Blue Diamond moves ahead with expansion plans

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Blue Diamond, known for its almond-based food products, announced that it is moving ahead with its expansion strategy by purchasing 88 acres of land in Turlock, Calif.

Blue Diamond said the Turlock location will help the company meet its increasing global market opportunities and crop supply. The capacity expansion plan includes ongoing operations at the Sacramento and Salida, Calif.-based plants with upgrades planned at both facilities.

"The unprecedented growth in our Blue Diamond consumer brand and ingredient business requires us to expand our capacity beyond our Sacramento and Salida operations," Blue Diamond president and CEO Mark Jansen said. "The California almond crop has doubled over the last decade. Global demand continues to climb: 2010 crop shipments exceeded previous shipments by 14% for a five-year annual growth rate of 13%. This plan will provide the capacity we need to grow as global markets expand and U.S. consumers demand more nutritional almond products."