Proud to Be NM True Certified: What It Means for The Fresh Chile Company

The Fresh Chile Company is NM True Certified, honoring New Mexico’s heritage through authentic Hatch chile products made with care.

At The Fresh Chile Company, authenticity is our foundation. We are thrilled to announce that we are now NM True Certified. This is an honor granted by the New Mexico Tourism Department under the New Mexico True Certified Program. This recognition is reserved for select New Mexico businesses that embody the state's cultural, agricultural, and culinary heritage.

The NM True Certification and the New Mexico True Certified mark reflect a promise: every product bearing this seal is rooted in the land, people, and tradition of New Mexico. For chile lovers everywhere, this certification signals that when you pick up a jar, you're getting genuine New Mexico hatch chile flavor made with integrity, passion, and heritage.

Support local, taste authenticity! Shop NM True Certified Hatch chile and experience real New Mexico flavor.

Shop Hatch Chile Products Now

Our Story: Brand History & Family Tradition

The story of The Fresh Chile Company begins with family, tradition, and a deep love for Hatch chile. Founder Randy McMillan and his wife Carol built on a cherished family recipe first created by Randy’s father, Arnold McMillan — a homemade red enchilada sauce crafted from fresh Hatch chile, not dried powder.

Arnold’s sauce became a family favorite, shared as gifts and requested by the case each holiday season. From those roots, The Fresh Chile Company was born. We’ve been turning homemade jars into a thriving New Mexico business that celebrates local flavor and craftsmanship.

Today, the company proudly stands among New Mexico companies recognized by the New Mexico True Certified mark. We’re keeping alive the traditions of local sourcing, small-batch production, and pure chile flavor.

According to The Fresh Chile Company's story, the brand is the only company commercially producing red chile sauce from fresh red Hatch chile — a product available for just 30 days each year during harvest. This dedication to freshness and authenticity embodies the values that the NM True Certification represents.

What NM True Certification Means

The NM True Certification, established by the New Mexico Tourism Department, celebrates New Mexico companies that authentically represent the spirit and craftsmanship of our state. Products that carry the Mexico True Certified logo are guaranteed to be made, grown, or produced right here in New Mexico.

For The Fresh Chile Company, being part of the New Mexico True Certified program is both an honor and a responsibility. It means that:

  • Our chile comes directly from Hatch Valley farms
  • We partner with local farmers who share the same commitment to quality
  • Every jar represents genuine New Mexico flavor and heritage

When customers see the New Mexico True Certified logo, they can be confident they’re supporting New Mexico businesses that uphold the integrity, tradition, and agricultural pride of our region.

This partnership with the New Mexico Tourism Department also connects The Fresh Chile Company to the larger New Mexico True brand. This promotes authenticity and excellence among select New Mexico businesses rooted in regional culture.

Taste the authentic Hatch chile flavor that represents the heart of New Mexico.

Buy Hatch Chile

Commitment to Quality Through NM True Certified Standards

At The Fresh Chile Company, our commitment to quality begins at the source. Every chile is flame-roasted in Hatch, New Mexico, ensuring the deep, smoky flavor that defines our sauces and salsas. We’re proud to use only fresh, all-natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives and no shortcuts.

Our dedication to authentic production reflects the values behind the New Mexico True Certified program and the New Mexico True brand: integrity, transparency, and love for local craftsmanship. Whether it’s our Jalapeño Salsas, Jenna’s Jams & Jellies, or Fresh Hatch Green Chile Peppers, every product represents the finest of New Mexico businesses.

We are also proud to be recognized beyond our state borders as the first recipient of SIAL America’s Gold Innovation Award (2022) for excellence in flavor and innovation. This award reinforces what the New Mexico True Certified mark already signifies.

Our world-class quality is born from local roots. Every jar and bottle we craft celebrates the vibrant heritage of New Mexico’s chile tradition. From field to kitchen, our team ensures every product meets the standards of freshness, flavor, and authenticity. We're bringing a true taste of the Southwest to every bite.

Why NM True Certification Matters to You

For chile lovers, the NM True Certification is more than just a logo. It’s your guarantee of authenticity. When you buy from The Fresh Chile Company, you’re supporting New Mexico companies that grow, roast, and package right here in the Land of Enchantment.

Every jar you enjoy is part of a larger story — one that supports local farmers, celebrates heritage, and sustains the regional economy. Whether you’re trying our Hatch Green Chile Sauce, our bold Green Jalapeño Roast, or exploring flavor bundles, you can trust you’re tasting something truly New Mexico True Certified.

Whether you’re new to Hatch chile or a lifelong fan, the NM True Certification ensures that every jar of The Fresh Chile Company sauce represents the genuine flavor of New Mexico, verified by the New Mexico Department of Tourism.

Explore Our New Mexico True Certified Product Line

Over time, our product line expanded. Today, we offer not only that signature red sauce.

Bring the authentic taste of the Hatch Valley into your kitchen with The Fresh Chile Company’s NM True Certified products, proudly recognized by the New Mexico Tourism Department.

Shop customer favorites:

Our collections span multiple heat levels — Mild, Medium, and Hot. Customers can choose their Heat Taste level.

Every jar carries the New Mexico True Certified logo — your assurance of authentic New Mexico chile sauce and unmatched flavor. 

Celebrate True New Mexico Flavor

Experience the pride and authenticity of NM True Certification with every bite. Explore our collection of New Mexico True Certified Hatch chile sauces, salsas, and bundles at The Fresh Chile Company. Each jar is perfect for creating and enhancing fresh chile recipes that capture the heart of our state’s culinary heritage.

By choosing our products, you support the New Mexico True brand and the hardworking New Mexico businesses that make our chile culture thrive.

Savor the authentic taste of New Mexico with NM True Certified Hatch chiles.

Shop All Products

Back to blog