may-jun-2020

regarding what services were essential. Couriers for the banks and customers were being harassed by local police despite having permission to operate as an essential service in the food sector. Also, a number of almond factories struggled to operate as the local workforce was unable to get to the plants and many workers traveled back to their hometowns as the government-imposed shutdown was implemented. The situation is improving as the government and local police are better coordinated in what is permitted. The main port in India also saw a shortage of workers to move the arriving containers out of the port once the shipments arrived. Improvement is also being seen on this as well. “Throughout this entire process our international sales directors, along with our customer service and supply chain partners, have worked around the clock with seamless teamwork to navigate through the current situation,” said Warren Cohen, vice president of international sales for Blue Diamond . “And, our partners worldwide and specifically in India have been indispensable with their help and commitment to Blue Diamond Growers .” Changing Demand COVID-19 has impacted consumers shopping behaviors including what types of products they are purchasing. Staple items like almond flour and almond butter have shown incredibly strong demand. Ready-to-eat cereals, a large category for almond products, have also shown growth. As more consumers are staying home, they are making a shift to these items and moving away from on-the- go products like bars which have seen a decline in sales. However, foodservice and bakery distribution are the biggest categories impacted. Blue Diamond ’s diversified customer base provides an opportunity to take advantage of positive trends while limiting the impact of slower moving categories. Continuing to Rise to the Challenge The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way the world operates. Blue Diamond is working tirelessly to ensure that the co-op is continuing to maximize grower return and adapt and win in this new environment. As the situation is highly unpredictable, members can depend on Blue Diamond to overcome challenges and ensure future success. Tell your dealer you want Fan-Jets. Contact us at 1-800-BOWSMITH or www.bowsmith.com Fan-Jet Microsprinklers ® Add a Fan-Jet ® line to existing dual line drip Quality & Trust Since 1974 Quality & Trust Since 1974 Precision Rain - Rain when you want it, where you want it. Frost Protection - Fan-Jets can help provide frost protection by raising the ambient temperature by 2-3 degrees. Fan-Jets will allow you to push salts away from the root zone. Tell your dealer you want Fan-Jets. American Made American Owned 2 5 M A Y – J U N E 2 0 2 0