Almond Journey Almond Journey

In this episode of the Almond Journey Podcast, we return to The Almond Conference 2023 where we sat down with Almond Board of California Director of Nutrition Research Elena Hemler. Hemler joined the Almond Board over a year ago to work with the Nutrition Research Committee to lead efforts in expanding the body of knowledge about the health properties of almonds. She came to the industry from an academic nutrition research background and previously worked at the Harvard School of Public Health. The ongoing nutrition research that the industry is funding has been a major tailwind in growing global demand for almonds. Hemler shares the latest almond nutrition findings supporting exercise recovery, gut health, weight loss, heart health* and beyond. 
“We have built a body of research that totals over 200 peer reviewed publications on almonds nutrition and health benefits. This is more than any other food that I know of. All of this research has really contributed to changing perceptions among consumers.”  - Elena Hemler
In Today’s episode:
Meet Almond Board of California Director of Nutrition Research Elena HemlerDiscover the journey towards researching and verifying the many health benefits almonds can offer to consumersReview Hemler’s full 2023 Almond Board Conference presentation and catch up on anything you might have missedLearn more about the Nutrition Research Committee at the Almond Board by visiting their webpage
The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.
ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.
 
* Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Highlights from April's Global Update – from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at ABC – include the details behind the suspension of tariffs on almonds going into the UK, the findings from ABC's look into a French decree that was requesting information on endocrine disruptors properties on imports, and the latest on China's facility registration process that had applications stalled for months.

The March edition of the Marketing Bulletin from the Almond Board of California features President and CEO Clarice Turner who details her takeaways from ABC's annual trip to India in February. Turner and ABC staff hosted an almond conference in India where conversations circle around market access and regulation, and then exhibited at the colossal Gulfood show to promote California almonds.

Michael Kelley, President and CEO of Central California Almond Growers Association joined the Journey to share the challenges with the 2023 crop, especially the major problems with navel orangeworm damage. We also discuss other factors that led to it being such a difficult year and what producers can watch out for in the future. Kelley first appeared on this podcast on episode 42.
“(NOW damage) has certainly made a dent into the carryover. Hopefully it gets the stocks-to-use ratio to a level that'll be conducive for the price of almonds to move up.” - Michael Kelley
In Today’s episode:
Hear from Michael Kelley, President and CEO of Central California Almond Growers AssociationExplore the impact of navel orangeworms in 2023 and the many factors that contributed to that impactLearn about better communication and education efforts with growers to facilitate more effective pest managementRead more about navel orangeworm management by visiting this Almond Board of California webpage
The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.
ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.
 

March's highlights from the Global Update, by the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California, include a recap of the annual India Tradeshow, ABC workshops at Gulfood that spurred almond interest from new markets, and the first exploratory trip to Pakistan for the Almond Board which revealed strong almond-related traditions in the region.

In February's Marketing Bulletin, here about the busy month of March set for the Trade Marketing and Stewardship group at the Almond Board of California. The team is set to attend three different types of conferences with three different types of attendees, all talking about the role almonds can play in food and recipe ingredients. Manager Charice Grace discusses the differences between the three events and the details behind the Tastemaker Trials competition that has been running this month.