California Ag Network

Tag: Blue Diamond Growers

  • Almond Bloom Concludes in Orchards

    The 2026 almond bloom concluded this week. The weather in all growing regions was mild, with daytime temperatures peaking in the high 60’s to mid 70’s while overnight lows settled mostly in the mid 30’s to lower 40’s. Bees were enjoying the sunny or partially cloudy skies and were out in force working whatever bloom they could still find.

    Orchard color rapidly shifted from the white of blooming flowers to the green of leaf growth during this period with almost no bloom left in any orchards. Interestingly, this year, Independence had probably the longest bloom period. It was among the first of the varieties to bloom and hung on to be one of the last varieties blooming during this week along with the Butte and Padre. Most varieties are now well into the jacket and nutlet stages.

    Going forward, focus will shift to assessing nut sets, with particular attention being given to the size of the nuts developing on the trees. The trees will soon shed the smallest and some of the mid-sized nuts in development and will hold on to more of the larger nuts. This can give the earliest indications of crop size for the upcoming harvest.

    Beekeepers are busy again this week, moving hives out of orchards. As they are removed, growers are applying post-bloom treatments to prevent development of fungal diseases. Additionally, growers are also setting traps within the orchards to monitor lifecycle development of significant insect pests. — By Anthony Scudder, Blue Diamond Growers Regional Manager

  • Almond Board of California Announces 2026 Almond Leadership Program Class

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) announced the 2026 class of its Almond Leadership Program (ALP), welcoming 18 new professionals in the cohort. These industry professionals are committed to strengthening California almond farming and advancing the future of the industry through collaboration, leadership development and innovation.

    The ALP program brings together emerging leaders from across the almond value chain. From growers and agronomists to marketers, processors, field representatives and allied partners, this immersive experience is focused on building leadership skills, industry insight and solving real-world challenges facing California agriculture. Participants will be provided with in-depth exposure to the social, economic, environmental and regulatory forces shaping the future of the California almond industry. Each class member will complete a yearlong, self-directed capstone project focused on addressing a real-world challenge or opportunity for the industry.

    “This program is about preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complexity, lead with integrity and represent the almond community with confidence,” said Rebecca Bailey, senior specialist overseeing ALP for ABC. “The 2026 class reflects the diversity of perspectives and expertise that will be essential for the long-term success of our industry, and we’re proud to invest in their growth and leadership.”

    Members of the 17th class will not only be working at their full-time jobs but will be involved in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. The program is intended to sharpen their communications skills and build relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

    “I joined the Almond Leadership Program because the future of California agriculture depends on thoughtful, engaged leaders who understand both on‑the‑ground realities and the policy landscape,” said Daniel Frea, class member and farmer/attorney at Wanger Jones Helsley PC. “ALP offers a unique opportunity to deepen my industry knowledge, build meaningful relationships and better serve the almond community.”

    Class members also have mentors, many who are ALP graduates, helping them to strengthen their industry knowledge, perspective and skill development.

    “I came into the almond industry without much of an agricultural background. In my first role, I was fortunate enough to work alongside some seasoned almond professionals. I enjoy being a resource to those that are new to or growing in the almond industry,” said Jereme Fromm, mentor and vice president of business development at California Nut Co. “The Almond Leadership Program gives participants an in-depth look into the many facets of the almond industry. Participants are exposed to everything from nutrition research, regulation and trade to market development and on-farm innovation. They also build some great relationships along the way.”

    Continuing a long-standing tradition of service, class members will also raise funds to support California Future Farmers of America (FFA), with a collective goal of raising more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students pursuing agricultural studies in college. Since the program’s inception, ALP participants have raised more than $320,000 for FFA to help support the next generation of agricultural leaders.

