Notice that they used the words pollination was fast in that...

Notice that they used the words pollination was fast in that bullet point about the pollination. That sounds like they might have had a 'flash bloom', which might make sense given the warm start to August.

I agree with FGB in that it is hard to estimate the likely impact of the pollination conditions on the crop next year. Back in 2011, during the bloom in California there was a widespread fear that the cold, rainy weather would have an adverse impact on the crop of that year, but the crop that year ended up being well above expectations.

Which is not to say we necessarily have a comparable situation here, but it is complicated and difficult to assess.

An interesting article earlier this week on the almond industry in India, which is particularly relevant to Select Harvests given they export the majority of their crop to that country.

The almond crop is down in India this year, continuing a trend of declining local almond production, and as a result India is becoming more dependent on overseas producers.

This comment on almond consumption in the article is revealing:

Demand growth for almonds is mostly driven by India’s expanding middle class and increased consumer awareness of products perceived as healthful. Indian almond consumption in MY 2017/18 has been forecasted at 97,000 MT, a 10 per cent increase over the previous year. This increase is driven by low market prices, a weak dollar, changing consumer preference, and increased demand during the non-festive season...

The forecast of a 10% increase in Indian almond consumption in 2017-18 is astounding, assuming the figure is accurate, especially in consideration of the fact that India has recently implemented a 12% GST on almonds which is being passed on to consumers in that country. It seems that demand for almonds in India far exceeds the forecast increase in almond production for this year, which suggests that the almond price is likely to continue to rise in the months ahead.

Another curious thing about the article is that it makes mention of Australian almonds, which you don't come across very often in articles on almonds in India:

Price-sensitive consumers find the current market prices attractive, particularly for Californian non-peril almonds, which have the size, uniform ‘eye’ shape, and sweetness desired. Australian non-peril and Carmel varieties also account for a growing segment of the Indian market. Iranian varieties like Mamra and Qumi are popular in the western and north-western regions of India (e.g. Rajasthan and Gujarat), and often get a price premium.