Las Cruces, NM – March 31, 2021 – In the midst of a global pandemic, travelers from around the globe who were not able to visit Las Cruces, New Mexico to enjoy the distinct flavor of red and green chile grown throughout the Hatch Valley found solace in Zia Hatch Chile Company. That appetite for New Mexico chile recently landed Zia Hatch Chile Company a spot on the Forbes Next 1,000 list—just seven years after being founded by Nate Cotanch. Cotanch started the business after moving to the East Coast and found himself missing the flavors and culture of New Mexico.
“We’re honored to have been recognized by Forbes,” said Cotanch. “Our team has put in relentless work—especially during the pandemic—to ensure that we’re providing the nation with authentic Hatch chile. As a business, we celebrate New Mexico—the food, the culture, the people, and the chile. We know that, for those who have moved away from the Land of Enchantment, a lack of Hatch green chile can feel like so much more than missing your favorite food and can instead feel like you’ve lost a part of your culture and traditions. As a result, we’re working to alleviate that Hatch green chile drought.”
In addition to supplying restaurants around the nation, Zia Hatch Chile Company offers jarred roasted Hatch chile in both medium and hot, as well as red chile. Cotanch explained that all of the company’s products can be traced back to the field in the Hatch Valley where it is grown, roasted, peeled and diced. All of Zia’s products are manufactured in Las Cruces and use all natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives. In late 2020, the company released Hatch Red and Green chile salsas.
“Las Cruces is a foodie destination,” said Paul Dahlgren, Visit Las Cruces Director of Marketing & Communications. “Each year, visitors come from all over to experience the unique tastes of Las Cruces, made possible by the area’s long-standing agricultural and culinary traditions. We are so glad that Nate and the Zia Hatch Chile Company are sharing authentic New Mexico flavors with anyone who has dreamed of visiting, is a transplant living elsewhere, or just someone who fell in love with our chile during a visit.”
“Our heart is in the Hatch valley, and our mission is to support local growers, while introducing the world to the incredible culinary gem that is Hatch green chile,” added Cotanch. “It’s New Mexico culture to add Hatch green chile to almost everything we make—from breakfast dishes to burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and even desserts—and it’s our hope to bring that joy and cooking creativity to others and in turn elevate true Hatch Chile from its regional standing to a national staple.”
Products can be found online, as well as at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide and at select retailers, including Natural Grocers, Erewhon, Central Market, Lucky’s Market, The Fresh Market, Harmons Neighborhood Grocer, Earth Fare, and many more. Additionally, Zia Hatch Chile holds annual chile roasts along the East Coast during harvest season and expects to expand these roasting events all throughout the nation in 2021.
For more information on Zia Hatch Chile Company, visit https://ziahatchchileco.com. To learn more about Las Cruces or to plan your foodie adventure in person, visit https://www.lascrucescvb.org.