California Ag Network

Tag: American Pistachios

  • Mike Forbes Named CEO of American Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) announced the appointment of Mike Forbes as its new President and CEO, assuming the role on Sept. 1. Forbes brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the food, consumer products and wellness industries. Throughout his career, he has helped build purpose-driven brands, accelerate growth and lead organizations through periods of transformation while maintaining a strong focus on consumers, innovation and sustainability.

    “We are excited to welcome Mike Forbes as the next President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers,” said APG Board Chairman Justin Wylie. “Mike brings exceptional leadership experience, strong strategic judgment, and a genuine appreciation for the growers and industry he will represent. The Board believes he is the right person to build on APG’s strong foundation, expand opportunities for American pistachios, and lead the organization into its next chapter of growth.”

    A Wisconsin native with agricultural roots, Forbes grew up in 4-H and comes from a family of farmers. After beginning his career with McKinsey & Company, he held leadership roles at Jim Beam, Procter & Gamble and General Mills before a personal health journey inspired him to focus his career on food and wellness.

    That passion led him to California Olive Ranch, where he spent nearly a decade helping grow the business from less than $10 million to more than $100 million in annual revenue while advancing to Executive Vice President of the Consumer Business.

    Forbes went on to serve as CEO of Alter Eco, leading the organic chocolate company through a successful turnaround centered on regenerative agriculture. He later held executive leadership roles with Safely, MaryRuth Organics, and The Vitamin Shoppe, where he helped drive growth, expand retail partnerships, and strengthen consumer and digital businesses.

    “I am so excited to join APG and its family of growers and processors, and it’s an honor to work alongside such a world-class group of people who are deeply committed to this industry,” said Forbes. “Pistachios are an incredible crop, and nobody grows them better than American farmers. They’re one of nature’s perfect snacks, delivering outstanding flavor along with tremendous health benefits. APG has a long record of success, and I can’t wait to get started, meet our members, and help build on that momentum as we continue growing demand for American pistachios around the world.”

    Forbes holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honors from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA from Harvard Business School. As President and CEO, Forbes will lead APG’s efforts to advance the interests of American pistachio growers and processors, strengthen domestic and international demand, and continue promoting the nutritional, economic and environmental benefits of American-grown pistachios. — Story contributed by American Pistachio Growers

  • Studies Indicate Pistachios Healthier than Previously Thought

    Once cautioned against as fattening, new research indicates that pistachios are actually a superfood. Studies have shown the nut helps in lowering triglycerides and curbing appetite. Dr. Nikhil Dhurandhar from Texas Tech and Amber Wilson with American Pistachio Growers spoke recently with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to go over these recent findings. Watch this quick interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • When to Spray for Navel Orangeworm

    Navel orangeworm can be devastating for almond and pistachio growers and knowing when and where to spray can often depend on weather. Researchers have been working with state weather services to collect data and determine the best spraying times. Washington State entomologist Dave Crowder discussed these efforts recently with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Pistachio Demand Skyrockets in India

    Demand for pistachios is so high in India that American growers are having a hard time keeping up. This is facilitated in part by the viral rise of Dubai chocolate, while a new trade agreement with the United States could unlock new opportunities. At the annual American Pistachio Growers Conference, Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network spoke with APG India In-Market Representative Sumit Saran to go over these developments. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Kingman Ag for their industry support.

  • Getting American Pistachios Exempt from Mexico’s “Unhealthy” Snack Tax

    As American Pistachio Growers eyes Mexico for increased export growth potential, they have been sharing the results of health studies on the benefits of pistachios with consumers there.  Currently the government of Mexico taxes its citizens on foods it deems unhealthy with a snack tax, and unfortunately, pistachios are on that list! Zachary Fraser from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share the details of this issue and how they are working with the Mexican government to change that. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • American Pistachios Dominate the Culinary World this Week in California

    As pistachio growers gear up for harvest, American Pistachio Growers has partnered with restaurants all over California to celebrate Pistachio Week with both novel and classic pistachio-inspired culinary delicacies. Hannah Young from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share what growers and consumers alike have to look forward to during Pistachio Week. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Report Shows Significant Economic Impact of Pistachios

    The western pistachio industry has a much bigger impact on the nation and world than people may realize.  In addition to providing a healthy and nutritious snack to consumers across the world, the US Pistachio industry has a significant impact on the economy as well, as recently measured in a study by economist Dennis Tootelian.  Watch this brief interview as he shares the results of his study, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Satellite Imagery Reveals Startling Difference in Pistachio Bearing Acreage

    Knowing how much acreage of a crop has been planted is a very important factor in preparing to bring it to market, and the pistachio industry has recently invested in satellite imagery to get a better picture of how many acres of pistachios and bearing-pistachios are actually out there.  The analysis has recently come in and revealed some interesting adjustments in the stats that growers should know about.  Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian, President of American Pistachio Growers, as he shares some of the results, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Have Pistachios Chilled Enough for the 2021 Season?

    As California pistachio growers head into another season with insufficient rainfall, they are hoping at least that winter will have provided sufficient cold weather to meet the chill requirements their trees need in order to put on a solid crop.  Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian, President of American Pistachio Growers, as he shares where the industry is at to date, and what they can expect at this point for the 2021 crop.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • How US Pistachio Shipments are Keeping Up After Record Crop

    After bringing in a record billion pound pistachio crop amidst a global pandemic and a continued international trade dispute, growers may be concerned about the global market for pistachios and whether shipments are keeping up with the increased supply.  Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian, President of American Pistachio Growers, as he shares some optimism in that regard, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.