Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: pistachio industry

  • Mike Forbes Named CEO of American Pistachio Growers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • California Water Alliance Fights for Access to Growers

    Getting the water needed for growers to produce their crops is always an issue in California. Despite the water being available, getting it moved to rural communities is hindered by state politics. California Water Alliance CEO William Bourdeau spoke to Matthew Malcolm at Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to go over the challenges growers face and what is being done to help. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • How Pistachios Created a New Word in Mexico

    American Pistachio Growers is marketing at the international level, and it’s bearing fruit across the globe. This includes Mexico, where excitement over pistachios resulted in a new word in the country’s vocabulary. Ines Masallach from Imalinx spoke with Matthew Malcolm about how American pistachios have exploded onto the Mexican market. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • 2026 Pistachio Week Kicks Off August 10th

    Pistachio Week is returning for its fifth year. Restaurants across California are creating new dishes to showcase American-grown pistachios with everything from desserts, to drinks and main entrees. Hannah Young of American Pistachio Growers spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to talk about the event and some of the creations that will be available. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Steve Hilton Looks to Be a Voice for Growers

    California Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has been spending time in the Central Valley getting familiar the ag industry. He identified regulations in water access and labor and environmental restrictions as some of the key challenges he wishes to address. Hilton spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to discuss the key takeaways from his time meeting with growers and producers. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Pistachio Demand Skyrockets in India

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

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

  • Lower Global Harvest Benefits American Pistachios

    Pistachio growers are having a hard time keeping up with skyrocketing global demands despite a record crop, but down years in Iran and Turkey may keep buyers from going elsewhere. Meanwhile, American Pistachio Growers has seen unprecedented opportunities for marketing and exports. At the annual APG Conference, Vice President of Global Marketing Scott Fryer discussed these latest developments with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer. Watch this quick interview and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

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

  • Surging Pistachio Demand Outpaces Supply

    The pistachio industry is seeing unprecedented success, but there are still headwinds to look out for as high demand means that growers and processors alike are having a hard time keeping up with the consumers. At the American Pistachio Growers Conference, President and CEO Zachary Fraser urged everyone to stay “humble and hungry” as they meet any upcoming challenges head-on. Fraser spoke with Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to talk about what’s new in the pistachio industry, and what to expect moving forward. Watch this video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. (Editors Note: Since the filming of this interview, Zachary Fraser has departed from American Pistachio Growers.)

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

  • Land Tax Dispute

     

    Growers in Cochise County, Arizona are fighting back against a proposed tax increase on land used for permanent crops like pistachios, pecans and wine grapes. Growers like John Heuler have fought back and won in tax and appeals courts, but the county is taking the dispute to the State Supreme Court. At the American Pistachio Growers’ Annual Conference, Heuler spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to go over the latest details. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

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

  • High Demand Means Bright Outlook for Pistachio Industry

    Pistachio harvests were slightly smaller than initially anticipated, but still set record numbers. Optimism is also high with rising demand for pistachios. At Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Net, American Pistachio Growers President/CEO Zachary Fraser discusses the state of the pistachio industry. Watch this brief video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.