buyers rush to secure deals on the latest harvest. This year, there is less wiggle room for shipment delays due to the Chinese New Year falling in January. Since demand is unpredictable due to COVID-related constraints and inflation, purchasers must strike a compromise between the requirement for immediate shipment and the inclination to stay conservative.
- In Europe, June's record-breaking shipments of 82.7 million pounds set a new monthly record.
- Following the pattern set last year, the European market is continuing to ship significantly to ensure supply for the upcoming fall and winter months and to take advantage of the very good almond prices that have persisted over the past few months.
It appears as though there is little interest in covering the market for the rest of this calendar year. Several investors are worried about demand in the region since the Euro has dropped to 20-year lows, the conflict in Ukraine is ongoing, and inflationary pressures are increasing. Weaker shipments in the first quarter due to ample supplies is developing into a pattern similar to the previous harvest. 