Henry Van Groningen Sr moved to America from the Netherlands in 1910.
1910
Henry Van Groningen Sr moves from Minnesota to California’s Central Valley where started his first dairy farm.
1922
Henry Van Groningen Sr moved to Ripon, California to continue dairy farming.
1929
Henry Van Groningen Sr planted his first almond orchard and became one of the first almond farmers in Ripon, California. He soon followed up the almond orchard with planting walnuts and watermelons.
1939
Henry Van Groningen Sr's sons, Art and Henry, took over the family farm and continued the family legacy with a 25 year partnership. As Art and Henry’s sons grew up and developed a fondness for the family business, they made the decision to split the family business.
1945
Henry Van Groningen Jr and his sons took over farming the almond trees and soon added walnuts, kiwis and nectarines.
1970
Chris Van Groningen purchased a walnut huller and began a farming partnership with his brothers.
2000
Vertical Integration. As the hulling business grew, Chris Van Groningen expanded and added a processing plant to the business which has been growing ever since.
2008
River Oak Orchards continues to pride itself on packing and shipping the highest quality California Walnuts.
2021
River Oak Sustainability
Sustainability is a part of our story. As River Oak Orchards continues to
increase the amount of walnuts we process every year, our dedication for sustaining the land that has allowed many to flourish increases as well.
Solar panels run our facility and irrigation pumps at fields
Walnut shells are spread around our facility to control dust
Moisture control sensors that help to schedule irrigation
Micro irrigation and drip systems for watering our trees
Incorporate pruning and other clippings back into the soil
Local dairies use our walnut shell for bedding and dust control
About River Oak Orchards
A lot has changed in 3 generations, but our commitment to environmental sustainability has remained true.
Our History
