Zia Tortilla Company

Zia Tortilla Company is a small-batch corn tortilla and tortilla chip manufacturer based in Durango, Colorado. Founded as a natural outgrowth of the Zia Taqueria restaurant group, the company officially launched as a standalone manufacturing operation in early 2019 after taking over chip production from a former supplier in late 2017 and investing in expanded factory space and full production equipment. The company is rooted in traditional food craftsmanship, setting itself apart from the vast majority of US tortilla producers by using the ancient process of nixtamalization rather than pre-processed corn flour (maseca). Nixtamalization involves soaking and cooking whole corn kernels in an alkaline solution of ash, mineral lime, or calcium, a method that reduces mycotoxins by 97–100%, increases amino acid bioavailability, produces bio-available niacin, and enhances mineral absorption. This process also improves texture, aroma, and flavor in the finished product. Zia Tortilla Company sources its primary ingredients locally and regionally: non-GMO whole corn grown in Southwest Colorado, sunflower oil from Lamar, Colorado, and Redmond Real Salt from central Utah. Products contain no preservatives, gums, or paste additives. The company produces corn tortillas and restaurant-style tortilla chips for its affiliated restaurant concepts — including two Zia Taqueria locations, Sage Fresh Eats, and several other Durango-area foodservice accounts — as well as a full line of flavored tortilla chips sold at retail. Retail distribution spans a broad and growing geographic footprint, with products available across Colorado at dozens of Natural Grocers locations, independent natural food co-ops, specialty grocery stores, and local markets. Distribution extends beyond Colorado into Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, and Maryland, primarily through natural and specialty retail channels. Regional distributors including Farm Runners, Valley Roots, Phoenix Foods, and Common Harvest Colorado support the company's wholesale reach. Production is conducted in small batches to minimize energy and water consumption, and production waste is composted by local farming partners. Retail packaging uses natural kraft paper with a compostable film liner. Zia Tortilla Company occupies a distinctive niche in the CPG snack and tortilla segment, combining authentic traditional production methods with transparent, minimal ingredient sourcing and deep integration with a local foodservice ecosystem.