Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Economics

  • Steve Koretoff & Flory Industries Named Almond Alliance Members of the Year

    At its annual convention held this year in Lihue, Hawaii, the Almond Alliance recognized an exceptional business (Flory Industries) and individual (Steve Koretoff) as its 2023/2024 Members of the Year.

    Flory Industries has been an integral part of Central California agriculture since 1936 and has been selected as the Associate Member of the Year. Flory Industries’ expertise and support of almond industry advocacy have reinforced the company’s position as an essential contributor to the industry’s growth and success.

    “Flory Industries’ deep roots in Central California agriculture and their commitment to innovation have made them a vital partner in the almond industry,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, outgoing President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “Their increased activity within the Almond Alliance has amplified advocacy efforts and strengthened the industry’s voice.”

    Flory Industries was awarded Associate Member of the Year at the 2024. Left to Right: Blake Vann, Chairman of the Almond Alliance; Jason Flory, CEO of Flory Industries; Todd Wille, COO of Flory Industries; and Katie Staack, Vice Chair of the Almond Alliance.

    In recognition of his contributions to the almond industry and the Alliance, Steve Koretoff was awarded the Member of the Year. Grower, processor, and handler Koretoff marks the second generation at Purity Organics and has completed his second term as Secretary of the Almond Alliance. Through his dedication and strong moral character, he has contributed calm wisdom to the leadership of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the Grower Committee, and the greater almond community.

    “Steve embodies the essence of excellence in our almond community,” Bettencourt said. “His unwavering commitment to the industry and remarkable leadership as Secretary of the Almond Alliance has not only earned him this prestigious honor but has also left an indelible mark on our collective journey.”

    About the Almond Alliance
    Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

    Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org.

  • California Walnut Industry Supports USDA’s Expansion of Food Offerings to Include Walnut-Based Products

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) supports the recent announcements by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the authorization of nuts and seeds to comprise the full meat/meat alternative component of meals in the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Child Nutrition Programs. This follows the recent notice of the addition of nut and seed butters, such as walnut butter, as alternatives to peanut butter and eggs in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

    The CWC believes these changes align more closely with U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and better promote nutrition security. Walnuts are an important component of a healthy diet for Americans and allow for broader access to food choices and nutrition.

    This is an important strategic step forward in providing increased access to California walnuts to both underserved and school-aged populations. Robert Verloop, CEO for the CWC stated, “California walnuts are a great tasting, nutrient-dense food which fits with USDA recommendations and provide a wide-range of nutritional benefits, including essential omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA).  We are excited for the addition for walnuts and walnut butter to be available for consumers looking for more plant-based options, vegetarian diets and other food preferences.” CWC provided comments to USDA in February 2023 on food products available in the WIC food packages and in March 2023 on the revisions to the Child Nutrition Programs, for the allowance of nuts to be 100% of the meat/meat alternative component of meals.

    The California walnut industry applauds USDA for the FNS Child Nutrition and WIC program revisions and looks forward to supporting these food assistance efforts by providing high quality, nutritious and safe walnuts and walnut products for schools and the community participating in the WIC program.

    About the California Walnut Board and Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 75 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. More than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States are from California, which in 2023 accounted for 1.64 billion pounds of walnuts, shipping into more than 50 countries around the world. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities. For more industry information, health research and recipe ideas, visit www.walnuts.org.

  • California Bearing Almond Acreage Drops for the First Time in Decades

    California’s bearing almond acreage decreased slightly over the past year, according to a new report from Land IQ to the Almond Board of California (ABC). It is the first time since at least 1995 that the total of bearing acres has not grown.

    Land IQ’s 2024 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate issued recently looked at bearing acreage – orchards planted before 2022 and that have matured enough to produce a crop for the coming 2024 harvest. It estimated that bearing almond orchards at harvest will cover 1.373 million acres across California, a decrease of about 600 acres.

    In addition, Land IQ estimates that approximately 71,000 acres of orchards will be removed by the end of the crop year, adding to the 83,000 acres removed in the 2023-24 crop year, according to Land IQ’s estimate issued in November last year.

    While the bearing acreage drop may be small – far less than 1 percent – it marks the first time since at least 1995 that bearing acreage has not increased, according to numbers issued previously by the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS), and with the orchard removals continues a trend over recent years of decreasing almond acreage in California.

