Nuts News

California Farmers Warn Proposed Nitrogen Limits Could Force Farms Out of Business

Wed, 27 May 2026 18:40:05 GMT

California agriculture helps feed the nation, producing more than 400 commodities and leading the U.S. in nuts, grapes, citrus and berries. But many farmers across the Golden State say the pressure of farming there is reaching a breaking point.

According to the Western Growers, California has lost roughly 30% of its farms over the past decade. At the same time, regulatory costs have surged from about $106 per acre 20 years ago to more than $1,600 per acre today. From water restrictions and rising labor costs to mounting environmental regulations, farmers say the challenges continue to grow.

Now, a proposed nitrogen fertilizer bill could become one of the biggest battles California agriculture has faced yet.

‘We Are Just Like You’

For Erik Hansen, a fifth-generation farmer in Corcoran, California, there is often a disconnect between how California farmers are perceived and what life is actually like on the farm.

“California is so unique,” Hansen says. “I think people do not understand how unique it is and the challenges and opportunities you face.”

Still, Hansen says California farmers are no different than producers anywhere else in rural America.

“I would say that we are just like you when it comes to how we want to raise our family,” Hansen says. “We just want to be able to make a living and enjoy what God has to offer. If somebody came from the West Plains of Texas or from corn country in Iowa and sat down at dinner with us, we would have the same kinds of conversations you would have with your neighbors.”

Hansen’s family not only farms in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, but also operates an aerial application business. He says one of the biggest challenges they face today involves local regulations governing how crop protection products are applied.

“I would say the biggest battle right now would be counties determining when and where and how you apply your materials,” Hansen says.

When asked if those decisions are made county by county, Hansen says they are.

“The state has its own laws, and then the county has to mitigate for what the state does,” Hansen says. “It is not really something that they have a whole lot of control over, but some counties are better than others as far as how they manage that.”

Growers Say Regulations Continue to Pile Up

Several hours north in Lodi, grape grower Rodney Schatz says farmers there are facing many of the same frustrations.

Schatz, who is third-generation in the grape business and owner of Peltier Winery, says the rising cost of farming in California is making survival increasingly difficult for growers already struggling with weak markets and difficult economics.

“What do I want people in the Midwest to know about farming in California?” Schatz says. “You are lucky you are not here.”

He says regulations coming from Sacramento continue to pile onto farmers year after year.

“We are inundated with just one regulation after another,” Schatz says. “They sit up there in Sacramento and find ways to make new regulations every day. Then they come down on us and say, ‘Here is what we decided to do,’ and we really have no say about it. You either succumb to the situation or they will fine you.”

Proposed Nitrogen Bill Raises Alarm

The crippling regulations only seem to be growing. Many farmers say they are especially concerned about a proposed California bill known as Assembly Bill 2447, also called the Nitrogen Pollution Reduction Act.

The proposal could significantly change how farmers use fertilizer and how closely their operations are monitored.

Renee Pinel, President and CEO, Western Plant Health Association based in Sacramento, Cali. says the proposal is designed to establish nitrogen application targets based on both agronomic goals and environmental standards.

“What they want is for California, on the fertilizer side, to work toward application targets on how much you should apply for a certain type of farm and a certain type of soil in order to get an agronomically sound return as well as an environmentally safe use of that product,” Pinel says. “Ultimately, they want limits.”

Pinel says more than 50 agricultural organizations, businesses and water coalitions across California oppose the legislation because they believe it would dramatically expand reporting requirements and place impossible burdens on producers.

“Their goal is to implement limits, do away with farm coalitions so that individual farmers have to report what they are using, not only what they use, but how they use it and where they are getting it from,” Pinel says. “It is a comprehensive reporting scheme.”

According to Pinel, the proposal would require individual farms to report fertilizer usage directly rather than allowing reporting to flow through water coalitions that currently represent groups of farmers.

“If you think about how many farms in California would have to be reporting, you are talking about 80,000 farms if you do it statewide,” Pinel says. “The water board would have to have a massive increase of employees to review all of those reports.”

Could Farmers Still Grow Crops?

Pinel says many growers fear the proposal could eventually force farmers to cut nitrogen applications so severely that producing crops would become impossible.

“The limits would not strictly be based on agronomic need,” Pinel says. “They would be driven to a large extent by impacted groundwater. If the analysis they do decides that in order to achieve improvements in groundwater over a five-year process means a farmer can only use 35 pounds of nitrogen on lettuce in a cycle, then that is what it is going to be. You cannot grow lettuce on 35 pounds per acre. It is just not going to happen.”

One farmer told Farm Journal discussions surrounding the proposal have included nitrogen-use levels as low as 27 pounds per acre for certain crops. That is far below what is currently needed to produce many California commodities. Citrus production often requires between 250 and 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Walnut production typically needs 200 to 250 pounds. Pistachios require around 100 pounds per acre.

Farmers say limiting those crops to 27 pounds per acre would effectively make production impossible.

But supporters of the legislation argue decades of fertilizer use have contributed to water and air pollution across California and created serious environmental and public health concerns.

Pinel points to the Natural Resources Defense Council as one of the sponsors behind the bill.

“We all know they are one of the most aggressive anti-pesticide and anti-conventional agriculture organizations in the country,” Pinel says.

California’s Strict Pesticide Rules Already in Place

California farmers also point to the state’s already extensive pesticide regulations as evidence that agriculture is heavily monitored.

Unlike many states, California requires licensed Pest Control Advisors, known as PCAs, to write what are essentially prescriptions for every pesticide application made on a farm.

“We are regulated really from two directions,” Pinel says. “You have your pesticide regulations, which require a state-licensed individual who has gone through multiple years of university education on top of practical experience, who are literally writing prescriptions for crop protection products to be utilized in California.”

Pinel says the process becomes even more restrictive when dealing with restricted-use products.

“Not only do you have to prescribe a specific type of product, but when you get into restricted-use products, you also have to describe alternative products that could have been considered and why you did not choose those as opposed to the product you actually prescribed,” Pinel says. “It is a very comprehensive process you have to go through.”

She says California’s pesticide oversight is already among the strictest in the world.

“It is very restrictive on the pesticide side,” Pinel says. “I would say easily the most restrictive in the world as far as our pesticide regulatory process.”

Concerns About the Future

For farmers like Scott Peters, he’s fourth-generation on Peter’s Fruit Farms. He says the growing regulatory burden raises concerns not just about today’s profitability, but about whether future generations will even be able to continue farming in California.

“If we keep going down the road we are on, they are just going to put us out of business,” Peters says. “I do not know what the next generation is going to do.”

Even with the challenges, Peters says California remains an incredible place to farm.

“California is a great state to farm,” Peters says. “We have great soils, we have good people, we have the mountains close by and the ocean close by. It is a neat place to be. It is just frustrating with the government and the regulations coming out of Sacramento.”

Executive Series: Robert Verloop Discusses California Walnuts and the Conflict in Iran

Thu, 07 May 2026 20:45:35 GMT

In the heart of California’s Central Valley, the stakes for the agricultural community have transitioned from simple harvest cycles to the complexities of global economic survival.

For Robert Verloop, CEO and executive director of the California Walnut Board and Commission, the role has evolved beyond moving a commodity; it is now about managing a global health brand in an era of unprecedented volatility. As part of The Packer’s executive series, the narrative of the industry recently shifted from the sunny optimism of California’s groves to the gritty reality of international trade and a rapidly changing consumer landscape.

In The Packer’s executive series, Robert Verloop, CEO and executive director of the California Walnut Board and Commission, discusses California walnuts and the conflict in Iran.

(Photo courtesy of California Walnut Board and Commission)

The Vision: A Corner Turned — and a Pause

Early in 2026, Verloop commented that the industry was “turning a corner.” A massive, high-quality crop was hitting the market, and trade barriers were falling. But as Verloop now says, the global stage had other plans.

“I have to be honest with you,” Verloop says, reflecting on his previous optimism. “Today, with the war in Iran, I think I would put a pause on that statement. We had an extremely large crop, which was phenomenal in quality, but it was so good that we had too much of it. We produced 400 million pounds more walnuts than we did in 2024.”

The disruption isn’t just a matter of logistics, he says; it’s a direct hit to the bottom line.

“Unfortunately, when you have a large crop like we always see in agriculture, supply and demand do play a big role in pricing structure, because we’ve got to move through the crop. And this year, we started out with acceptable prices, but it slipped a little bit. And then the war certainly has added to that,” Verloop says. “And the disruption … we had a lot of diverted loads that were not able to be delivered as had been scheduled. We estimate that the problem was a cost to the industry in excess of $15 million, including fees and transfer costs and lost value, and it disrupted the market flow.”

#WalnutsAreProduceToo: Changing the Retail Map

Despite the geopolitical headwinds, Verloop is relentless about repositioning the walnut in the mind of the shopper. He wants to drag the walnut out of the “pantry staple” shadows and into the vibrant light of the produce department.

“My business card says, #WalnutsAreProduceToo,” he says. “They grow on trees. In many parts of the world, they consider walnuts a dried fruit. We started three and a half years ago on a journey to move walnuts out of the preferred position of being in the baking aisle.”

Verloop says the strategy is backed by hard data that proves walnuts are a powerhouse for retailer profitability:

Research shows 76% of shoppers are more likely to buy walnuts when they are displayed with produce.
When walnuts are present, the average market basket value jumps to $55 — a 132% increase over the average cart.
Fresh produce comprises eight of the top 20 items purchased alongside walnuts, with bananas, berries, tomatoes and apples leading the list.
Most fresh produce items show a “strong affinity” with walnuts, indexing over 200, which suggests shoppers naturally view them as complementary ingredients.

