American Pistachio Growers Introduces New Brand Ambassador: Paco Roncero

FRESNO, Calif., Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American Pistachio Growers (APG) is proud to announce a new partnership with famed Spanish chef Paco Roncero. Roncero, who has earned two Michelin Stars among other culinary recognition, is a cyclist and marathoner known widely for his advocating that healthy food can also be delicious. 

"I am excited to take on this new role and partnership with American Pistachio Growers," notes Roncero. "When I'm not in the kitchen, I spend most of my time cycling and running. Pistachios are one of my favorite foods to eat after exercise since they're not only a good source of protein, but also have so many versatile uses as a post-exercise snack."

Roncero is highly decorated with two Michelin Stars and numerous gastronomy accolades; including Chef l'Avenir 2005 awarded by the International Academy of Gastronomy, the National Gastronomy Award of 2006 of the Spanish Royal Academy and three Suns of the Guia Repsol for his restaurant La Terraza del Casino. In addition to these awards, Roncero is considered one of the pioneers of Madrid and Spain's vanguard (molecular gastronomy) cuisine. He has taken sensory dining to the next level, and recently opened a new restaurant, Sublimotion, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza, designed to combine music, lighting and ambience with food in a way that plays to all of the senses.

Roncero will call on his culinary creativity in his role as one of APG's new Ambassadors to imagine the best culinary uses for pistachios on menus and as an ingredient.  

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Paco Roncero as an Ambassador," says Judy Hirigoyen, Director of Global Marketing at American Pistachio Growers. "His culinary genius and dedication to a healthy life makes him an ideal Ambassador for our 'mindful snacking' message."

Roncero's passion also extends beyond the kitchen – he is an avid athlete who encourages other Spanish chefs to take up various sports and exercise. Roncero promotes healthy nutrition habits for athletes and has worked with nutritionists and the Instituto Nacional del Deporte (ISD) to create innovative and delicious recipes for sports nutrition. This makes for a natural partnership with APG, which also has ambassadorships with athletes and nutritionists.

For additional pistachio recipes and more information on the American Pistachio Growers, please visit AmericanPistachios.org.

About American Pistachio Growers
American Pistachio Growers (APG) is a non-profit voluntary agricultural trade association representing more than 650 members in California, Arizona and New Mexico. APG is governed by a democratically elected board of directors and is funded entirely by growers and independent processors with the shared goal of increasing global awareness of nutritious American-grown pistachios. APG pistachios are the "Official Snack" of USA Water Polo, Big Mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones, British pro cyclist Mark Cavendish and the Miss California Organization. For more information, visit www.AmericanPistachios.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141107/157345

SOURCE American Pistachio Growers

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http://www.AmericanPistachios.org