    “The decrease in bearing acreage and continued orchard removals, coupled with drops in overall acreage and non-bearing acreage the last two years, signal a probable trend toward lower overall California almond acreage,” said Clarice Turner, ABC president and CEO. “We continue to see strong shipments this year, so we know global demand for California almonds continues to grow. There is no doubt that almonds will continue to have a very significant role in California and global agriculture and food industries for the foreseeable future.”

    The Land IQ report is a snapshot of the coming 2024 harvest but does not offer an estimate on the actual almond yield this 2024-25 crop year. A fuller picture of crop size will come with USDA-NASS’ Objective Report in July.

    Land IQ’s estimate covers bearing acreage and removals from Sept. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024. Note that the almond crop year runs Aug. 1-July 31, so this estimate looks at the harvest for the 2024-25 crop year.

    Land IQ will issue a final acreage report on the 2024-25 crop year in November that will include total acreage along with bearing and non-bearing acres. Their report in November 2023 found that California’s total almond acreage had dropped two years in a row to 1.56 million acres.

    Land IQ’s Initial Estimate and its Final Acreage Estimate in November are commissioned by ABC to provide statistical transparency and a robust picture of California almonds to industry stakeholders around the world. In 2018, ABC first commissioned Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive, living map of California almonds, with the first report issues in 2019. The map is the result of more than a decade of research.

    About the Almond Board of California

    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. ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the USDA. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more information on the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • Almond Prices Expected to Rise in 2024, Setting Stage for a Positive 5-Year Forecast

    The next five years appear to be much brighter for the California almond industry than the last couple years of depressed market conditions, according to a recent RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness report.  Prices are expected to rise this season, but how much, and how soon will they climb to profitable levels? Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm spoke with Roland Fumasi from Rabobank to find out. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Setton Pistachio Announces Earth Day Scholarship Winners

    Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second-largest pistachio grower and processor, is proud to announce the recipients of the second annual Setton Earth Day scholarship contest. This initiative was created as part of the Setton family’s ongoing commitment to helping students reach their educational goals and spreading awareness about the importance of sustainability. For more information, visit www.settonfarms.com.

    Setton Farms partnered with Porterville High School, Monache High School, and Harmony Magnet Academy in Porterville, California, to award scholarships to exemplary seniors. This year, Setton expanded its reach from one institution to three, awarding $5,000 to the first-place winner; $2,500 to the second-place winner; $1,000 each to three third-place winners; and $500 each to five honorable mentions. Additionally, all other students received a participation award of $250.

    “Our goal is to support students in pursuing their college education, and we’re grateful to the schools and students that participated this year,” said Setton Farms COO Mia Cohen. “We were happily overwhelmed by the extraordinary creativity and originality of the projects submitted by the students, depicting sustainability.”

    Students were asked to create a painting, sculpture, video, clothing piece, etc., focusing on sustainability in California’s Central Valley, and were required to use pistachio kernels or shells provided by Setton as part of their entry.

    1st place winner Ryan Shearer

    The 2024 recipients are: first place, Ryan Shearer (Harmony); second place, Robert Ikeda (Harmony); third places, Tiana Contreras (Harmony), Gloribel Mendoza (Porterville H. S.), and Cambria Arias (Harmony); and honorable mentions, Chloe Medina (Harmony), Anali Alcantar (Harmony), Dulce Elena Soto Sanchez (Monache H.S.), Josue Robledo (Harmony), and Neveah Sanchez (Porterville H.S.).

    “I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Setton Farms for their generous support of our students’ college aspirations through this scholarship program,” said Porterville High School Principal Jose A. Valdez. “Setton’s commitment to education is helping our students fulfill their lifelong dreams of higher education. We truly appreciate their generosity and look forward to continuing our partnership to foster the future leaders of our community.”

    “We are grateful for the spirited and generous support from Setton Farms for the Earth Day scholarship program,” said Harmony Magnet Academy Principal Jeff Brown. “Their leadership has set a cornerstone that success truly begins with education, while their commitment to students’ success creates opportunities and changes lives.”

