PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Now that summer is in full swing and we’re all feeling the heat, there is no denying that harvest season will be here before we know it.
Back in June, we announced the decision to close the Sacramento plant and consolidate our operations to Turlock and Salida. Since then, we have made significant progress in advancing our plan, and the team has been at the heart of it all. We are staying aligned with each phase of the plan and the goal is to keep things running efficiently from start to finish, with clear and open communication every step of the way. I have said this many times to the team here, but I truly admire and respect how everyone, including the Sacramento team members, has been navigating this change. Transitions like this are never easy, but we are supporting every member of our team. We are in it for the long haul and our goal is to make this change as smooth and well executed as possible for everyone involved. At the end of the day, the focus is on pushing forward and ensuring we’re in a strong position to close this chapter and double down on what drives value. While we’re on the subject of change, I’m excited to
us from NatureSweet, the leading snacking tomato brand in the U.S., where he most recently served as CFO, vice president, and board member. At Blue Diamond , Fred will lead both the Finance and IT teams. His extensive experience across the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia will play a key role in driving our strategy forward. Fred is looking forward to making Sacramento his new home, and I am excited to have him on board. From new leadership to bold partnerships, fresh faces are shaping Blue Diamond , and I am sure you will recognize Venus Williams ‘serving up’ our Snack Almonds. We’ve partnered with the tennis champion for a national sweepstakes celebrating our premium almond line, now available in the produce aisle. These premium almonds have no added oils or artificial flavors, and the Sea Salt Almonds & Blueberries variety has been a standout! With even more flavors to explore, like Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Oven Roasted Honey, and Whole Natural, there’s something for everyone. It was great to connect with everyone at the District Meetings and hear directly from you all about the many challenges you are facing. The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2025 California Almond Objective Measurement Report which set the crop at three billion pounds. It’s been at the top of everyone’s mind, and if you were able to attend the District Meetings, you heard Mel Machado talk about it. The three-billion-pound forecast came as a surprise to many in the
Kai Bockmann President & CEO
welcome a new member of our leadership team, Fred Steunou, our chief financial officer!
Fred has an impressive track record of driving growth across multiple industries. He joins
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ALMOND FACTS
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