About Us
At Maisie Jane’s, we believe that how food is grown, sourced, and processed makes all the difference. That’s why we take pride in offering products that reflect our deep commitment to health, safety, and quality—from the moment a seed is planted to the final product on your table.
How The Farming All Began
It started with Natalie’s son, Bernard “Big Ben” Bertagna, who inherited his father’s green thumb and passion for farming. By age twelve, he was already volunteering in neighboring almond orchards. At seventeen, he purchased his very first twenty acres of almond trees—a bold step that set our family firmly on the path of almond farming.
Big Ben dedicated his life to the orchards. Farming almonds is labor-intensive, but deeply rewarding, and he poured his energy into expanding and nurturing the land whenever he could.
A New Generation Takes Root
Together with his wife, Carmen, Big Ben raised three sons—Ben Jr. “Lit’l Ben” (Maisie Jane’s father), Nick, and Andy—who grew up surrounded by orchards. From an early age, they learned the rhythms of farming life. Ben Jr. fondly remembers driving a tractor as a child, before he could reach the pedals: “My dad would just stick wood blocks on the pedal to work as extensions of my short legs.”
Those early lessons built a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the family’s farming tradition. The three brothers carried that legacy forward, joining their father to form Bertagna Orchards, Inc., ensuring the family passion for almonds continued to grow.
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
From those first orchards, the Bertagna family’s love for farming in Northern California has flourished across four generations. That same dedication eventually inspired a new chapter—Maisie Jane’s.
The vision for Maisie Jane’s began to take root when a 17-year-old Maisie sold her FFA sheep project and invested in almonds from her family’s orchard in 1993. What started as a simple dream—to share healthier, dry-roasted almond snacks—slowly blossomed into a business. With recipes inspired by her mom and determination all her own, Maisie began selling at farmers markets and local stores.
More than 30 years later, with the invaluable contributions of Maisie’s husband Isidro, that vision has blossomed into a thriving family business—sharing California sunshine, wholesome nut products, and thoughtful gift baskets with homes nationwide.
Today, Maisie Jane and Isidro continue the farming tradition—growing almonds, running the business, and raising their three daughters with the same love for agriculture that has shaped the family for generations. At Maisie Jane’s, farming and food will always be personal. Behind every product is a hardworking team—and at the heart of it, a family.
Meet the Maisie Jane’s Team
At Maisie Jane’s, family and community have always been at the heart of what we do. What began with one young woman’s vision has grown into a thriving, woman-owned business supported by an incredible team of dedicated people. From family members to long-time staff, every person plays a vital role in bringing California sunshine and wholesome nut products to our customers.
Maisie Jane Hurtado - Founder
Maisie Jane is more than just a name—she’s a real person with a lifelong passion for agriculture. As the founder of this woman-owned business, she remains hands-on in every aspect, from product development to community involvement. At home, she raises sheep and chickens and tends a year-round garden she preserves for her family to enjoy. Alongside her husband, Isidro, and their daughters Isabela, Natalia, and Lilia Jane, Maisie is dedicated to creating healthy, farm-fresh products and building a company rooted in integrity and care.
Isidro Hurtado – The Grower & Co-Owner
Isidro met Maisie Jane while attending Chico State University and officially joined the business in 2002. With early agricultural experience in apricot orchards and garlic fields in Salinas Valley, and a background in construction management, he brought a unique blend of skills to the company. Today, he farms 80 acres of almonds and manages the manufacturing facility, playing an essential role in the growth and success of Maisie Jane’s.
The Office & Sales Team
From answering phones and managing schedules to bookkeeping, marketing, and sales, our office and sales team keeps everything running smoothly. They are the voices our customers hear on the phone, the friendly faces helping coordinate wholesale and retail orders, and the detail-oriented minds behind the scenes. Their pride and care are felt in every interaction.
The Production Team
Our production crew is the heart of our operation. This loyal and hardworking team roasts, seasons, and packages the nuts that carry our family name. Their dedication ensures every batch meets the high standards Maisie Jane’s is known for. From small-batch roasting to quality checks, their work ethic and attention to detail are the foundation of our success.
The Gift Shop Team
The charm of our Chico gift shop wouldn’t be possible without the warm and welcoming staff who greet customers each day. Maisie’s mom, Mary Jane, has been part of the story since the very beginning—helping with recipes, designing gift baskets, and sharing her creative touch in countless ways. Alongside other talented women on the team, she helps make the shop a destination full of local goods, thoughtful gifts, and plenty of nutty goodness.
Together, our team makes it possible to share more than just nuts—we share a piece of our family, our traditions, and the sunshine of Northern California with every product we create. From the orchards to the gift shop, every person at Maisie Jane’s plays a part in bringing wholesome goodness to your table.
Our Mission
At Maisie Jane’s, our mission is to grow and share wholesome, honest food that brings people together — from our family farm to your table. Rooted in four generations of almond farming, we craft every product with care, using clean ingredients, sustainable practices, and time-honored traditions.
Whether it’s a gift basket, a jar of nut butter, or a handful of almonds, we believe food should nourish more than just the body — it should nourish the land, support real people, and create moments of connection. Through everything we do, we aim to honor the past, serve the present, and cultivate a better future for our community, our customers, and the earth.
Our Values
At Maisie Jane’s, our values aren’t just statements — they’re part of how we farm, how we do business, and how we live. We believe in doing what’s right for people, the planet, and our food. Every day, we live by the core values that guide our work and shape our brand:
- Quality Products
From root stock to shelf, we’re committed to delivering the very best. Every nut is carefully grown, roasted, and packaged with attention to freshness and flavor, so you can taste the difference in every bite. - Family
Family is at the root of who we are. What began as a dream in our orchards has grown into a business run by multiple generations, with relatives, friends, and team members who feel like family working side by side. - Earth-Friendly Farming
Caring for the land is part of our responsibility and our passion. Through sustainable practices like water conservation, pollinator support, and eco-friendly packaging, we strive to leave the earth better for future generations. - Pride in Everything We Do
From hand-packing gift baskets to greeting local customers in our Gift Shop in Chico, CA, we put care and craftsmanship into every detail. We believe that pride in our work shines through in the quality of our products and the joy they bring. - Honoring People
Whether it’s our growers, our staff, or our customers, we treat people with respect and appreciation. Every partnership and purchase matters to us, and we’re grateful for the community that supports our work. - Honesty
Integrity is at the heart of our business. We believe in being transparent about our farming, our products, and our process, so you always know you’re getting food that’s as real and authentic as the people behind it.
From Our Family to Yours
At the end of the day, Maisie Jane’s is about more than just nuts — it’s about legacy, community, and care in every step. From our family’s orchards to your kitchen table, we’re honored to share a piece of Northern California with every product we make. Whether you're snacking, gifting, or gathering around good food, we hope you feel the sunshine, pride, and passion that go into it all. Thanks for being part of our story — we’re glad you’re here.
