Goya Foods is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026, marking nine decades since Spanish immigrants Don Prudencio Unanue and his wife, Carolina, founded the company in 1936 inside a small storefront in Lower Manhattan.
Jersey City, New Jersey-based Goya Foods has grown to become the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, establishing itself as a leader in Latin American food and condiments.
The company manufactures, packages and distributes more than 2,500 food products from Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.
“Goya’s story is an American Dream come true,” said Peter Unanue, EVP of Goya Foods. “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.
“For 90 years, Goya has welcomed people to this country the way families always have – by feeding them. As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with the same spirit that launched the company: a belief in opportunity, a deep respect for culture and a passion for bringing people together through food.”
From immigrant storefront to national brand
Over nine decades, Goya has introduced generations of U.S. consumers to staples such as beans, rice, olive oil, adobo, sazón and tropical beverages.
At the same time, the company has evolved beyond the Latino market, becoming a national and international brand offering flavor, quality and authenticity.
The company has continuously adapted to changing tastes, expanding its product offerings to meet modern lifestyles. Its products are found in major supermarkets across the United States and around the world.
Anniversary celebration planned
The anniversary celebration will feature nationwide events, cultural partnerships, social media campaigns and contests, expanded community initiatives, special merchandise and new product highlights.