What is Harris Woolf Almonds?

Harris Woolf Almonds operates as a vertically integrated, grower-owned processor of California almonds and value-added almond ingredients serving food and beverage manufacturers, cosmetics producers, and industrial users globally. The company processes approximately 80 million pounds of almonds annually across two California facilities, offering natural almonds, manufactured almond products, almond protein powder, almond paste, and sweet almond oil to customers ranging from specialty food entrepreneurs to multinational consumer packaged goods companies.

Established through the 1989 merger of Harris Farms and Woolf Farming almond operations, the company maintains a grower network of over 200 California almond farms and positions itself as an independent processor focused on B2B ingredient supply rather than consumer retail products. Company materials indicate Harris Woolf Almonds supplies almond ingredients to plant-based beverage producers, snack manufacturers, bakery operations, and protein supplement formulators, with documented partnerships including Danone North America for their plant-based product lines and Campbell Company for Emerald Nuts products.

The company markets itself as providing customized almond specifications across multiple varieties and sizes, with processing capabilities for both conventional and organic production. As documented in certification records, Harris Woolf Almonds holds B Corporation certification (achieved December 2020) and maintains Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification for its processing facilities. The operation is headquartered in Coalinga, California, with processing facilities in both Coalinga and Ballico.

Corporate Foundation

Harris Woolf Almonds, LLC operates as a privately held, grower-owned company formed in 1989 when two established California farming families merged their almond processing operations. According to company historical materials, Harris Farms planted its first almond orchard in the 1970s, while Jack Woolf diversified from cotton farming into almonds during the same decade. The 1989 partnership created a local processing solution for the combined almond crops from both family farming operations.

The company is headquartered at 26060 Colusa Road, Coalinga, California, with additional processing operations documented at facilities in Ballico, Merced County. According to publicly available business information, Justin Morehead serves as Chief Executive Officer as of 2018. Morehead's family represents multi-generational almond growers who are part of the Harris Woolf grower network. Michael Briano holds the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing and represents Harris Woolf Almonds on the USDA Advisory Council's sustainability committee for fruit and vegetable industries.

Company materials describe the ownership structure as grower-owned, with the founding Harris and Woolf families maintaining operational involvement. The business operates as an independent processor rather than a cooperative structure, with documented partnerships extending to over 200 California almond farming operations that supply raw almonds to the processing facilities.

Production Infrastructure

Harris Woolf Almonds operates two primary processing facilities in California's Central Valley, the primary almond-growing region of the state. The main hulling, shelling, and processing plant is located in Coalinga, Fresno County, with company materials indicating this facility handles the initial post-harvest processing stages. A second value-added processing facility operates in Ballico, near Turlock in Merced County, focused on manufactured almond products and ingredient processing.

According to company disclosures, both facilities have installed solar panel arrays to support renewable energy goals, with documentation indicating these systems became operational to work toward a stated 2025 target of deriving 50% of energy consumption from renewable sources. The Coalinga facility address is documented at P.O. Box 49, Ballico, California 95303 in organic certification records, while the Coalinga operational address appears in supplier directories as 26060 Colusa Road, Coalinga, California.

Company materials describe processing capabilities including optical sorting technology for size grading and quality control, automated handwashing stations (Meritech CleanTech 4000S systems) for hygiene compliance, and robotics integration for production line safety and accuracy. The facilities process almonds from August through October following harvest, with operations including storage, shelling, sorting, sizing, and various manufacturing processes for value-added products.

Harris Woolf Almonds sources raw almonds from a documented network of over 200 California farms spanning multiple growing regions within the state. Company materials indicate access to numerous almond cultivars including Nonpareil, Independence, Monterey, Wood Colony, and California-Type varieties. The grower network reportedly includes over 2,500 acres dedicated to pollinator habitat integrated into orchard operations.

Product Portfolio

Natural and In-Shell Almonds

Harris Woolf Almonds offers natural almonds as its flagship ingredient product, available in multiple varieties, sizes, and grades according to USDA parameters. Company materials indicate capabilities to meet custom specifications for size, variety, and quality characteristics. In-shell almonds are also available for industrial and specialty applications. Products are offered in both conventional and USDA organic certified options.