Verloop explains the logic of moving toward this Whole Food 2.0 movement as a way to meet the consumer where they already are. While snacking has become the No. 1 way shoppers use walnuts, the industry still faces an education gap regarding freshness. Currently, 79% of shoppers store walnuts in their pantry, while only 19% use the refrigerator or freezer to maintain peak flavor, he says.

“With the focus on ultra-high-processed [foods], [the produce department] is where the consumer is looking,” Verloop says. “We think it’s the right place to be.”

The ‘Feel-Good’ Lifestyle: Marketing to Gen Z

To reach a younger, more skeptical demographic, Verloop has pivoted away from clinical health claims toward a broader, lifestyle-driven narrative: the “Feel Good” campaign.

“We’re shifting our messaging to be more reflective of the California lifestyle,” Verloop says. “We want moms to feel good about what they’re doing for themselves, feel good from a bodily perspective, but then also feel good about what they do for their kids and their family in the meals they’re preparing.”

This shift includes a heavy emphasis on culinary innovation.

“We actually have a chef on staff ... Robert Danhi, our chef in residence. He’s at the Culinary Institute of America this week helping that inner cooperation between healthy cooking and introducing walnuts,” Verloop says.

Beyond the kitchen, Verloop is tapping into the social nature of the younger generation.

“The younger generation is really into sharing food and food discovery. I think about the growth of charcuterie plates ... walnuts play a really good role in that,” he says. “We feel that’s part of the ‘Feel Good’ attitude — bringing people together, sharing our differences, but also our similarities. Food does that.”

The Legacy: Fighting for the Grower

Verloop returns the conversation to the men and women in the Central Valley who are feeling the squeeze of $9 diesel and 1,300% increases in regulatory costs, according to a study conducted by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, for the wine industry.

Verloop’s vision for his legacy is one of survival and eventual prosperity.

“Walnuts are actually, for the consumer, they seem to be a high-priced item, yet for the growers, they’re losing money,” he says. “We’ve got to find ways to streamline the distribution networks to make sure that consumers see value, but the growers are able to sustain their business practices.”

His goal is simple, yet impactful: “Our job is to get more consumers to buy more walnuts more often ... and hopefully for a better price.”

California Walnuts Launches Summer Promotions

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:27:36 GMT

California Walnuts’ summer campaign positions walnuts as a fresh, whole food that can be enjoyed as part of seasonal snacking and eating.

In-store displays, shopper marketing and retailer-tagged commercials on streaming TV and digital media are included in the campaign and aimed at motivating shoppers to add walnuts to their carts. These efforts are complemented by direct-to-consumer outreach rooted in social and digital media, including a cadre of influencers engaged to modernize how shoppers think about walnuts, media articles and sampling at wellness-inspired events.

The seasonal campaign is an extension of the “Feel Good” effort designed to modernize the image of California walnuts and reposition them as a must-have ingredient and snack for younger shoppers, while also appealing to those who already know, love and purchase walnuts.

“During summer is a great time to highlight walnuts’ nutrition and versatility and showcase how they can be part of produce-forward snacks and meals every day,” says Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “It leverages a range of influencer partners to modernize how shoppers use walnuts and strong retail support to help shoppers discover the feel-good benefits of California walnuts while giving retailers new opportunities to drive year-round purchases.”

“During summer is a great time to highlight walnuts’ nutrition and versatility and showcase how they can be part of produce-forward snacks and meals every day,” says Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission.

(Photo courtesy of the California Walnut Board and Commission)

The campaign also encourages retailers to merchandise walnuts in the produce department, where shoppers are already looking for fresh, whole foods. This repositioning alongside fruits and vegetables helps shoppers make the connection between walnuts and daily snacking and eating routines, increasing visibility, trial and repeat purchases, according to the organization, which adds that research shows that 76% of shoppers are more likely to purchase walnuts when displayed alongside fresh produce.

“Walnuts naturally belong with produce,” Verloop says. “When shoppers see walnuts merchandised with fresh ingredients when they’re planning snacks and meals, it inspires new usage ideas and reinforces walnuts as an everyday staple in their refrigerator.”

Support for retailers is designed to maximize sales potential and capitalize on the consumer momentum generated since the launch of the “Feel Good” effort last year. To learn more about how California Walnuts can help support retailers, contact retail@walnuts.org .

Specialty Crops Suffered Staggering Economic Losses in 2025, Will Relief Come in Time?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:27:23 GMT

Economic losses to specialty crops last year were on a level that can put farming operations out of business.

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates $3.6 billion in economic losses for almonds, $1.4 billion for apples, $763 million for lettuce, and $717 million for potatoes alone.

Specialty crop leaders this week renewed their calls for urgent economic support for U.S. growers and shared their disappointment after the U.S. House released final spending bills Jan. 20 that did not include aid for American specialty crop producers.

While the Specialty Crops Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) says specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery, greenhouse and floriculture products, generate more than $75 billion annually in U.S. agricultural cash receipts, account for more than one-third of all U.S. crop sales and support rural economies nationwide, under the current USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance program, $11 billion is allocated to row crops, and only $1 billion is reserved for specialty crops and other commodities, with key details on eligibility, payment and timing still unresolved.

“It’s a challenge with specialty crops to come up with aggregated data across all the more than 300 different commodities, but the American Farm Bureau Federation has done good analysis related to specialty crops,” says Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council and SCFBA co-chair.

“Effectively Farm Bureau is saying that if you’re going to have a relief plan rollout, specialty crops should be about a third of whatever Congress spits out,” he says.

Word on Capitol Hill is Congress is contemplating a total of $15 billion in assistance, SCFBA says.

“We agree with the one-third of whatever Congress comes up with, but also the package has to be large enough to make a material impact,” Quarles says. “The specialty crop industry has told Congress that we need no less than $5 billion in economic relief for specialty crops in order to positively move the needle for growers.

With food affordability still a top focus for many consumers, what happens to the cost of fruits, vegetables and other grocery staples if specialty crops don’t receive the aid they desperately need?

“We’re facing an unprecedented economic crisis in the U.S. right now for agriculture, and it’s not just specialty crops, it’s broader than that,” Quarles says. “If you have growers that are going out of business due to this economic crisis, that’s going to further impact supplies of commodities. It’s going to impact prices, and it will add to the affordability issue.”

Last week SCFBA joined American Farm Bureau Federation and ag organizations across the U.S. in penning a letter to Congress highlighting record-high input costs, labor shortages, weather challenges and historically low market prices that have caused farmers to face negative margins and nearly $100 billion in losses nationwide.

Reasons for Optimism

Quarles says feedback from both the House and Senate appropriations committees on the specialty crop crisis has been encouraging.

“They absolutely understand where we’re coming from,” he says. “The other thing to remember is that there have been fundamental changes in tax policy that were put into law last summer, and they’ve already started to come online. And when some of the trade agreements that have been discussed are finalized, they also could create a more competitive environment, along with the tax policy.”

But could this be a case of too little, too late?

“These policy recommendations could create a much better environment in the future, but if you’re out of business before you ever get to that better environment, it just doesn’t matter,” Quarles says. “So that’s the imperative of this economic relief; we need a short-term safety net or a bridge, whatever you want to call it, to get producers from this crisis into an area where they can start to take advantage of some of these changes.”

Another bright spot, he says, is how effectively the industry, along with he and his SCFBA co-chairs, including Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; and Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, are working together.

“The industry has really rallied together under the umbrella of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance,” Quarles says. “Twenty years ago, this was not the way the industry worked, but the alliance has created a kind of muscle memory, where we know how to all get around the table. We know how to look at a particular situation, develop a strategy, and then everybody disperses out to where they have strengths across the United States.”

“It has really been the best of the fresh produce industry rallying together to try to get some relief for our grower members,” he continues. “I’m very hopeful that we’re going to get something positive done here.”

USDA to Buy $80 Million in Specialty Crops

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:56:00 GMT

USDA will be spending some millions on specialty crops.

On Jan. 13, during the 107^th American Farm Bureau Federation Convention held in Anaheim, Calif., U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $80 million in new Section 32 purchases of specialty crops. The purchases will involve $20 million each of almonds, pistachios, raisins, and grape juice.

Specifically, the purchases will be domestically produced:

Concord grape juice
Boxed and packaged raisins
Whole roasted and natural almonds
Pistachios roasted in the shell

See the Agricultural Marketing Service’s pre-solicitation announcement for more details.

According to the USDA announcement that followed Rollins’ statement, these purchases will be distributed to food banks as part of the Food and Nutrition Service’s assistance programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

A USDA spokesperson told The Packer that “Section 32 purchases are designed to reduce domestic surpluses” and industry representatives “typically submit a written request to USDA indicating that there is an oversupply in the market.” Following an economic assessment, USDA then decides if a purchase is warranted.

Regarding the purchases announced by Rollins, the spokesperson says: “AMS plans to issue a solicitation by the end of the month. The solicitation will contain information about the destinations and delivery periods for the purchased commodities.”

Commodity procurement solicitations can be found online at the AMS page.

Rabobank Projects Almond Price Increase in Five-Year Report

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:50:45 GMT

In a new five-year report, Roland Fumasi, head of RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness North America, says almond prices have improved in the past 18 months for California growers. He says this good news continues as he sees prices going even higher in the next five years.

He says, though, that progress is not linear. He sees higher carry-in, the number of almonds from the previous season coming into the next season, will challenge price potentials for the next two seasons. He sees an overall production decline for the 2026-27 crop year.

“Yield improvements and slower-than-historic demand growth will cause carry-in to rise and will keep a ceiling on price potential in 2026-27 and 2027-28,” Fumasi writes in his report.

Fumasi says he projects California almond yields to peak in 2027 and slowly decline.

“Bearing acreage may have peaked in 2025, but it will most likely peak even higher in 2026,” he writes. “However, any further increase in total bearing acres will be marginal.”

