Almond Brief: August 2026 Almond Position Report & Market Update

The August 2026 Almond Position Report provides the first major look at the California almond market as the industry transitions into the 2026 crop year. In this episode of The Almond Brief Podcast by Harris Woolf Almonds, the team discusses carry-out inventory, early harvest receipts, almond sizing, export demand, sales activity, and current pricing trends.

One of the biggest takeaways is the adjustment of carry-out to approximately 470 million pounds, giving the industry a relatively balanced starting point for the new crop year. While August crop receipts are running significantly ahead of the same period last year, the timing of the 2026 harvest appears to be an important factor.

Combined with strong export demand from India and limited availability of larger almond sizes, current conditions point toward a healthy market as the 2026 crop moves through the supply chain.

California Almond Carry-Out Falls to 470 Million Pounds

The updated almond carry-out is approximately 470 million pounds, providing an encouraging starting point for the 2026 crop year.

A manageable carry-out helps prevent excess old-crop inventory from putting pressure on the new crop while still providing sufficient product to maintain an orderly transition between seasons.

The lower figure also follows the supply trends highlighted in Harris Woolf Almonds’ May 2026 Position Report, when the industry was projecting a carry-out near the 500 million-pound level. The May report also showed the 2025 crop trending toward 2.7 billion pounds, with supply and demand considered to be in relatively good balance.

Read the May 2026 Position Report

August 2026 Almond Crop Receipts Jump as Harvest Arrives Early

At first glance, August 2026 almond crop receipts appear significantly higher than the same period last year. However, those numbers need to be considered in the context of harvest timing.

The 2026 almond harvest started earlier than last year’s crop, which means more product had already entered the system by the time the August numbers were reported. Harris Woolf had previously noted that the crop was progressing roughly 10 days to two weeks ahead of the previous year.

As a result, higher early receipts do not necessarily indicate that California will produce a substantially larger crop.

The coming months should provide a clearer picture as more almonds move through hullers and processors and the industry gains additional data on actual yields.

Smaller Almond Sizes Could Influence the 2026 Market

Another important trend emerging from the early harvest is smaller almond sizing.

If the 2026 crop continues to trend toward smaller nuts, availability of larger almond sizes could become increasingly important as the marketing year progresses.

Buyers requiring specific sizes may face tighter availability, potentially supporting premiums for larger almonds.

For food manufacturers and other buyers sourcing natural almonds, Harris Woolf offers whole almond solutions that can be customized to meet specific requirements. Harris Woolf sources from more than 200 California farms and uses sorting technology to separate almonds according to size, customer specifications, and USDA grading parameters.

India Drives Strong Demand for In-Shell Almonds

The in-shell almond market is another encouraging part of the August report.

Strong demand from India is helping move new-crop inventory and supporting the broader California almond market. Continued export activity will be particularly important as the industry works through the early months of the new crop year.

For buyers sourcing product for snacking or further processing, Harris Woolf offers in-shell almonds and other almond ingredients with customizable specifications and conventional or organic production options.

India’s purchasing activity will be one of the international demand trends worth monitoring in future Position Reports.

Almond Sales Dip Slightly, but the Sold Position Remains Healthy

Monthly almond sales were slightly softer, but the industry’s broader sold position remains healthy.

That distinction matters. A single month’s sales figures do not necessarily indicate weakening demand, particularly during the transition from one crop year to another.

The industry entered the 2026 season with a relatively balanced inventory position, while buyers continue to cover their needs. That creates a stronger foundation than a market entering harvest with substantial old-crop inventory still needing to move.

For historical context, the December 2025 Position Report showed how the market was still working toward greater certainty around crop size. At that point, receipts indicated a crop near 2.7 billion pounds, while buyers had largely been purchasing on a hand-to-mouth basis.

Read the December 2025 Position Report

Almond Prices Remain Firm as Supply and Demand Stay Balanced

Taken together, the August Position Report points toward a relatively stable pricing environment.

Several market factors are contributing to that position:

• Carry-out has been adjusted to approximately 470 million pounds
• The industry’s overall sold position remains healthy
• India is generating strong demand for in-shell almonds
• Larger almond sizes appear to be in more limited supply
• Higher August receipts appear to reflect an earlier harvest rather than clear evidence of a substantially larger crop

These conditions provide support for the market while buyers and sellers continue gaining a clearer understanding of the size and characteristics of the 2026 California almond crop.

2026 California Almond Market Outlook: What Comes Next?

The August report provides an encouraging start to the 2026 crop year, but upcoming Position Reports should provide significantly more clarity.

One of the biggest factors to monitor will be almond sizing. If smaller sizes continue to represent a larger share of the crop, supplies of larger almonds could remain tight and influence pricing throughout the marketing season.

Export activity will be another important indicator. Continued demand from India and other international markets could help keep inventories moving while supporting California almond prices.

Crop receipts will also become more meaningful as the harvest progresses. Comparing later-season receipts and yields should help distinguish the impact of the early harvest from changes in actual crop volume.

For now, the first Position Report suggests the California almond industry is entering the 2026 crop year with balanced inventory, healthy demand, and relatively firm market fundamentals.

Listen to the August 2026 Almond Brief Podcast

Listen to the latest episode of The Almond Brief Podcast by Harris Woolf Almonds for the complete discussion of the August 2026 Position Report, including additional insights into crop receipts, almond sizing, India export demand, sales, and market pricing.

As the 2026 harvest progresses, follow Harris Woolf Almonds for monthly market updates and expert perspectives on the trends affecting growers, buyers, food manufacturers, and the global almond industry.

Looking for a California Almond Supplier?

Harris Woolf Almonds works with food manufacturers, brands, chefs, entrepreneurs, and global CPG companies to provide almond ingredients that can be customized for different products and applications. The company offers natural and manufactured almonds as well as almond butter, paste, oil, protein powder, and other nut ingredients.

If you’re sourcing almonds for an upcoming product, evaluating specifications, or looking for an almond supply partner, contact Harris Woolf Almonds to discuss your product, application, and ingredient requirements.