Manufactured Almond Products

The company processes manufactured almond products including sliced almonds, diced almonds, slivered almonds, blanched almonds, roasted almonds, and almond meal for use in food manufacturing, bakery applications, and ingredient formulations. Processing specifications can be customized to customer requirements for thickness, size, and processing methods.

Almond Protein Powder

Launched in 2020, Harris Woolf Almonds produces a defatted almond protein powder marketed as containing higher protein content and lower fat content compared to almond meal. Company materials describe this as a roasted product with non-GMO verification, positioned for use in plant-based protein blends, sports nutrition products, baking applications as a flour replacement or enhancement, and defatted nut butter formulations. The product is marketed for its roasted almond flavor profile.

Sweet Almond Oil

Also introduced in 2020, the company produces an unrefined sweet almond oil made from food-grade almonds traceable to the grower network. Unlike cosmetic-grade almond oils, this product is marketed for both culinary and cosmetic applications. Company materials emphasize traceability and food-grade sourcing as differentiating characteristics.

Almond Paste

Harris Woolf Almonds produces almond paste for use in non-dairy milk, yogurt, ice cream, baked goods, fillings, and other food applications. The paste is marketed as an ingredient solution for manufacturers developing or reformulating products.

Expanded Nut Butter Production

According to company announcements, Harris Woolf Almonds has expanded processing capabilities beyond almonds to include production of other nut butters, specifically pistachio, cashew, hazelnut, pecan, and macadamia nut butters for B2B ingredient customers.

Certifications and Quality Standards

Mandatory Disclaimer: The following certifications are referenced in company materials and certification databases. AgriLinkage has not independently verified current validity, scope, or compliance status. Certification standing can change based on audit outcomes. Buyers requiring certified products should request current documentation directly from the supplier and verify validity with issuing bodies.

Organic Certification

According to California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) directory records accessed in 2025, Harris Woolf California Almonds/Gold Hills Nut holds USDA National Organic Program (NOP) certification with a certified date of September 4, 2002. The listing shows handling status certified as of September 4, 2002, with US/Canada Equivalence compliance dated April 16, 2009, and US/Korea Equivalence compliance dated January 13, 2025. This certification allows the company to process and handle organic almonds for markets requiring USDA organic standards.

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification

Company materials and industry documentation indicate both Harris Woolf Almonds facilities hold SQF certification. SQF is a food safety and quality certification program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The certification demonstrates implementation of a food safety management system meeting international standards. Company materials reference SQF Level 3 certification, which indicates comprehensive food safety and quality management systems are documented and audited.

B Corporation Certification

Harris Woolf Almonds achieved Certified B Corporation status on December 4, 2020, according to company announcements and B Lab documentation. B Corporation certification is conferred by the nonprofit organization B Lab and requires companies to meet verified standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. According to disclosed information, Harris Woolf Almonds scored 87.8 on the B Impact Assessment, exceeding the minimum certification threshold of 80 points (median score for assessed businesses is 50.9).

B Corporation certification addresses five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The certification requires recertification every three years and public disclosure of impact scores. Company materials indicate the certification process included a year-long evaluation and assessment of practices across stakeholder categories.

Kosher Certification

Harris Woolf Almonds products are certified Kosher, meeting Jewish dietary law requirements. Company materials reference OK Kosher certification, though the certifying agency and specific scope should be verified with current documentation.

Halal Certification

The company offers Halal certified almonds meeting Islamic dietary requirements. The certifying body and certification scope should be verified directly with the supplier for current status.

Non-GMO Verification

Company materials indicate Non-GMO verification for almond products, though almonds are not currently a genetically modified crop. This certification may address cross-contamination protocols and processing facility standards.

Bee Friendly Farming Certification

According to multiple sources including company materials and industry publications, Harris Woolf Almonds participates in Bee Friendly Farming certification through Pollinator Partnership. Company materials indicate a stated goal for 75% of the grower base to achieve Bee Friendly Farming certification by 2025. As documented in 2021 reports, approximately 36-40% of grower acreage had received certification at that time.