    “Our students are very fortunate to have been invited to apply for Setton Farms scholarship,” said Monache High School Principal Dr. Eric Barba. “Setton truly knows how to set the bar to encourage our students to be 21st century learners and future participants in our global market, all while keeping global sustainability at the forefront.”

    Submissions were judged on originality, creativity, and how well they incorporated the topic of sustainability and Setton Farms branding into their project. The judging panel was comprised of Setton employees, school representatives, and local leaders. Winners were honored at an awards luncheon at Harmony Magnet Academy on Wednesday, April 18.

    Setton Farms launched its College Education Scholarship Program in 2016 and has awarded over 60 scholarships to employees, local community members, and students worth over $130,000. For more information on available programs and Setton’s ongoing mission, please contact Maria Medrano at (559) 535-6050.

    Setton Farms, the second largest pistachio grower-processor in the United States, is a family-owned and operated brand located in the heart of Central Valley, California since 1986. Highly regarded as “America’s Best Tasting Pistachios,” and widely recognized for its superior quality and tradition of excellence, Setton Farms grows, harvests, processes and manufactures pistachios using renewable energy, eco-friendly practices, and proprietary techniques. Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. offers an established line of premium in-shell and kernel pistachio products that are non-GMO project verified, certified gluten-free, organic and kosher, while a select variety features the AHA heart-check mark. Setton provides pistachios to more than 60 foreign markets worldwide and distributes to wholesalers and retailers throughout the United States. For more information, visit settonfarms.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.

  • Christine Lott Joins California Walnut Board & Commission as Director of Communications

    The California Walnut Board & Commission is pleased to announce Christine Lott as their new Director of Integrated Communications.  Christine comes to the Board & Commission with extensive communications and product marketing experience having worked for thirteen years at Blue Diamond Growers as the senior global brand manager.  She led the marketing department for the international consumer division, which encompasses all branded products available in retail stores under the Blue Diamond brand in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This division included milks (Almond Breeze), snack nuts, and various other nut-based products. In this role Christine, developed and implemented marketing programs, digital and social media, public relations programs.

    Most recently Christine worked in new business development for Safe Food Alliance (SFA).  Previously, Christine worked for the California pear industry, the California Cherry Board and Stemilt World Famous Fruits. She coordinated the marketing and promotion activities which included advertising, public relations, industry communications, event coordination and sales promotion, category management, ad planning, merchandising and promotion tactics targeting major retail grocery chains throughout the US and Canada to build partner relationships and generate incremental sales.

    She has a consumer-focused mindset which aligns with the Board & Commission’s efforts in retail category management and volume growth through sales activation, one of their strategic initiatives.  In addition, Christine’s hands on experience in new product launches of fresh and manufactured foods will be an asset as the Board & Commission expands another strategic initiative in product innovation for the food manufacturing/ingredient and foodservice channels.

    Christine has a great appreciation and respect for the complexities in agriculture and for family farms, having been raised on a California dairy farm. “Combined with her 20 years of extensive food marketing and communications experience and work on behalf of growers throughout her career, Christine, has the background, experience, and knowledge to help shape and deliver our integrated consumer, industry, and product communications platform,” shared Robert Verloop, President/CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission.  “Please join me in welcoming Christine to our industry and the California Walnut Board & Commission.”

    Christine will work in the Folsom office and can be reached at 916-932-7070 or clott@walnuts.org.

  • Almond Alliance Celebrates as WIC Expands Food Offerings to Include Almond-Based Alternatives

    In response to persistent advocacy efforts initiated in October 2022 and a formal request filed in February 2023, the Almond Alliance is celebrating the inclusion of almond-based dairy alternatives and the authorization of nut and seed butters as alternatives to peanut butter in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

    This marks an important milestone in promoting nutrition security, maternal and child health, and enhancing dietary options. Based on science-based recommendations from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, the Biden Administration’s finalized updates reflect a progressive approach to addressing dietary restrictions, accommodating allergies, and promoting nutrient density. As a source of choline, iron, and protein for pregnant mothers, as well as iron and zinc for infants and toddlers, almonds have been demonstrated to be healthy for growth and development.

