Chapters 8.31
8.31-Almond Value Addition
Brianna Grenda, University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Grenda,B. (2022) Almond Value Addition,In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org
Background
Almonds originate in the Mediterranean regions, but the almond is able to survive and adapt to a diversity of climates (Arquero, & Jarvis-Shean. 2011). The popularity of the almond has been increasing demand due to the health benefits and versatility of the crop. It is a good source of protein and helps aid with metabolic function. The almond is believed to protect from cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and many other health issues (Arquero, & Jarvis-Shean. 2011). With all of these benefits, the almond is a valuable addition to smallholder farmers. There are numerous ways in which smallholder farmers can add value to their almonds. This paper will examine different ways that can be used to add value and increase almond sales for small-scale farmers.
Almond Products and Health Benefits
With the rise of milk alternatives, almond milk has been increasing in popularity. To add value to the almond, small scale farmers can start producing almond milk and advertise the benefits as well as the nutritional value of replacing dairy with almond based products. To gain more business, market the almond milk for people with lactose sensitivities or vegan diets as well (Hasan. 2012). Almond milk is also a great lower calorie drink compared to cow’s milk. Almond milk is relatively easy to make with the right tools. Small-scale farmers can soak their almonds in water overnight and then blend them with an inexpensive blending device. Small scale farmers can produce almond milk with attractive packaging that displays the benefits of the product. The packaging should include the nutritional value and the calorie content compared to cow’s milk. Almonds also produce a healthy alternative to peanut butter; hence it is helpful for people with peanut allergies that can tolerate tree nuts. Almond butter has more fiber, calcium and potassium than other seed butters such as sunflower. It has more iron, vitamin E, magnesium etc. and has less saturated fat than peanut butter (Thomas & Gebhardt. 2010). There is a high demand for gluten-free options as well, especially with people with coeliac disease (Martínez, et al., 2017). Almond flour has many health benefits and is a perfect alternative for wheat flour. Almond flour can be used to replace wheat flour in any recipe with regular flour for a less starchy and healthier alternative. Small scale farmers can market the flour not only for dietary purposes such as the people with wheat/gluten sensitivities. Almond flour can easily be created by blending the dried almonds in an inexpensive blending device.
Confectionary and Baking
The largest market for almonds is the confectionary, baking, and the dairy industry (Louw. 2017). Since baking industries account for a large fraction of business, farmers can start producing almonds and market them as goods for baking. “The nut can be further processed as flakes, pastes, ground and blanched, or on cereals. It can also be used to produce, syrup and oils” (Louw. 2017). The farmers can create cereals, cakes, and other goods with attractive packaging to lure consumers.
Holistic and Cosmetic Properties
Almond oil is beneficial to the skin and body. It also has health benefits as well. Almonds have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting properties as well as many other benefits to the body (Zeeshan. 2010). Small scale farmers can collect the oil from the almonds and market it for food consumption as well as its holistic benefits. There is also demand for lower quality almond kernels for oil extraction for use in the cosmetic industry for oil extraction (Louw. 2017). Almond oil can be created either with an oil-press machine or by blending almonds with a few tablespoons of oil. After blending the almonds with the oil, the mixture should be stored for around two weeks in order for the oil to be separated from the almond mixture. Although the blending method is more time consuming, it is more realistic for smallholder farmers to use this method since traditional oil press machines are priced fairly high (Alibaba.com).
Target markets
One study was done to see if consumers preferred more expensive almonds that are locally grown or imported almonds. The results show that consumers prefer to pay a little extra money for locally grown organic almonds rather than non-organic imported almonds (de-Magistris. 2016). Small-scale farmers are at an advantage here since people do prefer organic and locally grown almonds regardless of the price. Small-scale farmers can use this information as a marketing strategy. On their almond product packaging, they can display that their almonds are organic and locally grown. Farmers can sell their products directly from the farm with little roadside stands or in locally owned grocery stores or farmers markets. The overall target audience would be anyone who is looking for healthy, locally grown almond products. The small-scale farmers would excel at selling their products in many local businesses.