Bee Friendly Farming certification requires farms to establish pollinator habitat providing forage and nesting sites, implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce pesticide impacts, and maintain practices supporting pollinator health. Harris Woolf Almonds participated in beta testing for a third-party verified version of Bee Friendly Farming certification in partnership with Where Food Comes From verification services, Danone, and Silk Canada.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance

Company materials reference GMP compliance, indicating adherence to food safety and quality manufacturing standards.

Market Distribution

Harris Woolf Almonds operates exclusively in the B2B wholesale ingredient market rather than consumer retail channels. Company statements explicitly note the business model focuses on supplying manufacturers and does not compete with customers for retail shelf space.

Customer Segments

Documented customer relationships include major food and beverage companies, particularly in the plant-based products sector. Public partnerships include Danone North America for plant-based beverage and dairy alternative products, Campbell Company for Emerald Nuts almond supply (since 2017), Silk Canada, and KIND Snacks. Company materials describe serving customers ranging from small entrepreneurs and chefs to multinational consumer packaged goods brands.

Application sectors include plant-based beverages (milk alternatives), plant-based dairy products (yogurt, ice cream), protein supplements and sports nutrition, bakery products, snack foods, confections, nut butters, and cosmetics. The company markets ingredient development and formulation support services alongside raw materials.

Geographic Markets

Harris Woolf Almonds processes California-grown almonds exclusively, with company materials indicating domestic and international distribution. The company maintains participation in international trade events, including documented exhibition at SIAL Paris 2024 as part of the USA Pavilion. Specific export volumes and primary international markets are not disclosed in available materials.

Distribution Channels

As a B2B operation, Harris Woolf Almonds supplies directly to manufacturers and formulators. The company does not operate through retail distribution channels. Sales and technical support are handled through the company's sales team based at headquarters in Coalinga, California.

Sustainability Initiatives

Disclaimer: The following represents publicly stated initiatives documented in company materials and third-party publications. Independent verification of implementation would require third-party assessment.

Water Conservation Practices

Company materials indicate over 95% of the Harris Woolf grower network has transitioned from traditional irrigation methods to water-saving technologies including drip irrigation systems and water flow monitors. Processing facilities reportedly implement wastewater recapture and reuse systems for irrigation applications. The emphasis on water efficiency addresses the critical importance of water resources in California agriculture.

Pollinator Health Programs

Harris Woolf Almonds has established pollinator support initiatives working with Pollinator Partnership and Xerces Society. According to company materials, growers within the network have planted over 2,500 acres of pollinator habitat featuring diverse flowering plant species to provide year-round forage and nesting sites for honeybees and native pollinators. Woolf Farming, one of the founding family operations, reportedly maintains nearly 200 acres of pollinator habitat incorporating 50 diverse plant species.

The company has established a stated target for 75% of its grower base to achieve Bee Friendly Farming certification by 2025. Company materials reference participation in California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP), with approximately 50% of growers completing the CASP self-assessment as documented in available reports.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

Both Coalinga and Ballico facilities have installed solar panel arrays, with company announcements indicating these systems became operational to support a stated goal of deriving 50% of facility energy consumption from renewable sources by 2025. The installations represent documented capital investments in on-site renewable energy generation.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Company materials cite a stated goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025, working with third-party consultants to develop reduction strategies. Woolf Farming has documented implementation of precision tracking technologies to reduce tractor operational time, which according to company materials results in carbon offset equivalent to removing 53,000 cars from operation annually.

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Practices

Harris Woolf Almonds implements use of almond byproducts rather than disposal. Almond hulls are supplied to local dairies as livestock feed, while almond shells are used for cattle bedding or road base material. At the end of productive life (approximately 25 years for almond trees), the company supports Whole Orchard Recycling where trees are chipped and incorporated back into soil rather than burned, which sequesters carbon and returns organic matter to agricultural land.

