May-June 2024

This issue of Almond Facts provides the latest market report from Laura Gerhard, gives an update on the Port of Oakland, celebrates a new Almond Breeze partner in Japan, introduces a new column by Ben Goudie: "Membership Basics," and announces year two of the USDA's $45 million Climate-Smart Commodities grant.

NEWS, VIEWS, AND INDUSTRY INSIGHT

MAY-JUNE 2024

LIMITED EDITION

A Letter from Chairman of the Board, Steve Van Duyn

Year 2 of the USDA Climate Smart Grant has Launched

Membership Basics with Ben Goudie

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Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication.

ALMOND FACTS

MAY–JUNE 2024

Contents

10 FIELD TEAM 12 MARKET REPORT 16 NEWS IN A NUTSHELL 24 CORNERING THE MARKET 26 MEMBERSHIP BASICS 30 GROWING THE GOODNESS 34 ADVOCACY REPORT 38 IN YOUR ORCHARD 46 CLASSIFIED ADS

Be sure to read an important update on the Port of Oakland on page 20

Features

6 President’s Corner President and CEO, Kai Bockmann looks back on a wonderful visit with you at Masters Meeting and the chance many of you had to hear from Chief Commercial Officer, Carmen Bourgaize, at the Grower Liaison Committee meetings. Bockmann looks forward to the upcoming crop and discusses the forecast and looks forward to more wins that the team has been working

21 Kagome Partnership New Almond Breeze ® partner, Kagome Co., in Japan will focus on accelerating market growth and driving demand for Almond Breeze ® with new Blue Diamond products through Kagome launching in September 2024. 26 NEW! Membership Basics Director of Member Relations, Ben Goudie introduces “Membership Basics,” a column where he will dive deep into foundational topics from contracts and assignments to deferrals and investment opportunities. Goudie’s aim is to help demystify the complex and help you become an even more knowledgeable grower-member.

hard to achieve for the cooperative. 20 Port of Oakland Update

Steve Schult, Blue Diamond ’s VP of Global Supply Chain, provides an update on the state of the Port of Oakland.

ON THE COVER: Blue Diamond’s Limited Edition, Ranch flavored almonds are a must try! Get them at your local retailer!

MAY–JUNE 2024

Matthew Efird | Fresno Joe Huston | Monterey Kristin Daley | San Francisco

Kai Bockmann, President and CEO

ALMOND FACTS STAFF Blue Diamond Growers Communications Department, communications@bdgrowers.com

Jillian Luna, Managing Editor Jake Sonke, Assistant Editor Mel Machado, Contributing Photographer Gray Allen, Advertising Sales 916.783.4334 & 916.765.3234

Blue Diamond , the world’s largest processor and marketer of almonds, exports to over 100 countries.

Almond Facts , established in 1922, is published bimonthly by Blue Diamond Growers , 1802 C Street, Sacramento, California 95811. Address all correspondence to the Editor, Almond Facts , P.O. Box 1768, Sacramento, California 95812. Advertising subscription rates provided upon request. Blue Diamond is a registered trademark and marketing brand of Blue Diamond Growers . Other registered trademarks are The Almond People, Smokehouse, Golden State, Celebration, From the Valleys of California, Confetti and Almond Facts . Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication. Blue Diamond reserves the right to refuse advertising. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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ALMOND FACTS

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

I can hardly believe that summer is just around the corner. It’s been great to connect with many of you throughout these past couple of months. Whether you were able to catch the webinar update with Mel Machado, Laura Gerhard, and me, or joined us at the Grower Liaison Committee meetings, it’s important that we stay connected on all things happening at Blue Diamond. We are all working hard to ensure our success in these tough market conditions. I am committed to strengthening our lines of communication and ensuring that we keep you up to date on our growth plans.

I wasn’t the only one on the road; I know some of you had the opportunity to meet Carmen Bourgaize, our Chief Commercial Officer, at several of the Grower Liaison Committee meetings. You may recall Carmen was unable to attend the Annual Grower Meeting last November because she was hard at work selling your almonds and building relationships with potential customers. Carmen has extensive experience when it comes to managing commercial functions, as well as deep knowledge of the market, consumer behavior and strategic planning. I hope you had the chance to engage with her and discuss what’s on your mind. Carmen and her team are leading the charge to bring more Blue Diamond almonds to customers everywhere. Our new Thin Dipped Almonds range is reaching across U.S. retailers and will soon be available in over 1,400 Albertson’s stores starting in June, and expanding to 500 additional locations this fall. You can also keep an eye out for Thin Dipped Almonds landing at 7-Eleven locations near you this summer. In early May, members of the sales team and I attended the INC World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress 2024 in Vancouver, Canada. The INC conference gathers professionals, experts, researchers and stakeholders from around the world to discuss various aspects of the industry, including production, processing, marketing, health benefits, innovation and sustainability. It was great to be there, especially because

