Understanding Almond Grades: A Buyer's Guide to California Standards
From Supreme to Carmel varieties, almond grading determines size, appearance, and price. Here is what B2B buyers need to know when specifying product for import.
Why Grading Matters in B2B Almond Procurement
When you place an order for California almonds, the grade specification in your purchase contract is the single most important quality variable. Almond grades define the size range, defect tolerances, and physical characteristics of the product. Misunderstanding grade specs leads to received product that fails internal QA, rejected shipments, and costly disputes with end customers.
The USDA Grading System
California almonds are graded under USDA standards that evaluate: size (expressed as count per ounce, e.g., 23/25 meaning 23–25 almonds per ounce), defects (chipped, scratched, shriveled, double kernels, foreign material), and moisture content (maximum 6% for commercial lots). The primary commercial grades are U.S. No. 1 and U.S. Select, with U.S. No. 1 allowing slightly higher defect tolerances than Select. Most export shipments specify U.S. No. 1 or better.
Common Size Designations
Size codes buyers encounter most frequently: 18/20 — the largest commercial size, prized for retail snack bags and premium gifting; 23/25 — the dominant foodservice and ingredient size, excellent price-to-quality ratio; 27/30 — cost-effective for processing applications including slicing, blanching, and flour production; 32/34 and smaller — typically directed to manufacturing where appearance is secondary to yield.
Variety and Grade
California grows several almond varieties, each with distinct shell-out percentages, oil content, and flavor profiles. Nonpareil is the benchmark premium variety — light skin, smooth surface, high blanch yield. Mission and Carmel varieties are darker, harder-skinned, and favored for roasting applications. Specify the variety alongside the grade when your application demands consistency.
Procurement Advice
Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and USDA grader inspection certificate with every shipment. For ongoing supply agreements, establish an approved-sample library so your incoming QA team has a physical reference standard. Calmond Valley provides grade certificates and pre-shipment samples on all contracted volumes. Contact our export desk to discuss grade specifications for your next order.