Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Almonds

  • Almond Board of Directors Election Around the Corner

    Almond Board of Directors Election Around the Corner

    The Almond Board of California is gearing up for the 2022 Board of Directors Election. While formal election announcements will be distributed next month, the Almond Board wanted to provide an update on open positions for this year’s election. This year, there are four open positions: two independent grower positions, one independent handler position and one cooperative handler position. Along with these four positions are also four corresponding alternate positions open for the election. (To note: Only independent positions are part of the general election, as the cooperative selects its own representatives.)

    The Board of Directors guide the work of the almond industry’s federal marketing order (the Almond Board) and has led the California industry in the adoption of innovative research programs, expanding demand-building initiatives ahead of increasing supply, and leading through challenges to the industry’s reputation. Representing over 7,600 growers and approximately 100 handlers across the state, the Almond Board is responsible for establishing policy, recommending budgets and programs to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval, and reviewing program results and effectiveness.

    Currently, nearly 200 active almond industry members volunteer to serve on ABC’s Board, Board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups. Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape future successes, ensuring consumers and stakeholders support the industry’s vision that California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow.

    If you are interested in learning more about running for a position on the Board of Directors, please contact ABC’s Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com. — Almond Board of California

  • The Health and Sustainability Message of Almonds Influences EU Consumers

    The Health and Sustainability Message of Almonds Influences EU Consumers

    Almond Board of California — Health remains the No. 1 motivator for European consumers to snack on almonds. But in a market leading the globe in environmental legislation and initiatives, there’s a new breed of eco-savvy consumers emerging who are turning their attention to how their food is produced and the impact it has on the planet.

    At The Almond Conference 2021 in December, a panel of marketing and regulatory experts from the Almond Board of California and other organizations discussed some of the key trends in Europe.

    The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy are the major markets for California almonds on the continent. Together with the other European Union countries, they account for about 25% of global almond shipments each year. Europeans consume about as many almonds annually as the United States, but the markets are much different and the strategies for reaching consumers reflect that.

    “How food is produced is important to EU consumers,” said Christine Lott, senior brand manager for international consumers for Blue Diamond Growers. “They are very discerning about the food they eat. Taste is still king, but where it’s from and how it’s produced is a becoming a big factor in their purchasing decisions.”

    Kath Martino, who helps manage and implement marketing campaigns in the EU, said there are four primary consumer trends evident in Europe.

    • Values-based eating – Basically, it’s a belief that you are what you eat. Food must taste good, but also be good for you. “It’s about more than food nourishing our bodies,” explained Martino. “It’s about wellness.”
    • Natural nutrition – Europeans really scrutinize food ingredients. They want to make sure what they’re putting into their bodies is giving them a natural source of nutrition.
    • Plant power – Plant-based eating is ingrained in Europe, especially the UK and Germany. A quarter of all new food products in those markets have a plant-based claim.
    • Thirst for knowledge – This reflects the increase in consumer skepticism. “People really want to trust what they’re putting into their bodies,” Martino said.
    Ad campaigns tailored to audiences

    The European market is far from monolithic. There are distinct differences in consumer behavior and expectations within the four markets ABC focuses on. Though health remains a core message throughout Europe, “We approach it differently in each market

    so we can meet consumers where they are,” said Laura Morin, a managing director and partner of Sterling-Rice Group, which works with the Almond Board on marketing campaigns in Europe.

    In the United Kingdom, for instance, ABC launched a marketing campaign in 2020 called “Do You Almond?” The integrated campaign involved out-of-home advertising, video on-demand TV, digital and social and most recently, the Almond Board partnered with 12 influencers on a series of fun and humorous videos and ads depicting how they “nail it like a natural” powered by their favorite snack – almonds.

    Whether it be a daring kite surfing trick, a round of one-handed pull-ups, a labor-intensive landscape project or even parenting, influencers showed how almonds help energize them for their daily activities.

    In Germany, marketing efforts portray almonds as a smart snack bursting with beauty benefits and energy. The “Snack the Sun” campaign features images of sunny California and emphasizes that almonds are a healthy and vibrant snack.

