newjerseynewsroom.com

BY MARGARET MORGAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Tuesday in Trenton, The Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved an award to Goya Foods under the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program to encourage the company to remain and grow in New Jersey.

With support from the New Jersey Partnership for Action, led by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned food company may expand operations to a new $127 million warehouse and distribution center in Jersey City, preserving more than 315 jobs and creating an estimated 175 new, permanent positions in the state.

Guadagno has worked with Goya over the last year to encourage the company to remain and expand in New Jersey. The Business Action Center would provide advocacy services to the company, and the tax credit of up to $81.9 million over ten years through the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program. According to Goya Foods Executive Vice President Peter Unanue, the EDA’s decision is an important step for Goya Foods as it considers staying in New Jersey with what would be its largest facility in the U.S.

This October, as the country participates in many Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations throughout the nation, Goya Foods, an institution among Latin Americans, is commemorating its 75th Anniversary throughout 2011. Founded by Spanish immigrants in 1936 as a modest storefront in lower Manhattan, Goya has earned the distinction of being the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S. To date, the company has expanded operations to 15 facilities throughout the country, the Caribbean and Europe, employs nearly 3,500 and distributes over 1,600 authentic Latin American food products. This year, and as part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Goya has donated more than two million pounds of food to multiple nonprofit organizations to help ensure the continuation of their services, and has funded scholarship programs nationwide.

Since its inception, Goya Foods has been providing a “taste of home” to Latin American consumers throughout the country, making the brand synonymous with the Hispanic community. Today, Goya products are enjoyed by Latinos everywhere as well as non-Latinos who seek to expand their palates. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; their combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation make them ideal for every taste and every table.

In commemoration of its 75th anniversary, Goya will announce the publication of a Corporate Book on the history of the company written by historian Dr. Guillermo Baralt. The 445-page tome will take the reader on a journey back in time to Goya’s humble beginnings through the growth of the Hispanic community in the United States and the company’s various milestones. Also, in keeping with Goya’s long-held tradition of serving its community, the company will make public a series of both corporate and community initiatives that will include a nationwide food donation, which will be unveiled in major cities throughout the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.