Market Introduction

A refined oil obtained from the dried kernels of the almond tree is referred as sweet almond oil. It contains vitamin A, B, E, and D and is also rich in glycosides, minerals, mono and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. It is typically used to relieve skin itching caused due to dryness, moisturize dry skin, and soothe chapped lips.

Market Dynamics

Sweet almond oil has wide range of medical applications such as laxative and as a vaccine additives. Furthermore, it is also used in moisturizers, soaps, shampoos, shaving creams, and bath oils, in the cosmetics and personal care industry. According to Cosmetic Europe, cosmetics and personal care industry in Europe was valued at US$ 94.13 billion in 2015 with Germany (US$ 15.89 billion) positioned as the largest market, followed by the U.K. (US$ 14.06 billion), France (US$ 13.94 billion), and Italy (US$ 12.10 billion), respectively. This is expected to be a major factor for growth of the market. However, high cost of sweet almond oil is restraining factor for the growth of market.

Furthermore, manufacturers are developing new products, with more nutritive benefits, in order to cater to increasing consumer needs. For instance, Aura Cacia launched a unique line of skin care oils, in 2015 as 'Sweet Almond + Fruit Seeds Oil', which combines nutritive benefits of cherry seeds, raspberry, blueberry, and sweet almond oil for skin.

Market Trends

Nonpareil segment accounted for the largest market share in 2017 followed by California and mission almond oil, as it has thin outer shell and smooth kernel which allows blemish free and easy processing as compared to other types. According to According to California Department of Food and Agriculture (CFDA), in California, nonpareil almond accounted for 39% of the almond produced in 2012 and is expected to exhibit continuous growth. On the basis of end-use industry, the cosmetics segment is expected to exhibit significant growth in the sweet almond oil market over the forecast period. Increasing awareness among consumers regarding the benefits and applications in shower gels, skin moisturizer and others of sweet almond oil and rising popularity of aromatherapy is fueling growth of this segment in global sweet almond oil market.

Online channels segment is significantly gaining traction, as it offers a wide range of products through a single website and other offers such as free delivery. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), in India, revenue generated from online retail was US$ 6 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach up to US$ 70 billion by 2020.

Market Outlook

North America is projected to exhibit a significant growth in global sweet almond oil market in 2017. This is attributed to increasing demand for sweet almond oil, due to its high nutritional value and various health benefits, resulting in increasing demand from pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries in this region. According to U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA), the export of personal care and cosmetic industry in the U.S. was valued at US$ 10.4 billion in 2015 and increased at an average rate of 15% over (2012–2015). However, increasing cost of almonds may have a negative impact on the growth of this market. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the U.S., the price of almond increased from US$ 2.58 per pound to US$ 4.00 per pound from 2012 to 2014 respectively and is significantly increasing.

Asia Pacific is projected to witness significant growth in the global sweet almond oil market over the forecast period, owing to its increasing application such as cooking and frying, results in increasing food processing industry in the region. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), in 2016, the food processing industry in India was ranked fifth in terms of consumption, production, and exports, and increased at a CAGR of 11.74 % during 2011–2016.

Market Players and Business Strategies

Key players are focused on adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships, and product or technological innovations to retain position in the sweet almond oil market. For instance, in December 2017, Blue Diamond—almond supplier and processor—launched 100% sweet almond oil for application in massage oil, cosmetics, and personal care products.

Some of the leading players operating in the global sweet almond oil market include Now Health Group, Inc., Plimon, S.L., Provital Group, La Tourangelle, Inc., ESI S.p.A., and Blue Diamond Growers, Inc. among others.

Market Taxonomy

On the basis of product type, the sweet almond oil market is segmented into:

Nonpareil Almond Oil

California Almond Oil

Mission Almond Oil

Others

On the basis of end-use industry, the sweet almond oil market is segmented into:

Food

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Others

On the basis of distribution channel, the sweet almond oil market is segmented into:

Hypermarket

Supermarket

Online Channels

Convenience Stores

Others

Sweet Almond Oil Market Key Developments:

Major players functioning in the market are adopting various strategic initiatives including mergers & acquisitions, production capacity expansion, and new product launch in order to maintain their position in the global sweet almond oil market.

For instance, in January 2019, The Manchester Refills Company Limited added to company product portfolio with the launch of almond oil by Naissance. 100% pure refined sweet almond oil is used for face cleansing, hair conditioning, massage, aeromatherapy, and skin care.

In April 2018, Blue Diamond Growers, world’s leading processor and supplier of almonds, showcased its 100% pure sweet almond oil at incosmetics global exhibition APAS held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Additionally, Blue Diamond Growers’s ingredient division continued its innovation with the introduction of 100% pure, premium almond oil for food ingredients market.