He says as growers remove aging trees and reduce overall bearing acres, the overall supply of almonds will tighten. This, he says, will lessen carry-in and coupled with a stabilized demand growth will help grower prices increase again.

To view and download the entire report at RaboBank.com .

Wegmans Recalls Mixed Nut Pack

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:44:19 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration says Mellace Family Brands California, headquartered in Warren, Ohio, has issued a recall for Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted 34-ounce tubs and Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted 11.5-ounce bags due to a potential contamination with Salmonella.

The product contains cashews, almonds, pecans and pistachios.

Routine testing by a supplier found one lot of raw pistachios to be positive for Salmonella. A recall was initiated after determining these pistachios had been further used in the production of the Deluxe Mixed Nuts products.

The affected products were sold at Wegmans stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C., between Nov. 3 and Dec. 1.

The information for the recalled nuts is:

Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted 34 ounce (964 grams)

packaged in a plastic tub
UPC 077890421314
Lot code: 58041 BEST BY: JUL 28, 2026

Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted 11.5 ounce (326 grams)

packaged in a plastic bag
UPC 077890421352
Lot code: 58171 BEST BY: AUG 10, 2026

Canada Advises Consumers Against Consuming Imported Pistachios from Iran

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:42:43 GMT

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada issued an advisory, urging consumers to consider alternatives to pistachios from Iran and products made with pistachios from Iran due to possible Salmonella contamination.

The agencies say the advisory is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak linked to various brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products .

CFIA says it continues its food safety investigation, which includes sampling and testing at various stages of the supply chain and working to verify that recalled products have been removed from the marketplace. The agency also says due to the long shelf life, pistachio products could remain on the market for many months.

The government of Canada says all food recall warnings and notifications related to CFIA’s investigation into pistachios and products made with pistachios will be combined into a single list .

The Public Health Agency of Canada says the outbreak has sickened 155 people, with 24 hospitalized in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick. No deaths have been reported.

California Walnuts Launches Campaign to Drive Holiday Sales

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:41:00 GMT

California Walnuts’ “Be Merry. Feel Good.” holiday campaign in the U.S. market is targeting shoppers during the year’s peak walnut purchasing period and creating new opportunities for retailers to capture incremental sales as consumers seek ingredients for seasonal recipes and entertaining.

The campaign builds on the industry’s “California Walnuts. Feel Good.” consumer initiative, which aims to modernize the image of California walnuts and reposition them as a must-have ingredient, according to a news release. Complete with a fresh, energetic visual identity, the industrywide effort is expanding the target audience to include millennial and Gen Z shoppers while enhancing engagement with those who already know and love California walnuts.

“The holidays are a critical time for the nut category, and this campaign helps ensure walnuts remain highly visible and top of mind as shoppers make purchase decisions,” says Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board and Commission. “With many gatherings of friends and family over a meal this time of year, California walnuts are a great fit, providing a feel-good ingredient that can elevate holiday dishes. The pairing of seasonal promotions and in-store activations with consumer awareness efforts shows shoppers how walnuts can elevate their holiday recipes and entertaining, while helping retailers drive sales.”

For retailers, California Walnuts is offering comprehensive merchandising support, including seasonal displays, retail-tagged ads, in-store promotions and shopper marketing programs designed to maximize sales. These efforts are reinforced by consumer-facing media that drives awareness and traffic, including connected TV, YouTube, social platforms, podcasts and consumer publications, the release says.

Beyond the store, influencer partnerships in cooking, wellness, lifestyle and entertaining highlight walnut versatility in the formats younger consumers engage with most. Experiential events add real-world touch points, giving shoppers opportunities to taste walnuts and learn about their flavor and nutritional benefits.

Seen and Heard at IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show 2025: Sustainability in the Spotlight

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:10:06 GMT

ANAHEIM, Calif. — CMI Orchards recently debuted its consumer-facing Planet Positive sustainability brand, which it showcased at the International Fresh Produce Association’s recent Global Produce and Floral Show.

The company says this new brand is designed to highlight its sustainability goals, with consumers’ increasing interest in transparency when it comes to sustainability efforts.

“It’s our way to communicate efficiencies, regenerative agriculture and climate-smart practices,” says Rochell Bohm, vice president of marketing at CMI Orchards.

Shown in front, from left, are Julio Parades, Bob Wymore, Rochelle Bohm, Brenda Calvillo, Raquel Briseno, Joe Denham, Ralph Briseno, Danielle Huber, Joel Hewitt, and in back, from left, Bob Mast, Steve Clement, AJ Jackson, Rob Lewis, Loren Foss, Rich Mendosa, Willam Gant and Ellie Tucker at CMI Orchards’ booth at the Global Produce and Floral Show.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Sustainability is a low purchase driver, Bohm says, but nutrition is not. With Planet Positive, CMI Orchards wants to link regenerative ag to nutrition in the minds of consumers by using nutrient data analysis. Bohm says there are significant findings of zinc and more nutrients in the soil microbiome of regeneratively grown fruits.

“Regeneratively grown fruit is healthier for you,” she says.

Bohm says CMI Orchards has set aggressive goals to sequester 2 million tons of carbon by 2030, which she says is a realistic goal as the company is set to sequester 335,000 tons of carbon this year.

Glenn Daniels, Craig Merrill, Kasey Kelley, Fernando Aguilar, Ryan Reilly, Matthew Lyons, Joe Dugo, Jim Roberts, Peter Perez, Andres Vasquez, Andy Bruno and Joe Quiliada are shown at the Naturipe IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show booth. Photo: Christina Herrick

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Naturipe showcased its new Berry Buddies snack bites, which offer 12 grams of protein and feature a yogurt coating over blueberries and peanut butter on the inside. Each pack comes with three bites. Naturipe says these have soft-launched and the probiotics in the yogurt survive better in the stomach tract.

Bella Evans, Auna Lundberg, Katie Harmon and Haylee Favor are shown at Stemilt Growers’ booth, which promoted its sanitation support member, Rafael Teran, as the 2025 Farmworker of the Year winner.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Stemilt showcased 2025 Farmworker of the Year Award winner Rafael Teran , who works in sanitation support for Stemilt, on signage throughout the company’s Global Produce and Floral Show booth.

Rick Mulac, Darryl Bollack, Kristen Holden and Lacey De La Torre at the Mariani Nut Co. booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

It’s the middle of harvest for the growers at Mariani Nut Co., and while almonds might be a little short, walnuts look good. The team says that with the holiday season nearing, the company is excited by the retail programs and education that the California Walnut Commission is doing to help drive sales and highlight the benefits of a diet rich in walnuts.

Don Roper, Craig Arneson, Kristi Harris, Fred Wescott and Ryan Callahan are shown at Honeybear Brands’ 2025 Global Produce and Floral Show booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Honeybear Brands offered tastings of its Honeymoon apple, which has bright yellow skin, firm and dense flesh with a sweet and mellow flavor, as well as the Pazazz apple, which boasts a sweet-tart flavor with a juicy crunch.

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Oppy, Blue Diamond Growers Preview Snack Rebrand at IFPA

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:53:18 GMT

Oppy announced Oct. 15 that it is teaming up with Blue Diamond Growers to showcase their line of almonds and almond-fruit blends at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show.

In the partnership, which started a year ago, the two companies have introduced a lineup of almond product snacks. These include oven roasted honey, lightly salted, and toasted almonds and cherries. Each variety is packaged in resealable stand-up bags. The produce line will debut its new look in spring 2026.

“When Blue Diamond enters the basket, the results speak for themselves — the average basket ring doubles,” says Oppy’s executive vice president of sales Brett Libke. “Retailers are seeing strong momentum, and the excitement continues to build as shoppers reach for better-for-you snacks that truly deliver.”

To further boost engagement, participating retailers can take part in a national sweepstakes campaign offering shoppers the chance to win fitness trackers and athletic gift cards through Nov. 15 at bdfitnesssweeps.com .

“Our packaging puts protein and heart health front and center — exactly what today’s snacker is looking for,” says Carmen Bourgaize, Blue Diamond Growers’ chief commercial officer. “Retailers can leverage this along with our robust trade and marketing support to drive incremental sales and shopper loyalty within the produce section.”

At IFPA, attendees are invited to stop by Oppy’s booth, No. 1039, to sample almonds, get a sneak peek of Blue Diamond’s refreshed branding, and enter an exclusive on-site giveaway for an Apple Watch.

Wonderful Pistachios to Expand No Shells Dill Pickle Product Line, Introduce at IFPA Global

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:33:29 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios will introduce a new 5.5-ounce bag size of its No Shells Dill Pickle flavor at the IFPA 2025 Global Produce and Floral Show at The Wonderful Company Booth No. 1839, before its official release to supermarkets nationwide in January 2026.

Originally launched earlier this year in 2.25-ounce bags for the convenience channel, No Shells Dill Pickle quickly became a top performer, resonating with snackers who crave bold and adventurous flavors, according to a news release. Its expansion into the supermarket channel ensures more consumers nationwide will be able to enjoy the perfect blend of tangy, savory and satisfying crunch — now in a resealable, larger size.

As one of the standout “nostalgic” flavors driving consumer excitement in 2025, the company says dill pickle taps into a growing trend of craveable, bold snacks. Taste test results placed dill pickle on par with Wonderful Pistachios’ most popular No Shells flavors, demonstrating its wide appeal among both pistachio enthusiasts and pickle lovers alike.

Wonderful Pistachios Brings Back Fan-Favorite Sweet Cinnamon Flavor

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:11:58 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios released its fan-favorite No Shells Sweet Cinnamon flavor, available once again for a limited time this holiday season.

