NM is Pueblo-chile free, Whole Foods says

Pueblo chile may be the hot new item at Whole Foods in the Rocky Mountain region, but the grocer still will peddle New Mexico-grown peppers across the Land of Enchantment. A Denver Post story last week fanned the flames of the New Mexico-Colorado chile debate, reporting the chain’s plan to replace Hatch chile with Pueblo chile in some regional stores — but most definitely not in New Mexico. Nick Martinez, a marketing specialist for Whole Foods in Albuquerque, said the decision in Colorado was part of the region’s push to highlight local produce — “even ‘hyper’ local products,” he noted via email. “This does not affect the New Mexico stores, which will continue to source green chile from New Mexico only,” he added. “In fact, all (New Mexico) stores will be free of Pueblo, Colo. chile.” Martinez said Whole Foods in New Mexico — two stores in Albuquerque and two in Santa Fe — currently sell peppers from Seco Spice out of Berino, N.M. He said the store also has identified a new source, Los Lunas’ Armijo Farms, and will also get some from Hatch growers. While some New Mexico customers have inquired about chile changeover via social media, those who actually visit the stores will see signage indicating the veggies’ local provenance. In other markets, though, the Pueblo produce will take precedence. Whole Foods is planning to distribute 125,000 pounds to stores throughout most of the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado, Kansas, Idaho and Utah...more