we are growing and expanding our product lines in the Canadian market. In fact, just this week, Walmart Canada listed our new range of mid-size bags. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce Canadian shoppers to our popular Smokehouse, Honey Roasted and Wasabi & Soy flavors this August. I will share more on some of our wins in Canada in the coming months. I know many of you joined us for the Masters Meeting in April and received important updates directly from industry leaders. We are keeping a close eye on the crop this year given the plentiful April showers and unexpected hail in some parts of the valley. We know that many growers have battled with the inclement weather, making it difficult to tend to the orchards. Based on the most recent Land IQ estimates, we have seen a decrease in the total acreage of land where almond trees are growing compared to the last few years. Plantings of new orchards have diminished in recent years, due to the challenging times all of you in the almond industry are enduring. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) also released their Subject Crop Forecast for the 2024 almond crop, and based on the same acreage as last year, they have forecast that 3.0 billion pounds of almonds will be harvested. Mel Machado tells me that the new crop appears to be developing well ahead of last year’s.

Kai Bockmann President & CEO

ALMOND FACTS

In the coming months, I plan to meet with many more of you. Meeting with you all is one of the highlights of what I do. Our people, our farmers and our employees make the difference and shape Blue Diamond . Although we’ve had to adjust our approach and navigate the changing winds, I remain positive and excited about what we can achieve at Blue Diamond . Brick by brick, we are building

a solid foundation for the future. I couldn’t wish to be doing this with a better team than you, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Kai Bockmann President & CEO

MAY–JUNE 2024

CHAIRMAN ’ S MESSAGE

A Letter from Steve Van Duyn, Blue Diamond ’s Chairman of the Board It’s been nearly a year since Blue Diamond launched its new strategic growth plan and I’m pleased to see the progress we’ve made. I am sure you’ve enjoyed hearing about the consistent wins the team is working so hard to achieve. The plan focuses on reinforcing our core business, expanding into new markets and innovative product lines, and of course optimizing costs where we can. It’s encouraging to see that, even in these difficult market conditions, we’re making strides in expanding our business and finding new customers both domestically and internationally. While Kai shared in April’s webinar that Blue Diamond is advancing with a heavy foot on the gas pedal, let’s all remember that even though we’ve been gaining some excellent ground with these wins, we won’t truly reap the benefits until next year and beyond. Much like the work we do in our almond orchards, the trees we plant and tend to today become fruit harvested the following season. The world will always need almonds, and we all know the best almonds come from Blue Diamond . Thank you for working so hard day in and day out to ensure your almonds are the highest quality the world has come to know and expect from Blue Diamond . I am proud to call you my colleagues and friends. You truly make a difference. These are tough times for sure, but as a 114-year-old cooperative, we know how to manage the rough with the smooth. With your continued dedication, we will blaze forward and bring more of our almonds to families across the world. I am confident in the leadership team and the plan in place. Good times are coming again, and I want to enjoy those with you just as much as I’ve been honored to link arms and walk through the tough times together. We’re stronger when we stand together. Thank you for your continued commitment to Blue Diamond and to a successful future for all of us.

Steve Van Duyn Chairman of the Board

ALMOND FACTS

MAY–JUNE 2024

FIELD TEAM

Regional Managers

Vice President, Member Relations Mel Machado

Tehama, Butte, Glenn, Sutter, & Yuba Christine Ivory, (530) 518-9109 Colusa, Yolo & Solano Nicole Jansen, (530) 338-6440 Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, North of Hwy 205 & East of San Joaquin River KC Clendenin, (209) 596-5375 San Joaquin County, West of San Joaquin River & South of Hwy 205 Stanislaus County, North of Tuolumne River & Hwy 132 Justin Elam, (209) 303-7306 Stanislaus County, East of Hwy 99, South of Tuolumne River Austin Jackson, (209) 417-2010 Stanislaus County, West of Hwy 99, South of Tuolumne River, South of Grayson & Howard Road’s West of San Joaquin River Merced County, North of Merced River & Hills Ferry & Stuhr Roads Trent Voss, (209) 470-5981 Merced County, South of Merced River & Hills Ferry Merced County, South of Hwy 140 Madera County, North of Avenue 12, Firebaugh Blvd, Avenue 7½, & W. Nees Avenue Carla Youngblood, (559) 240-0906 Madera County, South of Avenue 12, Firebaugh Blvd, Avenue 7½ & W. Nees Avenue, Fresno County, North of Hwy 201/Avenue 400, North of Conejo Avenue & Kamm Fresno County, South of Hwy 201/Avenue 400, South of Conejo Avenue & Kamm Avenue, East of Derrick Avenue, Tulare County, Kings County, & Kern County Anthony Scudder, (559) 470-9731 Membership Office Jennifer Claussen Supervisor – Member Relations Administration (209) 545-6225 & Stuhr Roads, North of Hwy 140 Kenny Miyamoto, (209) 323-8454 Avenue, West of Derrick Avenue Ashley Correia, (559) 356-1584

(209) 545-6222 – Salida (209) 531-6352 – Cellular Director, Member Relations Ben Goudie (209) 225-0413

