PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Mark Jansen
President & CEO
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!
The 2016 California
almond crop of 2.135 billion
pounds signaled a return to
record-setting production.
Sometimes it’s good to be reminded just what it
means to be a member of the
Blue Diamond Growers
cooperative.
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A L M O N D F A C T S
