Introduction
California is the global leader in almond production, accounting for over 80% of the world’s almonds. For B2B food buyers, cosmetic formulators, and private-label brands, understanding California almond grading standards is critical. These grades directly influence pricing, quality, packaging decisions, and regulatory compliance for different markets.
Why Almond Grading Matters
Pricing Accuracy – Different grades (like Nonpareil, Carmel, Butte, Padre) have specific price points depending on size, shape, and appearance.
Product Positioning – Premium snack brands often require uniform large-sized kernels (18/20 or 20/22), while confectionery uses smaller grades.
Regulatory Compliance – Importers, especially in EU, GCC, and Southeast Asia, often require almonds to match a declared USDA grade in documentation.
How Almond Grading Works
1. USDA Almond Grades
The USDA has defined standard grades to maintain consistency:
Extra No. 1 (Supreme Quality) – Minimal defects, uniform appearance, preferred by retail snack brands.
U.S. No. 1 (Premium Quality) – High quality with minor cosmetic imperfections, widely used in bakery and premium processing.
U.S. Select Sheller Run (SSR) – Economical option with more chip & scratch tolerance, often used in industrial applications.
U.S. Standard Sheller Run (Std. SSR) – Cost-effective, ideal for mass-market processing where kernel uniformity is less critical.
2. Size-Based Grading
Almonds are further categorized by size, usually expressed as kernels per ounce:
18/20 – Largest and most premium
20/22 – Premium but slightly smaller
23/25 – Popular for balanced price and quality
27/30 – Mostly for industrial or chocolate-coated products
3. Quality Parameters
Grading also considers:
Chips & Scratches
Foreign Matter (shell pieces, dust)
Doubles & Twins (kernels fused together)
Moisture Content (typically under 6%)
Color Uniformity
How Grading Affects Your Supply Chain
1. Pricing & Contracting
When working with exporters like Manjulam Impex, understanding almond grading helps you:
Negotiate based on specific grades instead of generic “California Almonds”.
Choose a grade that aligns with your end-use (e.g., snack packs vs. almond powder processing).
2. Packaging & Shelf Life
Higher grades often demand premium packaging like nitrogen-flushed pouches or vacuum-sealed bulk cartons. For industrial grades, standard 50 lb cartons are sufficient. Proper packaging is crucial for:
Preserving freshness during long-distance shipping
Preventing oxidation and rancidity
3. Regulatory Documentation
Most countries require supporting documents:
USDA Grade Certificate – Confirms product meets declared standards
Phytosanitary Certificate – Ensures product is pest-free
Certificate of Origin & COA – Confirms traceability
Exporters like Manjulam Impex ensure all these documents are prepared and verified before shipping.
Challenges for Buyers
Mislabeling – Some suppliers may label mixed grades as premium. Always request a USDA inspection certificate.
Inconsistent Sizing – Different grades may affect automated processing lines (like roasting or slicing machines).
Shelf Life Risk – Lower grades with higher damage may have a shorter shelf life.
How Manjulam Impex Adds Value
Direct Farm Sourcing – Partnering with certified Californian growers ensures genuine grading.
Pre-Shipment Quality Checks – Batch testing for size, moisture, and foreign matter.
Custom Packaging – From bulk cartons to retail-ready packs.
Documentation Support – USDA Grade Certificate, COO, COA, and export compliance handled in-house.
Flexible MOQ – Suitable for trial orders and bulk buyers.
Conclusion
Understanding California almond grading is crucial for B2B buyers to make informed decisions about pricing, processing suitability, and product positioning. With Manjulam Impex, you get almonds that meet your exact size, grade, and documentation needs ensuring smooth imports, regulatory compliance, and consistent product quality.