Daniel Dekeyrel Member Relations Coordinator (Delivery Tags) (209) 545-6261

ALMOND FACTS

2024 Grower Liaison Committee Members

LEGEND

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 2

Dan Cummings Fred Montgomery

John Monroe Elaine Rominger Gerald Rominger Jake Driver Ron Tadlock Jake Spooner

Chairman Vice-Chairman Ex-Officio Director Appointed (Member-at-Large) Almond Board Alternate

Daniel Varner Greg Overton

Darcy Jones Kevin Davies Timothy Perraie John Nock Meredith Christopher P. Samantha Lewis Larry Bradley Luke Konyn Tom Knowles

Amy Abele Kelli Evans

Carole M. Cain Catherine Cain Josh Pippit Catherine Marsh Michael Samra

Jacob Amsler Dustin Timothy

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 4

Dale Van Groningen Allen Sipma Bert Van Ryn Rudy Mussi Zack Reinstein Bruce Oosterkamp Donald Drake Noah Andersen Dirk Van Laar Tim Mohler Jeff Stuit Jack Dalton Clayton Bogetti

George te Velde Kevin Fondse Kenneth Roos Tim Roos Mike Ballatore

Dawn Price Ian Koetsier Lance Ioppini Wesley Eisenga Matt Visser Rick Van Vliet Spencer Franceschetti Martin Adrian Lukas Doornenbal Ed Tilma

For Grower Liaison contact information, please contact your regional manager.

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 8

DISTRICT 9

DISTRICT 7

Stephen Van Duyn Neil Van Duyn Brandon Riddle Mark Giannini Dennis Bowers Arthur Bowman Matt Fredriks Harry (Sonny) Johns Danielle Higby LeBeouf Tim Baker James Kinzie

Nick Blom Charles Crivelli III Steve Vilas Eric Genzoli Rod Vilas Rick Alvernaz Gary Marchy Dirk Van Konyenburg

Matt Efird George Goshgarian Aldo Sansoni Mike Yager Neil Amaral Mason McKinney Blake Little Colin Unruh Daniel Babshoff Melvin Lubisich Nayiri Saghdejian John Locker Andrew Cunha Ryan Metzler Michael Keith Smith

Kent Stenderup Clinton Shick Mark Tos Benjamin Wilson Paramjit Dosanjh Lisa Marroquin Shaminder S. Brar Gerard A. Loaiza

Dan Mendenhall Robert J. Weimer David P. Souza James Ohki Jason Chandler Dan Smith Dan Clendenin Rodney L. Voumard Michael Temnyk Rodney E. Ratzlaff Jr. Steve Moeller John Pereira Bryan Jacobs Rick Scoto

Justin Romero Derek Coelho Robert Mailloux Steve Scheuber Allen Peterson Jeff Lee Matt Romero

Chris Couture Pete Romanini Ankit Behl

Gordon Heinrich Chris Vanderstoel Jon Beck

Sam Ghilarducci Garrett Gilcrease John Allen

MAY–JUNE 2024

MARKET REPORT

ALMOND MARKET UPDATE

Blue Diamond Growers Almond Market Report – May 17, 2024

OVERVIEW Shipments for April totaled 241.5 million pounds, marking a 2% increase from the previous month and a 22% rise compared to the same period last year. April marks the second strongest shipping month of the crop year to date, coming in well above industry expectations. Domestic shipments achieved their best performance of the year at 64.8 million pounds, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous month and a 14% increase over last year. Export shipments turned in another strong month at 176.7 million pounds, up 1% from last month and up 26% from last year. Total shipments increased their lead over last year’s pace and are now 4.2% ahead.

SHIPMENTS India:

Shipments to India reached 33 million pounds, a 64% increase from last year with year-to-date shipments now 18% ahead of last year. Buying activity was limited in the weeks leading up to the Subjective Estimate but quickly picked up following its release. This uptick was expected given India will have to cover a good portion of its needs for Diwali from current crop supplies. The 2024 Diwali festival begins October 31, approximately two weeks earlier than in 2023. Demand is expected to persist in the coming weeks. China/Hong Kong/Vietnam: Shipments to the region totaled 12 million pounds, a 2% increase to last year. Year-to-date shipments are 13% behind last season. Buying activity was quiet and mainly limited to Australian purchases leading up to the Subjective Estimate. Activity increased following the estimate release, with buyers beginning to make new crop purchases.