    2026 Almond Leadership Program Participants

    • Rebekah Burrows, Customer Care Specialist | Grower – Owner/Operator, Advancing Eco Agriculture | GGI Farms
    • Grace Fales, Sales Manager, Baugher Ranch Organics
    • Daniel Frea, Attorney / Farmer, Wanger Jones Helsley PC / Frea Farms
    • Austin Jackson, Regional Manager – Member Relations, Blue Diamond Growers
    • Andrew Jensen, CEO / Agronomist, Crop Syndicate
    • Julian Jimenez, Production / Ranch Manager, Pomona Farming LLC
    • Natalie Kidd, Grower, Kidd Farms
    • Catherine Machado, Operational Support Manager, Manulife Farmland Management Services
    • Madison Martella, Grower Relations, Monte Vista
    • Prabh Monder, General Manager, Monder Farms
    • Connor Pate, Manager of Precision Agriculture, Belkorp Ag, LLC
    • Alexus Powell-Crow, Marketing & Communications Manager, Grow West
    • Noah Riley, Western Territory Sales Representative, Kula Bio
    • Hyeong Shin, Broker, HS Ventures
    • Orlando Tapia, Agronomy Specialist, Corteva Agriscience
    • John Unzueta, Procurement Manager, Cache Creek Foods LLC
    • Alyssa Valdez, Grower Relations, RPAC LLC
    • James Williamson, Investment Associate, PGIM Real Estate

    For more information about the Almond Leadership Program and the Almond Board of California, visit almonds.org.

    About California Almonds   
    California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Details Actions to Maximize Grower Returns, Honors George Goshgarian Jr

    Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond cooperative, held its 115th annual meeting on Nov. 19 in Modesto, highlighting a year defined by bold operational decisions and strategic transformation.

    Kai Bockmann, president and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers, shared with growers in attendance that the cooperative navigated a challenging year by responding with urgency and clarity to strengthen long-term competitiveness and grower returns.

    “Our industry is facing real headwinds, from rising input costs and pest-related crop damage to persistent market volatility,” Bockmann said. “But we

    must stay focused on what matters most: maximizing returns for our growers while building a cooperative that will thrive for generations to come. The actions we are taking position us to do exactly that.”

    At the meeting, Blue Diamond’s leadership outlined concrete steps taken to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the cooperative’s market position across three strategic pillars.

    Transforming Operations to Drive Efficiency

    Earlier this year the cooperative announced plans to close its Sacramento manufacturing plant and consolidate operations to the existing Turlock and Salida facilities. The move will maximize efficiencies while moving the manufacturing facilities even closer to the almond-growing regions that are at the heart of the cooperative. The transition strengthens both efficiency and sustainability while honoring Blue Diamond’s commitment to growers.

    “It comes down to one fundamental thing: build a stronger and more profitable Blue Diamond that provides the best return for our growers’ almonds,” Bockmann said. “We’ve made the tough calls this year with decisions that position us for long-term success.”

    Driving Brand Performance and Innovations

    Despite category softness, Blue Diamond maintained the No. 1 position in both Almondmilk and Snack Almonds. The cooperative executed its first brand refresh in more than two decades, laying critical groundwork for renewed consumer engagement. The year saw the successful launch of new product lines including Almonds and More mixed nuts and almond-fruit produce blends in partnership with Oppy® to help establish a presence and ignite growth in the produce section. Additionally, limited-time flavors – including Cherry Slurpee® and Mike’s Hot Honey® – drove consumer excitement and helped the brand remain top-of-mind in a competitive marketplace.

    Expanding within International Markets

    Blue Diamond continues to expand its international footprint across multiple regions and segments. In Canada, the cooperative grew distribution with major retailers at a pace faster than both category and private-label growth. Strategic beverage partnerships and pipeline opportunities took shape in Japan, while new flavor tests launched across Europe for broader retailer expansion. The cooperative also strengthened its core almond segment leadership with in-shell almonds showing impressive growth in key markets including India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

    Announcing the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year Award

    At the annual meeting, Blue Diamond’s Board Chairman Steve Van Duyn presented the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador Award to George Goshgarian Jr., a Blue Diamond grower whose family has farmed with the cooperative for nearly 50 years. Goshgarian Jr. is from Fresno and is completing his MBA at Fresno Pacific University School of Business.

    For more than 13 years, Goshgarian Jr. has served in various capacities at the Almond Board of California, including the Environmental Committee, Almond Quality and Food Safety Services Committee, and Strategic Ag Innovation Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors for eight years, including two terms as vice chair. He values being part of a team that creates solutions to challenging industry issues and serves as a voice for farmers.

