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Ruiz Foods Launches Tornados™ - A Filled Rolled Tortilla, Batter Dipped, and Lightly Fried

Press Release - October, 2002

Ruiz Foods launches a new product line under the signature El Monterey® brand - the number one selling brand in the frozen Mexican food category.

Ruiz Foods (Dinuba, CA) launches a new product line under the signature El Monterey® brand - the number one selling brand in the frozen Mexican food category. El Monterey® Tornados™ has been developed specifically to target consumers who frequent the c-store and foodservice channels.

Tornados™ are rolled tortillas, batter dipped and lightly fried for crispness. They are then filled with robust or flavorful ingredients. At 3.5 oz. each, one Tornado™ is substantial enough to be a meal. The four flavors available have been developed to meet the requests of consumers:

  • Sausage, Egg and Cheese Tornados
  • Chicken Tornados
  •      
  • Shredded Beef Tornados
  • Apple-Cinnamon Tornados


  • "Our decision to develop a Mexican product with flavor varieties that would satisfy the c-store 'hot-to-go' trend -- the roller grill and in-store delis -- is the result of a number of facts," said Kim Ruiz Beck, Vice Chairman, Ruiz Foods. First of all, we are aware of the growing momentum of the c-store 'hot-to-go' trend - customers who don't want to take the time to heat up their selections. Second, we reminded ourselves how successful the QSR's were with their breakfast line approximately 8-years ago. Third, we looked at a piece of equipment that most operators have - the roller grill - but do not use to its fullest potential. And, fourth, all indicators demonstrate that the growth trend for Mexican food is solid and that the c-store consumer continues to look for a festive Mexican eating experience."

    Tornados™ were specifically designed to bring the authentic robust flavor of Mexican food to the c-store consumer, providing excellent incremental sales. They have also been designed for early morning, afternoon, or evening consumption - driving growth in the important 'hot-to-go' section.

    According to a recent study*, c-store purchases among adults continues to increase with lunchtime (11AM to 1PM) remaining the most preferred time while the early morning hours of 6AM to 9AM rising in popularity (+18%).

    Ruiz Foods is a privately-owned company dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen Mexican foods selling to all channels of distribution: retail, convenience store, clubs, vending, industrial and foodservice. The signature brand is El Monterey®. Based in Dinuba, CA, Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category. ##

    *NFO Research, Inc. October 2001.

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