What It Means to Be a Member of Blue Diamond Growers
Sometimes it’s good to be reminded just what it means to be a member of the Blue Diamond Growers cooperative. When describing an almond, we use words such as “versatility” and “quality.” Remarkably, we use those same words to describe Blue Diamond. We’ve proven – especially over the last year – our ability to adapt to changes in the market and on our farms without sacrificing quality.
I am pleased to report that the 2016 crop year was an outstanding one. After years of drought, the 2016 California almond crop of 2.135 billion pounds signaled a return to record-setting production. The 2016 marketing year also produced a more stable marketplace, providing customers around the world with the opportunity to fulfill their needs while generating profitable returns for California’s growers. California shipments set a new record of 2.1 billion pounds, a growth rate of 16 percent over the prior year, consuming the entire 2016 crop.
Even with the difficult conditions endured during the 2017 bloom, California is forecasted to bring in 2.25 billion pounds, a new record. Given the growing California almond acreage and more normal rainfall, we anticipate continued record production.
We have actively prepared Blue Diamond to handle the increasing supply of almonds. Our innovation platforms are set to produce exciting new applications that will provide consumers with tasty and healthful new food options, delivering the benefits of almonds to their daily diet. We have stepped up our marketing campaigns, which have increased the number of households consuming your Blue Diamond products. Our industry is growing, and your cooperative is leading the way.
As we celebrate the delivery of another record crop year, we are thankful for our recent investments in our brand-building advertising and margin enhancements. I look forward to discussing this with you in more detail at our annual Blue Diamond Growers meeting on November 15 at the Modesto Centre Plaza. Please mark your calendars to come early to the convention to attend seminars, walk the exhibit hall and visit with our team who will share this year’s success with you!
To read the latest issue of Almond Facts, visit http://bluediamondgrowers.com/almond-facts/.