Maseto Technologies took part in the 7th Spanish Almond Industry Forum, held in Zaragoza on 17 and 18 June 2026 and organised by Descalmendra, the Spanish National Association of Almond Shellers.
The event brought together professionals from across the different stages of the almond value chain to analyse the current state of the industry, share experiences and discuss the challenges that will shape its development over the coming years.
For Maseto, taking part in events of this kind reflects an approach to innovation that goes beyond machinery development. Designing better almond processing solutions requires first-hand knowledge of how the raw material is evolving, the challenges processors are facing and the direction in which the market is moving.
A meeting point for the entire almond industry
The 7th Forum was conceived as an event with a broad, cross-industry perspective.
Descalmendra brought together growers, shellers, technical specialists, processing companies, traders and other industry professionals in Zaragoza to examine the changes the sector is undergoing after several years of growth and transformation.
This overall perspective is particularly relevant for a product such as almonds, where decisions made at farm level ultimately affect the subsequent processing stages.
Changes in varieties, farming models, the characteristics of the product received by processors and new commercial requirements all have an impact on the performance of industrial processing lines.
Understanding these relationships is essential to continue improving process efficiency.
From farming to processing and commercialisation
The Forum programme was structured to examine the almond industry from several different perspectives.
The organisers proposed discussions covering agricultural production, the shelling and processing industry, and the commercialisation of Spanish almonds, providing a comprehensive view of the main challenges across the value chain.
The first day also included a technical visit to Finca Lizard Agro, a 700-hectare agricultural operation, 640 hectares of which are planted, where attendees were able to learn about its production model and the development of different almond varieties.
This connection between agricultural production and industry is becoming increasingly important.
Different varieties, sizes, moisture levels and physical characteristics of almonds have a direct influence on subsequent operations such as shelling, peeling, sorting and cutting.
Improving processing therefore also begins with a better understanding of the product entering the plant.
The challenges facing an industry in transition
One of the central messages of the 7th Forum was that the sector is undergoing a period of significant change.
After several years of strong growth, Descalmendra highlighted the need to consider whether every part of the value chain is prepared for the new production and commercial environment.
Among the key issues highlighted by Maseto following its participation were:
- new production models;
- current processing requirements;
- food safety;
- changing market conditions;
- and the need to move towards a more efficient and competitive industry.
All of these factors ultimately have a direct impact on the technology used in industrial processing plants.
Greater product diversity requires greater adaptability. A more competitive market places increasing pressure on process efficiency. And stricter quality and food safety requirements demand ever greater control throughout the production process.
Industrial efficiency starts with understanding the raw material
For Maseto Technologies, one of the most important aspects of almond processing is recognising that the raw material is not uniform.
Different varieties, sizes and moisture levels can respond differently during industrial processing.
This means that a production line should not be designed solely around a nominal capacity measured in kilograms per hour.
It is also essential to understand how the product behaves at each stage and how one operation may affect the next.
From shelling and peeling to sorting, cutting and roasting, every adjustment can influence both final product quality and the overall profitability of the plant.
This in-depth understanding of the product is one of the key factors that makes it possible to design installations capable of meeting the real needs of the industry.
Maseto and Descalmendra: a relationship linked to the development of the sector
Maseto’s relationship with this forum and with Descalmendra is not new.
At the previous edition, held in Córdoba in 2024, Maseto took part in the technical programme, with Tomás Berenguer presenting the company’s latest developments in almond shelling machinery.
The company has also historically participated in events linked to the almond industry. At an earlier edition of the Meeting of the Spanish Almond Industry, Maseto representatives addressed topics including machinery, technology, energy efficiency and food safety.
This continued presence at some of the sector’s main discussion forums helps Maseto maintain direct contact with growers, processors and companies working with almonds on a daily basis.
Innovation also means listening to the industry
Technological development does not necessarily begin in an engineering office.
It also begins at events such as the 7th Spanish Almond Industry Forum.
Listening to the challenges processors are currently facing, how varieties are changing, what new demands the market is creating and where difficulties arise within processing plants makes it possible to identify needs that can later be transformed into industrial solutions.
For Maseto Technologies, staying close to the industry is an essential part of that process.
Because developing efficient machinery requires understanding what a processing plant needs today, while also anticipating what it may need in five, ten or fifteen years’ time.
Maseto’s participation in Descalmendra’s 7th Forum therefore reinforces the company’s commitment to an almond industry that is becoming increasingly efficient, technologically advanced and better prepared for the challenges ahead.