ALMOND FACTS

Europe: Shipments to the region totaled 54 million pounds, a 6% increase over last year. Year-to-date shipments are now 6% ahead of last season. Demand has been favorable, driven by an increase in snack consumption in recent months, primarily due to more favorable pricing at the retail level. Middle East: Shipments to the Middle East were 27 million pounds, up 55% from last year with year-to-date sales now 4% ahead of last season. This region has been quite active with affordable pricing driving post-Ramadan demand. Buying activity is expected to continue as the market positions itself for the upcoming Eid al Adha festival in June. This region is expected to remain a bright spot for the industry going forward. Domestic: April shipments reached 64.8 million pounds, the strongest monthly performance all year, up 14% over the prior year. Year-to-date domestic shipments now stand at 547 million pounds, which is a modest 0.6% ahead. Buyers have re-entered the market as indicated by an 8% increase in sales over the previous month. With the published Subjective Estimate within industry expectations and a strong April shipment report, contracting activity is expected to pick up the balance of the current crop year. COMMITMENTS Total commitments improved for the third consecutive month compared to last season and now stand at 552.7 million pounds, which is 2% behind last year. Uncommitted inventory remains favorable at 557.7 million pounds reflecting a 29% decrease from last year. Buying patterns have remained hand-to-mouth all year, still seeing strong new sales for the month

MAY–JUNE 2024

MARKET REPORT

at 218.6 million pounds, up 20% from last year. Total new sales for the year now exceed last season by 7%. Assuming a 2.45-billion-pound crop, shipments and commitments represent 84% of total supply versus 76% last year. Given the current level of total commitments and the strong shipment pace sustained this crop year, the industry is on pace to reach a carryout below 500 million pounds, a level not seen in the past three years. This is a welcome sign and much needed as the industry eyes a larger 2024 crop ahead. CROP Land IQ posted their estimate for crop year 2024 bearing acreage of 1.373 million acres. This is a slight downturn from last year. The non-bearing acreage estimate will be released in November and is likely to be lower than last year’s 189,000 acres. New plantings are declining given the economic challenges for the grower. Total acreage peaked in 2021 at 1.65 million acres and has been trending downward. Depending on the results of the non-bearing portion, acreage has declined 8-10%. The 2024 Subjective Estimate was released on May 10 with the NASS forecasting a 3.0-billion-pound crop against 1.38 million bearing acres, which are unchanged from last year. This implies a yield of 2,170 pounds per acre. This estimate is widely considered price-neutral, given the industry was already pricing in a 3.0-billion-pound crop. Market Perspective April shipments exceeded market expectations for a second consecutive month. Both export and domestic shipments gave a strong performance to increase the shipment pace over last year while improving expectations for a carryout at or below 500 million pounds. Market activity has been limited with buyers waiting for the Subjective Estimate for price clarity and confidence. Buying activity is starting to pick up with that estimate behind us confirming market expectations for a 3.0-billion-pound crop. The demand outlook is positive as buyers look to cover their remaining needs of current crop supplies to ensure a smooth transition to the new crop. This should provide for stable to firmer pricing in the coming weeks.

Laura Gerhard, Vice President of Ingredients and International Branded, Blue Diamond Growers

ALMOND FACTS

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Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication.

MAY–JUNE 2024

NEWS IN A NUTSHELL

#WeAreBlueDiamond Social Media Activity Blue Diamond celebrated several new business milestones and opportunities on social media, including the release of the newest limited edition snack nuts: Ranch Flavored Almonds. Chilé ‘N Lime, a fan-favorite snack nut flavor, has joined the permanent rotation of flavors. Blue Diamond celebrated that it is now the “Official Snack of the Big Ten Conference.” Be on the lookout for more examples of Blue Diamond’s partnership with the TIAA Big Ten Conference in the coming months! In May, Blue Diamond launched the second year of enrollment for the USDA Climate Smart Grant. We’re also looking forward to exploring more recipes with almond ingredients and taking a closer look at what’s happening in the orchards throughout the year. Finally, we showcased our employees’ opportunities to volunteer in the local Stanislaus and Sacramento areas, sharing the Blue Diamond love with our neighbors in need!

ALMOND FACTS

MAY–JUNE 2024

NEWS IN A NUTSHELL

Blue Diamond Growers Awarded $3 Million from USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Funding Awards

Blue Diamond applauds the USDA’s announcement of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) funding awards and is pleased to have been awarded $3 million in funding that provides essential support for Blue Diamond ’s export promotion initiatives. This critical funding will benefit thousands of California almond farmers and their suppliers through international market expansion. 70% of California’s almonds are exported, making international sales an important source of value for the California almond industry, and Blue Diamond Growers has been active

in export promotion for over 60 years. Global market development is a core component of Blue Diamond ’s growth strategy; the cooperative has a proven track record of opening and developing new markets around the world for value-added almond products to the direct benefit of the California almond industry. In total, Blue Diamond has opened more than 100 markets and invests in advertising, promoting and selling to large food manufacturers and retailers. “The award of this funding by USDA demonstrates its understanding of the essential role international marketing

plays in the economic viability of our farmers, and we are very grateful for that,” stated Alicia Rockwell, Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer. “With RAPP funding, Blue Diamond looks forward to continuing this important work to drive long-term positive impacts for California almond farmers.” Blue Diamond would like to thank the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, USDA leadership, and congressional leaders for their efforts to establish this program and award funding to the California almond industry.

