Almonds The Leading Nut Ingredient in New Products Worldwide
July 15/Modesto, Calif./Almond Board of California -- Almonds were the leading nut used in new food products worldwide for the second year in a row, according to the 2009 Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD). The growth of new almond products from 2008-2009 (up 18%) outpaced both new food product introductions in general (up 15%) and new nut product introductions (up 12%). There were 347 more almond product introductions than peanuts and 531 more new almond products than hazelnuts, the second and third nuts respectively.
“Food manufacturers seem increasingly aware of almonds’ value and versatility as an ingredient and the fact that almonds are in demand by consumers all over the globe, as evidenced by all this new product activity,” said Stacey Humble, director, North America Marketing and Global Strategic Initiatives for Almond Board of California (ABC). “Almonds are recognized by consumers and food professionals alike as a natural food that is both irresistibly delicious and nutritious -- a win-win combination.”