Shaping perceptions of the environmental credentials of California’s almonds, for the Almond Board of California
Driving forward the industry’s environmental stewardship strategy and stakeholder engagement through strategic advisory, events and partnerships, thought leadership and communications.
Context
The Almond Board of California (ABC) represents the state’s almond farmers, responsible for growing 80% of the world’s supply. ABC has invested millions in research and worked hand in hand with farmers for over three decades to improve water efficiency, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and better utilise coproducts, and advance the science on almond nutrition and health benefits. But they are not always understood and do not always reap the reputational rewards of their efforts – that’s where Blurred comes in. Our partnership is aimed at shaping and correcting perceptions around the environmental stewardship of almonds.
The work
Among the issues Blurred advises on is the industry’s engagement on water conservation. We designed and launched ABC’s “Water Collabatory,” convening senior leaders from CPGs, public policy groups, environmental NGOs and academic organisations to share insights and build dialogue around shared water challenges and accelerate the adoption of solutions.
We’re also shaping ABC’s participation at strategic, high impact convening moments – such as London and New York Climate Weeks, World Water Week and Innovation Forum conferences – and designing engagement and communications vehicles for audiences from Chief Sustainability Officers at food companies to potential research and innovation partners.
And we’re helping strengthen the connection between the data ABC collects and the evidenced environmental story it tells – and how to make that data more accessible to decision makers across the food system.
Results
Our ongoing work with ABC continues to shape and amplify its stewardship strategy and story, educating manufacturers, regulators, partners, industry experts and consumers on California almond farming practices. And in doing so, expanding understanding and trust in what ABC grows and how they grow it.