Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, California
The 2024 Pistachio Industry Annual Conference in Monterey was an unparalleled success, bringing together over 1,300 attendees for three days of networking, education, and community building.
JOEL NELSEN, INTERIM PRESIDENT
The conference commenced with inspiring remarks from APG Board Chair Rich Kreps, setting the tone for an event dedicated to positive growth within our industry. Interim President Joel Nelsen shared his vision for APG, emphasizing the importance of aligning efforts to enhance grower returns and foster vibrant industry dynamics. Reflecting on his tenure thus far, Nelsen expressed his commitment to problem-solving and collaboration, underscoring the importance of proactive engagement with members and stakeholders.
He emphasized, “The focus has to be on net return to the acre for grower member.” Communication with members and collaboration among board members and staff are key priorities on his agenda. While recognizing that not all endeavors will yield immediate success, he assured the audience that every effort will be employed. His overall goal during his tenure is to quickly identify and address challenges, in an effort to prevent potential crises.
RICH KREPS
JOEL NELSEN
SCOTT FRYER
Scott Fryer, our new VP of Global Marketing, introduced his marketing team, which also had a few new members. He introduced the three marketing pillars that he will bring to the marketing organization:
EXPERT IN CONSUMER TRENDS
Jimmy Szczepanek, a managing director at a leading food consultancy firm, provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of consumer media trends in the food industry. As the younger generation is starting to gain purchasing power, understanding their media consumption habits and preferences becomes necessary in shaping effective marketing strategies.
1. Transparency
2. Accountability
3. Openness to Learn
AMBER WILSON
Amber Wilson, APG's Director of Nutrition Research and Communication, along with guest speaker Lauren Manaker, addressed APG’s pivotal Nutrition Research and Media initiatives. They underscored the significance of nutrition research as the cornerstone of APG's marketing strategy. Effectively communicating the nutritional advantages of pistachios is critical in driving consumer awareness and appreciation for this nutritious and delicious snack, particularly with the endorsement of esteemed Registered Dietitian, Lauren Manaker.
LAUREN MANAKER
Midway through the marketing segment of the presentation, several growers took center stage for an entertaining game show dubbed "Pistachio Feud." Divided into two teams, they competed to guess the top responses to a variety of questions, ranging from "What nut is the best tasting snack?" to "Name a dessert featuring pistachios." The lively competition sparked excitement among the audience, who excitedly joined in to test their own knowledge of pistachio-related trivia.
ROUND TABLE WITH INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS
We welcomed three esteemed professionals from key global markets - India, China, and Europe. Their insights were instrumental in shedding light on recent developments in these regions, especially pertinent given the volatility of U.S. pistachio shipments. Engaging discussions centered around various factors including pricing dynamics, marketing strategies, and country-specific trends, providing valuable perspectives for navigating the evolving international landscape.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR APG
Scott Fryer announced that marketing efforts have officially launched in Mexico, APG’s newest market. The audience got to join the celebration by sampling Pistachio Horchata, a pistachio recipe from a popular chef in Mexico after the presentation.
Concluding the meeting on a forward-looking note, Scott outlined our growth strategy for the coming years. With a focus on expansion into India, China, and other emerging markets, we aim to capitalize on new opportunities for growth. Despite the challenges ahead, we are confident in our ability to execute our plan and stimulate demand, propelling the pistachio industry towards a prosperous future.
It was highlighted that the majority of growth in shipments continues to stem from export markets, with the U.S. remaining relatively stable over the last three years. Export markets received 652 million pounds of U.S. pistachios in the 2022/23 crop year, with Europe accounting for 22% of total shipments, China and Hong Kong 20%, and the Middle East and Africa 15%. India showed exponential growth, accounting for 5% of shipments.
Furthermore, Mr. Wilson emphasized the strong shipment data through January for the 2023/24 crop year. Significant growth was observed in shipments to China and Hong Kong, segments of Europe, and Africa and the Middle East for the current crop year.
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
Wes Wilson, APG’s Director of Member Services presented the objective crop production data for 2023, followed by the highly anticipated fiscal year 2022/23 global shipment data, particularly noteworthy after the 1.492-billion-pound harvest in the fall of 2023. Growers were pleased to learn that despite the large crop year, shipments in the 2022/23 fiscal year exceeded the 2022 crop production, resulting in a limited carryover.
WES WILSON
DR. BOB KLEIN
Attendees then welcomed Dr. Bob Klein to the stage to outline future U.S. pistachio production estimates. Dr. Klein highlighted key factors that have led to incorrect acreage projections over the last decade, factors impacting reductions in alternate bearing nature of certain varieties, and what realistic estimates are for production over the next five to eight years. Klein highlighted that current producing acreage, along with new plantings that will transition to producing over the next few years, will lead to an estimated eight billion pounds of U.S. pistachios over the next five years. Dr. Klein was later honored for his career of service to all pistachio growers through a tribute video from members of the industry.
