In May, the U.S.D.A. forecast California almond production at 2 billion lbs in 2016.
Stay prepared for any changes in nuts and eggs markets
Nut and egg ingredient prices have fallen from 2015. Still, food companies may want to recall knowledge learned about alternative ingredients last year. There’s no guarantee prices will stay low.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in May forecast California almond production at 2 billion lbs in 2016, or nearly 6% above the 2015 production of 1.89 billion lbs. California almonds were trading at $1.80@2.80 a lb on Dec. 9, according to the U.S.D.A., which compared with $2.75 a year ago. California pistachios were trading at $5.20@6.70 as compared with $6.50 a year ago, and California walnuts were trading at $1.70@2.50 as compared with $2.50 a year ago.
When considering nut ingredient alternatives, food companies may look to Inclusion Technologies, L.L.C., Atchison, Kas. The company offers nut-free Nadanut nut analogs based on stabilized wheat germ and expeller-pressed oil with natural antioxidants and naturally sourced colors and flavors. The Non-GMO Project-verified products are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They come in such nut varieties as almond, hazelnut and peanut.
Grade A, large eggs were selling at 53.50@61.50c per dozen on Dec. 9, which compared with 198c per dozen a year ago, according to the U.S.D.A. Dried egg whites were selling at $2.75@2.85 per lb on Dec. 9, which compared with $7.90 per lb a year ago.
Grade A, large eggs were selling at 53.50@61.50c per dozen on Dec. 9.
An avian influenza outbreak was responsible for the high prices in 2015. A new wave of avian influenza outbreaks potentially could shake up global marketing conditions in 2017, affecting the outlook for Asia, Europe and Africa, according to a report issued this month by Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior analyst — animal protein for Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research Advisory, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
“It will also be a test for the U.S. industry after last year’s A.I. outbreaks,” Mr. Mulder said in the report.
The global egg replacement ingredient market is anticipated to register a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2016 to 2026 and is estimated to be valued at $1,533.3 million by the end of 2026, according to a report issued in October by Research and Markets, Dublin, Ireland.
“Egg shortage crisis due to avian influenza, increasing demand for plant-based ingredients and increased cost of eggs are factors expected to support the growth of the global egg replacement ingredient market over the forecast period,” the report said.
Many ingredient suppliers promoted egg extenders and egg replacers when egg prices were high in 2015.
J&K Ingredients, Paterson, N.J., offers the Vita-Ex egg extender that has been shown to cut the cost of using eggs in sweet goods, Danish pastries, rolls, donuts, cookies and cakes. Vita-Ex ingredients include egg yolks and whole egg solids.
MGP Ingredients, Atchison, Kas., offers Arise wheat protein isolates as alternatives to egg-based proteins. They may work as inclusions in such flour-based products as bread, pasta and noodles, and batters and breadings.
