JULY | AUGUST 2014
Almond Facts
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As the Young Leaders of 2015 gathered in Salida for the summer session of the program, everyone was eager
to learn more about their cooperative and a few local businesses that help the almond industry remain the
powerhouse it is today. Contrary to the high temperatures of year’s past, the weather allowed for a very
enjoyable two days touring
Blue Diamond’s
Salida and Turlock facilities, Duarte Nursery and Burchell Nursery.
Learning the Business
“I enjoyed the plant tours and seeing
how modern the industry has become.”
Market information, a topic always at the forefront of a grower’s mind, was
presented by General Manager of Global Ingredients Bill Morecraft. He explained
that health and nutrition trends, global income growth and increasing global
consumption remain steady factors in predicting worldwide growth and expansion
for the almond industry. Warren Cohen, Director of Worldwide Ingredient Sales
expanded that marketing message further, showcasing the many consumer packaged
goods that
Blue Diamond
almond are in as ingredients. Global Ingredients Marketing
Director Jeff Smith covered the newest ingredient offering from the cooperative –
almond flour. Through baked goods and a thorough presentation, participants got to
immerse themselves in the value of selling almond flour.
North American Retail General Manager John O’Shaughnessy introduced the
newest branded retail products to the young leaders, showcasing
Blue Diamond’s
ability to stay on point with market trends and research and development
advances. Participants saw a redesigned
Almond Breeze
pourer, shifting away from
the pop cap to a twist cap on the shelf-stable line. Other new
Almond Breeze
items
Young Leaders
Benefit from
Industry Insights
Continued on next page »
