Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: California almond growers

  • Almond Market Looks Strong Going Into 2027

    The almond industry is entering the new crop year from a solid position according to a recent market update from Blue Diamond Growers. This is thanks in no small part to exports to India.

    The 470.7-million-pound carry-in (of which only 447.1 million pounds is estimated as edible) is down from prior year and confirms the tightness in supply from one crop to the next. Downward pressure on crop potential and overall supply and demand fundamentals continue to support a stable-to-firm market outlook. Export demand remains healthy with the coming weeks expected to provide clarity on crop size, kernel sizing, and the degree to which rapidly appreciated pricing can be absorbed by end markets.

    The 2026 crop year started on a positive note, meeting strong industry expectations. August shipments totaled 190 million pounds. Exports reached 143.2 million pounds, an increase of 31%, while the domestic market shipped 46.8 million pounds at a modest -3.3% decrease versus last year. With six of the last seven last months’ total shipments outpacing previous year, the industry continues to experience strength in global demand.

    India was the clear standout in August, receiving 44.3 million pounds, up approximately 170% from 16.4 million pounds last year. The increase reflects stronger replenishment ahead of the festival season and a normalization from the unusually low August 2025 shipment level. The magnitude of the increase is notable given elevated pricing and confirms India’s continued importance as the primary outlet for California inshell almonds. Local consumption will become increasingly important ahead of festival season as buyers will begin to replenish stocks that dwindled at the end of the 2025 crop year.

    August domestic shipments totaled 46.8 million pounds, down 3.3% year over year. While this may not have been the start to the year the industry had hoped for, the improvement in shipment performance over the last six months provides optimism that the market has stabilized. As prices rose over the last month, purchasing activity slowed and shifted to closer, strategic locations. This cautious approach is expected to continue. Looking ahead, domestic demand is expected to remain steady, with a pipeline of commitments providing support for shipments in the next few months.

    The 2026 crop is progressing rapidly with current receipts for August coming in at 401.9 million pounds. The pacing of receipts is 55% above August 2025 due to harvest beginning approximately 2 weeks earlier than prior year. The increase in receipts over last year is not a reflection of projected crop receipts for 2026.
    Nonpareil and Independence varieties are largely harvested with pollinizer varieties following closely behind. In some of the most advanced areas, growers have completed orchard harvest activities and are focusing on post-harvest practices and minimizing water stress to support next season’s crop.

    Current Nonpareil reject levels are the lowest in several years, though ticking up slightly, driven by a third flight of navel orangeworm. Independence rejects are trending higher than last year, mainly due to brown spot from leaf-footed plant bugs.

    Yields are variable in Nonpareil and Independence depending on the region. Speculation on smaller kernel sizes coming into harvest are beginning to be realized. Yields in Nonpareil and Independence receipts are signaling a lower 2026 crop than 2025, as forecasted. There is continued downward pressure on crop potential, which will be informed by pollinizer varieties that hullers are beginning to process. Next month’s report may reflect further shifts to the forecast as pollinizer volume comes in and is accounted for. — Story contributed by Blue Diamond Growers

  • Almond Alliance Gives Growers a Seat at the Table

    The California almond industry is resilient, but input cost, labor and water access remain constant worries for growers. The Almond Alliance is working at the state and federal level to give a voice to the growers of over 80% of the world’s almond supply. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network took the time to talk with Alliance Chair Blake Vann to learn about what’s going on in their organization. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Legal Compliance in the Almond Industry

    California can feel like a legal minefield with the potential lawsuits that almond growers can face. Knowing the latest laws and regulations, and how to be compliant with them, is more important than ever. Henderson Arreola Partner Stacy Henderson spoke with Matthew Malcolm to discuss some tactics for how growers can stay ahead of regulations. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Are GLP-1s a Threat or an Opportunity for the Almond Industry?

    GLP-1 weight loss drugs have been found to decrease consumption and lower household spending, thereby generating much discussion about their impact on appetites and on the almond industry. Terrain Ag analyst Matt Woolf spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to discuss what these drugs could mean for almond growers in California. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Hulls Receive GRAS Status from FDA

    Almond hulls were recently given Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA. This designation opens the door for them to be used in a variety of different food products, as they are high in fiber and phytonutrients. Almond Board of California CEO and President Clarice Turner spoke with Matthew Malcolm at California Ag Network to discuss this recent breakthrough and what it means for the almond industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Shifting Economic Factors Impact Almond Growers

    The changing economic landscape is affecting growers across the board, and almonds are no exception. Factors like inflation are having an impact on orchards and are pushing back growers’ break-even years after planting. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network spoke recently with Matt Woolf of Terrain Ag to discuss the changing economics of almond growing. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Market Reaching Stability

    Bearing acreage for California almonds has declined for the first time since 1995 and total acreage has been declining for over four years as the business reaches equilibrium. However, growers in California will continue to contribute about 80% of the global supply as production in other countries remains flat. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network talked to the Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner about these recent developments in the almond industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • High Heat Could Lead to Early Almond Harvest

    High early heat could result in a smaller nut set for almonds, though some larger hulls are being found. Meanwhile, orchards enjoyed a good bloom and growers may expect to harvest as early as July. Bountiful.ag Founder and CEO Megan Nunes spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network about these findings in their first almond crop forecast of the 2026 season. Watch this video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Board of California Gets Major Win in Japan Exports

    The Almond Board of California has reached an alignment with the USDA and the Japanese government on a pre-test protocol for aflatoxin in almonds. This will allow for easier shipping of almonds to Japan. Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California speaks about it with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • 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.