With RAPP funding, Blue Diamond looks forward to continuing this important work to drive long-term positive impacts for California almond farmers. — Alicia Rockwell, Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer, Blue Diamond Growers

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ALMOND FACTS

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BLUE DIAMOND INVESTMENT PROGRAMS Current Investment Rates available as of May 2024

Blue Diamond Growers offers members short-term and long- term investment programs. The objective of these programs is to serve as a competitive investment alternative for our members and to provide Blue Diamond Growers with a steady source of funds. The interest rates effective May 2024, for the program are listed here:

Short-Term Investment Certificate (STIC)

Long-Term Investment Certificate (LTIC) (Maturity Date of 6/30/2026)

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For more information, contact your local Regional Manager, or Member Services at (209) 545-6225.

This summary does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase investment certificates. We will provide a package of documents for the programs to those members who are California residents and who express an interest in participating in the program.

MAY–JUNE 2024

NEWS IN A NUTSHELL

Port of Oakland Update

Blue Diamond Growers : Enduring Partnerships, Navigating Disruptions Since the 1930s, Blue Diamond Growers has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Port of Oakland, utilizing its facilities as a primary conduit for shipping almonds to over 100 global markets. This partnership has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Blue Diamond Growers and the Port of Oakland, shaping the landscape of agricultural exports in California and beyond. Through periods of economic prosperity and uncertainty, the partnership has remained steadfast. During the Great Depression, when financial hardships gripped the nation, the port was a lifeline for

California’s agricultural producers, providing access to global markets and sustaining the state’s economy. Similarly, in recent years, amid international trade tensions and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the port has continued to serve as a gateway for Blue Diamond . Navigating Labor Disputes: Striking a Balance In the past, labor disputes with West Coast Dock Workers had disrupted operations and caused delays and uncertainties in the export process for several years. Strikes and slowdowns that had stemmed from negotiations between labor unions and port management had strained the supply chain and impacted the timely shipment of Blue Diamond ’s almonds. Fortunately, members of the ILWU voted 75% in favor of approving the West Coast port worker agreement that will expire on July 1, 2028. Downtown Ballpark Proposal: Shifting Landscapes Previously proposed construction of a water-front ballpark near the port at the Howard Street Terminal introduced a new dimension of complexity, raising concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure strain and logistical challenges. As plans for the ballpark took shape, stakeholders grappled with the potential ramifications on port operations, including access to terminals, congestion along transport routes and the overall efficiency of cargo handling. However, the proposal failed to gain traction due to the team’s decision to leave Oakland and search for a new city. The vacancy has opened opportunities to rezone the Howard Street Terminal for industrial use, which once again will serve as a critical economic resource to ensure the port’s maritime support of agricultural products for California and inland producers. Investment in Sustainable and Renewable Energy: Recent investments at the Port of Oakland include hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure and electrification projects. These initiatives aim to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. The port has leveraged expertise and resources to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions through partnerships with companies specializing in hydrogen fuel

ALMOND FACTS

Our Partnership and Future Look Bright: Blue Diamond Growers ’ legacy intertwines with the Port of Oakland’s future as a pivotal cargo hub. Despite challenges, the port remains committed to efficiently delivering cargo, ensuring Blue Diamond ’s almonds reach global markets for years. Collaboration and innovation pave the way for sustained success in maritime trade.

cell technology and electric vehicle infrastructure. Critical support from local, state and federal government agencies has also provided support for hydrogen and electrification projects at the Port of Oakland through funding, incentives and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable transportation. Global Disruption and a Return to Normal: Global disruptions, such as Middle East conflicts and Panama Canal congestion, have shifted shipping volumes from the East Coast to the West Coast, increasing cargo to the Port of Oakland. Despite challenges, the port foresees a return to normalcy as supply chains stabilize. Collaboration and adaptability are crucial for navigating uncertainties and ensuring a resilient maritime trade environment amidst evolving dynamics.

Steve Schult, Vice President, Global Supply Chain, Blue Diamond Growers

Blue Diamond ’s New Almond Breeze ® Partner in Japan: Kagome Blue Diamond has a new Almond Breeze ® partner, Kagome Co., for all production and distribution in Japan. The partnership will focus on accelerating market growth and driving new demand for Almond Breeze ® with new Blue Diamond products through Kagome launching in September 2024. The almondmilk category in Japan continues to see year-over-year growth as health-conscious consumers look for more plant-based products and ingredients. Almond Breeze ® almondmilk meets consumers’ needs for a healthy product that also delivers in taste. The partnership will harness the great qualities of Almond Breeze ® while leveraging the in-market expertise of Kagome Co. to drive additional consumption within Japan.