    In France, almonds have continued to gain a foothold as a healthy snack in a market where snacking has not been considered “a norm” until the past decade. A new ad campaign that will debut this spring will build upon that trend. The ads will focus on how almonds can help people recharge during the day as well as position the nut as a source of long-lasting energy.

    Of the markets ABC tracks, Italian consumers eat more almonds per capita than any other country in the world. “Italians are on the move and on the go, and they need a food that matches their busy lifestyle,” Morin said. ABC’s “Recharge Your Day” marketing campaign seeks to reinforce almonds’ popularity as a snack providing a natural source of energy that Italians can eat at any time.

    Twin messages of health, sustainability

    Europe is an important and influential piece of the global almond market. Twice as many almond-related products were introduced in Europe in 2019 compared to anywhere else in the world. The EU introduced more new almond products than anywhere else in the world in six key categories: Confectionary, bakery, bars, snacks, cereal and dairy.

    Gathering, analyzing and acting upon reliable consumer information will be an important part of ensuring that people in the EU appreciate not just the health benefits of almonds, but also are aware that California growers are committed to environmental and sustainability practices that Europeans demand.

    “Even as the world paused for COVID, we didn’t,” Morin said of data-driven marketing efforts in the EU. “We spread the word about the benefits of eating almonds as a healthy, sustainable part of a diet.”

    What’s next in Europe? Dariela Roffe-Rackind, who manage ABC’s marketing campaigns there, cited these three areas:

    • Continue to reinforce the health halo around almonds, as this is what is most motivating to consumers and will help them grow their love for almonds
    • Talk louder about how almonds are responsibly grown, to help stop people from falling out of love with almonds
    • Inspire food professionals to expand the use of almonds
  • Almond Processor Shares How Supply Chain Disruption is Impacting Business, Industry

    Almond Processor Shares How Supply Chain Disruption is Impacting Business, Industry

    The seemingly never-ending supply chain disruptions continue to impact many aspects of our everyday lives, and our agricultural industries have also suffered tremendous losses due to these challenges. Watch this brief interview with Katie Staack-Dorsett from Grizzly Nut as she shares to find out and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
  • Pacific Nut Producer January Issue

    Pacific Nut Producer January Issue

    PNP122
    Pacific Nut Producer January Issue

    [btn btnlink=”https://malcolmmedia.com/order-a-back-issue/back-issue-pacific-nut-producer-magazine/” btnsize=”full” txtcolor=”#ffffff” color=”#FFF” bgcolor=”#492500″ btnnewt=”1″ nofollow=”1″]Order A Back Issue[/btn]

    [btn btnlink=”http://malcolmmedia.com/pacific-nut-producer-magazine-subscriptions/” btnsize=”full” txtcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#492500″ btnnewt=”1″ nofollow=”1″]Subscribe Free[/btn]
    [three_fifth_last]

    Contents of the January Issue:

    Hazelnuts Grown by Heroes
    Ladonna Avakian Finds Fulfillment on the Farm
    Nuts & Bolts
    Nut Industry News Briefs
    January Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

    [/three_fifth_last]

  • State of the California Almond Industry

    State of the California Almond Industry

    The 2021 California almond crop size has come considerably short of what was initially forecasted earlier this season. How will this reflect on prices and what other factors in the market are at play? Watch this brief interview with Richard Waycott, President of the Almond Board of California, as he explains.

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

  • Welcoming Aubrey Bettencourt to the Almond Alliance of California

    Welcoming Aubrey Bettencourt to the Almond Alliance of California

    We are pleased to introduce Aubrey Bettencourt as the new President/CEO of the Almond Alliance of California.  Watch this brief interview with Aubrey to learn more about how she has been prepared for this position and her plans to serve the California almond industry.

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

  • The Almond Conference in a Nutshell

    The Almond Conference in a Nutshell

    Almond Board of California — The 49th annual Almond Conference returned to Sacramento with a bang. Renovations to the newly named SAFE Credit Union Convention Center forced the conference to shift locations in 2019, and COVID-19 precautions forced the 2020 conference to a virtual format.