    “Serving at the Almond Board gives even the smallest farming operation a seat at the table,” Goshgarian Jr. said. “I’ve been very proud to represent Blue Diamond at the Almond Board of California for more than a decade.”

    Bockmann concluded the annual meeting with remarks reflecting the cooperative’s readiness for the years ahead.

    “Our balance sheet is strong, our strategy is clear, and our team is energized to execute,” he said. “The coming year – and beyond – is about translating strategy into results. We do this in service to our growers, and we’re confident in the direction and path forward.”

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

  • California FFA Partners with Blue Diamond Growers to “Give the Gift of Blue” on Giving Tuesday

    This Giving Tuesday, the California FFA Foundation and Blue Diamond Growers are teaming up to make twice the impact through the “Give the Gift of Blue” campaign. On December 2, 2025, Blue Diamond Growers will match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, providing FFA jackets to deserving members statewide.

    “For the last nine years, our partnership with Blue Diamond Growers has created a lasting tradition of giving back through the ‘Gift of Blue’ campaign,” said Emily Rooney, chair of the California FFA Foundation and president of the Agricultural Council of California. “With their support, we have collectively raised over $525,285, providing 5,717 FFA jackets to members throughout California—a remarkable effort and true testament to the generosity within the agriculture community.”

    With California’s record-breaking membership of more than 108,000 middle and high school students, the demand for blue jacketshas never been greater. The iconic blue jacket stands as more than just a part of the official FFA uniform; it also embodies the values of leadership and rich agricultural tradition instilled in FFA members for nearly 100 years.

    “Blue Diamond is, once again, pleased to match funds dollar for dollar up to $25,000 to support FFA students in receiving their iconic, blue jackets,” said Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Growers chief agricultural officer and California FFA Foundation board member. “As a century-old farmer-owned cooperative, our legacy depends on supporting the next generation of farmers. FFA students are bright, dedicated, hardworking, and learn valuable skills to ensure the future of farming. Blue Diamond Growers is honored to support the FFA mission.”

    Beyond Giving Tuesday, Blue Diamond Growers has been a steadfast ally to FFA and agricultural education, extending support through sponsorships of various proficiencies and awards. Last year, Blue Diamond Growers was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation from the National FFA Organization. This esteemed honor is given to a select group of organizations, agencies, businesses, or other groups that have made outstanding contributions to FFA.

    With 115 years of agricultural history in Northern California and the participation of approximately 3,000 family growers responsible for producing almonds for the world, Blue Diamond Growers is a premier example of a legacy of excellence.

    To discover more about the California FFA Foundation’s Giving Tuesday initiative or to contribute, please visit www.calaged.org/givingtuesday. Follow California FFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

    About the California FFA Foundation

    California FFA Foundation serves more than 108,000 California students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through educational education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa

    About Blue Diamond Growers®

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs about 1,300 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

  • Blue Diamond Growers 113th “Growing Together” Annual Meeting Highlights a Year of Resilience

    At the 113th Blue Diamond Growers “Growing Together” Annual Meeting on Nov. 15 in Modesto, Blue Diamond Growers’ CEO, Kai Bockmann, reflected on his first ten months in the leadership role by acknowledging significant challenges faced by growers and the world’s largest almond cooperative.

    In Bockmann’s remarks – along with those of Blue Diamond Growers’ Board Chairman, Dan Cummings – both pointed to remarkable headwinds for the almond industry, including higher input costs and inflationary pressures, depressed market prices, shifts in consumer shopping patterns, unfavorable weather conductions, and reduced crop sizes. To help counter these challenges, Blue Diamond Growers is advancing an aggressive strategic growth plan to navigate the marketplace conditions and drive substantial growth.

    “Volatility is our new normal, but our destination is set – and it is one of growth,” said Bockmann. “While this past year brought many challenges for our growers, no challenge is insurmountable. We have a rich history, an exceptional brand, and the right people and culture to deliver against our ambitious growth plan.”

    In laying out the plan, Bockmann shared with the annual meeting audience that what has helped bring the cooperative to where it is today, will not get it to where it is going in terms of growth and market expansion. The new growth plan prioritizes expansion into the massive foodservice channel and strategically selected international markets, while strengthening the value-added business, doubling down on product innovation, and driving for operational efficiencies.

