Peanuts for more than three decades!

Our Story

What began as a small family farming venture in 1979 has grown into one of Ontario’s most unique family food traditions.

The Picard family introduced peanuts to Ontario’s sandy soils in 1979, becoming pioneers in a crop that was virtually unheard of in the province. Like any new agricultural venture, there were challenges along the way, but a clear opportunity emerged early: Ontario-grown peanuts were a specialty product that could not compete in commodity markets on price alone. Their future would be built on something different—freshly roasted, locally grown peanuts, sold directly to customers who valued quality and freshness.

In 1982, an early August frost delivered a serious setback to the young operation and underscored the uncertainty of farming a new crop in Ontario. Rather than step back, the Picard family adapted. They shifted their focus toward building direct relationships with customers and opened their first retail location in the village of St. Jacobs. It quickly became clear that people were drawn to the flavour and freshness of Ontario-grown Valencia peanuts, and the response from visitors was immediate and overwhelming.

As interest grew, so did the vision. In the late 1980s, Picard’s established a production facility in Waterford, Ontario, in a converted courier shipping building. This marked the beginning of a major expansion into value-added products, including peanut brittles, caramels, and chocolate-covered peanuts, along with an expanding line of nut and confectionery creations. Innovation became a defining part of the business, led by founder John Picard, whose creativity shaped many of the products that remain customer favourites today.

Through the 1990s, Picard’s continued to evolve its product offering, expanding into premium roasted and seasoned peanuts, specialty varieties, and an increasingly diverse range of handcrafted snacks. Signature items such as Crispy Potato Chip Covered Peanuts became standout favourites, alongside other innovations that blended texture, flavour, and craftsmanship in new ways.

As demand continued to grow, additional retail locations were established across Southern Ontario, while the Waterford facility expanded multiple times to support increasing production and product development. Alongside this growth, Picard’s also expanded into a wide range of handcrafted confections, introducing chocolate panning, nut clusters, caramel creations, and a broad selection of premium sweets. The Waterford facility also supported the creation of in-house ice cream, featuring flavours built around Picard’s own confectionery ingredients and nut-based inclusions, further extending the brand’s commitment to premium, made-in-house products.

Innovation remained central to everything Picard’s did. From boxed chocolates and specialty bars to caramel clusters, peanut butter cups, melt-away mints, and signature nut confections, the Waterford facility became the heart of continuous product development. Over time, Picard’s also became known for its unique seasonal and specialty items, many of which remain part of the product line today.

In 2006, the Picard family once again expanded their agricultural vision by introducing one of Ontario’s first commercial hop yards on their farm in LaSalette. This led to the development of the Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm, which opened its production facility in 2012. The brewery introduced a range of craft beers brewed on-site, including innovative offerings such as Canada’s first potato-style ale, alongside a growing selection of signature beers. This same spirit of innovation also extended into the creation of freshly made kettle chips, including unique beer-infused varieties produced alongside brewery operations.

For generations, Picard’s has remained a place where customers return year after year, building traditions around their favourite treats. One constant through the decades has been the loyalty of those who visit. Customers regularly stop in before heading home, filling their cars, coolers, and suitcases with Picard’s products. Over time, these snacks have travelled far beyond Ontario—across Canada and around the world—shared as a small taste of home with family and friends wherever life takes them.

Following the passing of founder John Picard in 2022, his legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to quality continues to guide the company he built. Today, Picard’s remains proudly family-owned and operated by his children, Haleigh and JohnBroc Picard, alongside his sister, Renee Millard. Together, they continue to build on the foundation he established, honouring tradition while evolving for the future.

While much has changed since 1979, the values remain the same: quality, creativity, and a deep commitment to making food that brings people together. Picard’s continues to manufacture many of its products in Waterford, Ontario, serving generations of customers who have made it part of their own family traditions.

The story of Picard’s is one of resilience, imagination, and enduring family legacy—built by John Picard and carried forward by the family, staff, and customers who continue to shape it today.