Saratoga Chips sees strong growth under new ownership

Saratoga Chips, America’s first kettle chip, has achieved strong growth since new owners purchased the company in the summer of 2013.

Saratoga Chips sales have grown by 177 percent as of June 2014 and there has been an incredible expansion in the number of stores carrying the product; from 56 last year to 410 stores this year.

The company plans to continue increasing availability throughout New York, Pennsylvania, and the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions to have Saratoga Chips in markets from Maine to Florida and west to the Ohio valley.

In 2013, the company was purchased by Jim Schneider, former president of Beech Nut Nutrition Corp, and Joseph Boff, a local real estate investor. The first major change implemented was changing from the original blue box packaging to a bag, which is today’s standard for potato chips.

Over the past year, a significant investment has been made in advertising, followed by securing a contract with NYRA for 2014 Saratoga Race Course season. This puts the Saratoga-based snacks in the hands of thousands of new customers along with the national and international visitors who attend the track.

"We are proud to support local business partners such as Saratoga Chips,” said Drew Revella, general manager for Centerplate. “They bring quality products of this community to our fans."

“We are extremely pleased with the growth we’ve achieved in one year,” said Jim Schneider, president and managing partner of Saratoga Chips. “Offering Saratoga Chips at the Saratoga Race Course has proven to be a valuable venture that has introduced thousands of potential customers to our product. Hopefully, those new customers will ask for Saratoga Chips in their local grocery stores across the country.”

Saratoga Chip’s growth has been driven by both distribution gains and the addition of three new varieties – Dark Russets, Balsamic Vinegar & Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt. This summer, Saratoga Chips became the first chip manufacturers to switch all flavors from traditional sea salt to Mountain Pure Pink Himalayan Salt. Himalayan pink salt is the purest salt on earth as it is mined in the deepest veins under the Himalayan Mountains. In some areas, the salt is over 250 million years old. The addition of Himalayan pink salt enhances the taste of Saratoga Chips, while providing 84 beneficial minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Schneider continues, “The quality of our product is why we have been successful in new markets with new customers. Our chips are certified non-GMO, 100% all natural, gluten free, allergen free with no trans fats, no cholesterol and no preservatives, plus they are certified Kosher approved. We are continuing to pursue new outlets while providing exemplary service and new promotions with our existing vendors.”

Saratoga Chips has had a strong presence at the Saratoga Race Course this season through the sale of chips and participation in the weekly New York Craft Beer and Wine Tasting events. The company is looking forward to officially celebrating Saratoga Chip Day with a number of special events being planned at the Race Course on August 24, 2014 to commemorate the day.