    “Foodservice is a trillion dollar industry that represents a significant growth opportunity for Blue Diamond, and we will directly target that sector as a strategic priority,” said Bockmann. “Additionally, we will diversify and innovate our product portfolio beyond our flagship Blue Diamond Snack Almonds® and Almond Breeze® brands. We will build on the tremendous success of these products – which are both the #1 brands in America for almonds and almondmilk.”

    Bockmann shared that flavor-focused product innovation remains a top priority commenting that “no one does flavor like Blue Diamond” as evidenced by the widely popular Chilé N Lime flavored snack nuts. The flavor was launched as a limited time offer at Costco and won the “Best Nuts” award in PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 Food Awards.

    The Blue Diamond Research & Development team will continue to innovate with new flavors, while advancing new and existing categories, including plant-based yogurt, chocolate, baking, beverages and plant-based cheese. On the foodservice front, the strategic growth plan focus is already delivering results. The Blue Diamond International Consumer and R&D teams worked closely with Maeil Dairies in the past year to develop Almond Breeze® Barista Blend, which was introduced in 6,500 Starbucks across China earlier this year.

    “I’m confident that Blue Diamond Growers is poised to thrive in the years to come because we are stronger together,” said Bockmann. “We are excited to grow together as we bring our strategic plan and collective vision to life.”

    Supporting Grower Success and Advancing Sustainability

    In addition to tackling the marketplace challenges with strategy, innovation, and expansion, Blue Diamond Growers also concepted and launched a new grower-focused buying coalition. To help connect growers with trusted, well-known suppliers and build local, long-term relationships, the Blue Diamond Growers Connect Marketplace aims to reduce production costs for farmers by negotiating better discounts with suppliers via Group Purchasing Organizations and the co-ops’ own internal platform. The goal of the marketplace is to reduce growers’ costs by 5-15%.

    Additionally, a notable highlight from the year is Blue Diamond Growers’ advancement in sustainability. To continue growing the cooperative’s commitment to stewardship, Blue Diamond’s Member Relations team held several online webinars, including hosting the Almond Board of California Almond Stewardship Platform and the Pollinator Partnership to discuss and educate growers on Bee-Friendly Farming.

    Along with the offered webinars, growers were encouraged to participate in Blue Diamond’s Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP), a program where growers can earn financial incentives for implementing best practices related to orchard management, environmental issues, occupational health and safety, and community investment.

    In July of this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Blue Diamond a five-year, $45 million “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities” grant, a program designed to help farmers implement “climate-smart” practices on their land. The program offers growers no-cost cover crop seed and a financial incentive to plant cover crops and/or conservation cover on their land. These practices notonly work toward taking carbon out of the atmosphere, but they also enhance orchard biodiversity and improve soil health. The USDA grant complements
    Blue Diamond’s OSIP by lowering the cost of initiating the pollinator-friendly practices required to receive Bee-Friendly Farming certification.

    “Without question it has been a challenging year, but the loyalty and leadership demonstrated by our board – combined with the resilence of our growers and dedication of Blue Diamond employees – will allow us to overcome the challenges together,” said Cummings. “I’m confident Blue Diamond will deliver great prosperity and a sustainable future for our growers, employees, their families, and the communities we call home.”

    Blue Diamond Annual Report Now Available

    In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Blue Diamond Growers 2023 “Growing Together” Annual Report is now available on the Blue Diamond website at www.bluediamond.com.

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com.

  • New Directors of Almond Board of CA Begin Terms

    The new Board of Directors of the Almond Board of California (ABC) took their seats on Thursday with five voting members elected in 2023 – four of them incumbents – beginning new terms to help guide ABC’s support of one of California’s largest crops.

    Board members, whose terms officially began Aug. 1, also re-elected Alexi Rodriguez as chair and elected Alicia Rockwell as the new vice chair.

    “Our industry continues to endure hard times,” said Rodriguez. “This board understands that intimately, and we have a strong group of individuals who are incredibly committed to doing our part to get beyond our current challenges successfully.”

    The 10-member ABC board has five grower members – three representing independent growers and two representing cooperative growers – and five handler members, also with three independent and two co-op representatives. Some members sit in three-year seats, others in one-year positions.