    WIC’s enhancements not only provide access to vital nutrients but also foster inclusivity by catering to diverse dietary preferences and needs,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “Our team is delighted to see almond-based dairy alternatives offered as lactose-free alternatives and as a means of promoting choice within the category. Further, the inclusion of nut and seed butters as substitutes for peanut butter demonstrates a commitment to addressing food allergies while providing nutritious alternatives.”

    The Almond Alliance applauds Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for championing these participant-driven changes for WIC, which not only improve access to essential nutrients but also uphold the values of equity and choice. As a result of the inclusion of almond products in the WIC food packages, participants are now able to enjoy enhanced flexibility and cater to their diverse food needs, further enhancing their health and well-being.

    As the Almond Alliance celebrates these victories, it reaffirms its commitment to advocating for innovative solutions within the agricultural and nutritional landscape that promote health, sustainability, and inclusivity.

    About the Almond Alliance
    Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

    Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org

  • Hawaii Macadamia Growers Fight for Label-of-Origin Enforcement

    The Hawaii macadamia industry may be on the brink of collapse. Why? Cheap foreign imports are filling retail shelves, meanwhile, Hawaii macadamias remain in the orchard left to rot. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm discussed this issue with Chad Cleveland from Ahualoa Family Farms, who is banding together with other Hawaii growers to begin resolving this issue with country-of-origin label enforcement legislation. Watch Cleveland’s interview and read more about it in the April issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Nut Growers Society President Addresses New Eastern Filbert Blight Crisis

    In addition to good news of higher prices and a new hazelnut variety release from Oregon State University, hazelnut growers in attendance at the Nut Growers Society Winter Meeting were also discussing and expressing much concern over a new strain of Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB). Now spreading around the Willamette Valley of Oregon, this new strain appears to be no respecter of the long trusted EFB resistant varieties growers have been investing in. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm discussed this issue with the new Nut Growers Society President, Matt Miller, who happened to be among the first to discover this new EFB strain. Watch Miller’s interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Almond Alliance Announces Leadership Transition

    Today, the Almond Alliance Board of Directors announced that our esteemed President and CEO, Aubrey Bettencourt, will be leaving the organization after nearly three years of dedicated service.

    “As President of the Almond Alliance, Aubrey showed exceptional vision and commitment, guiding us through a period of significant growth and accomplishments,” said Blake Vann, Chairman of the Almond Alliance. “Her leadership has yielded results for its members and the almond industry as a whole – and under her guidance, the Alliance has established itself in a position of influence. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and unwavering dedication to the success of the California almond industry.”

    During Aubrey’s tenure, the Alliance’s advocacy grew exponentially, retaining permanent representation in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. Communications was a top priority for Aubrey, as she developed a comprehensive communications platform to better inform and engage membership, political officials, and the general public. In addition to facilitating the Almond Express’ transport strategy during the supply chain crisis, she navigated crop insurance reforms and disaster assistance, and she led the development of DWR’s LandFlex program, which provided $25M to growers for groundwater recharge and SGMA compliance. Additionally, she established the Almond Alliance Foundation, which received a $2 million CDFA grant for the Pollinator Alliance to support pollinator health by expanding pollinator habitats on working almond farms.

    In a reflection on her time with the Alliance, Bettencourt noted: “Over the past two and a half years, the Almond Alliance has achieved its goal—it has established itself in a position of influence in the almond industry and agriculture throughout the nation. Today, it is regarded as a highly successful, effective, and member-focused advocacy organization. A leading advocate for the almond industry and the voice of American almonds, the Alliance delivers results for its members and the industry. I am so very proud of this team, and have full confidence in our ongoing work for this incredible industry and community.”

    We are excited to announce an extensive search for the next President & CEO is underway. We are looking for a dynamic and proven leader who displays strategic vision, organizational development, and a passion for American agriculture. As leader of the Alliance, this individual will ensure the continued strength and leadership of American almonds and advocate for the entire almond community – growers, hullers, processors, and consumers.

    “We are confident that a strong pool of candidates will emerge, and we look forward to choosing a leader who will build upon this foundation,” Vann concluded.

    Aubrey’s invaluable contributions to the Alliance and the almond community are greatly appreciated. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

    We will provide updates on the search for the next President/CEO as they become available.

    About the Almond Alliance
    Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

    Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org