    The Almond Board of California (ABC), abiding by Sacramento County safety mandates, welcomed 3,308 industry members back to downtown Sacramento with the biggest trade show in Conference history. 270 exhibitors blanketed the bottom level of the convention center with the latest products and innovations available to growers.

    Day one of the conference, Tuesday, December 7, was dedicated for tradeshow time and the State of The Industry address. ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott and 2021/2022 Board Chairman Brian Wahlbrink headlined the address as co-anchors of “AlmondCenter”, a fast moving and informative ninety minutes of almond action news. ABC staff were positioned as field reporters who brought the latest information to attendees about shipping delays, water issues, marketing efforts, industry resources and more.

    At the conclusion of the “AlmondCenter” production, Waycott and Wahlbrink announced the winners of the annual industry awards. George Goshgarian Sr. was presented with this year’s Almond Achievement Award, and Ken Stevenson was the recipient of the new Almond Technical Achievement Award. ABC and the industry thanked both award winners for their dedication and service to the industry over their respective careers. The industry then adjourned back to the tradeshow for an opening reception.

    (From left to right) Brian Wahlbrink, Swati Kalgaonkar, George Goshgarian Sr., Karen Lapsley and Richard Waycott (Photo Courtesy of the Almond Board).

    The vast amount of information dispersed at The Almond Conference began on day two, Wednesday, December 8. Growers and industry members learned the latest about key topics during three blocks of four consecutive sessions at 8:40 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. A break in the action on day two was during lunch as Mattson President and Chief Innovation Officer Barb Stuckey addressed attendees. She talked about the latest in product development such as almond milk base – a 100 percent almond powder that when water is added becomes almond milk. Stuckey also identified areas that she sees as opportunities for almonds to enter the market like almond baked goods, pizza crusts, pastas and tortilla chips.

    Mattson President and CIO Barb Stuckey addressing attendees at lunch on day two (photo courtesy of the Almond Board).

    Educational sessions continued into day three of the conference with 11 more talks on marketing tactics, production information and more. Attendees also got a chance to hear the incredible story of Dan On, global CEO of Dan-D Pak. Born in Saigon, Vietnam — now known as Ho Chi Minh City – On’s journey includes escaping the Vietnam War, surviving pirate attacks on the open sea and living in a Malaysian refugee camp. On ultimately was brought to Canada through a Hope Lutheran Church program. After being adopted by Irish Canadian parents who sold granola, On came up with the idea to sell the ingredients separately which became a lucrative business decision. The Dan-D Group is now an importer, manufacturer, and distributor of cashews and other tree nuts, nut butters, dried fruits, snack foods and spices from around the world with approximately 1,000 employees in Canada, Vietnam, Thailand, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, with headquarters in Richmond, British Columbia.

    The Almond Conference 2021 wrapped up with the annual Conference Gala Dinner, with a twist. This year, the Gala Dinner was transformed into the Nuthouse Honky Tonk Bar with a private concert from up-and-coming country music star Tyler Rich. As a California native, Rich entertained hundreds of industry members with original songs such as “The Difference” and “Leave Her Wild”.

    ABC also included a few special presentations at the Gala Dinner. The 2020/2021 Almond Leadership class was recognized for their dedication and effort over the past two years, as the Covid-19 pandemic extended the 2020 class experience. ABC also recognized the lifetime contributions of Bill Morecraft Jr. who is retiring from Blue Diamond Growers after 35 years in the industry.

    During the three-day event, ABC and the Almond Leadership Program ran a silent auction that netted over $11,000 for California Future Farmers of America. Thanks to the generosity of Emerald Sponsor Qcify, that total will be increased to over $36,000 going towards scholarships for graduating FFA students planning to pursue a degree in agriculture.

    The Almond Conference 2021 would not be possible without the support of sponsors. ABC would like to thank the 2021 Metal Sponsors for their generosity this year.

    All Conference presentations will be available soon HERE. The Almond Conference will again be in Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in 2022. Industry members are encouraged to save December 6-8, 2022 as dates for the conference.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Host Annual Meeting, Announce Chairman’s Ambassador Award Recipient

    Blue Diamond Growers Host Annual Meeting, Announce Chairman’s Ambassador Award Recipient

    With a theme of “Rising to the Challenge,” the 111th Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting highlighted the remarkable people that help power California’s largest almond cooperative.

