Since the first Gertie's Finest product was sold in 2005, New Road Naturals has been able to not only create uniquely delicious products, but also contribute to an overall higher standard of living in the Peruvian community where the produce is grown and harvested. New Road Naturals provides fair and gainful employment that includes regular access to health care for the families of all the workers, resulting in improved housing, increased wellness, and better educational opportunities for the residents of the area.

Peter travels to the region at least five times every year, maintaining an active connection with his agricultural partner and the community that contributes to the success of his company.

After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, New Road Naturals founder Peter McGinn's travels took him to Spain, where he lived for 2 years. There he developed a life-changing interest in and passion for Latin cultures. That passion led him to South America and eventually Peru, where he became enamored with beautiful countryside, the abundance of spectacularly flavorful produce, and the warmth and openness of the people he met.

Peter met with an agricultural organization committed to social and ecological responsibility, and together they realized an opportunity to not only source excellent products featuring the locally grown produce, but also make a significant difference in the quality of the lives of the people who live in the region.

In 2005, Peter began working with his Peruvian partners to produce artichoke-based delicacies under the name of Gertie's Finest ("Gertie" was Peter's grandmother's name). The consumer response was immediate and overwhelming, and Gertie's Finest quickly grew to include other vegetables and fruits (asparagus, green beans, piquillo peppers, mangoes and pineapple, for example). In 2008, Gertie's Fresh Refrigerated, a sister brand featuring fresh refrigerated salsas and spreads, was launched. Later that same year, the parent company of both brands, New Road Naturals, was founded.