Made in India: Original Goan Almonds and Dry Fruits

I used to buy almonds and dry fruits mainly from Big Bazaar since their prices were always most reasonable as compared to local shops. Then I found out that most of their dry fruits were “imported”. For example, almonds are imported from the USA. I was disappointed by this and hence tried to do a bit of research. I was able to find many almonds for which “Country of Origin” was India. Although these were a bit costlier than others.

As per reports, the USA is the biggest almonds producer in the world. USA produces 80% of world’s almonds production. 33% of this is consumed in the USA while 67% is exported. And hence a lot of Indian retailers sell imported almonds. But India also produces almonds. Almonds are mostly produced in the Indian states of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Apart from these, almonds are also produced in Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP, UP, Kerala, TN, WB, Gujarat and Rajasthan (Source).

But almonds imports are very high in India. As per a 2018 report, India has become the world’s biggest almonds importer (Source: The Hindu BusinessLine) and we imported almonds worth Rs 3640 Crores in the year 2017-18. Here (Source: Business World) is a very good report which gives details about the industry. But as per this report, out of total almonds produced in India, not all is sold. I am not sure but being costly may be the reason for this.

So far, I have found one seller which is present in online shopping portals like Amazon and Snapdeal and sells good local almonds. It mentions “Country of Origin: India”. As per its name, it seems it sells almonds produced in Goa.

Original Goan Almonds on Snapdeal: Link

Original Goan Almonds on Amazon: Link

I have been buying almonds from this source for many years. I feel happy about buying local almonds and hence helping local farmers and producers. These almonds are a bit costlier than the imported almonds, but these provide me with happiness while the “guilt” which would come with buying imported almonds would be worse for me.

If you like to buy local products, try out above seller. If you have also found other good local almonds brands, please share the details in the comments section!

Wishing you good health and good almonds!

- Rahul Tiwary