Markets/Trade
- Elaine Watson reports for FoodNavigator-USA.com that Blue Diamond continues to see large sales growth in both new and old products as demand for almonds and almond products continues to climb. Lured by the great taste and health benefits as well as their ability to blend well with many snack choices, consumers can’t seem to get enough California almonds. Future demand is expected to be limited only by supply, especially with the uncertainty of the 2014 crop.
- FreshFruitPortal.com reports that after 6 years of drought Australia’s almond growers are staging a recovery in their “biggest growth phase ever,” rising from under 50,000 metric tons in 2012 to 70,000 metric tons in 2013 and overtaking Spain as the second largest almond producer. Industry officials highlight the importance of working together with the California almond industry, noting that while the two compete on an individual basis, the growth in global demand benefits both industries. California’s global marketing campaign has benefited Australian growers, while any growth in demand contributed by the Australian industry will benefit California as there’s an 82% that kernel will be California grown.
On the Lighter Side
- The Merced Sun-Star reports that Zinke Farms is a local almond company in Chowchilla, California, between Fresno and Modesto. The family owned business was started in the late 50s and has expanded from an orchard to include a hulling and a processing plant. Zinke Hullers, Inc. and Zinke Orchards, Inc. make the 3 company family business its own private industry chain, providing almond butter, pasteurized nuts for snacks, and almond hulls for livestock feed, serving their community and representing the almond industry on a national level.
