- Peanuts are native to South America
- Harvest begins in August for almonds
- Nuts were known as food for the gods
Learn why major brands, professional bakers and chefs worldwide applaud Diamond’s commitment to quality and product diversity.
Breakthrough Technology
Diamond invests millions of dollars in leading-edge technology to ensure that only the highest quality products carry the Diamond label. The company’s nut-cracking equipment can crack 1.1 million pounds (500,000 kilos) per day, removing more shell material than traditional cracking systems. A pioneer in laser technology, Diamond invested heavily in new waterfall laser sorting systems in 2003. At Diamond, all shelled walnut sorting is performed using laser technology, which virtually guarantees a shell-free product and provides a consistent and uniform color important to the baking industry, cereal companies, ice cream manufacturers, confectioners and meal providers throughout the world.
Food Safety and Freshness
Diamond was the first walnut processor to employ a sophisticated preventive system known as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) as part of its overall food-safety effort. This systematic approach to food safety focuses on prevention and originated with NASA’s space program as a way to ensure contaminant-free food for astronauts. Diamond’s in-house laboratory is the best in the industry and adheres to standards that exceed United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements. Diamond has perfected products where microbiological purity is essential, and has installed sterilization and blanching equipment to meet the highest expectations. Aggressive pesticide-residue detection and aflatoxin control programs ensure compliance with all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Sample kernels are analyzed for moisture content, bacteria and other factors that affect product quality and shelf life. Diamond has even pioneered development of a natural, tasteless, odorless and invisible antioxidant that can be added to any of its products to retard rancidity, thus prolonging freshness and increasing shelf life.
Unequalled Cold Storage
Diamond’s cold-storage strategy elevates its industry leadership, guaranteeing a year-round supply of the freshest walnuts available. Inshell walnuts are stored in huge cold-storage facilities, the industry’s largest, with a capacity of 55 million pounds (25 million kilos), to preserve freshness until they are shelled to fulfill customers’ orders. Prior to shipping, shelled walnuts are stored in a 3.5 acre (1.5 hectare) cold-storage facility inside the Diamond plant.
Product Flexibility
Forward-thinking methods lead to products that meet or exceed our customers’ requirements. Regardless of the application, Diamond has the ability to customize products for a variety of food manufacturers and is able to supply products with a wide range of microbiological tolerance, size particulation and other key quality attributes produced to consistent, exacting standards.
Superior Customer Service
Diamond has an outstanding customer service team dedicated solely to meeting customers’ expectations with the knowledge, information and ability to provide end-to-end solutions, including transportation. Backed by more than 30 years of combined experience in their specialty, these seasoned ingredients customer service representatives work closely with the sales team to ensure that contracts are properly executed and managed. The team also coordinates with quality-control personnel to guarantee that all necessary documents, such as certificates of analysis, have been provided in a timely manner.