History of Goya Foods in Timeline

Goya Foods, Inc., a three-generation family-owned business run by the Spanish-American Unanue family, is a leading producer and distributor of food and beverages. Headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, Goya caters to markets in the United States and various Spanish-speaking countries with facilities strategically located in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Spain.

1922: Unanue and Sons Store Opens

Prudencio and Carolina Unanue opened a small store named "Unanue and Sons" in 1922, marking their initial foray into the world of commerce.

1933: Goya Foods Founded (or 1936?)

Goya Foods was potentially founded in 1933, although some sources point to 1936. Prudencio Unanue Ortiz, a Spanish immigrant, established the company.

1936: Goya Foods Founded (or 1933?)

Goya Foods was potentially founded in 1936, although some sources point to 1933. Prudencio Unanue Ortiz, a Spanish immigrant, established the company.

1976: Prudencio Unanue Ortiz Passes Away

In 1976, Prudencio Unanue Ortiz, the founder of Goya Foods, died. His sons inherited the company.

1984: Carolina Casal Passes Away

Carolina Casal, who was married to the founder of Goya Foods, passed away in 1984.

1989: Joseph F. Unanue Joins Goya de Puerto Rico

Joseph F. Unanue, son of Joseph A. Unanue, began working as the general manager and vice president of Goya de Puerto Rico in 1989.

1996: Joseph F. Unanue Becomes Executive Vice President

In 1996, Joseph F. Unanue took on the role of executive vice president at Goya's New Jersey office, becoming the second-in-command at the company.

1998: Goya Foods Experiences Significant Growth

By 1998, Goya Foods had expanded its product line to about 800 items, employed 2,000 people, and generated approximately $700 million in revenue.

2004: Joseph A. Unanue Ousted from Goya

Amidst a family dispute, Joseph A. Unanue was removed from his position as chairman and CEO of Goya Foods in 2004.

2006: Goya Ranked Among Largest Private Companies by Forbes

Goya Foods was recognized for its substantial size and success in 2006 when Forbes ranked it 355th on its list of the largest private companies in the United States.

2012: Goya Joins "My Plate" Healthy Eating Initiative

Demonstrating its commitment to promoting healthy eating habits, Goya Foods joined First Lady Michelle Obama's "My Plate" initiative in 2012.

2012: Goya Begins Construction on New Distribution Center

In 2012, Goya, with support from state tax incentives, began constructing a $127 million distribution center in Jersey City, relocating from Secaucus.

2013: Joseph A. Unanue Passes Away

Joseph A. Unanue, a key figure in Goya Food's history, died in 2013, while still holding a seat on the company board.

2014: Goya Expands with Five New Facilities

Between 2014 and 2016, Goya Foods significantly expanded its operations by opening five new facilities, including manufacturing and distribution centers in New Jersey, Texas, California, and Georgia.

2016: Goya Expands with Five New Facilities

Between 2014 and 2016, Goya Foods significantly expanded its operations by opening five new facilities, including manufacturing and distribution centers in New Jersey, Texas, California, and Georgia.

2019: Goya Explores Buyout, Ultimately Stays Independent

Goya Foods engaged in discussions with The Carlyle Group regarding a potential buyout in 2019; however, the company ultimately chose to remain independent.

April 2020: Goya Gives Program Provides COVID-19 Relief

As part of its "Goya Gives" program, Goya Foods donated over 300,000 pounds of food and more than 20,000 protective masks in March and April 2020 to assist communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 9, 2020: Robert Unanue Praises President Trump

During a White House roundtable discussion on July 9, 2020, Robert Unanue, Goya Foods co-owner and CEO, expressed praise for President Donald Trump, sparking controversy.

December 7, 2020: Unanue Claims Ocasio-Cortez Boosted Sales

Robert Unanue claimed on December 7, 2020, that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's call for a boycott of Goya actually resulted in a surge in sales, naming her "employee of the month."

2020: Unanue Makes Further Election Claims at CPAC

During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in 2021, Robert Unanue reiterated his claims about the 2020 election, further fueling controversy around his political stances.

January 26, 2021: Goya Board Censures Robert Unanue

The board of directors at Goya Foods voted to censure Robert Unanue on January 26, 2021, following his controversial statements questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election.

2021: Unanue Makes Further Election Claims at CPAC

During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in 2021, Robert Unanue reiterated his claims about the 2020 election, further fueling controversy around his political stances.

2023: Cornell Professor: Goya Boycott Backfired

In April 2023, Cornell University economics professor Jura Liaukonyte stated that the boycott efforts against Goya Foods had not only been unsuccessful but had actually led to an increase in sales due to new customers.