In 2023, Canada imported roughly 20.71 million kilograms of almonds, with the United States supplying virtually the entire volume2. In contrast, European countries contributed a negligible share, with no significant export figures recorded from major European almond producers like Spain or Italy to Canada during this period. This underscores Canada’s heavy dependence on its southern neighbour for almond supply and minimal diversification towards the cross-Atlantic European sources.
However, California’s almond production is facing escalating sustainability challenges, including high water use and ecosystem stress3. Meanwhile, the European Union, through initiatives such as Sustainable Almond, is promoting almond cultivation practices that emphasize low-impact agriculture2,3. This includes methods like precision irrigation, integrated pest management, and the maintenance of biodiversity corridors.
The Sustainable Almond initiative provides a roadmap illustrating how agricultural systems can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible4. By embedding sustainability into farming practices, European producers are differentiating themselves in global markets driven increasingly by environmental standards.
Establishing direct relationships with EU producers could, therefore, yield a more resilient and ethically aligned almond supply chain for Canadian buyers. This diversification shift would move away from a single-source dependency while simultaneously enhancing sustainability credentials.
Companies like Earth’s Own are already demonstrating how a commitment to sustainability and local sourcing can bolster both business resilience and market appeal¹. Specializing in plant-based beverages, Earth’s Own prioritizes low-impact ingredients such as Canadian-grown oats for its oat milk line⁵. While their focus has primarily been on domestic sourcing, the same logic of favouring partners who emphasize responsible land use and resource efficiency can also be applied on an international scale for ingredients that are not grown in Canada. Partnering with European almond growers dedicated to sustainable agriculture would suitably align with the sourcing strategies of brands like Earth’s Own and other companies in Canada’s thriving plant-based sector.
Market data supports this emerging opportunity. According to the World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) database, almonds represented over USD 5.4 billion in global exports in 20226. While the U.S. remains the largest exporter, Europe’s increasing commitment to sustainable agriculture positions it to capture a greater share in premium and environmentally conscious segments. Canadian importers looking to meet rising consumer expectations around sustainability could consider Europe not just for almonds but for a variety of specialty crops grown under low-impact agricultural practices.
Moreover, aligning more closely with European sustainable agriculture initiatives allows Canadian companies to future-proof their operations against growing regulatory demands. European Union environmental policies increasingly favour producers who can demonstrate tangible reductions in water use, emissions, and chemical inputs 3,4. As global buyers, especially in premium food sectors, demand proof of sustainability, sourcing from EU-certified producers could provide Canadian companies a competitive edge.
The broader benefits extend beyond almonds. Canada’s agricultural and food sectors could tap into a wider ecosystem of European partners engaged in regenerative farming, organic certification, and biodiversity conservation. These collaborations would not only strengthen Canada’s sustainable sourcing strategies but also deepen trade ties with a major global economic bloc that shares similar climate and environmental objectives.
Adaptability becomes crucial in times of global uncertainty. Trade frictions, potential tariffs, and environmental pressures have the potential to reshape traditional supply chains.
Agile Canadian companies are responding by localizing production and exploring alternative trade relationships. The sustainable agriculture initiatives in Europe, exemplified by the evolving almond sector, present a timely and strategic opportunity for deeper cooperation.
