The Grenoble walnut was already well-known in France and abroad at the beginning of the 20 ^th century.

In the 1930s, France was the world leader for walnut production but the big majority consisted of common varieties: only Grenoble and Périgord ones gave rise to a major trade. The most famous, Grenoble walnuts (blend of 3 selected varieties: Franquette, Mayette and Parisienne), could be sold at a higher price than the others. The harm done to the farmers led the French Parliament to work on a law of “national trademark” which would provide guarantee of authenticity and quality to the buyers. In 1908, some growers created trade associations for their crops in numerous villages in order to support the good reputation of Grenoble walnuts. These associations federated in 1927.