“Both Blue Diamond and Kagome have a rich history rooted in strong values and a commitment to producing quality products for consumers,” said Kai Bockmann, President and CEO of Blue Diamond Growers . “I look forward to our strong partnership that will create growth in Japan and ultimately, support our 3,000 California almond growers.” Blue Diamond selected Kagome as its licensee partner after a rigorous evaluation process. Like Blue Diamond , Kagome has been in the market for over 100 years with an integrated value chain from agriculture to production, processing and sales. Kagome’s processing and marketing capabilities and well-established distribution network within the Japanese market demonstrate its unique position to deliver great results with Almond Breeze . ®

MAY–JUNE 2024

NEWS IN A NUTSHELL

Cinnamon Roll Smoothie Prep Time: 10 minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 2

Ingredients ½ cup rolled oats 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 Tablespoon honey 1 cup Almond Breeze ® Original Almond & Oat Blend

Directions 1. In a blender, add oats, yogurt, honey, almond and oat blend, cinnamon, banana and ice cubes. Blend until smooth. 2. Serve and refrigerate leftovers.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 banana, frozen 1 cup ice cubes

ALMOND FACTS

Lemon Zucchini Cake Bake Time: 55 minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 10

Ingredients For Cake: 2 cups cake flour 1¼ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1¼ cups granulated sugar 6 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 eggs room temperature ⅓ cup Almond Breeze ® Vanilla Almondmilk 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract 1½ cups shredded zucchini drained and squeezed dry 2 Tablespoons lemon zest For Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1-2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a loaf pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside. 2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and whisk together. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and olive oil. Whisk to combine. Add eggs and almondmilk and whisk together. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract and stir to combine. Add flour mixture and stir just until incorporated. Fold in zucchini and lemon zest.

3. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. The top of the cake should look dry. 4. Place the loaf on a cooling rack and cool for 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to carefully lift the cake from the pan. Let cool completely on rack. 5. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cake. Slice and serve.

MAY–JUNE 2024

CORNERING THE MARKET

Blue Diamond Launches Limited-Edition Ranch Flavored Almonds

Trending Ranch flavor will be a new summertime favorite snack

Blue Diamond has officially launched an exciting, new snack nut flavor: Ranch Flavored Almonds. With cool, zesty herbs and spices, the latest addition to Blue Diamond ’s limited-edition line of snack nuts packs a delicious, ranch-flavored punch. Blue Diamond is a world-class leader in analyzing consumer trends and forecasting the flavors that snackers enjoy. Blue Diamond has established several award-winning additions to its flavor roster in recent years, including the 2023 People Food Award winner Chile ‘N Lime and the 2024 Good Housekeeping Best Snack Award winner, Thin Dipped Double Dark Chocolate, both of which are now permanent additions to the snacking portfolio. Recent research found that 70% of ranch flavor usage occurs outside of the salad bowl, presenting a prime opportunity to introduce a snack nut flavor that consumers are craving across a range of food channels. “We’re so excited to bring a flavor that is loved by so many to our Blue Diamond snack portfolio,” said Maya Erwin, Vice President, Marketing & Innovation, Blue Diamond Growers . “We’re always looking for new ways to incorporate trending flavors into our products,

and with Ranch, we hope our customers feel inspired to take their taste buds to a new level of deliciousness.” Blue Diamond ’s Ranch flavored almonds contain 6 grams of protein per serving and are vegan, kosher, Ketogenic Certified, and Non-GMO Project verified. Available in a variety of sizes, the 6-ounce, 40-ounce and 45-ounce options are portable and resealable, making Ranch Almonds the perfect addition for summer entertainment, family gatherings or whenever hunger strikes! The limited-edition flavor will be available in select sizes at the following retail locations: • Walmart – 6-ounce cans will be available May 2024 - October 2024. • Costco – 45-ounce bags will be available May 2024 while supplies last. • Sam’s Club – 40-ounce bags will be available August 2024 while supplies last.

ALMOND FACTS

Blue Diamond ’s Almond Breeze ® Wins “Thailand’s Most Admired Brand” for Second Consecutive Year

For the second year in a row, Blue Diamond ’s Almond Breeze ® almondmilk has received “Thailand’s Most Admired Brand” award by BrandAge Magazine. The award, which is based on a rigorous screening process that includes ratings from expert marketers, honors the top choice brands for Thai consumers. Blue Diamond ’s Almond Breeze ® is currently the number one almondmilk within Thailand. The award recognizes Blue Diamond ’s high-quality product and deep commitment to satisfying customers’ desires for plant-based milk. For several years, the plant-based milk category in Thailand has seen significant growth due to the increase of health-conscious consumers. While dairy and soy milk have historically dominated the market, consumers became more interested in milk alternatives following the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the category has grown exponentially with almondmilk holding the largest share of the plant-based milk market. Since Blue Diamond ’s Almond Breeze ® launch in Thailand, it has become the consumer favorite. Walaitip Suetrongmunkong, Communication Director of Heritage Group, revealed that Thai consumers choose Almond Breeze ® for several reasons: First, because of Almond Breeze ’s ® position as a global brand and the number one almondmilk brand in the United States. Second, Blue Diamond products are made from high-quality California almonds. And third, Blue Diamond continues to produce locally relevant products to suit the needs and tastes of Thai consumers. Because of the high-demand for Almond Breeze ® almondmilk, Blue Diamond launched Almond Breeze ® Drinking Yogurt, a desirable product for Thai consumers that is rich in nutrients like calcium and Vitamin E, is dairy-free, soy-free and contains no cholesterol. It provides an option for those who are lactose-intolerant, interested in alternative milk products or who adhere to a vegan diet. The product uses high-quality, fermented almondmilk mixed with real, fresh juice and is offered in two flavors: Tropical Fruit and Mixed Berries.