GUEST SPEAKER: DR. MARCI ROSSELL
Guest speaker Dr. Marci Rossell, a world-renowned economist and financial expert, delivered a captivating presentation on the current state of the economy. She spoke about the current state of the economy and how to define a recession, transforming complex economic issues into relevant and relatable terms.
GUEST SPEAKER: JESSE ITZLER
APG welcomed the inspirational speaker and "Spiritual Billionaire," Jesse Itzler. Itzler energized attendees with his messages on life, success, and creating perspective on the things that matter to every person in the world.
Challenging the pistachio community, Itzler urged attendees to continue spreading the message of the "perfect protein" and emphasized the significance of reaching consumers seeking healthy shifts in their diet and lifestyle. As the conference drew to a close, attendees departed feeling invigorated and inspired by Itzler's impactful words, leaving them with a sense of empowerment and optimism for the future.
CALIFORNIA’S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE WITH STATE SENATOR TONI ATKINS
APG Interim President, Joel Nelsen, graciously introduced State Senator Toni Atkins, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on California's political landscape. Senator Atkins shared her remarkable journey in public service, reflecting on her humble beginnings in San Diego and her ascent to leadership roles in the Assembly and State Senate.
In her address to APG members, Senator Atkins outlined her priorities for her final year in office, expressing her intent to pursue a gubernatorial run to further advocate for crucial issues such as agriculture, homelessness, and fiscal responsibility. Following her remarks, she engaged in a candid conversation with President Nelsen, delving into the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in gaining recognition and support from government entities.
Together, they explored strategies to elevate agriculture's standing in the state capital, ensuring access to a reliable water supply, and addressing the burdensome costs imposed on producers. Senator Atkins acknowledged the disparity between accountability measures imposed on producers and the lack of accountability among policymakers for ineffective policies.
As she embarks on her gubernatorial campaign, Senator Atkins expressed her commitment to engaging with the pistachio industry and other agricultural stakeholders to better understand the challenges facing California's farming community. Through collaborative dialogue and informed action, she aims to address government-imposed dynamics adversely affecting the state's agriculture, a vital cornerstone of California's economy.
CADEE CONDIT
APG's Director of Government Relations, Cadee Condit, moderated a discussion with APG's State and Federal lobbyists. Cadee kicked off the conversation with Phil Karsting and Mason Weeda, APG's federal lobbyists. They discussed federal issues vital to APG: The status of the farm bill, annual appropriations for the Navel Orange Worm, the Market Access Program, and the Regional Agriculture Promotion Program.
Cadee introduced APG's state lobbyists, Taylor Roschen and Louie Brown, and the Alliance of California Farmers and Ranchers president, Josh Walters. They discussed unreasonable regulatory issues, the overwhelming state deficit, legislation, and the political landscape in California.
2024 LEADON GRADUATES
Congratulations to the 2024 graduates of APG’s leadership program, LeadOn, a year-long program that educates and motivates the next generation of leaders in our industry.
The 36th Annual PAC Golf Classic turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day in Monterey, well spent with friends and friendly competitions. It kicked off with approximately 214 golfers competing while supporting APG’s government relations programs. This year’s tournament raised over $180,000 for the federal Pistachio Action Committee (PAC). Thanks to the generous support of PAC sponsors, volunteers and the pistachio industry, the PAC Golf Tournament has been going strong for 36 years.
FIRST PLACE
Josh Krueger
Jason McKee
SECOND
Gilbert Rodriquez
Eric Pflueger
THIRD PLACE
Skyler Bettencourt
Doug Collins
LONG DRIVE
MEN: Joe WOMEN: Emillie
CLOSEST
MEN: Tom WOMEN: Emillie
BAYONET BLACK HORSE
PLACE WINNERS
Krueger
McKee
Stephen Spach
Ty Alexander
SECOND PLACE WINNERS
Rodriquez
Pflueger
Chase Thomas
Eric Johnson
PLACE WINNERS
Bettencourt
Collins
Tobin Martin
Harmony Donaldson
DRIVE WINNERS
Palomino
Emillie Creighton
TO THE PIN WINNERS
Tom Sisson
Emillie Creighton
FIRST PLACE WINNERS
Tim Marconi
Brian Spain
Julien Parsons
Justin Clopton
SECOND PLACE WINNERS
Tim Lamascus
Dan Fiser
Jip Rodenburg
Jeffrey Scheer
THIRD PLACE WINNERS
Jordan Bickner
Zack Raven
Rick Borges
Kirk Squire
LONG DRIVE WINNERS
MEN: Tim Lamascus
WOMEN: Sandy Fiack
CLOSEST TO THE PIN WINNERS
MEN: Brad Robson
The 2024 Pistachio Industry Annual Conference Closing Party was the industry's biggest celebration of the year. Surrounded by fish and sea creatures, APG guests celebrated the end of another successful pistachio industry conference. Guests got a magical under-the-sea experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium as the 2024 Pistachio Industry Annual Conference came to a close.
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