Almond Variety · Spain
MarconaThe queen of Spanish almonds.
The Marcona is Spain's most famous almond: round, flat, pale and exceptionally buttery. It commands the highest prices on the market and is the first choice for premium snacks and gourmet applications.
Profile
Shape
Round & flat
Typical caliber
14/16 mm
Fat content (typ.)
~55%
Harvest
Sept – Oct
Main regions
Alicante, Murcia, Albacete
What buyers use this variety for
Premium snack
Fried and salted, the definitive Spanish tapas almond — positioned as a premium retail product.
Gourmet & turrón
The classic base for high-end turrón and confectionery — protected recipes often explicitly demand Marcona.
Premium bakery
Where the almond is visible and the flavour carries: tarts, pastry and décor in the premium segment.
Compared with other Spanish varieties
Every Spanish almond variety has its own profile — the right choice depends on your application.
| Variety | Shape & character | Taste | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcona | Round, flat, pale | Sweet, buttery, delicate | Premium snack, gourmet, turrón |
| Largueta | Elongated, flat, elegant | Intense, lightly sweet | Roasted & salted, chocolate |
| Comuna | Compact, mixed shape | Robust, classic | Marzipan, nougat, baking industry |
| Guara | Regular, modern plantation variety | Balanced, mild | Industry, predictable volumes |
| Valencia | Trade class, mixed | Classic Spanish | Marzipan, almond flour, industry |
From a buyer's perspective
Buying Marcona: what matters
Marcona is the most expensive Spanish variety with limited availability — good qualities are contracted early. As your buyer on the ground, we secure volumes right after harvest.
Contract early: the best lots are gone shortly after harvest
Check caliber: 14/16 is standard, larger sizes scarce and pricier
Verify authenticity: "Marcona style" is not Marcona — demand varietal documentation
Formats: natural, blanched or fried — depending on application
Frequently asked
Good to know.
Lower yields, strong premium-segment demand and the unmistakable buttery taste make Marcona the most expensive Spanish variety. Supply is limited — good qualities are contracted early in the season.
By the round, flat shape, pale colour and high fat content. Commercial lots should carry varietal documentation — we ship every lot with proof of origin.
Applications where taste leads: premium snacks (fried & salted), gourmet retail, turrón and visible premium bakery uses.
Source this variety?
Direct from our verified origin — or through us as your local buyer, sourced from across the Spanish market.