Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Nydia Negron (212) 788-9364
"As Goya turns 60, it pays homage to two Spanish immigrants--Prudencio and Carolina Unanue--who came to this country from Spain in search of the American dream," said Mayor Giuliani. "What began as a small store on Duane Street in Lower Manhattan became the foundation of the Goya empire.
"Along with the company's tremendous success, Goya is an active participant in the community supporting cultural and educational programs and other worthwhile causes," noted the Mayor. "This dedication and commitment is another dimension of giving back to society, demonstrating a superior sense of corporate social responsibility."
Mr. Unanue said," This is a great moment for Goya Foods. Our family is proud to continue the dream that was begun by our parents Prudencio and Carolina in 1936. Equally important, we share this milestone anniversary with the entire Gran Familia Goya. Our employees have made this company strong and growing. Without them, we would not be here today."
For 60 years, GOYA has been an active supporter of several cultural institutions and events including: the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, Repertorio Espanol, Ballet Hispanico and several parades. The company is a supporter of El Museo Del Barrio and has contributed to the Learning Through Art Educational Program at the Guggenheim Museum.
GOYA is the largest Metropolitan area sponsor of the United Negro College Fund Telethon and has provided an endowment to Seton Hall University. The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, a dance troupe featuring youngsters from 8-18, has traveled throughout New York and Puerto Rico under the sponsorship of GOYA Foods. Several Little League baseball teams in the Metropolitan area sport the GOYA colors.
GOYA Foods, Inc. is the largest Hispanic-owned company in the nation. Presently, the family-owned firm boasts sales of more than half a billion dollars annually and manufactures, packages and distributes to supermarket chains, groceries and chain stores nationally. Among the nearly 1,000 food products and ingredients it offers are a variety of canned and dried beans, rice and rice specialty mixes, imported olives and olive oil from Spain, Sazon and Adobo seasonings, frozen Caribbean entrees and tropical fruit nectars and juices.
The firm employs more than 2,000 people world-wide. It operates distribution centers in New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Spain.