Packaging
Food packaging influences the consumer’s perspective of a product (Songa, et al., 2019). A product’s package should relay important information about the product to influence the consumer to purchase it. The packaging is just as important as the actual product inside of it, so small-scale farmers should not neglect that aspect. Small scale farmers can purchase 1000 almond product size bags on Alibaba.com. These bags are moisture proof, heat sealed, and made out of paper, plastic, or aluminum. The product ranges from $0.02-0.89. The product packaging on Alibaba.com has multiple different suppliers of custom-made inexpensive packaging. The farmer should definitely advertise the health benefits mentioned above on their packaging and opt for the paper packaging. A study was done on packaging and emotional responses. The results showed that people evaluated product packaging with a recyclable logo more positively than regular packaging (Songa et al., 2019). The farmer should opt for the recyclable packaging for this reason.
Almond value addition prices
Raw almonds are already a valued commodity. Packaged raw almonds alone can range from US $3-7 per kilogram (Alibaba.com). A 1000 ml bottle of almond milk can be sold for US $11.50-12.15 (Alibaba.com). Almond oil can be sold for even more profit. Although almond oil production requires more labour, the retail value is high. Natural almond oil can be sold for US $8-25 per kilogram (Alibaba.com). Almond butter is even more expensive and can be priced from US $12-25 per kilogram (Alibaba.com). Almond flour ranges from US $1-30 per kilogram (Alibaba.com). All of these value additions can generate more income than raw almonds. It is evident that using almonds to their full potential will increase profit for smallholder farmers.
Equipment for almond by-products
To make these by-products happen, small-scale farmers need equipment to produce mass amounts of these products. One of the machines that would be beneficial is a grinding machine. A grinding machine is used to process, mix, and grind products. Grinding machines have the potential to produce almond milk, almond flour, and almond butter. A good grinding machine can also help to create multiple almond by-products. Another machine that would be useful is an almond peeling machine. In order to produce almond milk, skinned almonds work best. To peel the almonds quick and efficiently, an almond peeler is beneficial. The lowest price for an almond peeling machine is US $300 which is expensive unless shared by a cooperative/village (www.Alibaba.com). If a farmer is invested in creating almond oil, an almond oil extracting machine can be purchased for US $99-200 (www.Alibaba.com.2018). If a farmer is more focused on creating almond oil, they will need an almond processing machine. These machines are designed for oil processing but are moderately expensive (US $99-210) (www.Alibaba.com). Farmers need to pick and choose a product focus since a lot of the machinery is not cheap.
Implications
Although these solutions are all helpful for small-scale farmers, it is not realistic for small-scale farmers to be able to afford all of the machinery needed to produce all of these goods. Most of this machinery needs electricity and gasoline which some small-scale farmers will not have. Most of this machinery costs hundreds of dollars as well. Farmers need to pick and choose a product focus since a lot of the machinery is expensive.
Solutions
Cheap alternatives that would work just as well to make almond by-products would be a food processor or a blender. Although a food processor will not create mass quantities of almond by-products, the machine is low cost and either requires electricity or batteries. A battery-operated food processor would be ideal for the small-scale farmer since they are low maintenance and will require no electricity. Food processors online can be priced as low as US $11. The food processor can be used to create almond butter, almond flour and almond milk. To make almond milk, the farmer would need to soak the almonds over-night or for at least a few hours which is a bit more time consuming. The only other equipment needed to create the almond milk is a nut milk bag which is very inexpensive. Unfortunately, there are no cheap alternatives to an almond peeling machine. The farmer would need to peel by hand which can also be time consuming. To take the skin off or blanch the almonds, the farmer needs to boil a few cups of water and let the almonds sit for a minute. Afterwards the farmer needs to drain the almonds and wait for them to cool before peeling the skin off. Almond peeling would be the most labour intensive.
Conclusion
The almond is a valuable product that has many value-addition possibilities. The almond is versatile and can be used in numerous culinary dishes and as a healthy substitute for other products. The almond is also good for health and beauty purposes. The almond is a valuable crop with much to offer to small-scale farmers. Small-scale farmers should focus on one or two ideas presented in order to efficiently and effectively add value to their almonds. The best option for the small-scale farmers would be to purchase a cheap food processor that is battery operated in order to not have to use electricity. The food processor is versatile and will produce flour, butter, and milk. The solutions presented have the potential to help small-scale farmers excel in their almond manufacturing.