    The grower representatives elected or re-elected in the 2023 elections are:

    • Paul Ewing, an independent from RPAC, LLC in Los Banos. He was re-elected to a one-year term.
    • Kelli Evans, a co-op grower from Evans Farming in Live Oak, who previously served as an alternate. She was elected to a three-year term.

    The handler representatives were re-elected in all three positions this year. They are:

    • Alexi Rodriguez, an independent handler with Campos Brothers in Caruthers, who was re-elected to a three-year term.
    • Darren Rigg, an independent handler from Minturn Nut Co. Inc. in Le Grand. He was re-elected to a one-year term.
    • Alicia Rockwell, a co-op handler with Blue Diamond Growers from Sacramento, who was re-elected to a three-year term.

    Also, three grower and three handler alternates were elected or re-elected:

    • Katie Staack, an independent grower with Grizzly Nut, LLC from Hughson, was re-elected.
    • Brad Klump, an independent grower with BKI Exports, Inc. in Escalon, was elected for the remaining two years of a previously unfilled three-year term.
    • George Goshgarian Jr., a co-op grower with Goshgarian Farming Co. in Fowler, was elected to an alternate grower position after serving as a voting member and previous vice-chair.
    • Chad DeRose, an independent handler with Famoso Nut Co., LLC in McFarland, was re-elected.

     

    • Ron Fisher, and independent handler with Fisher Nut Co. in Modesto, was re-elected.
      • Dean LaVallee, a co-op handler with Blue Diamond Growers in Sacramento, was also re-elected.

    In addition, Laura Gerhard, a co-op handler with Blue Diamond Growers in Sacramento, was selected by Blue Diamond to serve the final two years in the alternate seat formerly held by the retired Mark Jansen.

    This is the full board:

    VOTING MEMBERS                                                                                      TERM

    Grower #1:            Paul Ewing, RPAC, LLC                                                 1 year

    Grower #2:            Brandon Rebiero, Gold Leaf Farming                            3 years

    Grower #3:            Joe Gardiner, Treehouse California Almonds, LLC       3 years

    Handler #1:           Alexi Rodriguez, Campos Brothers                                3 years

    Handler #2:           Bob Silveira, Vann Family Orchards                              3 years

    Handler #3:           Darren Rigg, Minturn Nut Co. Inc.                                  1 year

    Co-op Grower #1: Kelli Evans, Evans Farming                                            3 years

    Co-op Grower #2: Christine Gemperle, Gemperle Orchards                      3 years

    Co-op Handler #1: Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Growers                          3 years

    Co-op Handler #2: Alicia Rockwell, Blue Diamond Growers                       3 years

    ALTERNATES

    Grower #1:             Katie Staack, Grizzly Nut, LLC

    Grower #2:             Brad Klump, BKI Exports, Inc.

    Grower #3:             Chris Bettencourt, Suvik Farms

    Handler #1:            Ron Fisher, Fisher Nut Company

    Handler #2:            Dexter Long, Hilltop Ranch, Inc.

    Handler #3:            Chad DeRose, Famoso Nut Company, LLC

    Co-op Grower #1:  George Goshgarian Jr., Goshgarian Farming Co.

    Co-op Grower #2:  Kent Stenderup, Stenderup Ag Partners

    Co-op Handler #1: Laura Gerhard, Blue Diamond Growers

    Co-op Handler #2: Dean LaVallee, Blue Diamond Growers

    The ABC board sets policy and approves budgets in major areas, including global market development, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    ABC is a Federal Marketing Order dedicated to promoting California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts and by funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, as well as ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and food safety.

    About California Almonds

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and the California Almonds blog.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting Highlights Record Profitability

    At the 112th Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting held mid-November in Modesto, CA, Blue Diamond Growers President and CEO, Mark Jansen, highlighted the accomplishments of the past year, while recognizing remarkable headwinds the cooperative tackled through creative solutions, strategic partnerships, and world-class innovation.

    “Although 2022 was marked by supply chain disruptions, the ongoing COVID-19 impact, and a continuing drought, we still fulfilled our mission and provided considerable competitive advantage with our grower returns,” said Jansen. “It could not have happened without the dedication of our 3,000 grower-owners or the 1,800 hard-working Blue Diamond team members.”

