Incorporated in California in September 1988, Crain Walnut Shelling, Inc.’s (CWS) primary business is the processing, packing and shipping of English Walnut meats. The business was founded in 1982 by Charles R. Crain, Jr. (Chuck), as a division of a much larger business, Crain Orchards, Inc., a farming operation which is currently one of the largest growers of English Walnuts in California.

Chuck’s mother and father, Alice Crain and Charles Crain, Sr., along with two of their sons, William and Harold own and operate Crain Ranch, dba CR Crain and Sons, Inc. Crain Ranch is an extremely advanced in-shell walnut processing facility, which also enjoys world-wide brand recognition for its bleached and naturally processed Hartley and Howard variety walnuts. The combined family operation, Crain Walnut Shelling, Inc. and Crain Ranch, makes up one of the largest processors of English Walnut products in California.

The two businesses compliment each other in their capacity to process the entire spectrum of walnut products. Many growers who produce a mix of varieties benefit from this diversity, assuring that their crop will be packed and marketed to its highest potential. The majority of the current grower base has been delivering to the family operations for many years, and are among the highest quality, best informed and environmentally sensitive producers in the industry.

The Crains’ philosophy of self-financed growth has resulted in a well-capitalized structure with low overhead. This coupled with high efficiency, state-of-the-art processing and packing facilities, has allowed for the expansion of quality markets that maximizes grower returns and has led to rapid growth of the grower base through continued satisfaction.

The Crains’ valued customers range from retail grocery store chains to large regional bakers, bakery supply distributors, ice cream manufacturers, cereal makers, and multi-national food manufacturers.

Beginning with the fruit on the tree and continuing through to your door, the Crain organization’s mission is to provide the highest quality service and value available in the market today.