Grower Incentive Programs

According to company disclosures, Harris Woolf Almonds operates a financial incentive program compensating growers for participation in sustainability certifications and practices. Company materials indicate over $2.25 million was paid to participating growers in 2023 through this program. Incentivized activities include participation in CASP, achievement of Bee Friendly Farming certification, implementation of EcoPractices, and other documented sustainability measures.

Community Investment

Company announcements document a $100,000 investment in 2022 to improve access to clean drinking water in local rural communities. The company also operates the Jack Woolf Memorial Scholarship, with documented distribution of $32,500 to 14 students in 2023 for university and junior college education.

Transparency and Reporting

Harris Woolf Almonds published its inaugural Impact Report in 2022, making sustainability metrics and goals publicly available. The company has committed to ongoing impact reporting as part of B Corporation certification requirements, which mandate public disclosure of performance across social and environmental criteria.

Technology and Processing Capabilities

Company materials describe significant investment in processing technology including state-of-the-art optical sorting systems for size grading, quality control, and defect removal. The optical sorting technology analyzes almonds based on size, customer specifications, and USDA grading parameters to ensure consistency and reduce imperfections.

Food safety technology includes automated handwashing stations (Meritech CleanTech 4000S systems) installed at both facilities, capable of removing more than 99.9% of pathogens in 12 seconds with integrated footwear sanitization. These systems address hygiene requirements for GFSI, FDA FSMA, USDA, SQF, and HACCP standards.

The facilities have integrated robotics into production lines for improved safety, accuracy, and efficiency. Metal detection systems screen for contamination, and the company implements Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols with documented critical control points throughout processing operations.

Company materials reference pathogen testing programs and comprehensive traceability systems allowing tracking from processed product back to specific grower operations. The vertical integration model and grower ownership structure facilitate supply chain transparency.

Information Currency and Verification

This company profile reflects publicly available information from company website materials, business press releases (Business Wire, 2020-2021), certification databases (CCOF organic certification directory accessed 2025, B Lab B Corporation directory), industry publications (West Coast Nut, Fruit Growers News, Campbell Company), supplier directories (Almond Board of California, Fieldcraft), and third-party case studies (Meritech). Time-sensitive data including production volumes, facility counts, certifications, grower network size, and sustainability metrics may change.

Certification validity and compliance status can change based on audits and operational changes. Buyers requiring certified products should request current documentation from the supplier and verify validity with certification bodies including CCOF for organic certification, SQFI for food safety certification, B Lab for B Corporation status, and Pollinator Partnership for Bee Friendly Farming certification.

Accessing Current Information

Potential buyers and partners requiring current information about Harris Woolf Almonds' capabilities, certifications, product specifications, or availability should contact the company directly through official channels.

Official Contact Information:

• Company Website: harriswoolfalmonds.com

• Headquarters: 26060 Colusa Road, Coalinga, California

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 49, Ballico, California 95303

• Sales Contact: Michael Briano, Vice President of Sales & Marketing (referenced contact: mbriano@hwalmonds.com, (559) 884-2147)

Conclusion: Harris Woolf Almonds' Position in California Almond Processing

Harris Woolf Almonds represents a mid-to-large scale independent almond processor operating in California's Central Valley with documented annual processing capacity of approximately 80 million pounds across two facilities. The grower-owned business model, vertical integration from over 200 farm partnerships through processing and ingredient manufacturing, and focus on B2B wholesale ingredient supply distinguish the company's operational approach within California's almond processing sector.

For potential sourcing partners, key characteristics include documented capacity for both conventional and organic processing under USDA organic certification, food safety credentials through SQF certification, and B Corporation certification indicating third-party verified social and environmental performance standards. The product portfolio spanning natural almonds through value-added ingredients (protein powder, oil, paste, nut butters) offers potential for sourcing multiple almond-derived ingredients from a single supplier with documented traceability.

The company's emphasis on sustainability certifications (Bee Friendly Farming, CASP participation, B Corporation status) and renewable energy investments may align with sourcing requirements for companies with environmental performance criteria for suppliers. Documented partnerships with major food companies including Danone and Campbell indicate capacity to meet quality, food safety, and supply chain requirements for large-scale customers while company materials also emphasize service to smaller specialty producers.