    Jansen further reported that despite the many challenges of the year, Blue Diamond was able to increase payments by an average of $.20 a pound and deliver a record competitive advantage in grower returns.

    In an additional highlight, he shared that to counter global transportation disruptions, the Blue Diamond Supply Chain Team worked with the Almond Alliance, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Governor’s Office of Business Development to build a new multi-port export strategy. This included implementing a pop-up yard at the Port of Oakland to stage products closer to the port to reduce wait times at congested terminals. In addition, the Supply Chain Team partnered on the launch of the first inland direct-rail port from Fresno to the Port of Los Angeles. Based on these learnings, the team spearheaded the Almond Express train to carry containers from Oakland to Los Angeles, Long Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. The containers were then offloaded onto terminal docks for guaranteed export to Asia, the Middle East and India.

    “Navigating the global supply chain issues and devising creative solutions – while working alongside our partners – is just one way we remained true to our vision of delivering the benefits of almonds to the world,” said Jansen.

    At the meeting, it was shared that during fiscal year 2022 Blue Diamond was able to:

    • Deliver its share of the California almond industry’s second largest crop of 2.8 billion meat pounds; closely following the record 3.1-billion-pound crop of 2020
    • Develop new value-added uses for almonds through ongoing new product development via the Almond Innovation Center (AIC). As a result, AIC delivered $90 million in innovation revenue and 18.9 million pounds of innovation volume for Blue Diamond.
    • Launch several new Blue Diamond branded consumer products including Extra Creamy Almond Breeze®, Almond & Oat Almond Breeze® (international markets) and new Snack Almonds (Chilé ‘n Lime, Probiotics, Elote, Korean BBQ, and Mash Ups)
    • Sell 83 million pounds of almonds as part of Blue Diamond’s Snack Almond line alone, while remaining the No. 1 almondmilk in the plant-based milk category
    • Achieve 17% volume growth compared to the previous year for Almond Breeze® products in more than 70 countries – via a global network of licensee partners
    • Increase Global Ingredient sales from new customer applications of almond butter, almond flour, and almond protein powder
    • Open new markets in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Bolivia and Argentina, while driving 33% volume growth in Asia

    “Blue Diamond has experienced substantial growth in recent years through thoughtful, smart decisions and actions,” said Dan Cummings, Chairman of the Board, Blue Diamond Growers. “With our focus on innovation, deeply established partnerships, and steadfast commitment to going above and beyond to deliver on consumer and retail demands, I expect this progress to continue well into the future.”

    Blue Diamond Announces Continuing Board Members

    In addition to sharing highlights from the past year, Blue Diamond also announced its continuing board members, including:

    • Dan Cummings, Chairman, District 1, Chico
    • John Monroe, District 2, Arbuckle
    • Dale Van Groningen, District 3, Ripon
    • George A. te Velde, District 4, Ripon/Escalon
    • Steve Van Duyn, Vice Chairman, District 5, Modesto/Ripon
    • Nick Blom, District 6, Turlock
    • Dan Mendenhall, District 7, Winton
    • Matthew Efird, District 8, Fresno
    • Kent Stenderup, District 9, Arvin
    • Joe Huston Director-at-Large, Monterey
    • Kristin Daley Director-at-Large, San Francisco
    Blue Diamond Annual and Sustainability Reports Now Available

    In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, Blue Diamond Growers is also releasing its “Partnering for a Sustainable Future” Annual Report and inaugural “Growing a Better Tomorrow” Sustainability Report. Both reports are available on the Blue Diamond website at www.bluediamond.com.

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Foundation Announces Scholarship Awards on 10th Anniversary of Program

    Blue Diamond Growers Foundation is pleased to announce its 2021-2022 scholarship recipients. This year, scholarship funding is being awarded to 24 college students who are either dependents of Blue Diamond employees or are members of local communities pursuing agriculture-related fields of study at colleges and universities in California and throughout the country.

    “For agriculture to succeed for years to come, it will require the dedication and hard work of the next generation,” said Dan Cummings, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Blue Diamond Growers. “We are so pleased that the Blue Diamond Growers Foundation regularly supports dependents of our own Blue Diamond employees as well as assists students whose goals are to be a positive influence on the future of agriculture and who want to make a difference in their communities.”

    Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Blue Diamond Growers Foundation was established in 2011 for the purpose of providing scholarships to students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance and are pursuing a four-year college. Since 2011, the Blue Diamond Foundation has awarded nearly
    150 scholarships to help students in our local communities achieve their dreams of a college education.

    This year’s Blue Diamond Growers Foundation scholarship recipients include:

    NAME/HOMETOWN COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY MAJOR
    Ashleigh Sorensen
    Sanger, Calif.    		 Fresno State University Agribusiness
    Ashlyn Wooldridge
    Arbuckle, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Plant and Environment Sciences
    Averie Konefat
    Patterson, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Ag Science
    Cal Muxlow
    Kingsburg, Calif.    		 Fresno State University Agribusiness
    Gabriela Moreno
    Winton, Calif.    		 Merced Community College then Fresno State University Ag Education and Communications
    Gunnar Kale
    Merced, Calif.    		 Morningside University Ag and Food Sciences
    (Minor in Agronomy) 
    NAME/HOMETOWN COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY MAJOR
    Jane Saenz
    Shafter, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Ag Systems Management,
    Wine and Viticulture
    Jenna Keller
    Porterville, Calif.    		 Cal Poly or Cornell University Plant Science and International Ag
    Kalifornia Kindelt
    Woodland, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Ag Communications
    Kathryn Williams
    Arbuckle, Calif.    		   Ag Communications
    Lauren McEwen
    Exeter, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Ag Communications
    Lauren Schaap
    Visalia, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Ag Communications
    Laynee Haywood
    Maxwell, Calif.    		 Texas Tech University Agribusiness
    (Concentration in
    International Agribusiness)
    Madalyn Nissen
    Willows, Calif.     		 Oklahoma State University Ag Education and
    Ag Communications
    Matthew Freitas
    Glenn, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Ag Systems Management
    Michaela Mederos
    Tulare, Calif.    		 Fresno State University Agribusiness Management
    M’Lyssa Frago
    Atwater, Calif.    		 Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo Ag Communications
    Natalie Machon
    El Dorado Hills, Calif.    		 University of Colorado, Boulder Psychology
    Rachel Mancebo
    Chowchilla, Calif.    		 Fresno State University Ag Education
    Sarah Williams
    Madera, Calif.    		 Virginia Tech University Agribusiness

     
    Sydney Vieira
    Ripon, Calif.    		 Oklahoma State University Agribusiness
    (Pre-Law Concentration)
    Tanner Cardoza
    Hanford, Calif.    		 McPherson College Business

     
    Taylor Trigueiro
    Caruthers, Calif.    		 Oklahoma State University Ag Education
    William Vannucci
    Woodland, Calif.    		 American River College Horticulture

     

    Additional information about the Blue Diamond Growers Foundation scholarship program is available at
    https://bluediamondgrowers.com/scholarship-program/.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Earns Recognition as Green Business Certified

    Following a comprehensive certification process, the Blue Diamond Growers facility in Salida, Calif., has earned distinction as being Green Business Certified. Blue Diamond is the first business in Stanislaus County to be recognized by the California Green Business Network, Stanislaus County, a program of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, for demonstrating sustainability as a top business priority.

    The Green Business Certified recognition was awarded at a ceremony today organized by the Modesto Chamber of Commerce at the Blue Diamond facility in Salida, California. The ceremony was attended by
    Brian Barczak, Senior Vice President, Global Supply for Blue Diamond, as well as Congressman Josh Harder, and several other state and local dignitaries.

    “Blue Diamond has a long 110-year history as an almond cooperative, and within that history has been a commitment to sustainability across all our facilities – Sacramento, Salida and Turlock,” said Barczak. “As we look toward the future, our investment in sustainability strengthens our relationship with our customers and consumers, provides benefits to our local communities, and lays the groundwork for the continuation of our legacy as a cooperative.  This recognition means a great deal to us as it shows that we are doing our part to build a healthier and more sustainable future for our local communities.”

    The Green Business Certified recognition goes to companies that achieve a verified set of standards, including reducing water use, conserving energy, preventing pollution, increasing recycling, avoiding waste, encouraging alternative transportation, and partnering with other local vendors.

