Italian almond crop in decrease

Commercial almond production in 2007 is forecast at 6,500 tons (shelled basis) a bit more than half of total 2005/06 crop in Italy. Domestic almond consumption is not expected to rise in 2006/07 because of large availabilities of other competitive nuts, for example hazelnuts. Imports are expected to grow due to the very low domestic crop. California almonds, in any case, will continue the lion's share of available Italian almond supplies.