Nov 11, 2025California walnut industry welcomes global influencers, media for 2025 Harvest Tour
The California Walnut Board and Commission welcomed international and U.S. influencers, media and culinary professionals for its annual Harvest Tour, giving participants a firsthand look at the state’s walnut harvest and growers.
More than two dozen attendees from eight countries and 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 highlighting the harvest.
“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 event included shaking in the orchard and visits to hulling, drying and processing facilities. Participants also met growers, including board members Brent Barton and Kali Dittrich, who shared personal stories about their operations and family farming traditions.
A culinary workshop led by Robert Danhi, chef in residence at Cavallo Point Cooking School in Mill Valley, allowed participants to prepare a variety of sweet and savory walnut dishes, including tacos, dumplings, parfaits and cold foam coffee.
A separate foodservice-focused tour welcomed chefs and foodservice operators to experience the harvest, meet growers and explore new ways to feature walnuts in diverse cuisines.
“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.”
The California Walnut Board and Commission represent more than 3,700 walnut growers and roughly 70 handlers across the state. The organizations support research, production, health studies and market development to maintain demand for California walnuts domestically and abroad.