Back by popular demand and now available in retailers across the U.S. and on Amazon, No Shells Sweet Cinnamon combines warm, sweet spice with the signature crunch of pistachios for a better-for-you take on a classic holiday indulgence, according to a news release.

“Our holiday gift to consumers is here. Demand for Sweet Cinnamon last year made it clear that this flavor was too popular to hold back,” says Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios. “By bringing it back and expanding into new sizes, this premium, limited-edition snack is even more accessible — making it easier to share, gift or keep all to yourself.”

Sweet Cinnamon has relaunched in three convenient, resealable sizes ideal for snacking and holiday entertaining, the company says. Wonderful Pistachios’ original 5.5-ounce bag can double as a pantry staple when sweet cravings strike or as a stocking-stuffer. The new 11-ounce and 22-ounce formats available in Costco and Walmart are ideal for sharing with family and friends or incorporating into holiday baking. With Sweet Cinnamon No Shells, consumers can enjoy a festive and delicious treat without compromising their health.

This year, No Shells Sweet Cinnamon debuted a refined new look, featuring a sleek gold design with a modern twist, striking the perfect balance between festive and premium. A “Limited Edition” message burst has been added to the front of every bag, driving impulse purchases and reminding consumers that this fun, guilt-free flavor will only be available through the end of the year.

Sweet Cinnamon rejoins Wonderful Pistachios’ expanding No Shells lineup of guilt-free sweet snacks, which began with Honey Roasted in 2019 and was recently elevated with the launch of Chocolate Toffee and Chocolate Sea Salt, further cementing Wonderful Pistachios’ commitment to innovation in snacking, the company says.

More Pistachio Products Added to Canadian Recall

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:18:17 GMT

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published a food recall notice for additional pistachio products to be added to a multi-province outbreak of Salmonella traced to pistachio products.

The agency says through its ongoing investigation, led by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the organizations have identified additional pistachios and products that used recalled pistachios.

The CFIA added more products recently, which include:

Wonderful Pistachios Launches Josh Allen Scholarship

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:55:27 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios, part of The Wonderful Company, announced Sept. 24 the launch of the Josh Allen Scholarship. The scholarship is in partnership with Central Valley native, pistachio farmer, and star Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. It will support first-generation youth graduating from high school and pursuing higher education in Allen’s hometown of Firebaugh, Calif.

“This program is about more than a scholarship fund, it’s a way to open new doors for the next generation of leaders,” Allen says. “I’m proud to partner with Wonderful in bringing this opportunity to my hometown of Firebaugh.”

Students who are accepted into the program will receive support with college applications and up to $12,000 over four years in college.

“The Josh Allen Scholarship represents the creation of important new opportunities for students and their families in California’s Central Valley,” says Andy Anzaldo, chief operating officer of corporate social responsibility at The Wonderful Company.

“With this new scholarship, we are investing in a community that many of our employees call home, just like Josh Allen,” Anzaldo adds. “With Josh’s partnership, we are ensuring that first-generation students in Firebaugh have the resources they need to successfully navigate the college application process and pursue a college degree with confidence and financial support.”

Eligible 12^thgrade students at Firebaugh High School were contacted in August by their school administration. Nearly 40 eligible seniors were accepted into the scholarship program this year.

The program is part of an expansion of the Wonderful Community Scholarship program, made possible by The Wonderful Company co-owners Lynda and Stewart Resnick and their foundation.

Beyond the Bulk Bin: Innovation and Promotion Elevate Nuts in Retail

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:30:05 GMT

Nuts have long been a staple of healthy eating, snacking and holiday baking, but today’s retail strategies are taking them far beyond these staples.

From protein-rich snacks to plant-based recipe inspiration, nut suppliers are working with retailers to feature the category’s versatility and drive sales. Wonderful Pistachios, Blue Diamond and Hammons Black Walnuts weigh in on how they’re leaning into trends and consumer engagement to keep nuts top of mind for shoppers.

Trends Driving Growth

Health and wellness, plant-based eating and convenient snacking remain strong forces fueling the nut category.

Growth in the nut category is being fueled by several key consumer trends, particularly the shift of consumer behavior seeking healthier snack options, at the same time as adventurous new flavors and varieties, says Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios.

“Consumers are reaching for nutrient-dense snacks, and Wonderful Pistachios stand out as a smart choice with protein, fiber and unsaturated fats that help support balanced eating,” she says. “Wonderful Pistachios stands out as a good source of protein with 6 grams of protein per serving amidst the growing trend towards purchasing protein-forward snacks.”

At the same time, flavor innovation is driving excitement and new consumers to the category, Salsa adds.

“Recently, Wonderful Pistachios tapped into this demand with a wide variety of bold, savory and trend-inspired options that appeal to diverse taste preferences worldwide, including our Dill Pickle flavored pistachios that launched earlier this year and have instantly become a fan favorite,” she says.

“New flavors have led to incremental growth for Wonderful Pistachios, and with the release of chocolate-covered pistachios in two delicious flavors — Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee — we’re excited to bring new customers to the category,” Salsa adds.

Michael Schaefer, sales and category manager for Blue Diamond, says a key trend is the health aspects of nuts for snacking.

“Consumers are drawn to limited-ingredient options, and with Blue Diamond Almonds, they feel like they’re making a healthy choice without giving up on flavor. It’s a trusted, household name that fits naturally in the produce aisle with products that were grown for it, too, so people feel good about picking them up,” Schaefer says.

Jacob Basecke, executive vice president of Hammons Black Walnuts, says the nut category continues to benefit from strong consumer interest in health and wellness, plant-based protein and better-for-you snacking.

“Black walnuts, in particular, align perfectly with these trends,” Basecke says. “They are the highest-protein nut, rich in antioxidants and completely wild-harvested in the U.S. Consumers are also looking for bold, authentic flavors, and black walnuts deliver a uniquely robust taste that stands out from other nuts.”

The California Walnut Board agrees that a few trends are supporting growth in the nut category.

“Health and wellness continue to be at the forefront of purchase decisions, with whole foods top of mind and 65% of consumers choosing fresh produce for health reasons, according to Circana’s Future of Fresh Produce survey,” says Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “Today’s shoppers are more intentional than ever, scrutinizing labels and seeking foods that are high in protein, rich in fiber and low in sugar. California walnuts are uniquely positioned to meet these needs as the only nut significantly high in plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5 grams per ounce), plus protein and fiber.”

Plant-forward eating continues to resonate with consumers, and walnuts are a perfect fit because of their unique texture and flavor profile, Verloop says.

“By simply blending walnuts with legumes and spices, they take on a meaty texture that’s delicious and satisfying in tacos, meatballs and more,” he says.

Trends toward convenience and snacking also remain strong, he adds. To meet these desires, the industry is focused on innovation in flavor and packaging. Walnuts are also a simple topping that can be used to add crunch and nutrition to hundreds of foods, making them a convenient way for today’s busy consumers to up the nutrient power on a variety of meals and snacks, Verloop says.

And lastly, Verloop says research conducted by the California Walnut Board and Commission shows that younger consumers seek foods with wellness benefits beyond nutrients; rather, they are looking for foods that make them feel good, and walnuts can be a great food to satisfy this desire.

“This is the backbone of our new ‘feel good’ marketing effort,” Verloop says.

Retail Partnerships

Wonderful Pistachios works with retailers to maximize visibility and sales of nuts through a mix of seasonal, cross-merchandising and dedicated in-store strategies, Salsa says.

“Merchandising is important to Wonderful Pistachios, and we invest heavily in our in-store point-of-sales displays, which are distributed nationwide by our incredible in-house merchandising team,” she says. “Their primary goal is to help stores build larger-than-life displays. On average, retailers that utilize these displays see up to two times higher sales velocities.”

Sales says Wonderful Pistachios are versatile and offer strong cross-merchandising opportunities.

“Since snacking is the primary usage occasion, pairing Wonderful Pistachios with fresh and dried fruit in the produce section is a natural fit,” she says. “Strategic secondary placements also drive incremental sales in snack aisles, near beer and beverage sets, and on end caps to encourage impulse purchases at checkouts. These touch points not only boost trial but also reinforce the versatility of Wonderful Pistachios in recipes or as an on-the-go snack.”

Schaefer says Oppy is focused on helping retailers drive sales with creative secondary displays, using things like Blue Diamond’s shipper units to build big seasonal displays that draw shoppers in.

“On top of that, we’ve got strong merchandising partners in each region who make sure displays are full and looking good,” Schaefer says. “We also listen closely to feedback from produce managers and shoppers, which is a key part of the strategy. And when we tie in promotions with household names like Venus Williams or fun seasonal campaigns, it helps keep the category fresh and relevant for driving sales.”

Basecke says Hammons Black Walnuts partners with retailers to make sure black walnuts are positioned for both seasonal and everyday success.

“During fall and holiday baking, black walnuts perform best when merchandised in the center-store baking aisle as well as in secondary displays or shippers that highlight holiday recipes,” Basecke says. “In produce, retailers are finding opportunities to cross-merchandise nuts alongside fresh fruits and vegetables for salads and healthy eating ideas. We also provide retailers with seasonal recipe content and promotional support to help inspire shoppers.”

Innovations in Products and Packaging

Wonderful Pistachios is continuously innovating across flavors, packaging and formats to ensure pistachios remain a top choice among today’s competitive snacking options, Salsa says.

“We recently introduced Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee to our portfolio, marking our entry into the confectionery category and bringing a layer of indulgence to our fan-favorite product lineup while staying true to our commitment to premium quality and innovation,” she says.

Packaging plays a critical role in driving differentiation and visibility on shelf, Salsa says.

“Our iconic black bag for the In-Shell line is instantly recognizable, setting us apart from competitors and signaling familiarity and trust with consumers,” she says. “Meanwhile, our No Shells line leverages bold, vibrant colors to emphasize flavor variety and capture shopper attention. This visually striking design strategy encourages trial and exploration, allowing consumers to discover the full breadth of flavors we offer.”

