Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, officially marks its 90th anniversary on Tuesday. What began in 1936 as a small storefront in Lower Manhattan has evolved into an iconic global brand, now boasting over 2,500 products and a workforce of more than 4,000 employees headquartered in Jersey City.
The celebration honors nearly a century of culinary influence, during which Goya transitioned from a “mom-and-pop” specialty importer to a household name found in major supermarkets worldwide.
Founded by Spanish immigrants Prudencio Unanue and his wife Carolina, the company’s mission was simple: provide authentic, high-quality foods that offered a taste of home to the growing Latino community in New York.
“Goya’s story is an American Dream come true,” Peter Unanue, executive of Goya Foods said. “It is the story of immigrants who came to this country with little more than determination and faith, built a business through hard work, and shared their culture through food.”
Goya’s growth over the last nine decades is a testament to strategic expansion and operational innovation. Key milestones in the company’s trajectory include:
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Manufacturing Prowess: The company operates 25 facilities worldwide, including state-of-the-art production centers in New Jersey, Texas, California, Georgia, and Puerto Rico.
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Mainstream Crossover: Once sold primarily in local bodegas, Goya staples like adobo, sazón, and olive oil are now essential items for consumers of all backgrounds who value authentic flavor.
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Infrastructure Investment: In recent years, Goya invested over $500 million in a global expansion plan to modernize logistics and double manufacturing capacity at its massive 130-acre Texas campus.
Goya Gives: A tradition of service
Beyond the kitchen, the anniversary highlights the impact of the Goya Gives initiative. The program has supported nearly 300 charitable organizations, focusing on:
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Disaster Relief: Providing millions of pounds of food during crises like Hurricane Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Scholarships: Empowering the next generation of Hispanic leaders through educational funding.
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Nutrition: Partnering with health initiatives like “MiPlato” to promote balanced diets in underserved communities.
2026 Anniversary Highlights
To commemorate nine decades of operation, Goya has announced a year-long series of events:
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Culinary Centennials: National events and cultural partnerships across the U.S.
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Special Merchandise: Limited-edition products and anniversary-themed packaging.
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Digital Engagement: Social media contests and an interactive digital history on goya.com/90years.
As the company enters its tenth decade, it remains committed to its founding motto: “If it’s Goya, it has to be good.”
