End of an Era: Blue Diamond to Close 53-Acre Sacramento Facility

A Century of History Closes a Chapter

Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond cooperative representing nearly 3,000 California growers, announced on June 6, 2025, that it will wind down operations at its historic 53-acre Midtown Sacramento plant. The announcement came straight from the cooperative’s official press release, recognizing both the plant's legacy and its growing operational challenges.

In their announcement, Blue Diamond detailed a planned shift of manufacturing operations to its newer facilities in Turlock and Salida, citing cost-efficiency and proximity to its farmer-members. CEO Kai Bockmann emphasized the transition as a strategic move to strengthen the co-op’s market position and boost value for its growers.

What’s Happening—and When

• Start date: Phased wind-down begins later this year, with about 10% of Sacramento staff exiting initially.

• Timeline: Complete transition expected over the next 18–24 months.

• Job impact: Approximately 600 employees across the facility will be affected.

  
  

Blue Diamond is offering transition incentives, severance packages, outplacement services, and opportunities to relocate to Turlock or Salida.

Why Now?

Built over a century ago, the Midtown facility—part of the original California Almond Growers Exchange established in 1910—has become “too costly and inefficient” to maintain, according to CEO Kai Bockmann. The move allows Blue Diamond to streamline operations in state-of-the-art processing plants in the Central Valley.

What Remains in Sacramento

While factory doors will close, Blue Diamond's corporate headquarters will remain in Sacramento. The cooperative confirmed that the Midtown campus—spanning more than 50 acres—will be listed for sale, presenting a significant real estate opportunity.

Why This Matters to Ag Communities

1. Preserving Ag Heritage: The plant is a living symbol of California's almond legacy, dating back to the early 1900s.

2. Supporting Growers: The transition places processing facilities nearer to growers, improving supply chain integration.

3. Economic Opportunity: With the property on the market, redevelopment possibilities range from housing to tech and AI hubs—a pivot reflecting Sacramento’s evolving economy.

   
   

In Summary

Blue Diamond’s decision is not just about closing a plant—it’s about evolving for efficiency, supporting grower-members, and transitioning Sacramento’s landmark site toward a future-focused purpose. The cooperative remains committed to its workforce and to California agriculture for the long haul.

To read the full press release, visit the link here!