Based here in the same city as the Deli Market News’ headquarters, Blue Diamond Growers is a specialty supplier that is constantly capturing our attention. It seems we are not the only ones paying attention to the success of this provider and its leaders, as the Agricultural Council of California announced it will celebrate Chief Executive Officer Emeritus Mark Jansen as the 2023 California Cultivator Award recipient.
Mark Jansen served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Diamond Growers for 12 years, leading the company to become an industry-leading global branded food manufacturer and marketer through his focus on innovation, quality, safety, and strategic growth.
According to a press release, Jansen introduced the capabilities and fostered partnerships around the globe to build the popular Almond Breeze® portfolio, in addition to growing revenue by 9.4 percent CAGR and improving profit returns to the co-op’s almond grower-owners by 2,000 percent.
“Mark has earned the respect and admiration of our grower-owners with his personable style and engagement in the industry,” Blue Diamond’s Board of Directors Chair Dan Cummings said. “His contributions have poised us for future growth and success.”
The California Cultivator Award aims to recognize and honor an individual who clearly has made significant contributions to agriculture or who has demonstrated leadership and personal commitment beyond the normal expectations of a person serving the farmer-owned business sector.
“I have great respect and admiration for Mark as a leader who is passionate about the cooperative values,” California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross added. “These values are the guiding principles of a successful business, and with Mark’s leadership, Blue Diamond has served its grower members with added value and integrity to be a respected global leader.”
Jansen served as Chair of the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as Chair of the organization’s International Forum and Chair of its Audit Committee, alongside multiple other organizations.
“We are pleased to honor Mark with this special award,” said Ag Council President Emily Rooney. “Mark’s leadership and commitment to the betterment of Blue Diamond are unparalleled. We know his efforts will have positive outcomes for the cooperative for many years, and thanks to him—as Mark himself would say—‘the best is yet to come.’”
The award will be presented on March 30, 2023, during the association’s 104th Annual Meeting in Monterey.
Congratulations to Mark Jansen on this exciting honor!