    In a virtual presentation to Blue Diamond almond growers on November 17, Mark Jansen, President and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers, and Dan Cummings, Blue Diamond Growers Board Chairman and Director, District 1, provided business updates and acknowledged key milestones for the cooperative. Three board members either new to the board or recently re-elected to continue service were also announced, including:

    • Dan Cummings, Director, District 1, Chico, CA
    • George A. te Velde, Director, District 4, Escalon, CA
    • Nick Blom, Director, District 6, Modesto, CA


    Following the meeting, Cummings was selected to continue his role as Board Chair and board member Steve Van Duyn, District 5, Modesto, CA, was named Vice Chair for the board. Additionally, in August, Kristen Daley of San Francisco, CA, was named as a new Director-At-Large, completing the 11-person board. “The exceptional leadership and dedication of our board is invaluable in guiding Blue Diamond Growers toward a continued successful future,” said Jansen. “I’m grateful for each of them and the wisdom and perspectives they bring to the co-op, along with their willingness to invest their time and talents to help address challenges and embrace opportunities.”

    Retiring board members Charles Crivelli III, District 6, Turlock, CA, and Kevin Fondse, District 4, Ripon/Escalon, CA were also recognized as part the annual meeting program.

    During his presentation, Cummings announced Christine Gemperle District 6, as the 2021 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year. A self-described “science nerd,” Gemperle, and her brother farm 135 acres of almonds in Ceres, CA. She is dedicated to sustainable almond production and focuses extensively on water savings, orchard weed control, integrated pest management, soil health and more.

    “Christine is a remarkable ambassador for Blue Diamond Growers and the California almond industry as a whole,” said Cummings. “Each day, she practices what she preaches in terms of hands-on, ‘real-world’ sustainability, and she also helps to educate countless consumers about what the almond industry is doing to produce a wholesome, sustainable crop for all to enjoy – generation after generation.”

    Further illustrating Blue Diamond Growers’ unwavering commitment to sustainability, Cummings announced that in 2021 alone, one-third of Blue Diamond almond growers achieved the gold level of the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) rigorous assessment initiative, while another two-thirds accomplished either the silver or bronze CASP achievement level.

    In his meeting remarks, Jansen acknowledged numerous challenges facing California agriculture and Blue Diamond almond growers, including the drought, supply chain disruptions, ongoing pandemic impacts, rising input costs, labor shortages, inflation and more.

    “Even with the remarkable headwinds that we face, we are capable of extraordinary success and rising to the challenges,” said Jansen. “We are resilient and were able to exceed targeted grower returns in 2021 – thanks to the perseverance of the growers themselves and the strength of the Blue Diamond Growers team. I truly believe the best is yet to come.”

    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.

  • Pacific Nut Producer December Issue

    Pacific Nut Producer December Issue

    PNP1221
    Pacific Nut Producer December Issue

    [btn btnlink=”https://malcolmmedia.com/order-a-back-issue/back-issue-pacific-nut-producer-magazine/” btnsize=”full” txtcolor=”#ffffff” color=”#FFF” bgcolor=”#492500″ btnnewt=”1″ nofollow=”1″]Order A Back Issue[/btn]

    [btn btnlink=”http://malcolmmedia.com/pacific-nut-producer-magazine-subscriptions/” btnsize=”full” txtcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#492500″ btnnewt=”1″ nofollow=”1″]Subscribe Free[/btn]
    [three_fifth_last]

    Contents of the December Issue:

    Orchard Views
    In Thy Dark Streets Shineth…
    Nick & Pete Blom Navigate Water Challenges
    Growing Forward to Keep from Falling Behind
    Nuts & Bolts
    Nut Industry News Briefs
    December Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

    [/three_fifth_last]

  • Almond Alliance of CA Names Aubrey Bettencourt President/CEO

    Almond Alliance of CA Names Aubrey Bettencourt President/CEO

    The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) has named Aubrey Bettencourt as its new President and CEO.  She currently serves as Director for Sustainability for the California Cattle Council and Western United Dairies and has extensive experience dealing with a wide range of California agricultural and natural resource issues. Bettencourt succeeds Elaine Trevino, who has been nominated by President Biden to be the Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative. Trevino is awaiting a confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.

