The Global Pecan Story Started in Ocean Springs

Now You Can Bring It to Your Kitchen.

Most chefs don’t know that the global pecan industry began in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

But it’s true.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, local growers like Col. W.R. Stuart, Carl Forkert, and Theo Bechtel cultivated now-famous varieties like Stuart, Desirable, and Schley—and developed the groundbreaking papershell trait that made pecans easier to crack, package, and enjoy around the world.

Before most Americans had even tasted a pecan, these Gulf Coast innovators were already exporting them, turning a regional tree nut into a global culinary force.

Prime Pecan: Bringing the Legacy Full Circle

After decades of promoting U.S. pecans across the globe, our founders—Andy and Marianna Chapman—launched Prime Pecan to solve one of the industry's biggest problems:

Most pecans on the market are stale, dark, and bland—shelled long ago with inconsistent storage from farm to table.

In short, most pecans aren't fresh. And that impacts flavor, nutrition, and value.

So we do things differently.

Local Chefs Are Already Leading the Way

Chefs and culinary innovators across the Gulf Coast are already reimagining what fresh pecans can do:

• Chef Stephanie Paoletti of Sweet Enchantments, Butcher + Baker, and Sugar Cubed in Ocean Springs created an exquisite pecan baklava and plans to feature Prime Pecans in her signature holiday cheesecakes.

• Nolan Keith, head brewer at Lost Spring Brewing Company in Ocean Springs, is crafting a pecan-forward signature brew and using Prime Pecans as garnishes for his rotating cocktail menu.

• Maison de Lu in Ocean Springs, featured Pecan Crusted Redfish to kick off their innovation with Prime Pecan.

• Chef Scott Simpson at The Depot in Auburn, AL is developing retail snack packs and menu specials for his weekly market—featuring Prime Pecans alongside his house-made flavor innovations.

This is what happens when freshness, flavor, and origin come together.

Fresh-Shelled Pecans in Bulk: Specs & Formats

Prime Pecans are:

• Shelled fresh each month, using a science-based post-harvest system that locks in flavor, aroma, and performance

• Backed by a deep, redundant supply chain with GFSI & HACCP certified processing

• Available for shipment anywhere in the continental U.S.

• Delivered FREE to Gulf Coast buyers from Pensacola to New Orleans

• Ready for foodservice, manufacturing, retail, and menu R&D

From our headquarters in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Prime Pecan delivers true farm-to-table quality.

Available Formats:

All Prime Pecans are packed in food-safe, vacuum-sealed bags and shipped in sturdy 30 lb cartons for freshness and extended shelf life.

• Mammoth Halves – elegant for plating, snacks, premium baking

• Medium Pieces – ideal for energy bars, ice cream, salads, and baking

• XL Pieces – perfect for granola, clusters, brittle, and mix-ins

• Candy Granules (1–3 mm) – great for praline coatings, toppings, and confections

Need a different size or cut?
Ask us about custom specifications for your exact needs.

Direct Pecan Shipment for Foodservice & Manufacturing

Whether you're a:

• Chef building your next show-stopping dessert

• Brewer working on a pecan stout

• Snack maker developing a clean-label cluster or bar

• Hotel creating custom welcome amenities

• Caterer crafting elegant, shelf-stable dishes

• Ice cream maker chasing the next global flavor trend

Prime Pecan delivers freshness, flavor, and flexibility in every box.

This is how you buy 30 lb pecan boxes directly from American pecan growers with no compromise on quality.

Prime Pecan would welcome the opportunity to send you a sample and deliver the freshness, flexibility, and flavor to your kitchen or facility consistently, year-round.

Why Buyers Choose Prime

• Shelled Fresh Monthly in a GFSI & HACCP certified facility

• Direct-to-kitchen delivery with no middleman

• Shelf-stable freshness with zero bitterness or off-notes

• Origin story that adds upsell value to any dish

• Reliable, scalable supply ready for your business growth

• Free delivery for Gulf Coast region

• Affordable direct shipping across the U.S.

• Minimum Order Quantity is only one 30-lb box.

Ready to Order Pecans for Restaurants, Bakeries, Ice Cream and Food Manufacturers?

Whether you’re starting with one box or preparing for a seasonal run, we’ll help you get the right spec, the right quantity, and the right timeline.

Message us or click here to request specs and let us know what format you need.
Our team will be in touch to help you get started.

Let’s bring the pecan legacy back to your menu, your products, and your customers—wherever you are in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes Prime Pecans different from other suppliers?

  Prime Pecans are shelled fresh monthly, vacuum-sealed, and packed to preserve flavor, texture, and aroma. Our GFSI- and HACCP-certified process ensures consistent, premium quality.

• What pecan formats are available for foodservice and manufacturing?

  We offer Mammoth Halves, Medium Pieces, XL Pieces, and Candy Granules (1–3 mm). Custom cuts are available by request.

• Where do you ship?

  We ship 30 lb bulk boxes nationwide and offer free local delivery to buyers along the Gulf Coast—from Pensacola to New Orleans.

• What is the minimum order quantity?

  Just one 30 lb box.

• Can I request a sample before ordering?

  Absolutely. We're happy to provide a sample box—just reach out to request one.

• Are your pecans suitable for gluten-free or clean-label products?

  Yes. Prime Pecans are naturally gluten-free, low-carb, high in plant-based protein, and ideal for clean-label formulations.