Our Legacy

George De La Torre Jr., owner of Juanita’s Foods, was born in Wilmington, California in 1935. Under his leadership and guidance, Juanita’s Foods became the world’s largest producer of Menudo. His vision, passion and business acumen led him to recognize the increasing popularity of Mexican food in the US, while becoming the leader in the Mexican Food category.

He will be remembered by all as a generous, compassionate, loving, and kind gentleman. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, he attended Long Beach State University where he was named 49er of the year. George was an avid golfer and fisherman and participated in many other sports in his lifetime. George dedicated his life to Juanita's Foods, and to his family, enjoying all of his grandchildren's sporting events.

George was passionate about supporting the Wilmington community and youth, and over his lifetime established and nurtured friendships that will succeed him. His family and friends will miss his wise counsel and unspoken leadership dearly.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years Lee, and children Gina, Mark and Aaron. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Aeriel, Brad, Mark Jr., Erin, Brandon, Nicole, Alexander; a soon-to-arrive granddaughter; his mother, Elsie; sisters, Elaine, Sandra, Susan; and brother, Steve.

The strong family heritage of Juanita’s Foods continues as George’s sons, Mark and Aaron De La Torre, were named Co-CEO’s of the company in 2007 and are fully committed to continuing George’s impressive legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of George De La Torre Jr. to:
Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington 1444 W. Q Street, Wilmington, CA 90744.

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.

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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.