India is expected to import seven per cent more almonds at 56,000 tonnes in the 2010-11 marketing year starting August, to meet the growing domestic demand, the USDA said in its latest report.
"Indian market demand for almonds is almost entirely met through imports. In 2010-11, the shipment may rise by seven per cent to 56,000 tonnes as compared to last year," the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.
Last year, overall import of almonds were 52,400 tonnes, it said, adding that maximum quantity was shipped from the US, Australia, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and China.
India's dependence on imports is rising owing to lower production and a steady growth in the domestic demand for confectionery, snack and health products, and increasing awareness of the nutritional and health properties of almonds, particularly with middle class consumers, the USDA said.
However, concerns over rising food inflation could tamper sales during the ongoing festive season, which is traditionally a period of higher sale volumes, it noted.
Starting January 2010, domestic almond prices remained firm compared to the corresponding period of previous year due to supply concerns. The wholesale prices of almond were ruling in the range of Rs 35,000-39,500 per quintal so far this year, against Rs 31,000-34,000 per quintal last year, it added.
India's total almonds production in the current year is expected to be slightly better at 1,200 tonnes against 1,100 tonnes achieved in 2009-10.
While the domestic consumption of almonds, traditionally considered as "high energy food" is expected to increase from 53,000 tonnes to 56,000 tonnes in the current marketing year ending July 2011, it added.
