"A NAME IN NUTS SINCE 1857" Few companies still active in this country can trace their origins as far back as can T. M. Duché Nut Co., Inc. and probably no other was founded as an indirect result of problems with Louis Napoleon Bonaparte. Therefore, we think you may find this story synopsis of our history interesting. Tristan Mathieu Duché served as a deputy in the French Legislative Assembly. In 1851, a coup d'etat by Louise Napoleon Bonaparte (later Napoleon III) resulted in the exile of fifty members of the French Parliament, Including T. M. Duché. Also, among the exiled was Victor Hugo, whose famous book "L Historie d'un Crime" tells the story of the coup and, incidentally mentions duché, who took up residence in London. Although a distinguished lawyer and statesman of France, Tristan Mathieu Duché was not able to practice his profession in England. However, he was not one to stay idle and in 1857, founded the "House Of Duché" in partnership with two of his sons, Claude and J.B. Marius, for the purpose of entering into foreign trade. The company prospered; its growth included the establishment of branches in various parts of the world and the opening of a plant in Belgium for the manufacture of gelatins, glues, and chemicals. A company milestone was reached when the American branch of Duché was opened early enough to be in the first telephone directory in New York City. For many years, the duché imports and exports covered a broad and fascinating variety of products gleaned from Europe, The Far East, South America as well as this country ...edible nuts, tree gums, locust bean powder, agar, dates, fruit oil, peels and pulps to name some... all finding their way into food products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and paints. Duché, in the early 1940's acquired their Orland, California plant from Anchorage Farms. This plant was used for shelling, processing and packaging california almonds. T. M. Duché Nut Co., Inc became one of the world's largest independent nut processors and marketers; Its processing, refrigerated storage and administrative facilities spread over 43 acres, with over 25 acres under cover. Dole Food Company purchased Duché in 1987 and changed the name to Dole Nut Company. In 2000, Dole Nut Company sold the Almond Facility. The new Owner's have brought back the T. M. Duché name because of its place in nut processing history....