Cheapest total cost of products required for value addition
Useful processing links to get started
Useful product links to get started
Packaging
Metalized Aluminium Foil 3 Sides Sealed Bag For Almonds Nut Packaging* - Buy Almonds Nut Packaging,3 Sides Sealed Bag, Metalized Aluminium Foil Bag Product on Alibaba.com
Custom Almond Product Side Gusset Kraft Paper Pouch Bags, Eco-friendly Kraft Paper Pouch For Almond Packaging - Buy Stand Up Bag With Ziploc, Paper Stand Up Pouch, Resealable Stand Up Pouch Product on Alibaba.com
Grinding machines
Household Making Peanut Butter Grinding Machine Cashew, Almond, Hazelnut, Macadamia Nuts Butter Mill Machine - Buy New Design Nuts Grinder Peanut Butter Machine for Home, Walnut Butter Grinding Machine for Home Use Product on Alibaba.com
Hot Sale Automatic Almond Flour Mill Machinery/nuts Grinding Machine/spices Grinder Machines - Buy Flour Mill Machinery Flour Mill Price Product on Alibaba.com
Almond oil machine
Wholesale Almond Oil Making Palm Oil Processing Crude Oil Refining Machine - Buy Almond Oil Making Machine, Palm Oil Processing Machine in Nigeria, Crude Oil Refining Machine Product on Alibaba.com
Food processors (battery operated)
Battery Food Processor-Battery Food Processor Manufacturers, Suppliers and Exporters on Alibaba.com Food Processors on Alibaba.com
Nut milk bag
Pure Reusable Food Grade Filter Mesh Organic Cotton Nut Milk Bag Product on Alibaba.com
Almond harvester
Olive Picking Machine in Low Price for Sale/pistachio Harvest Machine Shaker - Buy Pistachio Harvest Machine Shaker, Olive Picking Machine In Low Price For Sale, Pistachio Nuts Harvester Product on Alibaba.com
Product pricing references
Raw almond
Almond flour
Almond butter
Almond milk
Almond oil
References
1. Arquero, O., & Jarvis-Shean, K. (2011). Chapter 11: Orchard Management. Almonds: Botany, Production and Uses. Socias i Company, R., Gradziel, T. M. CABI.
2. Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/cabebooks/ebook/20173201041
3. Asai, W. (2017). Almond farming's new normal. Western Fruit Grower, 137(8), 28. Retrieved from http://sfx.scholarsportal.info.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/guelph/docview/1938482305?accountid=11233
4. Blake, C. (2017). ABC invests $4.7 million for next gen almond farming, sustainability. Western Farm Press. Retrieved from http://sfx.scholarsportal.info.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/guelph/docview/1869488706?accountid=11233
5. De-Magistris, T. (2016). Consumers’ willingness-to-pay for sustainable food products: the case of organically and locally grown almonds in Spain. Journal of Cleaner Production. 118. 97-104, ISSN 0959-6526, Retrieved from https://www-sciencedirect-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/search/advanced?docId=10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.01.050
6. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2016). FAOSTAT Statistics Database. FAO, Rome
7. Hasan. A. (2012). Almond Milk Production and Study of Quality Characteristics. Journal of Academia. 2: 1-8. Retrieved from https://nsembilan.uitm.edu.my/joacns/images/v2_n1/pdf/NorAishah_2_1_1.pdf
8. Louw, D. (2017). Study on the Market Potential for the commercial Viability of Almond Production in South Africa. Industrial Development Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.idc.co.za/images/Almond-Final-Report-OABS-2017-12-01.pdf
9. Martínez, M. L., Marín, M. A., Gili, R. D., Penci, M. C. and Ribotta, P. D. (2017), Effect of defatted almond flour on cooking, chemical and sensorial properties of gluten‐free fresh pasta. Int J Food Sci Technol, 52: 2148-2155. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/doi/full/10.1111/ijfs.13493
10. Pedreño, J. N., Gómez, I., Moral, R., & Mataix, J. (1996). Improving the agricultural value of a semi-arid soil by addition of sewage sludge and almond residue. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 58(2-3), 115-119. Retrieved from https://journals.scholarsportal.info/details/01678809/v58i2-3/115_itavoaossaar.xml
11. Songa, G., Slabbinck, H., Vermeir, I., Russo, V. (2019). How do implicit/explicit attitudes and emotional reactions to sustainable logo relate? A neurophysiological study.
12. Food Quality and Preference. 71, 485-496. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2018.04.008
13. Thomas, S.E. Gebhardt. (2010). Sunflower Seed Butter and Almond Butter as Nutrient-Rich Alternatives to Peanut Butter. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 110 (9) 52 ISSN 0002-8223. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2010.06.189.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002822310008928)
14. Zeeshan, A. (2010). The Uses and Properties of Almond Oil. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 16(1):10-2. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41404356_The_uses_and_properties_of_almond_oil