DMND (MM)

Diamond Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq:DMND) announced today it has once again sponsored a successful Emerald Across the Bay 12K, the oldest race over the Golden Gate Bridge. Celebrating its 30th year running, this year's race took place on St. Patrick's Day, the date that marks the race's origin. With beautiful weather and over 4000 participants (runners, volunteers, spectators) the 12-kilometer course was from Sausalito to San Francisco. The race featured a two hundred fifty foot climb in its first two miles, from sea level to the center span of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Race proceeds will support San Francisco's oldest charity, Edgewood Center for Children & Families. For over 160 years, Edgewood Center for Children and Families has been a leading non-profit organization that transforms lives and restores hope to thousands of children, youth and families across the Bay Area. Edgewood promotes behavioral health services that support children and families with the resources and skills they need to thrive in life.

Tag lined "A Celebration of Running," the Emerald 12K featured a group of children from the [or related with the] Edgewood Center running the race. "Training for and participating in a run teaches children and adults alike how to set and achieve goals while building self-esteem and promoting healthier lifestyles," said Andy Allcock, Director of Marketing for Emerald. "Emerald is a brand committed to promoting healthy and active lifestyles."

Emerald returned for the tenth year as the title sponsor of the Emerald Across the Bay 12K. With its mission to provide delicious natural energy to consumers, Emerald's products are the perfect fuel to get runners through their training regimen. Emerald's newest innovations to hit the market are its Vanilla Roast Almonds and Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter and Jelly mixed nut blend.

Among many returning runners, Sergio Reyes from Los Osos, CA won the men's overall division with a time of 36:36. Sergio also won in 2012, 2010, 2008, 2007 and came in second in 2011 and 2009. Maggie Conley of Portola Valley, CA won the women's division, with a time of 43:39.

Runners can register for next year's "Emerald Across the Bay 12k" by going to http://rhodyco.com/. A detailed race history is also on the website.

About Diamond Foods

Diamond Foods is an innovative packaged food company focused on building and energizing brands including Diamond of California® culinary nuts, Emerald® snack nuts, Pop Secret® popcorn and Kettle brand potato chips. The Company's products are distributed in a wide range of stores where culinary nuts and snacks are sold.

Corporate Web Site: www.diamondfoods.com

Consumer Web Sites: www.diamondnuts.com, www.emeraldnuts.com, www.popsecret.com, www.kettlebrand.com, www.kettlefoods.co.uk

CONTACT: Investors:
         Linda Segre
         Diamond Foods, Inc.
         (415)445-7952
         investor@diamondfoods.com
         
         Media:
         Stephen Sibert
         Diamond Foods, Inc.
         (415)445-7444
         press@diamondfood.com