MinneSalsa

Jar of MinneSalsa

MinneSalsa is a family-owned and operated business founded in 1997 by friends Mark Bourget and Clyde Wagner in Hugo, Minnesota.

The creation of MinneSalsa started with Mark and Clyde's quest for fresh-tasting salsa. In Mark's kitchen, with the use of a dime-store blender and a fridge full of fresh ingredients, the salsa was developed and shared with friends and family. They took their salsa to dinner parties, barbecues and gatherings around the watercooler at work.

"Eventually, we forced our tomato, pepper and spice concoction down enough peoples' throats to where they finally said, 'I love this stuff - please put it in a jar and sell it to me,'" says Clyde. "So we did."

The key to MinneSalsa's fresh flavor is all in how it's made. Each jar contains only hand-selected, premium ingredients and has been "micro-brewed" in small batches. What is micro-brewing? "We always respond by saying it's similar to micro-brewed beer, without the alcohol," says Clyde. Unlike the bigger salsa brands, MinneSalsa's smaller batch sizes allow them to control the temperature on each and every batch, which preserves the fresh, crisp flavor of each select ingredient. In other words, they don't overcook their salsa, which means a better-tasting salsa for you.

In 2004, Clyde bought his friend's half of the business and his wife, Debra, is now his partner. It wasn't until their oldest son, Ford, at 10 years old, took an active interest in the operation that MinneSalsa was driven to the next level.

"We are excited to be able to bring our passion for premium salsa to so many more people," say the Wagners. "However, we still enjoy it around the watercooler at the office. It's just a different office."

Find MinneSalsa in the Grocery Department of your nearest Kowalski's location. Selection and availability vary by market.