Blue Diamond expects record growth in almond market outside the US

25 November 2010 – Speaking to over 2000 almond growers at Blue Diamond’s centennial annual meeting, president and CEO, Mark Jansen, predicts that “within four years, at current growth rates, demand for CA almonds could reach 2 billion pounds.”

He adds, “Currently, industry almond consumption is trending toward a record 1.6 billion pounds with carryout at uncharacteristically low levels. Even in a record year, this is a clear indication that demand is exceeding supply.”

Jansen outlined a strategic direction to identify markets outside the US. “Our plan to expand our brand globally will dictate that we invest in new plant technologies more significantly to generate higher yields and increase efficiency,” says Jansen. "”We have projected a 15-year time horizon to gradually phase in our capital investments while consistently delivering superior grower returns.”

According to its just released 2009-10 annual report, Blue Diamond’s branded consumer business sales continued its 10-year double-digit compounded annual growth rate. The cooperative’s global franchise as the premier almond ingredient supplier quadrupled in 2009-10 versus the previous year; the processed ingredient business that sells to major global food companies averaged a 30 percent increase. As California’s largest food export, almond sales to China, India and the Middle East also grew by double-digits.