Blue Diamond has some unique mixes that hit all the flavor profiles, Schaefer says; for those seeking something sweet, it has fruit-and-nut blends. For those who lean savory, options like salted or salt-and-pepper deliver big flavor.

“Blue Diamond also recently unveiled their updated logo vibrant new logo and brand identity to resonate with health-conscious consumers,” Schaefer says. “After extensive consumer research, the refreshed design features bold colors and crisp lines while retaining the iconic Blue Diamond shape, emphasizing almonds as a champion superfood.”

Across the category, Basecke says Hammons Black Walnuts has seen continued growth in savory and seasoned nut flavors.

“For Hammons, innovation has meant taking black walnuts beyond their traditional role as an ingredient and introducing them in snackable formats,” Basecke says. “Earlier this year, we launched our Hike Performance Snacks brand, which features black walnuts as a hero ingredient in trail mixes designed for energy, nutrition and flavor. Looking ahead, we plan to expand into additional healthy snack formats beyond trail mix to broaden the ways consumers enjoy black walnuts.”

Industry Challenges

The nut market is increasingly competitive, and as a result, carving out a unique position is critical, Verloop says.

“For walnuts, our challenge is to get consumers to think of walnuts beyond a baking ingredient, which is why our domestic marketing efforts are focused on positioning walnuts as a versatile, everyday option for snacks, meals and plant-forward dishes,” Verloop says.

Tariffs continue to be a challenge, according to Verloop.

”India, one of the most important growth opportunities, currently imposes a 100% tariff on all walnuts, issued in 2018. Even with that barrier, India is expected to import about 16,000 tons of California walnuts this season, but the opportunity could be far greater if tariffs were reduced,” Verloop says. “In the European Union, it was announced that the first 500,000 MT of the tree nuts (which include walnuts) will be at a zero percent tariff rate, and for additional quantities, tariffs remain at 4% for in-shell and 5.1% for shelled walnuts.”

To stay competitive, Verloop says the California Walnut Board leverages USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and Market Access Program to expand opportunities in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

“Our focus is building both domestic and international demand by showing walnuts are not just a baking ingredient, but a premium, health-forward food that fits today’s lifestyle,” Verloop says.

Nuts Are Breaking Out of the Baking Aisle

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:18:54 GMT

Many shoppers associate nuts with holiday baking and pantry staples. Now, suppliers and retailers are working to change that perception by spotlighting nuts as nutrient-dense snacks, plant-based protein sources and versatile additions to any meal.

To understand how the category is evolving, The Packer spoke with five nut suppliers for their input on retail strategies and consumer education.

Part of what makes Wonderful Pistachios so magnetic is that vibrant pop of green, the company says.

(Photo courtesy of Wonderful Pistachios)

Wonderful Pistachios

“Pistachios aren’t just having a moment, they are owning the year,” says Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios . “It’s not just a trend and the cornerstone of our business; it’s a full-blown movement. Consumer awareness is a big factor in why pistachios have grown in demand in terms of purchasing behavior: Pistachios are at the intersection of taste and health.”

Part of what makes Wonderful Pistachios so magnetic is that vibrant pop of green, Salsa says.

“It’s naturally eye-catching, which makes it perfect for visually driven platforms like Instagram and TikTok,” she says. “Beyond the aesthetics, pistachios also deliver on flavor, nutrition and versatility, and Wonderful Pistachios dedicates entire advertising campaigns to educating consumers on the health benefits of pistachios. Whether they’re being used in upscale desserts, savory sauces or as a better-for-you snack, pistachios are meeting the moment.”

The brand takes a 360-degree marketing approach to educating consumers on the snacking and nutritional benefits of Wonderful Pistachios.

“This includes a mix of traditional channels, such as television and print advertising, alongside other digital efforts including paid and organic social media campaigns, social media partnerships, podcasts, event sponsorships and enhanced e-commerce and affiliate marketing strategies,” Salsa says. “By reaching consumers across multiple touchpoints, we highlight Wonderful Pistachios as both a delicious and nutritious snack option .”

For retailers, Wonderful Pistachios provides resources to help communicate these benefits in-store and online. POS signage, packaging callouts and promotional materials emphasize Wonderful Pistachios’ health attributes and versatility, resonating especially with health-conscious shoppers, Salsa says. Online, Wonderful Pistachios supports retailers with digital content, recipe inspiration and nutritional education assets that can be integrated into e-commerce platforms or retailer websites.

Blue Diamond’s new visual identity features a refreshed logo, streamlined color palette and updated brand elements that highlight almonds as the champion superfood.

(Image courtesy of Blue Diamond)

Blue Diamond

“We’re fully committed to sharing the health story of almonds year-round,” says Michael Schaefer, sales and category manager for Blue Diamond. “On the packaging, you’ll see clear callouts around protein and heart health, which are really important to today’s snacker — especially with how big the protein trend is right now. And for retailers, we provide point-of-sale materials all year long. Some are evergreen, some are seasonal, but the goal is always the same: making sure consumers see and understand those benefits.

Blue Diamond is also launching into the future with a new logo and brand persona intended to evoke energy and excitement, aiming to capture the attention of more consumers seeking healthier options in their diet. This new visual identity features a refreshed logo, streamlined color palette and updated brand elements that highlight almonds as the champion superfood.

“We believe that Blue Diamond almonds are the GOAT [Greatest of All Time] of snacks, and our Almond Breeze is the obvious choice in nondairy beverages. Almonds allow you to show up and be mighty in your life, fueled by protein, fiber and flavor. This refresh connects this almond identity to the brand identity, breathing color, energy and excitement into the brand,” says Maya Erwin, vice president of marketing and innovation for Blue Diamond. “This is a refresh, not a revolution. That means we’re staying true to our roots, keeping our identity that people know and trust, but with a bold edge that shows the way people enjoy our amazing products every day.”

“A redesign like this is really about getting two things right,” says Miles Marshall, executive creative director for Turner Duckworth, the design agency that worked with Blue Diamond on the initiative. “First, the edit — chipping away at the elements until what’s left are the features that can only be the brand — the truly unmistakable stuff. In this instance, that edit gets us to the iconic blue diamond, which we have redesigned in a way that is both respectful and striking.”

“Because Black Walnuts are wild-harvested, yields can also vary from year to year,” Jacob Basecke says.

(Photo courtesy of Hammons Black Walnuts)

Hammons Black Walnuts

To educate consumers on the nutritional and culinary benefits, as well as providing tools to retailers to communicate this both in-store and online, Jacob Basecke, executive vice president of Hammons Black Walnuts, says the company provides retailers with POS signage, recipe cards and seasonal promotional materials that showcase both the health benefits and culinary uses of black walnuts.

“Online, we support retailers with digital assets, social media content and access to our extensive recipe library,” Basecke says. “We also work with chefs and influencers to highlight black walnuts in recipes and the sustainability story, which helps inspire consumers with new ways to incorporate them into their meals.”

When it comes to challenges shaping the nut market currently, Basecke says the company is seeing rising input costs including labor, materials and supply chain pressures.

“Because black walnuts are wild-harvested, yields can also vary from year to year,” Basecke says. “We address these challenges by focusing on long-term sustainability, working with our grower network of thousands of harvesters across the Midwest, and setting pricing structures that allow us to maintain stability for our retail and ingredient partners. At the same time, we are investing in innovation and consumer education to ensure continued growth and awareness of black walnuts.”

(Photo courtesy of California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission)

California Walnut Board

“We are on a mission to break out of the baking aisle and be featured in the produce department and snack aisle,” says Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission . “In produce, cross-merchandising is key: Pairing walnuts with other produce items means retailers end up getting a higher basket ring. Research shows 76% of shoppers are more likely to purchase walnuts when displayed alongside fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Verloop says successful merchandising pairs them with complementary produce items, positioning walnuts as a versatile, nutritious staple for meals and snacks.

“Our retail merchandising directors are working individually with retailers to capture sales through creative merchandising and by using category management data to drive walnut sales in the produce department year-round,” Verloop says.

The California Walnut Board continues to see a focus on offering a range of packaging sizes, from grab-and-go packs to larger bags for use in meals and as ingredients, making walnuts easy to enjoy for any eating occasion.

“Walnuts are also moving beyond the baking aisle into snacking and meal solutions,” Verloop says. “Trail mixes, spiced clusters and yogurt-covered varieties give consumers convenient, flavorful ways to enjoy them, while innovations like skinless walnuts, walnut cream, walnut butter and walnut ‘meat’ expand their use in cereals, bars, plant-based sauces and protein-rich dishes.

“Skinless walnuts provide a smoother texture and milder flavor; walnut cream and milk create versatile, plant-based bases; walnut butter adds moisture and binding in snacks and granolas; and walnut ‘meat’ delivers texture, umami and protein for plant-based ground meat alternatives,” Verloop adds.

For retailers, the California Walnut Board offers year-round programs to help merchandise and promote walnuts in the produce department, including customized promotional material that can be used in-store, online and via social media, Verloop says.

“By combining science, approachable messaging, and retail support, the campaign positions California walnuts as a nutritious, versatile, everyday choice for health-conscious, plant-forward and convenience-minded consumers,” Verloop says.

Wild Fox products feature nutrition benefits that the consumer is already looking for.

(Image courtesy of Wild Fox)

Wild Fox Foods

“Nuts like almonds and cashews have long been a part of a healthy diet because they are a convenient, whole food that is naturally low-glycemic and loaded with good fats and fiber,” says Kevin McCray, co-founder of Wild Fox Foods . “Therefore, nuts align with the consumer’s general desire to eat better. The challenge with the nut category is how conventional manufacturers are processing raw nuts to try and make them taste better.”

Many of the most popular roasted nut and trail mix options on the shelves today are roasted in highly processed seed oils, seasoned with highly processed ingredients and paired with inclusions that are packed with refined sugar, McCray says.

“At Wild Fox, we are bringing the bold flavor shoppers are looking for in a snack, but without the problematic ingredients. Our nuts are roasted in avocado oil, our seasonings are made with natural ingredients and none of our products contain refined sugar — even the chocolate and dried fruit in our trail mixes are free of refined sugar and seed oils,” he says.

Consumers are seeking the nutritional benefits of nuts, McCray says.

“Wild Fox products feature nutrition benefits that the consumer is already looking for. Our job is to highlight the relevant nutrition attributes and get the word out that there is a brand in these categories that is listening,” he says. “Our playbook for this is to start with a hyper-disciplined package design focused on the most important nutritional information as clearly and transparently as possible. Additionally, we will have a heavy presence where many consumers go these days for nutrition information — social media.”

As a founder of the popular Kevin’s Natural Foods, McCray says of the new venture: “Although it’s a separate company, myself along with the other co-founders from Kevin’s (Dan and Kelsie Costa) view Wild Fox as a continuation of the mission we started when Kevin’s was born: Empowering even the busiest people to eat clean without sacrificing flavor. The main difference is that now we are focused on the food people eat [in] between meals.

“Some estimates show that a quarter of the calories people consume come from snacks,” he adds. “With this in mind, I feel that by giving people clean on-the-go snack solutions, we can make a significant and positive impact on society that will complement the progress we made at Kevin’s.”

New Board Members at the California Walnut Commission

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 18:07:59 GMT

The California Walnut Commission announced its newly elected commission board members on Sept. 17. The new members will serve two-year terms, which began Sept. 1 and will end Aug. 31, 2027. The commission’s board consists of eight producer members and four handler members, as well as alternates for each seat. For this upcoming term, seven new individuals will be joining the board as noted below.

District 1:

Producer Member: Jay Colombini, Linden; Alternate: Jack Vickery, Winters
Producer Member: Ashley DeValentine McKenzie, Rio Oso; Alternate: Donald Norene, Rio Oso
Producer Member: R. Davin Norene, Woodland; Alternate: Henry Gilbert, Wheatland (New)
Producer Member: Kali Dittrich, Clements (New); Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New)

District 2:

Producer Member: Darrell Cordova, Denair; Alternate: Gordon Heinrich, Modesto
Producer Member: Andrew Souza, Crows Landing (New); Alternate: Gurjant Khosa, Fowler
Producer Member: Neil Jolliff, Modesto (New); Alternate: Open
Producer Member: Everett Souza Jr, Crows Landing (New); Alternate: Open

Handlers:

Handler Member: Brian Dunning, Olivehurst; Alternate: Jeffrey Sleeper, Orland
Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters; Alternate: William Carriere, Glen
Handler Member: Charles R. Crain Jr., Los Molinos; Alternate: William Crain, Los Molinos
Handler Member: Christopher Cromwell, Stockton (New); Alternate: Matt Langford, Stockton

“Our new commission board members represent the next generation of leadership for California Walnuts,” says Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “Their expertise, vision and dedication will be key as we work to grow global demand, support innovation and ultimately drive grower prosperity.”

Commission board members will help advance the strategic priorities outlined in the industry’s strategic plan. These include delivering the best quality California walnuts, international trade and consumer marketing, supporting global retail and foodservice sales, fostering walnut innovation, defining sustainability as a point of differentiation, and conducting nutrition and health research and more.

California Walnuts Look for a Good Year

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:25:36 GMT

Last week, USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service announced its objective measurement report for the upcoming walnut crop in California. NASS estimates this year’s production to be up 18% from 2024, with a crop size of about 710,000 tons. NASS says this estimate is based on 365,000 bearing acres, which is down 1% from 2024 acres.

Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission, says this year’s crop is much more in line with the state’s acreage numbers and expectations of production based on the age of the trees in the ground.

Verloop says about 65% of the crop is the Chandler variety, which is the most in demand.

“We’re actually very enthusiastic about this one,” he says. “This has been an incredible summer for growing trees and plants of any kind. And as a result, the nut crop looks fantastic. It’s about a week early, which is not unusual given that things have been growing along so well.”

While official harvest figures won’t be available until November, Verloop says an important figure to remember is the carryout number, or the amount of the 2024 crop in unsold inventory. He says he expects that number to range between 70,000 to 90,000 tons, which he says is already presold for September and October.

“Essentially, we’re starting with a sold-out position with the new crop coming in, and that will start shipping in the middle of October,” he says.

Export market

Verloop says USDA’s Market Access Program, of which the California Walnut Commission has received $7 million each year, helps the organization grow and expand markets for walnuts. Verloop says the commission has focused $14 million of its efforts on expanding its presence in North Africa.

“Morocco is our first market that we’ve already started working in, and we’re looking at Algeria and Egypt as well,” he says. “We hope to develop programs there.”

Southeast Asia is another area of interest, Verloop says, noting that includes Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries, too.

“We’re doing market research and then really taking a look at the structure of the food distribution,” he says. “Understanding if we need to have programs targeting and educating consumers about the benefits of walnuts.”

He says this also includes building relationships with importers and distributors, as well as retailers in those countries.

“Walnuts are in most of the countries that I’ve mentioned, walnuts are already there,” he says. “It’s just now getting more people to eat more walnuts on a more frequent basis and maybe California walnuts as well.”

Verloop says USDA’s Foreign Ag Service also helps the California Walnut Commission in its efforts to expand the reach of California-grown walnuts.

Challenges

Verloop says while tariffs on exported walnuts is a challenge, as walnut production has grown in the past few years, growers have faced tariffs on inputs, too.

“We’re very careful to watch what the input costs are, because in order to have a thriving industry, we’re going to have to make sure that those costs are recovered and that we’re doing everything in an efficient and effective manner when we’re farming,” he says.

This includes efficient growing practices, integrated pest management, monitoring water use, etc.

“As we continue to work on an efficient system from a grower’s perspective, we need to see profitability,” he says. “And, for many years, the growers have not been profitable.”

Verloop says that while this year is shaping up to be a good one for the state’s walnut industry, it’s important that acreage remain steady to help drive good market conditions. He says some growers will remove older non-productive trees or trees in areas with water availability challenges. And he says he’s seen a slowing down of the number of new acres coming into production.

“Our caution to the industry is to avoid planting significant acreage and to work on refurbishing and replanting acres you may have lost,” he says. “Let’s not increase overall. We got ourselves into this situation because we were overproducing to what the marketplace is. And while we want to be responsive and be able to sell as many walnuts as possible, they have to be at a profitable level, and the way to do that is to control the number of acres that are producing.”

Wonderful Pistachios Introduces Chocolate-Covered Pistachios

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:44:38 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios is bringing a layer of indulgence to its fan-favorite snack lineup with the introduction of two products: Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee .

With these launches, Wonderful Pistachios marks its debut in the confectionery category without straying from its commitment to premium quality products and innovation, according to a news release.

Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee pistachios deliver protein with a sweet punch and dark chocolate antioxidant goodness, offering consumers better-for-you ingredients when sweet cravings strike, the company says. Both products feature Wonderful Pistachios’ signature California-grown roasted pistachios, thinly dipped in rich dark chocolate made with 50% cacao, delivering a crave-worthy combination of salty and sweet that offers an indulgent twist on the brand’s award-winning portfolio, the release says.

“Consumers are increasingly looking for snacks that hit the sweet spot, literally and nutritionally,” says Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios. “With Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee, we’re giving snackers the best of both worlds: The crisp crunch of pistachios paired with a bite-sized amount of dark chocolate decadence. We’re excited to introduce a treat that delivers indulgence without compromise.”

Designed for those who want to treat themselves while still making mindful choices, the company says this new offering is a smart snack that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee will be available in resealable four-ounce bags, launching first at Walmart stores this fall and online at Walmart.com.

Most recently, Wonderful Pistachios has experienced tremendous growth by adding bold and savory varieties to its roster that tap into today’s viral flavor trends, the company says. The launch of Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee marks the first time Wonderful Pistachios is creating an entirely new snacking category for itself. With this first step into chocolate, Wonderful Pistachios is expanding beyond traditional nut snacks and opening a whole new chapter for the brand.

Cash Receipts for Fresh Produce Up in 2024 — Here Are the Top 10

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:36:21 GMT

The numbers are in for what U.S. agricultural commodities generated during 2024.

On Sept 3, the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) updated its extensive Farm Income and Wealth Statistics dashboard to include the cash receipts for all agricultural commodities across the country for 2024.

Cash receipts for all fruit, vegetable and nut commodities — excluding categories noted as being for processing rather than fresh consumption — in 2024 stood at $58.33 billion, up 4.72% from 2023. This does include some commodity categories, which did not distinguish between processing or fresh use. Potatoes were one such example, where potatoes for fresh consumption versus chipping or other processing uses were not broken out.

The top 10 produce commodities by cash receipts in 2024 were the same as in 2023, though the individual rankings shifted somewhat. The top fresh produce commodities with their 2024 cash receipts were:

Grapes (all grapes, including wine, table, and raisin), $6.19 billion
Almonds, $5.66 billion
Potatoes (all potatoes, including chipping, etc.), $4.99 billion
Lettuce (all lettuce, including head, leaf, and romaine), $4.6 billion
Strawberries, $3.997 billion
Apples (for all purposes), $2.9 billion
Pistachios, $2.05 billion
Onions, $2.004 billion
Carrots (only fresh, excluding processing), $1.67 billion
Blueberries, $1.196 billion

Changing Rank

While the top 10 produce commodities stayed the same in 2024 compared with 2023, the rankings changed from year to year.

