The objective crop estimate has been announced at 3 billion pounds, significantly better than the subjective estimate. Most processors/handlers are doubting this figure as in their opinion the crop would be in the same region as last year, around 2.7-2.8 billion pounds. Last year the heat wave just before harvest destroyed quite some crop. Fortunately the weather forecast at the moment is better and crop should start within the coming weeks.
Unfortunately the shipment figures stay behind previous year and this will work out at a carry over of 450-500 million pounds. The almond industry has to work on marketing to bring the numbers back but with the current domestic market and higher food prices in US, this won’t be an easy task.