In a celebration of the Golden State’s unique agricultural and coastal heritage, California Almonds (the Almond Board of California) has teamed up with the appropriately named Almond Surfboards for a new collaboration. Announced on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the “Orchard to Ocean” campaign is timed to coincide with National California Day later this month.
The partnership aims to connect two distinct California lifestyles—the farmers who grow 80% of the world’s almonds in the Central Valley and the surfers who define the state’s coastline.
The Campaign: Surf, Snacks, and Sustainability
The collaboration centers on the shared identity of “Almond” and the commitment to stewardship of the land (and sea). To bring this to life, the brands are hosting a live activation and giveaway.
- The Event: On Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT, Almond Surfboards HQ in Costa Mesa will host a community celebration.
- The Giveaway: Attendees will have the chance to win one of two custom surfboards featuring limited-edition artwork that pays homage to vintage agricultural logos.
- The Merch: Exclusive “swag,” including T-shirts and almond-inspired snacks, will be available.
- The Surf: Before the main event, the Early & Often Surf Club will host a morning session with prominent local surfers like Aaron Ashton and John West.
“California isn’t just a place, but a way of life,” said Natalie Henderson, Director of Global Communications at the Almond Board of California. “From early mornings in the orchards to time spent catching waves, almonds are a simple, nourishing snack that fit seamlessly into the rhythms of California’s outdoor lifestyle.”
Why It Matters
This partnership is a masterclass in lifestyle marketing for a commodity crop.
- Authentic Branding: Almond Surfboards didn’t just license their name; founder Dave Allee noted that the brand’s name was originally inspired by California’s agricultural heritage, making this a “full-circle moment” rather than a forced pun.
- Regional Pride: By focusing on “National California Day,” the campaign taps into state pride, reinforcing the message that if you are eating almonds, you are likely supporting a California family farm (over 90% are family-owned).
- Active Nutrition: Positioning almonds as the go-to snack for surfers reinforces the nut’s profile as a shelf-stable, energy-dense food for active lifestyles.
FAQs
When is the event?
The celebration takes place on February 21, 2026, starting at 11 AM PT.
Where is the event located?
It will be held at Almond Surfboards HQ in Costa Mesa, California.
What can I win?
Attendees can enter to win one of two custom surfboards with exclusive collaborative artwork.
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