    This latest Blue Diamond Growers’ honor comes on the heels of growth and positive milestones at the Salida facility. In 2020, a multi-year construction plan was completed including the addition of a 50-million-pound-capacity Brown Almond Bulk Warehouse. The new warehouse is the second facility of similar capacity recently built at the site. Additionally, also in 2020, the Salida facility achieved its fifth consecutive year – representing five million work hours – of no lost-time accidents. In terms of sustainability, according to Salida Site Leader Dennis Bettencourt, the site has successfully diverted more than 18 tons of waste from the landfill for more optimal uses, among other achievements in reducing water and
    energy usage.

    “We are proud that Blue Diamond’s priority on sustainability is being recognized and wish to thank the Modesto Chamber of Commerce – California Green Business Network, Stanislaus County for their efforts to advance the importance of sustainability in our community,” said Bettencourt. “We are honored by this recognition, as well as motivated to continue providing Blue Diamond almonds to the world in a way that honors, respects and preserves the planet and the natural resources that mean so much to all of us.”


    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing over 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInand Twitter.

  • Blue Diamond Growers 110th Annual Meeting Recap, Gurcharan Dhillon Honored

    The 110th Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting countered the challenges of 2020 with a sense of accomplishment for the present and optimism for the future.

    “We are a growth business by choice, and I’m confident in declaring that the best is yet to come,” said Mark Jansen, President and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers.

    In his virtual presentation to Blue Diamond almond growers on Nov. 18, Jansen acknowledged the numerous obstacles the co-op overcame during the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.

    “With trade wars, port-related receiving disruptions, market price corrections, foodservice shut-downs, and a fire at the Sacramento Blue Diamond plant, it was a tough year to sell almonds,” said Jansen. “Yet, Blue Diamond prevailed in continuing to build a remarkably strong business in support of a 3-billion-pound almond crop – the largest ever in our 110-year history.”

    Mark Jansen

    Jansen reported that in 2020 alone, Blue Diamond was able to:

    • Provide growers a 16-cent competitive advantage per pound of almonds delivered.
    • Complete a multi-year construction plan including the addition of a 50-million-pound-capacity raw almond warehouse in Salida, Calif. The new warehouse is the second facility of similar capacity recently built at the site.
    • Incorporate engineering upgrades and expand a high-efficiency production line for Almond Breeze® almondmilk at the Blue Diamond facility in Turlock, Calif. The newly enhanced line more than doubles the plant’s Almond Breeze production volume. Almond Breeze leads as the co-op’s most profitable product with more than $800 million in annual retail sales.
    • Increase direct sales into India by 40 percent as trade pressures dramatically curtailed access into the Chinese market.
    • More than double e-commerce sales of Blue Diamond products, while achieving the goal of Amazon becoming the co-op’s fifth largest customer.
    • Be recognized, for the fourth consecutive year, as an IRI Growth Leader for fastest-growing consumer-packaged goods sales in terms of volume, revenue and market share.
    • Achieve its fifth consecutive year – representing five million work hours – of no lost-time accidents at the Salida facility.
    Dan Cummings

    Blue Diamond Board Chairman Recognizes Leadership Milestone and Co-op Honor  
    In addition to the business performance highlights shared by Jansen, Dan Cummings, Blue Diamond Board Chairman and Director, District 1, announced Jansen’s tenth anniversary as President and CEO of Blue Diamond Growers. Cummings made note of Jansen’s remarkable leadership and accomplishments on behalf of the co-op.  “We are confident in the future with Mark’s great leadership to guide us,” said Cummings. “Considering the successes so far, we can only imagine what the next10 years will bring. Blue Diamond is in great hands with him.”

    Additionally, Cummings announced Gurcharan Dhillon as the 2020 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year. Dhillon serves as a Grower Liaison Committee Member for District 9, and he is also active on Almond Board of California committees.  “We thank Gurcharan for his outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the co-op and the almond industry. He is truly an inspired leader,” said Cummings. “We also thank our many partners, including haulers, shellers, truck drivers, co-manufacturers, marketers and the 1,800 Blue Diamond employees who go above and beyond each day to help provide Blue Diamond almonds to the world.”

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing over 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.