PRESIDENT’S CORNER
A Fresh Start to the New Year It was refreshing to see the year close out in December with a decent amount of rain throughout our Central Valley and reservoir-replenishing snow in the Sierras. I’m sure your orchards appreciated the much-anticipated drink. While January failed to provide additional rain, and more importantly snow, we remain hopeful that conditions over the next weeks will support the 2022 bloom and bring us much needed, but well-timed precipitation.
It appears the 2021 crop will reach 2.85 to 2.90 billion pounds, which is above the NASS Objective Crop Forecast. Anticipated to be the second largest crop on the heels of the 2020 record crop, the industry’s supply of almonds remains strong. Even as our industry continues to work through shipping and supply chain issues market prices have stayed consistently above 2020’s low levels. Going forward we hope to see this pricing stability continue, but bloom weather and ending inventory may put pressure on current levels for selected sizes and varieties. The Blue Diamond team remains laser focused on a collective mission to deliver the benefits of your almonds to the world. Despite entering a third year of this global pandemic, our investment in health and safety protocols and protections has certainly paid off, keeping our team members healthy and the manufacturing lines running. The domestic and international shipping and storage issues related to COVID-19 continue to be a challenge. I was pleased to see the USDA recently commit to a partnership with the Port of Oakland to increase capacity at the port. Behind the scenes, our supply chain leaders continue working directly with the ports and carriers to ensure alternative and long-term solutions. I know that you all have been experiencing your own challenges in the form of rising prices and shortages of resources needed to produce your crop.
With back-to-back years of record or near-record sized crops, the outlook for a larger carryout creates the need for demand expansion. We continue to explore innovative flavors and creative uses for almonds, with several new and exciting products anticipated this year to attract new customers, add value to the crop, and help ensure a strong competitive return for our growers. Following all safety protocols for travel and public gatherings, our marketing teams are once again exhibiting in person at select trade shows, including participating in an overseas trade mission with the U.S. Ag Secretary, to encourage shipment growth. Along the lines of market expansion, we applaud the Almond Board’s increased investment in marketing for the industry, including a new wellness advertising campaign in the U.S. and supplemental funds overseas for the key markets of India and Italy. Blue Diamond strongly supports such activities and recognizes the urgency needed in keeping up consumption momentum around the globe. By the time you’re reading this, most orchards throughout the state will be well past the green tip stage if not already pushing bloom. As I’m sure you can appreciate, bloom is a favorite time of year for us all when stunning orchard visuals remind the world of the importance of California’s almond industry. We will once again use bloom as the perfect opportunity to highlight grower participation in Blue Diamond ’s newly rebranded Orchard
Mark Jansen President & CEO
6
A L M O N D F A C T S
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker