Product Offerings
Products:
Inshell Walnuts: Franquette, Mayette, Parisienne, Fernor, Lara
Shelled Walnuts: Walnut kernels in halves and pieces
Fresh Walnuts: Lara variety
Organic Walnuts: Certified organic inshell and shelled walnuts
Coopenoix is a premier agricultural cooperative headquartered in Vinay, France, and serves as a central pillar of the French walnut industry. Established in 1966, the cooperative brings together over 300 walnut producers from the Rhône-Alpes region, making it one of the most important players in European walnut processing and distribution. Coopenoix is particularly known for its dedication to quality, sustainability, and traceability, ensuring each walnut meets the highest standards from orchard to market.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Coopenoix is exclusively dedicated to the cultivation, processing, packaging, and export of French walnuts. The product range includes:
- Inshell Walnuts: The flagship offering includes premium French varieties such as:
- Franquette: Known for its superior taste and storage capability
- Mayette, Parisienne, Fernor, and Lara
- Shelled Walnuts: High-quality walnut kernels available in halves, quarters, and pieces for retail and foodservice usage
- Fresh Walnuts: Seasonal specialty with limited availability, particularly the Lara variety
- Organic Walnuts: A rapidly growing segment, certified organic walnuts processed with strict environmental standards
The cooperative manages all stages of the walnut value chain, from harvesting and drying to calibration and packaging, ensuring a consistently high product standard.
Unique Selling Proposition and Specialization
Coopenoix’s unique strength lies in its deep regional integration and complete traceability. Each walnut processed by Coopenoix can be traced back to its specific orchard, enabling unmatched transparency and product accountability.
Additionally, Coopenoix is a key ambassador for the “Noix de Grenoble AOP” (Appellation d'Origine Protégée), a protected designation of origin that guarantees the authenticity and origin of the product, much like fine wines or cheeses.
Their processing facilities handle:
- 8,000+ tons of walnuts annually
- Over 3,000 hectares of orchards managed by its cooperative members
Financial and Export Performance
Coopenoix is a top exporter of French walnuts, with a robust international footprint. Based on publicly available trade and customs records:
- Over 60% of total production is exported
- Primary export markets include Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Japan
- Annual export volume exceeds 5,000 tons
- In recent years, exports have contributed significantly to revenues, estimated at €18–20 million annually
This performance reinforces Coopenoix’s status as a global supplier of premium walnut products.
Target Markets
The cooperative serves a diverse range of customers:
- Retail chains in Europe and North America
- Ingredient suppliers to bakeries, snack producers, and dairy processors
- Health food stores and organic retailers
- Private label buyers and co-packaging clients
Coopenoix's consistent quality and ability to deliver in bulk or customized packaging formats make it a preferred supplier for both branded and private-label walnut products.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Fully automated processing plant with modern shelling, sorting, and packaging systems
- In-house quality control laboratory for moisture analysis, kernel inspection, and pesticide testing
- Cold storage and climate-controlled facilities to preserve freshness year-round
- Customizable packaging: From bulk sacks to retail-ready formats
These capabilities enable Coopenoix to handle significant volumes while maintaining strict quality control.
Certifications and Compliance
Coopenoix adheres to strict international food safety and organic standards, holding multiple certifications:
- IFS Food Certification
- Ecocert Organic Certification (FR-BIO-01)
- HACCP protocols across all processing stages
- Member of the CNIPT (French National Interprofessional Committee for Walnuts)
These recognitions validate the cooperative’s commitment to food safety, sustainability, and international market compliance.
Achievements and Recognition
- Pioneer of the “Noix de Grenoble AOP” movement
- Winner of several agricultural innovation awards in France
- Regular exhibitor at SIAL Paris and other global agri-food trade fairs
- Developed the consumer brand ALP’NOIX, enhancing visibility in retail markets
Customer Testimonials and Reputation
Coopenoix enjoys strong loyalty among its clients, many of whom have partnered with the cooperative for over a decade. Although direct testimonials are not public, consistent long-term contracts with premium retailers and foodservice distributors in Europe and North America reflect high satisfaction with product quality and service reliability.
Conclusion
With a legacy of excellence, deep regional roots, and an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, Coopenoix stands as a benchmark in the European walnut industry. Its integrated cooperative model, advanced processing capabilities, and international certifications position it as a trusted supplier for buyers seeking premium walnuts with full traceability and guaranteed origin.