A Family Legacy

Founded in 1946 by George De La Torre Sr. and his nephew, Albert Guerrero, Juanita’s Foods has become the world’s largest manufacturer of Menudo – a popular Mexican stew. Originally the company was called Harbor Canning Company and, in addition to manufacturing Menudo, it packed fish primarily for sport fishermen. 

“I am proud to be able to say that our grandfather and his nephew are the co-founders of the Juanita’s Foods family legacy,” explains Mark De La Torre, the elder son of the third generation and the company’s Co-Chief Executive Officer. “Growing up in the family business, I remember my grandfather … vividly … so I know our commitment to quality, convenience and innovation has its roots in what he believed to be important.”

Quality and Authenticity

After the death of his father, George De La Torre Jr. decided to concentrate on the manufacture of authentic Mexican food. He recognized the increasing popularity of Mexican food that offered convenience while maintaining a high standard of quality and authenticity.

In 1977, Juanita’s Foods acquired the Pico Pica Sauce brand and in 1984, the company built a new plant and began canning a hot and spicy Menudo, called Menudo Picoso, and Albondigas, a traditional meatball soup, as well as Pico Pica Taco Sauce. Shortly thereafter, Juanita’s Foods became the first company to introduce authentic Mexican-style hominy. In 1986, the company officially changed its name from Harbor Canning Company to Juanita’s Foods and focused on the image of the Mexican lady who had become the symbol of authentic, ready-to-serve home cooked Mexican food.

A Bright Future

Today, Juanita’s Foods is the world’s largest manufacturers of prepared, “canned Menudo.” Juanita’s also offers Chicken and Pork Pozole, Meatball Soup, Mexican-Style Hominy, Hot and Mild Sauces, Traditional Beef and Vegetable and Traditional Chicken and Vegetable Soups, Traditional Beef Chile Colorado and Pork Chile Verde stews. All of this very authentic, ready-to-eat Mexican food delicacies are being sold under the Juanita’s Foods and Pico Pica brands. Now a third generation family-run business, it is their on-going commitment to innovation, authenticity and quality that has allowed Juanita’s Foods to become a leader in the Mexican food category.