According to Blue Diamond Growers’ CEO Mark Jansen, almond sales for the co-op increased significantly in fiscal year 2012/13 – increasing by $189 million to total $1.2 billion. Value-added sales volume increased 14% and value-added sales accounted for 60% of the co-op’s revenue as Blue Diamond transforms itself into a global branded food manufacturing company. For the third consecutive year growers saw a record returning-revenue per acre with total payments to growers equaling $828 million. In June 2013 Blue Diamond opened their Turlock plant which represents the single biggest investment in the history of the California almond industry as the co-op aims to double production capacity. Improvements to margins through improved manufacturing yields and faster processing lines resulted in a three-year compounded savings of $38 million for the company. In North America during fiscal year 2012/13 branded consumer business increased 30% to $469 million with over 15 new products introduced. Snack almond sales increased 22% over the previous year, chilled Almond Breeze almond milk sales increased 74%, and sales of Almond Nut Thins increased 38%. Internationally Blue Diamond branded sales were up 90% in volume and 95% in net sales over the previous year and for the first time advertising for Blue Diamond aired on three continents – North America, Australia, and Europe.
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