Blue Diamond is one of the most recognizable names in the almond industry, but it’s so much more than just a brand. A quick pass through your local grocery store, and you’re likely to see Blue Diamond products in several different departments. The brand’s products – including nuts, almond milk, almond flour, crackers and more – are beloved by consumers worldwide. We met with Blue Diamond’s Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer, Alicia Rockwell, to learn more about how agricultural cooperatives work and why California’s almond industry is so important at home and abroad. 

What is an agricultural cooperative? 

A quick pass through your local grocery store, and you’re likely to see Blue Diamond products in several different departments. The brand’s products – including nuts, almond milk, almond flour, crackers and more – are beloved by consumers worldwide. However, what truly makes Blue Diamond unique in the industry is that it isn’t a privately owned brand – it’s an agricultural cooperative. Alicia Rockwell, Blue Diamond’s Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer, explains, “An agricultural cooperative is really a foundational, sustainable model for farming. Blue Diamond is an almond farm cooperative. We represent over 3,000 almond farm families here in California, and they collectively own the Blue Diamond brand and all of our facilities. ” 

Joining an agricultural cooperative offers farmers some protection from potential industry pitfalls and increases their reach. Alicia notes, “Because they’re a collective, they’re better able to insulate themselves against extreme costs or weather issues. It enables them to market their crop collectively, wherever they intend to sell.”   

Grown in California, enjoyed across the globe

California farmers produce 80% of the world’s almonds, and the almond crop directly affects both the state and national economies. How so? Almonds are California’s highest-grossing specialty crop, with an estimated value of $5.6 billion (2024, via CDFA). And thanks to decades of market development and international partnerships, almonds are also the United States’ leading specialty crop export, reaching millions of consumers around the globe.

Alicia proudly credits Blue Diamond’s general managers and trade advocates with fostering relationships in over 100 countries worldwide. She explains, “They literally would go into countries and meet with their governments to open the window – and look at our industry now.  We are doing very, very well in export markets.” 

Blue Diamond Almonds: Deliciously diverse 

Part of the reason almonds are America’s number one agricultural export is that they are remarkably versatile and used to create countless secondary products. Alicia explains, “Blue Diamond almonds are enjoyed in over 100 countries. Some of that is in the form of our brand, but a lot of it is in the form of ingredients.”

Smiling widely, she continues, “The almond is a magical nut in that it can come and be utilized in many forms. Alicia goes on to explain the variety of almond based products such as almond flour, almond oil, sliced almonds and marzipan for baking. She also explains that this diversity makes it very easy to be in so many markets and countries, which she points out,  “Ultimately helps our grower farm families – because the more countries you can sell into, the more sustainable you’ll be able to provide a return to that grower in value.”

Food production is a matter of national security

The importance of California almonds extends beyond domestic gross and export figures. Blue Diamond’s almond farms create jobs and strengthen rural economies by supporting local schools, churches, and small businesses – but food production is a cornerstone of economic and national security. A community, state, or even nation cannot be self-reliant without a stable, reliable food supply. Alicia emphasizes, “Food production is security – for our country and for all of our communities.” 

Women in agriculture: Alicia Rockwell

Alicia wasn’t born into a farm family. She first discovered her interest in agriculture while attending Chico State. After college, Alicia accepted a position in consumer relations with a regional grocer. Alicia recalls, “I felt like I really needed to understand where those products on the shelf were coming from. So, I did a number of agricultural tours during that time. It really opened my eyes to how skilled agricultural work is. It made me better versed to speak to consumers, and allow them to understand where their food was coming from.” 

This experience helped to prepare her for her current role – Chief Government Affairs Officer at Blue Diamond. Like any industry, agriculture is subject to government regulation, and Alicia works to ensure that decision makers understand how their policies will affect farm families. Alicia states, “My primary focus is to advocate on behalf of our 3,000 farm families. I really wish that our elected officials appreciated and understood the value that agriculture brings to the health and vibrancy of the state. We deliver incredibly healthy, fresh, delicious food that benefits the (state) economically, but also, you know, the community at large. I am trying to help government understand just what is happening on farms with our almond farm families, and translate that into an understanding for our elected officials.” 

Taste the Blue Diamond Difference

Blue Diamond products are available at most grocers and on Amazon – but if you’re traveling through the Central Valley, don’t skip their Salida gift shop. Alicia states, “We’re really proud to offer our nut and gift shop – right here on our facility, where we process almonds in Salida. The gift shop is such a gem. It has not only all of your favorite Blue Diamond brand products, but also an array of really fun gifts. You’ll find lotions, unique spices and sauces – all from local folks who are producing these products!” 

Blue Diamond Almonds Nut and Gift Shop

4800 Sisk Road

Modesto, CA 95356

(209) 545-3222

Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier.