SAN FRANCISCO — The Almond Board of California has retained Padilla to lead its industry communications program following a competitive national review. The program aims to reach farmers, processors and industry members who help meet the significant global demand for almonds. 

Padilla's FoodMinds division, which has worked with the Board for several years, will continue to handle the remit.

"The almond industry has embarked on an effort to accelerate innovation and improve sustainable practices within the industry," said Carissa Sauer, manager of industry communications, the Almond Board. "We wanted an agency partner that understands consumers, farmers, processors, perennial farming of fruits and nuts, food safety, the changing landscape of sustainability and the unique social and regulatory environment in California." 

The account will be co-led by Tina Charpentier, senior vice president with Padilla's environmental sciences practice in Minneapolis and Laura Cubillos, FoodMinds founder and executive vice president with the food and beverage practice in San Francisco. 

Lynn Casey, Padilla's CEO said food, beverage and nutrition are a consistently strong growth area for the agency, with commodity boards and consumer packaged goods. 

"We're delighted to grow our work with the Almond Board," Casey said. "This complex industry communications assignment is a testament to our expertise and passion for all aspects of the food industry."

According to the Almond Board of California, the state produces 80% of the world's almond supply. The board promotes almonds through its research based approach to all aspects of marketing and production for more than 6,000 almond growers and processors in California. The non-profit organization was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, California.