California Walnuts is Partnering with Retailers Nationwide for American Heart Month

Initiative connects heart health science to shopper action

FOLSOM, Calif. – California Walnuts is marking its eighth year leveraging American Heart Month to turn heart health awareness into measurable walnut sales in-store and online by partnering with retailers to reach health-conscious shoppers.

The initiative supports walnut sales through in-store displays, feature ads, digital media, shopper marketing, recipe content and registered dietitian-led education, and aligns with consumer demand for foods that help them stay healthy and feel good. These tools translate nutrition science into shopper-friendly messaging that fits seamlessly into store layouts and omnichannel strategies.

Cross-merchandising also is a key component of this year’s strategy. California Walnuts is partnering with Natural Delights Dates and USA Pears on select programs, pairing complementary heart-healthy foods in shared displays and promotions. Similar collaborations in past campaigns delivered double-digit year-over-year volume lifts for participating retailers.

With heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States, American Heart Month highlights how small, consistent lifestyle changes can impact long-term heart health. Walnuts offer versatility backed by science, making them an accessible option for heart-smart eating.

Walnuts are a heart-healthy whole food that may benefit key markers of cardiovascular health. They provide 2.5 grams of plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), 4 grams of plant protein and 2 grams of fiber per ounce. Walnuts are certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check Food Certification Program, a mark widely recognized and trusted by consumers as a credible indicator of heart-healthy choices. Over the past three decades, studies have demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of walnuts, exploring how eating walnuts affects various factors related to heart health like cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and blood vessel function.^1,2

“American Heart Month gives retailers an opportunity to connect consumer interest in heart health to walnut sales,” said Robert Verloop, CEO and executive director of the California Walnut Commission and Board. “Walnuts combine trusted science, strong shopper recognition and everyday versatility, making them a natural fit for February promotions.”

Retailers can access American Heart Month merchandising tools and promotional resources at walnuts.org/retail/retail-resources. For additional information on participating in the program, contact retail@walnuts.org.

References

1. FDA approved claim: Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, March 2004. A one-ounce serving of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat and 13g of polyunsaturated fat (of which 2.5 grams is plant-based omega-3 ALA), as well as 1.5g of saturated fat.

2. Kris-Etherton P. Walnuts decrease risk of cardiovascular disease: a summary of efficacy and biologic mechanisms. J Nutr. 2014; 10: 39:2S-8S.

About the California Walnut Board and Commission

The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California.

The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.

To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.