In 2024, almonds saw the second-largest cash receipts for fresh produce. The year before, almonds ranked fourth with $4.045 billion, meaning almonds gained $1.617 billion or almost 40% in one year.

According to the 2025 California Almond Forecast report, released in May 2025, there was no appreciable change in almond acres in California between 2023 and 2024. However, yield per acre increased 200 lbs. to 1,980 lbs per acre in 2024, for a total production of 2.73 billion pounds. Added to this, the price per pound jumped 24.42% from 2023 to 2024 to $2.14.

Almonds shifting to second place pushed down 2023’s second- and third-ranked commodities — potatoes and lettuce, respectively — to the third and fourth position in 2024. Receipts for all potatoes in 2024 gained $99 million, or 2.02%, compared with 2023, while receipts for all lettuce declined by $179 million or 3.75%.

While all grapes remained at the top of the cash receipts ranking for produce, the commodity shed significant value in 2024 compared with 2023, down $643 million, or 9.41%. Similarly, while pistachios maintained their position as seventh-highest produce commodity, cash receipts declined by $740 million or 26.57%, the largest raw and percentage decline seen on the top 10 list for produce.

Expectations for 2025

While overall inflation-adjusted cash receipts are forecast by ERS to grow $10.9 billion (2.1%) from 2024 to $535.2 billion in 2025 for all agricultural commodities, those gains are expected from animal-based commodities.

Overall crop cash receipts are expected to decline $12.3 billion (4.9%) in 2025 compared with 2024. Cash receipts for the vegetable and melon subcategory are expected to fall by a half billion (2.1%) in 2025, but are forecast to increase $2 billion (6.5%) for the fruits and nuts subcategory.

For almonds specifically, the recent May report projected a 2025 almond crop of 2.8 billion pounds, up slightly from the 2024 crop. A later estimate released in July increased that to 3 billion pounds, which initially dropped prices significantly , but they have since recovered “closer to multi-year highs.”

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After Dip, Almond Prices Recover

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:12:44 GMT

Earlier this summer, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released an objective estimate for the 2025-26 almond crop year. This report called for a crop size of 3 billion pounds, which was significantly higher than its subjective estimate of 2.8 million pounds.

When the objective estimate released, it caused a price reduction of about 50 cents a pound that took about nine weeks to recover, says David Magaña, a senior horticulture analyst for Rabobank.

Magaña says almond prices, though, have experienced fluctuations in the market in the past few months.

“We’ve seen the market shifting from a bearish sentiment in early summer, to a bullish rally in late August and now in September,” he says.

NASS complies its subjective report released in May by surveying growers and its objective report in July to calculate what the estimated yield for the year might be.

And for the 2024-25 growing season, NASS’s subjective report called for around 3 billion pounds, but the objective report came in with a more conservative 2.8 billion pounds.

“We saw a significant recovery in almond prices within the 2024-25 marketing season,” he says.

But the opposite happened for the 2025-26 crop year.

“After they released that objective estimate in July, prices significantly moved downward by 50 cents or 60 cents per pound, but since then, we’ve seen prices recovering.” Magaña says prices recovered as harvest began a few weeks ago, and it looks as though this year’s crop will fall below the objective estimate. But prices have reached closer to multi-year highs.

“I think that the objective report took most of the people by surprise, because we had some challenges in pollination in some areas,” he says. “So, the nutset was good, but not as good to get a 3-billion-pound type of crop.”

Magaña says the market likely overreacted following the release of the objective almond crop numbers, but almond prices have returned to a number closer to before the NASS released the report.

One other thing that likely contributed to higher prices was the carry-in number from the 2024-25 crop. This is the amount of the previous season’s harvest carrying over to the next season’s crop. Magaña says the carry-in from the 2024-25 season was at a multiyear low for inventories, which helped keep prices steady. But slow shipments in May, June and July caused a higher carry-in for the start of this season.

He says a few things have also helped almond prices: steady demand for almond exports, especially in the European Union, and the movement of the dollar on foreign currency.

“The U.S. dollar has been depreciating since the beginning of the year … close to 10% depreciation of the U.S. dollar, depending on what currency you’re looking at,” he says. “So that definitely is improving the competitiveness of U.S. almonds in the international market.”

Official numbers for the 2025-26 crop season will come later, but Magaña says things look stable in the meantime.

“From the demand side it is looking mostly favorable, given that tariffs are going to be on hold in some critical markets, like the EU and with the exchange rate movements that we’ve seen over the past few months, that will help with the demand,” he says. “At this point, prices are back to the levels that they were before the publication of this objective estimate.”

New Pest Invading Tree Nut Orchards

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:16:28 GMT

The Almond Board of California recently released a staggering figure : more than 100,000 acres across the southern and western San Joaquin Valley have experienced a roof rat infestation.

This infestation causes widespread damage and economic losses in those almond orchards. The Almond Board of California says an economic analysis conducted by CDFA estimates on-farm losses between $109 million to $311 million, with drip line replacements accounting for between $56 million and $168 million of that figure. Drip line replacement accounts for about $43 million to $129 million of the total loss and yield losses from disrupted postharvest irrigation is estimated to cost growers between $43 million to $129 million.

“Field observations indicate that these rodents are using irrigation canals and other waterways as corridors, enabling them to rapidly spread between orchards and diverse agricultural fields,” according to the organization. “This mobility is exacerbating the extent of damage and complicating containment efforts.”

Causes

Roger Baldwin, Extension specialist in wildlife, fish and conservation biology with the University of California, Davis, says rodent damage in orchards is nothing new, with ground squirrels, gophers and voles all causing some sort of issue. But roof rats is a new phenomenon.

And while roof rats are arboreal, researchers have reported these rats have burrowed in almond and other tree nut orchards.

“Roof rats are really kind of the critter that’s been getting most of the attention here over the last year and that’s because of the rapidly expanding roof rat populations in these orchard systems,” he says. “These rodents are now causing quite a bit of damage in a variety of different crops, and in particular pistachios and almonds, with damage estimates dramatically increasing over the last year.”

Roof rats cause damage through girdling small and large limbs, burrowing in the root zone which also disrupts and damages irrigation systems, equipment and other orchard infrastructure. Rats also consume nuts grown in the orchard.

Baldwin says it’s not exactly clear why roof rats have suddenly infested almond orchards, but he does suspect a few different things. First, many tree nut growers abandoned orchards in the Central Valley due to a lack of water. And, although these orchards have been abandoned, rainfall in the last few years has helped these orchards survive in some instances, thus being a decent host for the roof rats.

“They might be producing a little bit of a crop out there, which, of course, is a good food resource for these animals, too,” Baldwin says.

Then, if a grower does decide to remove an abandoned orchard, the disruption forces roof rat populations into existing ajacent orchards.

“Rodents do generally respond positively to greater rainfall amounts, because that leads to higher quality habitats, and we’ve had pretty good rainfall the last few years, so that may be contributing to this,” he says.

Another contributing factor may be regulations on some of the pesticides, rodenticides and burrow fumigants that control roof rats.

“It’s possible that some of those changing regulations may have reduced the ability of growers to utilize some of those products, which might have led to an increase in problems as well.

Control measures

Baldwin says growers seeking to control roof rat populations should utilize an integrated pest management approach, using a variety of tools such as burrow fumigants, trapping, rodenticides, and biocontrol agents such as barn owls to help keep populations low. (UC Davis has put together a resource titled Managing Roof Rats and Deer Mice in Nut and Fruit Orchards ).

In particular, there’s an opportunity to utilize predation and other control methods.

“In nut orchards, the fact that they are a deciduous crop means that they don’t have leaves on the trees for a certain period of time, which means the rats are going to be more susceptible to predation,” he says. “There’s a potential that we could utilize barn owls as an effective strategy for trying to remove some of the rats out there. That’s an area that we’re currently trying to get some funding to look at the utility of barn owls to help manage roof rats in these nut orchards.”

The other thing Baldwin thinks is important to point out is that the roof rat is an invasive species.

“They have been here for a few centuries, so they’re nothing new, but they’re also not native,” he says. “So, because of that, you know, they can cause a lot of damage to our native ecosystems, and so that just kind of adds to that whole desire to really try to substantially reduce their populations.”

What Trade Means for the Future of California Walnuts

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:43:33 GMT

Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC), says things are looking up for walnut growers in the state.

“When I first walked in, people talked about the fact that there were a lot of trees planted in 2016 and 2015 when prices were good,” he says. “There was a promise of an open market to China, which shut down shortly thereafter when they started overproducing their own walnuts. And then there was also the promise of India, and with the change in the government there at that time and putting these tariffs in place, our growers got caught with having too many acres in the ground and the markets not being fully developed.”

Growers currently face a 100% tariff on imports to India, which Verloop hopes will change very soon. The industry has been in a catch-up mode since 2015 and 2016 to expand market access in other countries, he says, adding that the state’s growers export about 65% of its crop, with leading markets in Germany and Turkey.

“We’ll have probably close to 20 markets where we have active programs,” Verloop says. “California walnut handlers and exporters ship to over 50 countries around the world. We have a broad base that we work with, but we’re very interested in some of these key markets — EU (European Union), India and Turkey — that can be the real drivers and foundation builders for our program.”

India is still a relatively small market, Verloop says, but the CWC sees strong potential in the country, which has placed tariffs on U.S. imports since the late 2010s to protect walnut production in Kashmir and then retaliatory tariffs. The U.S. and Chile are the main exporters to India.

Verloop says the economy in India has experienced a major shift. There’s around 350 million to 400 million people in the middle class with more disposable income and changing shopping patterns.

“We see tremendous opportunities there,” he says. “Let’s say this year we’ll ship 15,000 tons. Its potential is up to 120,000 tons. The importers, distributors, they’re all looking forward to the change as well, because they know what it means in consumption. They know what it means in improving health.”