MAY–JUNE 2024

MEMBERSHIP BASICS

Planning for the 2024 Harvest I’d like to introduce you to a new column called “Membership Basics” where we’ll have the opportunity to explore foundational topics of importance to you as a Blue Diamond grower-member. If you are like many Blue Diamond grower-members you likely have a good understanding of the contract, paperwork and systems that enable you to manage your farm with Blue Diamond each year. But do you truly know the process behind the paperwork, and why our programs work as they do ? Each month, the goal will be to “lift the hood” on one to two processes and dig deep so that you can become a more knowledgeable grower-member. From contracts and assignments to deferrals and investment opportunities, Blue Diamond processes can be complex. My goal will be to demystify these subjects and simplify the complex. For this first article, I think it’s most appropriate to take on what’s bearing down on us right now, which is the 2024 crop. Believe it or not, that crop will be ready for harvest before we know it! Being extraordinary at the basics is a mantra often heard around the membership offices. In that spirit, let’s take a look at the most basic considerations for getting this crop harvested, delivered and paid out to you.

Accurate Acreage is the Foundation Each year at Blue Diamond we receive, grade, process and make payments on approximately 50,000 individual lots or deliveries. Amazingly, we do this with unbelievable accuracy and although errors are possible, we do our best to try to avoid inaccuracies, which starts with sound data. We leverage our custom Grower Information System (GIS) which manages this stream of data all through the process from receiving pit to your bank account. All of it is based on the information set up in your contract and sub-contracts. Accurate information is the foundation. The very simple point to be made here is that we need to have the most accurate and up to date acreage information and payment instructions for everything to work as planned. Please let us know if you’ve pulled any orchards, sold orchards or reduced any acreage. Double-check your acreage records on any young orchards that will be coming into their first harvest this year.

Huller Changes We will start to print delivery tags after the first of June. As mentioned, it is essential that each tag be coded to the correct sub-contract, which is based on acreage records as mentioned to the left. A key piece of information that gets printed on the tag is the huller identification number. If you plan on changing your huller, we need to know that as well. Although we do make additional tag printing runs after the initial print period, it is much more efficient to print them in the first round as it saves us the need for smaller custom printing that we do in-house. The later we get this information, the more work it takes to ensure accuracy as we often must add, replace and deliver new tags once we are close to harvest in August. One additional note that is important to consider if you change hullers this year: if you had an assignment directing Blue Diamond to pay funds from your sub-contract to your previous huller, the previous huller will need to submit a termination of assignment form to stop the assessment of hulling fees. Just notifying us of a hulling change will not automatically affect any assignments currently in place. Please contact your Regional Manager or the Grower Information Portal for assignment termination forms.

ALMOND FACTS

Assignments Assignments are a service from the cooperative that allows you to divert funds from a crop payment to another party. We’ll go more in-depth on assignments in a future article, but for now, I want to focus on the assignments that need renewals. Each year, we have hundreds of assignments that end with the previous crop year. If you want to continue paying funds to another party out of the new crop year, these assignments will need to be renewed. Grower Accounting recently sent out notices to growers-members with assignments that ended with the 2023 crop year. Please be sure to sign and complete the form with the assignee’s signature and return it as soon as possible so we can process them before harvest. If you need additional forms for new assignments, they are available at www.bluediamondgrowers.com or in the forms section of the Grower Information Portal. Set Up Direct Deposit Believe it or not, only about 60% of Blue Diamond grower- members receive their crop payments via direct deposit. I know many people feel more comfortable with a physical check, but direct deposits are more secure and efficient. Why wait for the mail to arrive when at a stroke past midnight on payment day, your funds are deposited silently and securely into your bank account ? Unfortunately, with regular checks, our Grower Accounting department sometimes must reissue checks that are lost or stolen. Not counting the time that is spent simply printing new checks, we often must issue a stop payment, which racks up fees and takes additional time. To set up direct deposit, you will need to request a direct deposit form directly from your Regional Manager. For security reasons, we do not offer these forms online. Plan on sending the form to us at least two weeks prior to the first anticipated payment window, as processing takes time to complete and verify. That said, once it’s set up, it will run like clockwork for future payments. If you’re not yet prepared to drop the paper check, let me make one more appeal, this time to efficiency. Printing standard checks takes hours to print, stuff in envelopes and add postage. This is a considerable cost, given the thousands of checks we print and mail for each payment run. We all want to be as efficient as possible at Blue Diamond , because as a cooperative grower-member, you benefit from that efficiency too.

50 TH ANNIVERSARY 1974-2024

Thank you!

