New Delhi, Sep 2 - Almond shipments from California to India increased 19 percent to 39,460 tonnes in 2008-09, says a US study.

According to the Almond Board of California report, India has become the fourth largest export market for US almonds following Spain, Germany and China.

'India is amongst the fastest-growing markets for California almonds and a top priority for long-term investment for the California almond industry,' said Richard Waycott, president and chief executive of the Almond Board that is in charge of promoting almonds, California's largest tree crop.

Global exports soared to 630,490 tonnes during the 12-month crop year ending July 31.

The share of Asia and the Middle East combined jumped from 33 percent in fiscal year 2008 to 41 percent in 2009, the report said.