    Almond Alliance Chairman Mike Curry said Bettencourt’s selection came after an extensive and thorough executive search. Curry commented, “We are extremely excited to have Aubrey Bettencourt as the Almond Alliance’s new President and CEO. Aubrey comes to us with a wealth of diverse knowledge and innovative advocacy work on behalf of farmers and ranchers. As the California State Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, she fought to keep ‘farmers farming’ through the delivery of effective and efficient agricultural programs. Serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Water and Science Division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bettencourt developed and coordinated national water and science policy, expanding her extensive knowledge of state and national water issues and available resources, making her a unique asset to our membership and community.”

    Curry added, “Aubrey’s work as the director of the statewide non-profit, California Water Alliance, has given her the tools necessary to advocate for our members as the water crisis in California becomes even more complicated. As the Director of Sustainability for the California Cattle Council and Western United Dairies, Bettencourt has focused on water supply and water quality, forest health and fire prevention, carbon sequestration, climate resiliency and ground water sustainability. Raised in a farming family, Aubrey has firsthand knowledge of what it takes for a family farm to survive in California and beyond.”

    “I am excited to join the Almond Alliance, a dynamic leader in American agriculture,” Bettencourt said. “As a fourth generation California farmer, it is a personal honor to serve. I look forward to working with this team to keep farmers and processors providing economic opportunity to our rural communities, bringing worldwide the highest quality product from our farms to your table.”

    Bettencourt noted, “The California almond farmer is the most sophisticated in the world; leading in technique, technology, sustainability, safety, and quality. We take pride in this role and great responsibility in this legacy. The challenges we face as an industry including water, labor, energy, supply chain, and climate change, are opportunities for our continued leadership and advocacy. Rather than reacting, we will lead with our own achievable, common-sense solutions to these challenges for the continued success of our farmers, our communities, our businesses, our environment, and our consumers.”

    Curry noted that in her three years at the helm, Trevino led the almond industry through some very challenging times and wished her the best in her new position. “I am so incredibly excited for Elaine and her nomination by the President to be the next Chief Agricultural Negotiator at USTR,” Curry commented. “As the President and CEO of the Almond Alliance, Elaine has led our industry through very difficult times. From trade wars, labor issues, struggles during the pandemic, to port issues, Elaine has been a fierce leader fighting the good fight. In every step of the way she has done the good work for California. Yet Elaine has always kept the communities of our members at top of mind, knowing the economic impact the almond industry has on so many California communities. Elaine has been a true advocate for the good of all. Elaine is the type of leader with the focus to leave things better then she found them.”

    Looking ahead to her new role, Curry said, “There is no doubt in my mind that as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Elaine will continue to be the person who adopts real solutions to real problems. The United States agricultural community has gained a true problem solver in Elaine Trevino.

    Elaine thanked Almond Alliance members and partners for their support over the past three years. “It has been an honor to work for the Almond Alliance,” she said. “Together we took the Alliance to new heights and strengthened the voice of almonds in Sacramento and Washington DC. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to lead one of the best agricultural associations in the country. I look forward to staying in touch and learning about the Almond Alliance’s future successes.”

    Bettencourt will assume her new role on December 1, 2021 and will work out of the Alliance’s Modesto office.

    About the Almond Alliance

    The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) is a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to representing and advocating on behalf of the California almond community. California almonds generate more than $21 billion in economic revenue and directly contribute more than $11 billion to the state’s total economy. California’s top agricultural export, almonds create approximately 104,000 jobs statewide, over 97,000 in the Central Valley, which suffers from chronic unemployment. The AAC is dedicated to educating state legislators, policy makers and regulatory officials about the California almond community. As a membership-based organization, our members include almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers and allied businesses. Through workshops, newsletters, conferences, social media and personal meetings, AAC works to raise awareness, knowledge and provide a better understanding about the scope, size, value and sustainability of the California almond community.

    For more information on the Almond Alliance, visit https://almondalliance.org/ or check out the Almond Alliance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.