FOLSOM, Calif., Nov. 10, 2025 – The California Walnut Board and Commission welcomed international and U.S. influencers, media and culinary professionals for its annual Harvest Tour, offering a firsthand look at the state’s walnut harvest and the growers who make it possible.

More than two dozen attendees from eight countries or regions — Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the United States — explored orchards, toured processing facilities and participated in culinary sessions showcasing the care and craftsmanship behind California walnuts. The multiday event was designed to deepen understanding of the industry’s scale, innovation and commitment to quality.

“Our goal is to build long-term ambassadors for California walnuts,” said Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board and Commission. “By bringing people to the source – to feel the shaker, see the huller and meet our growers – they gain a true appreciation for what makes California walnuts exceptional.”

The multi-day tour featured a complete orchard-to-table experience of the California walnut harvest, including shaking in the orchard and visits to see hulling, drying and processing stages. Participants also met both multi-generational and first-generation growers, including California Walnut Board and Commission board members Brent Barton and Kali Dittrich, who shared personal stories about their operations and the family traditions behind walnut farming.

The itinerary also included a culinary workshop led by Chef in Residence Robert Danhi at Cavallo Point Cooking School in Mill Valley, where participants prepared sweet and savory walnut dishes from tacos and dumplings to parfaits and cold foam coffee, along with other activities to showcase California culture and connection.

A foodservice-focused harvest tour took place shortly after, welcoming chefs and foodservice operators to experience the walnut harvest firsthand. Participants met with growers and explored new ways to feature walnuts across a variety of cuisines. Together, these efforts demonstrate the industry’s commitment to building awareness and driving demand for California walnuts through both consumer and professional channels.

“These experiences build trust and understanding,” Lott said. “When tastemakers and trusted voices share what they’ve learned with their audiences, it helps consumers everywhere appreciate the quality and care behind California walnuts.”

By connecting global storytellers directly with California walnut growers, the Harvest Tour aims to strengthen relationships, encourage authentic storytelling and support the industry’s long-term efforts to build demand for California walnuts in both international and domestic markets.

For more information about the California Walnut Board and Commission and its programs, visit walnuts.org.

About the California Walnut Board and Commission
The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California.

The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.

To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.