He says while negotiations continue, the CWC is optimistic for some good news soon.

Thanks to the USDA’s Market Access Program, California walnuts have expanded programs into the United Kingdom, Germany, Holland, Spain, Turkey, India, Japan, Korea, Canada and the Middle East, Verloop says. The CWC has also utilized $14 million in the last two years as part of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, started by then-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Verloop says the CWC plans trade and consumer programs in these markets; for some, it will be both trade and consumer programs, and in other countries, it will just be to expand trade access.

“We’re looking at markets such as Morocco, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and then potentially some additional investments in India and the EU as well,” he says. “It’s possible that we may also look at Algeria and Egypt in the future.”

He says the CWC matches the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funds, which helps boost the overall reach of the initiatives.

And aside from global markets, Verloop says increasing demand in the U.S. is also another key priority, which includes engaging with the next generations of walnut consumers. This includes working with distributors to ensure proper handling and marketing, he says.

“We feel that there’s still a tremendous amount of opportunity for growth in consumption in the United States, and so we’re trying to take the walnut out of the baking aisle and make it more relevant to today’s consumers,” he says.

Bees More Valuable for Pollination Than for Honey

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:41:13 GMT

The USDA Economic Research Service released the June Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook on June 18. Though the monthly report is focused on sugar prices and production and import volume, this month’s report also included key reviews of both the U.S. honey market and the market for honeybee pollination services. As it turns out, the value of pollination in 2024 eclipsed that of honey for the third year in a row.

“The honeybee pollination service market has become increasingly valuable for domestic beekeepers,” read the report by ERS agricultural economist Vidalina Abadam and research agricultural economist D. Adeline Yeh. “Since 2022, the total value of pollination service in the United States has surpassed that of honey production.”

In 2024, the total value of pollination services was just over $400 million. Growers paid for honeybees to pollinate 1.7 million acres, what the report called “total paid pollination acreage.” This compares to the $362 million value of the 134 million pounds of domestic honey produced in 2024.

California, Almonds and Pollination

One crop in one state dominates the pollinator services market: California almonds.

“Almond pollination alone generated $325.8 million in 2024, or about 81 percent of total U.S. pollination service receipts,” the report read.

Some of that value was because of the sheer volumes of honeybees needed to pollinate California almonds. An estimated 2 million beehives are transported to California to pollinate the almond orchards. That represents effectively all of total colonies in the U.S. at the beginning of 2024, according to the report.

This level of colony density needed for almond pollination makes the early reports from 2025 showing extreme colony loss, estimated at 1.1 million , all the more concerning. Researchers have linked the extreme losses earlier this year to alarmingly high levels of viral infections — vectored by Varroa mites with resistant genes to a common treatment.

The volumes of bees needed to effectively pollinate almonds, and the need to truck the colonies to California, also meant the crop saw the highest average pollination fee in 2024 at about $181 per colony, almost triple the average of $66 per colony for all other crops. On a per-acre basis, it cost $305 per acre to pollinate California almonds.

“The higher cost of almond pollination is largely attributed to the crop’s early blooming season (which requires beekeepers to bring honeybee colonies out of dormancy), the non-marketability of almond honey, and the larger number of colonies needed per acre relative to other pollinator-dependent crops,” the report read.

Pollination in Other States and Crops

USDA Economic Research Service Chart of Note, No.112782

(Image courtesy of the USDA Economic Research Service)

While California and almonds specifically dominated the pollinator services market in 2024, other regions had their own high-value crops for pollinators.

According to the December 2024 Cost of Pollination report , the following were the top crops and across-the-region costs for pollination service costs throughout U.S. regions:

Northeast — Pollination services for cranberries totaled $5.59 million. The price per colony and price per acre pollinated for the region as a whole were $88.80 and $188, respectively.
Southeast — Blueberries topped the region, with total pollination services at $3.6 million. For the region overall, colonies cost $68 and $144 per acre pollinated.
South — The top crop for pollinator service costs was watermelons at $1.95 million. Across the region, colonies averaged $69.60 dollars per colony, and it cost $85.50 to pollinate an acre.
Midwest and Mountain — Apples dominated the pollinator services market in this region, representing $167,000. The price per colony averaged $59.60 and per-acre costs averaged $54.70.
Pacific Northwest — Apples dominated this region as well, representing $6.28 million. Across the state, colony costs were $58.10 per colony, and it averaged $56.70 per acre to pollinate.

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Has a viral TikTok trend created a global pistachio shortage?

Fri, 23 May 2025 11:44:11 GMT

Last month the Financial Times and other outlets reported that the Dubai chocolate craze has led to an international shortage of pistachios. Created in 2022 by Dubai-based FIX Dessert Chocolatier, the original milk chocolate bar featured pistachio cream, tahini and knafeh pastry.

Following a viral video from a TikTok influencer, global demand for the Dubai chocolate bars has skyrocketed, and it has inspired releases from Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Shake Shack and more.

As for the international pistachio shortage? Zachary Fraser, president and CEO of the American Pistachio Growers, a nonprofit trade association that represents about 800 pistachio growers in California, Arizona and New Mexico, said that’s not the entire story.

Alternate-bearing pistachios have on and off years. The crop harvested last fall was in an “off” year, and that was coupled with a viral global social media trend, Fraser said.

“The fact that the popularity of Dubai chocolate hit at a time that the crop year was down is what I call a perfect happy accident,” he said. “It is driving an unprecedented amount of demand for our product, and that, combined with the decades’ worth of research that we’ve done on nutrition and the amount of work that we’ve done to drive great promotion around the globe, you lean into it, and you make sure that you take advantage of all the good things you’ve done to lead up to that point.”

While TikTok trends come and go, Fraser said he doesn’t see that happening with pistachios.

“I don’t see the demand going down,” he said. “The taste of an American-grown pistachio is off the charts. The color is amazing. We’re still discovering new ways that we can use a pistachio.”

Fraser said American Pistachio Growers plans to continue to tout the health benefits of incorporating pistachios into diets.

“Rule No. 1 of marketing is you should never complain when something goes viral,” he said. “And No. 2 is you absolutely bust your tail to make sure that it stays that way, and that’s what our team is doing right now. We’re not looking at it as a year-to-year thing. We’re looking at it as this, this should be a good two-decade run for us if we do it correctly.”

Fraser said he’s seen growing demand globally for pistachios, especially in India.

“India is making pistachios a part of their daily diet,” he said. “That’s 1.4 billion human beings. Let’s say 20% of 1.4 billion human beings — 300 million — are making pistachios a regular part of their daily diet.”

While it’s early and harvest isn’t until fall, Fraser said he expects a good-sized crop this year.

“It’s going to be a crop that hopefully can keep up with the demand,” he said. “Demand is outpacing supply, and I think that will continue to be the case.”

Fraser said his organization plans to capitalize on this momentum built by the Dubai chocolate bars and also tout the sustainable practices of pistachio growers in the country.

“We want consumers to know that the Dubai chocolate that they’re putting in their mouth is not only delicious, but it’s sustainably farmed,” he said.

And with the challenges pistachio growers face with water, regulatory issues and an increase in the cost of farming, the Dubai chocolate pistachio craze is a nice reprieve for the industry as it tackles those challenges.

“It’s just a really fun time to be in the pistachio world right now,” Fraser said. “Let’s celebrate something that’s really powerful, really popular.”

Venus Williams partners with Blue Diamond to drive shoppers to produce aisle

Fri, 16 May 2025 20:48:47 GMT

Blue Diamond Growers, an almond marketer and cooperative of California family farms, has launched a retail partnership program with global tennis champion Venus Williams for its latest line of premium almonds, developed specifically for the produce aisle, according to a news release.

Retailers who join the program will receive custom in-store signage, dedicated displays and access to a national consumer sweepstakes offering a chance to meet Williams, all of which is designed to drive shopper excitement and foot traffic, the company said.

“We’ve seen incredible early momentum as shoppers seek convenient, fresh and better-for-you snack options in the produce section,” said Maya Erwin, vice president of marketing and innovation for Blue Diamond Growers. “Our farmer-owned roots make the produce aisle the natural home for Blue Diamond, and with Venus Williams inspiring consumers to find us there, we’re poised to create major buzz and incremental sales for our retail partners.”

Fresh from California farms, the new premium almond line is crafted for on-the-go snacking, the company said. It’s already rolling out at retailers including Albertson Jewel, Kroger Roundy’s, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Amazon and more.

Blue Diamond Growers said the retail partnership program includes:

In-store displays and POS materials — Signage featuring Williams to capture shopper attention in the produce aisle including displays, dump bins, floor talkers, standees and more.
Tailored shopper marketing support — Custom activations and localized support available to retailers who opt in, designed to maximize visibility and purchase intent.
National consumer sweepstakes — Boost traffic and excitement with a turnkey campaign offering shoppers the chance to win signed merchandise and a meet-and-greet experience with Williams.

Consumer promotions like a sweepstakes program remain a proven tactic for shopper engagement and purchasing behavior, the release said. According to recent research , 81% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that offer incentives, and 59% are likely to recommend those brands to others.

“This is a strong opportunity for retailers to drive sales, increase shopper loyalty, and bring fresh new energy to the produce section with Venus Williams and Blue Diamond,” said Senior Vice President of North American Sales and East Coast General Manager Brett Libke of Oppy, Blue Diamond’s exclusive sales agent for its produce-centric line.

Program details

The sweepstakes is set to run from May 27 to Sept. 15. Shoppers can purchase Blue Diamond’s new produce-aisle almonds in-store and enter the bar code number from the bag at VenusBDSweeps.com for a chance to win prizes. More information if available from Oppy sales representatives, the release said.