Our History
100 Years Devoted to Fresh Louisiana Pecans
Horace Joseph Bergeron began his career as a merchant and carried on the family tradition of planting and farming. In 1910, He purchased a small "shotgun" house for the locals to come trade or hand crack pecans in exchange for merchandise and food items. 5 cents a pound was the going rate. This process all changed in 1941 when Bergeron's sons saw the need to modernize the process.
H.J. Bergeron Pecan Shelling Plant in New Roads, Louisiana
A Modest Beginning
Born in 1890 near New Roads, Horace Joseph Bergeron was of early French ancestry and raised in the heart of Louisiana. Beginning his career as a merchant, Horace opened a small country merchandise store along False River in 1909. He soon began profiting from pecans and purchased a small house for local families to sell or trade their pecans in exchange for merchandise in his store. The company flourished as HJ Bergeron's two sons grew the business alongside their father.
A Need for Expansion
In 1941, Horace's sons opened a premium pecan shelling plant equipped with the best machinery available. HJ Bergeron Pecan Shelling Plant soon became firmly established on a national level as shellers and packers of quality pecans. However, it wasn't until after WWII that the company really came into full bloom in marketing one of Louisiana's most popular commodities.
Continued Growth
Over time, the company added modern equipment, expansions, and other improvements to earn their shelling plant the title of Highest Quality Pecans from the United States Pecan Shelling Association. Today, the company processes 5 - 7 million pounds of in-shell pecans a year. Currently led by the third generation of Bergerons, our company continues to support the community by purchasing our pecans from local growers and farmers.
Dedication to the Future
HJ Bergeron Pecan Company's longevity is due to the devotion of our workforce and their passion for the company. Many people and families have worked for us for decades. HJ Bergeron Pecan Company owes its success to these dedicated employees. Families such as the Swindlers, Ladmairaults, and Aguillards all play an important role in the high quality of pecans that our company is able to consistently provide. With dedicated people like these standing behind us, HJ Bergeron Pecan Company will continue to grow in its achievements and success.
