<p>New product launches for almonds have grown 148% since 2005, making them the No. 1 nut in new food products globally and the nut consumed most often as an ingredient in chocolate, cereals and bakery items, according to new research by Innova Market Insights.Almond product introductions grew faster in 2012 (9.7%) than all food (5.3%) and nut (7.1%) introductions. On a global scale, almonds maintain a significant share of new nut introductions (36%), and have seen double-digit growth in Europe (45%), Asia-Pacific (26%) and North America (15%).</p> <p>Almonds’ unique flavor profile and wholesome appeal resulted in increased global almond introductions in key volume-driving categories: snacks (24% over 2011); cereals (13%); and desserts and ice cream (11%). Almonds product launches in the snack category greatly outpaces all new nut introductions (13%).</p> <p> </p>