What started as a small-batch operation in rural Manitoba is now a national success story—thanks to a great chip, a passionate community and a little help from Walmart Canada.
La Cocina Foods, a family-owned and run business based in Ste. Anne, Manitoba, has officially gone national with its artisan tortilla chips now available in Walmart stores across the country. It’s a major milestone for the Warkentin family, who have been perfecting their craft since 1984—and a proud moment for Walmart Canada’s commitment to supporting local suppliers.
“Helping small Canadian businesses grow is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,” says Gabriela Yung, Senior Merchant, Food, Walmart Canada. “La Cocina is an excellent example of how a great product, a strong story and the right support can lead to something really special.”
The journey began nearly 15 years ago when Valdimar Johnson, a Walmart Store Manager in Winnipeg, Manitoba was approached by a customer with a request: bring La Cocina chips to Walmart shelves. She discovered the chips and believed they deserved a wider audience.
Inspired by her passion and the product’s quality, Valdimar reached out to Walmart’s buying team. “In my opinion, the chip was unique, excellent quality and unlike any other chips we carried, and we should definitely list this product. I put a call into the buyer at our head office and shortly after, the chips were on our shelves,” Valdimar shared.
La Cocina’s roots run deep. The company was founded by Peter Warkentin and his sisters, Edith and Eleanor, who opened a small tortilleria on the family farm. What began with six-inch corn tortillas soon evolved into a chip-making operation after Peter began experimenting with recipes. The result? A chip that quickly surpassed the original tortillas.
“Our chips are a unique blend of different corns, light and crispy, and best described as an artisan chip,” says Pat Warkentin, President of La Cocina Foods.
The chips were first listed in a single Walmart store, but customer response was immediate and enthusiastic. As demand grew, so did La Cocina’s footprint—first across Manitoba, then across Canada. Today, their chips are a staple in Walmart stores from coast-to-coast.
“We’re incredibly proud of our journey with Walmart,” says the La Cocina team. “They gave us a chance to prove ourselves, and we’ve grown together ever since. It’s been a true collaboration.”
Walmart Canada continues to invest in Canadian suppliers like La Cocina, purchasing billions of dollars’ worth of local products each year and helping small businesses scale to new heights.