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MAY–JUNE 2024

MEMBERSHIP BASICS

Not Too Early for Tax Planning If you are considering deferring any income this year you will need to make the decision at least two weeks prior to your first delivery of the 2024 crop. Ideally, we’d like to have deferral forms in place and processed as soon as you make the decision to delay funds. It may seem early, but tax planning starts now. Touching base with your accountant soon to run scenarios will help you make the call if deferring is right for you. Unfortunately, we cannot retroactively defer payments from any sub-contract after you have received any funds for the crop year from that sub-contract . If you had deferred income in the past, we will be sending deferral forms directly to you for your convenience and prompt processing. Deferral forms are located at www.bluediamondgrowers.com or in the Grower Information Portal. Are You on the Portal? The Grower Information Portal is your all-access window to your Blue Diamond records and information. It houses all your recent and previous crop year’s delivery, grade, yield records, payment history and other key information. The system provides a current view of up-to-date data. One piece of feedback that I often hear from grower- members is how easy it is to keep informed with delivery and grade information as it gets posted in real time. Another nice feature is the handy library of preset reports that is helpful in record keeping and planning. The portal is accessible by any web enabled device including smart phones and tablets, as well as your computer at home. It is secured utilizing a two-factor authentication which keeps your account information viewable only to you. A good number of our grower-members are already on the system, and if you are not, I encourage you to sign up. For more information and to sign up please email Membership Coordinator, Daniel Dekeyrel at ddekeyrel@bdgrowers.com.

Your Regional Manager is here to help! One last focus item that I’ll mention is that in the past, the Grower Accounting Department has been open to receive direct calls from grower-members, and you might have noticed that our recent publications now list only the Salida Membership Office and direct contact information for your local Regional Manager. This is a change made to direct phone traffic directly to your frontline Regional Manager or the Membership office as your first point of contact. Our Grower Accounting Department experiences a high volume of transactions and I think you’ll agree that we would like their first focus to be on managing Blue Diamond ’s payment process. So, having our Membership team manage calls allows them to do what they do best: pay you. We are here to help you excel at the basics. I know that if we partner together to focus on the details, we will be ready for this year’s harvest!

Ben Goudie, Director, Member Relations, Blue Diamond Growers

ALMOND FACTS

GROWING THE GOODNESS

Day in the Dirt – 2024

As part of Blue Diamond ’s continuing partnership with local nonprofit organizations, employees recently participated in the fifth “Day in the Dirt” volunteer day with The GreenHouse, a 501(c)(3) organization located in the Gardenland/Northgate region of Sacramento. The GreenHouse offers after-school tutoring, mentoring, culinary and gardening education, and leadership development for youth in a neighborhood with one of the highest concentrations of children. The GreenHouse is a repeat recipient of Blue Diamond ’s Community Giving program, which offers small grants to local nonprofit organizations that reflect the cooperative’s values. In addition to their participation in the Community Giving program, Blue Diamond also participates in the annual “Day in the Dirt,” an opportunity for employees to serve in The GreenHouse’s educational garden. This garden is a cornerstone of The GreenHouse’s summer programs, serving as an “outdoor classroom” that allows elementary students to learn more about gardening and the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Blue Diamond employees took a few hours to weed the garden, rebuild planters and trellises and install a new potting bench, which is decorated with tiles that were hand-painted by The GreenHouse students.

ALMOND FACTS

Each year, we can’t wait for Day in the Dirt with Blue Diamond. The efforts of the volunteers who invest in The GreenHouse’s Educational Garden [are] incredibly significant as we move towards spring and summer, our full season. Students learn, tend, and harvest which becomes sharing, sampling and preparing food. Blue Diamond’s investment is pivotal in laying the foundation for this growth in our youth and community. We are so grateful for your significant partnership! — Heather Haight, Executive Director, The GreenHouse

Like many other businesses in the food and agriculture industry, Blue Diamond Growers is compelled and honored to support our local communities. We take our commitment seriously, ensuring that the nonprofits we partner with reflect the values of our cooperative and have lasting, tangible effects on the communities where our growers and employees live. — Alicia Rockwell, Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer, Blue Diamond Growers

MAY–JUNE 2024

GROWING THE GOODNESS

111 th First Lady’s Luncheon Featured Blue Diamond Snack Nuts The Congressional Club’s First Lady’s Luncheon is one of Washington DC’s historical, bipartisan annual events held in honor of the First Lady and in support of bipartisan community service. The theme of the 111 th luncheon, “Soaring to New Heights,” embodied the mission of the Congressional Club: to set aside differences and work together for the betterment of our country. First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, Ed.D. spoke on the administration’s dedication to improving care for women’s health needs. Blue Diamond has supported and attended the event twice, this year and under the prior administration, honoring both first ladies. This year working closely with the spouses of Congressmen Obernolte, Garamendi and Duarte, Blue Diamond provided snack nuts for each attendee’s individual charcuterie board!

A Presidential Snack! Did you know that Blue Diamond almonds are a cherished snack of U.S. presidents ? Snack nuts are served on Air Force One, Marine One, and in special presidential areas like the private box at the Kennedy Center.

ALMOND FACTS

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