Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s largest almond cooperative, held its 115th annual meeting on Nov. 19, highlighting a year shaped by decisive operational changes and long-term strategic planning.

Kai Bockmann, president and CEO of Blue Diamond Growers, told attendees the cooperative navigated a difficult year by acting with “urgency and clarity” to strengthen competitiveness and improve grower returns.

“Our industry is facing real headwinds, from rising input costs and pest-related crop damage to persistent market volatility,” Bockmann said. “But we must stay focused on what matters most: maximizing returns for our growers while building a cooperative that will thrive for generations to come.”

Blue Diamond leaders detailed steps taken in 2025 to increase efficiency and reinforce the cooperative’s market position across three strategic areas.

Transforming operations

Earlier this year, the cooperative announced plans to close its Sacramento manufacturing plant and consolidate production at its Turlock and Salida facilities. Blue Diamond said the move will improve efficiency and sustainability while bringing operations closer to the almond-growing regions central to the cooperative.

“It comes down to one fundamental thing: building a stronger and more profitable Blue Diamond that provides the best return for our growers’ almonds,” Bockmann said. “We’ve made tough calls this year with decisions that position us for long-term success.”

Driving brand performance and innovation

Despite softness in the broader category, Blue Diamond retained the No. 1 position in both almondmilk and snack almonds. The cooperative completed its first brand refresh in more than 20 years and introduced new product lines, including Almonds and More mixed nuts and almond-fruit blends launched with Oppy, helping establish a presence in the produce department.

Limited-time flavors such as Cherry Slurpee and Mike’s Hot Honey also contributed to consumer excitement and brand visibility.

Expanding international markets

Blue Diamond reported continued global expansion. In Canada, the cooperative grew distribution with major retailers at a pace exceeding both category and private-label growth. Strategic beverage partnerships advanced in Japan, and new flavor tests began in Europe to support retailer expansion. In-shell almonds also posted strong gains in India, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year

Board Chairman Steve Van Duyn presented the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador Award to George Goshgarian Jr., a Fresno grower whose family has been part of the cooperative for nearly 50 years. Goshgarian is completing his MBA at Fresno Pacific University.

For more than 13 years, he has served in multiple roles with the Almond Board of California, including on the Environmental Committee, Almond Quality and Food Safety Services Committee and Strategic Ag Innovation Committee. He also served eight years on the board of directors, including two terms as vice chair.

“Serving at the Almond Board gives even the smallest farming operation a seat at the table,” Goshgarian said. “I’ve been very proud to represent Blue Diamond at the Almond Board of California for more than a decade.”

Bockmann closed the meeting by emphasizing the cooperative’s readiness for the future.

“Our balance sheet is strong, our strategy is clear and our team is energized to execute,” he said. “The coming year — and beyond — is about translating strategy into results. We do this in service to our growers, and we’re confident in the direction and path forward.”