Safeway is proud to support local suppliers across British Columbia as part of our commitment to ensuring that great Canadian products are always on our shelves. This is why we were thrilled to sit down with Sarah Goodman, founder and CEO of Chiwis.

We spoke to Sarah about the spark that ignited the idea for Chiwis, her commitment to sustainability, and how Safeway has supported the company’s growth.

Can you share a little bit about your background and how your company came to be?

It all started with the kiwi chip. I began making kiwi chips to bring on hikes, camping trips, or to eat on the couch during a good Netflix session. After years of hearing feedback from friends and family that kiwi chips tasted like healthy sour patch kids, and that they would buy kiwi chips if they were available in stores, I realized I had a unique product on my hands that I didn’t see on store shelves.

Chiwis launched in early 2021 with our Original Kiwi Chip and Tropical Kiwi Chip varieties. We now have a lineup of five flavours of 100% natural fruit chips with more fun ideas being tested at our snack factory in Squamish, B.C.

Can you tell us more about your products?

Chiwis are vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free and mess-free! We work with farmers to make Chiwis from upcycled fruit, and we use the whole fruit (core, rind, skin) in our chips. This has two benefits: we cut down on food waste, and our customers enjoy the added benefits of the vitamins and fibre found in parts of the fruit you normally wouldn’t enjoy eating.

In what ways have your local B.C. roots impacted your business?

I was always looking for healthy, light snacks to take with me on hikes and overnight camping adventures while exploring our beautiful province. Chiwis were directly inspired by my inability to find a healthy, additive-free option that was fibre filled to keep me energized on my B.C. adventures. It’s been incredible growing my business here. The B.C. food industry is such a supportive, positive space to be a part of.

As your business began to grow, why were you interested in working with Safeway?

It was a big goal of ours to work with Safeway because your team has such an incredible reputation with consumers for delivering high quality foods. We also saw how supportive Safeway was to their local suppliers and knew it would be a great fit.

What did it feel like when you saw your products on Safeway shelves for the first time?

It was absolutely a pinch me moment! The store I walked into also gave us such a beautiful display at the front of the store. Our bright bags are a great addition to front-of-store displays regardless of the season, and it blew me away to see the creativity that the store was able to conjure up using a product I had developed from an idea to the shelf.

What makes you most proud to partner with Safeway? 

I’m most proud of having our product on Safeway shelves because of the high reputation for quality foods the Safeway name carries. We know your customers put so much trust in your brand, and it’s an honour to be found amongst your amazing selection.

What growth has your company seen since partnering with Safeway?

We’re based in Squamish, B.C., so having our products in your stores in different regions of the province has helped us expand our consumer base. It was also amazing to be featured in your International Women’s Day signs on March 8. We had many customers and business partners reach out to say they saw us featured that month and it was fantastic exposure for our Certified Woman-Owned Business. We also love participating in store manager events, like the one that recently took place in Whistler.

What’s next for you and your business?

We’re working hard on testing new innovative chip varieties and working on a very fun vegan sweet treat for the holidays. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok @chiwis_snacks to stay up to date with all things happening at Chiwis.

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Chiwis is now available in 15 Safeway stores throughout B.C. (with more to come!). Be sure to try this yummy, healthy fruit snack for yourself — if you haven’t already.

Loving the Safeway Local Supplier Spotlights? Lucky for you, there’s more coming soon.