In April 2025, Natural Grocers—a leader in organic and natural grocery retail—expanded its private label lineup with three new snack options: Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips, Sea Salt Kettle Potato Chips, and Sea Salt Cassava Chips. All three are sourced directly from Peru, a global hub for potato biodiversity and a country known for its long-standing ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
This launch is more than just a flavor expansion; it’s a strategic move tapping into consumer demand for non-GMO, plant-based, and traceable foods, while supporting sustainable farming practices in one of the world’s most agriculturally significant regions.
Peru: The Global Epicenter of Potato Diversity
Peru is widely recognized as the birthplace of the potato, with more than 3,000 native varieties. Its moratorium on GMO crops, in effect since 2011, ensures that farmers preserve heirloom seed varieties and grow food in line with agroecological principles. According to CIP (International Potato Center), Peru’s potato production supports over 711,000 families and contributes significantly to the nation’s food security and export profile.
The country’s unique microclimates and soil diversity make it an ideal place to grow root crops such as cassava and sweet potato, which thrive without the need for chemical inputs. This aligns well with Natural Grocers’ commitment to clean-label goods, which exclude artificial preservatives, flavors, and synthetic colors.
A Clean, Crunchy Addition to a Growing Portfolio
Each 5 oz bag of the new Peruvian chip varieties is retailing at $3.49, in line with the company’s “Always Affordable” pricing model. All products are vegan, kosher, and designed to meet the rising consumer expectation for transparency in food sourcing.
Since the launch of its private label in 2016, Natural Grocers has built a portfolio of over 800 exclusive products, from snacks and beverages to body care. According to SPINS market data, private-label clean snacks have seen a 14% year-over-year growth in natural retail channels, making them a high-opportunity segment for retailers with trusted brand equity.
The chip launch comes at a time when U.S. consumers are more conscious than ever about where their food comes from. A 2024 study by Hartman Group found that 72% of American shoppers actively seek out non-GMO labels, and 60% are more likely to trust products with traceable, country-of-origin sourcing.
Agricultural Significance Beyond the Snack Aisle
For farmers, agronomists, and agricultural engineers, this launch serves as a case study in international value chain collaboration—connecting Andean growers practicing traditional, low-impact agriculture with North American retail shelves. It also underscores the growing role of biodiversity and GMO-free certification in shaping not only consumer preference but also trade and sustainability policy.
As U.S. agricultural scientists increasingly work on preserving native crop genetics and supporting climate-resilient farming, partnerships like this provide a model for building economically and environmentally sustainable agro-export systems that honor local practices while meeting global market demands.
Natural Grocers’ new line of non-GMO Peruvian chips isn’t just a crunchy snack—it’s a celebration of biodiversity, sustainability, and responsible agriculture. By spotlighting Peru’s heritage crops and clean farming practices, the retailer offers a product that appeals to health-conscious consumers and champions global agricultural integrity. As private-label brands continue to grow, this launch highlights a successful fusion of traditional agriculture and modern market demand.
