Diamond Foods Announces Its Kettle Brand(R) Wins 2

Diamond Foods Announces Its Kettle Brand(R) Wins 2012 EPA Green Power Leadership Award

Kettle Brand(R) Recognized for Its Achievement in Advancing the National Renewable Electricity Market and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diamond Foods , Inc. (Nasdaq: DMND) announced today its Kettle Brand® was one of 24 recipients honored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its 12 ^th annual Green Power Leadership Awards. The Green Power Leadership Award recognizes achievement in advancing the nation's renewable electricity market while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Diamond's Kettle Brand® -- celebrating its 30 ^th birthday this year -- has a long history of environmental stewardship. "We are thrilled to be recognized by the EPA for our efforts in using renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Andrew Burke, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Diamond Foods. "Our customers and our consumers recognize our unique and on-going commitment to the environment, which we believe helps to encourages others to do their part," said Burke.

"Our 2012 Green Power Leadership Award winners not only have demonstrated commendable civic leadership in their efforts to use renewable energy sources, they have also helped to reduce our carbon footprint and cut back on pollution – all while supporting America's growing renewable energy industry," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

Bruce Bechtel, Diamond Foods Director of Marketing, Kettle Brand, accepted the award for the company on September 24 ^th in Washington, D.C.

About Diamond

Diamond Foods is an innovative packaged food company focused on building, and energizing brands including Kettle Brand® Chips, Emerald® snack nuts, Pop Secret® popcorn, and Diamond of California® nuts. Diamond's products are distributed in a wide range of stores where snacks and culinary nuts are sold. For more information visit our corporate web site: www.diamondfoods.com .

CONTACT: Investors:
Linda Segre
SVP, Corporate Strategy
Diamond Foods
(415)230-7952
lsegre@diamondfoods.com

Media:
Stephen Sibert
VP, Corporate Affairs
Diamond Foods
(415)445-7444
ssibert@diamondfoods.com

Diamond Foods, Inc.