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Ruiz Foods is Tops in Mexican

Trade Article - Frozen Food Age - February, 2002

Ruiz Foods, the nation’s only full line manufacturer of frozen Mexican Food, grows its #1 El Monterey brand with four guiding principles: Quality, Innovation, Leadership. Authenticity.

Ruiz Foods, the nation’s only full line manufacturer of frozen Mexican Food, grows its #1 El Monterey brand with four guiding principles: Quality, Innovation, Leadership. Authenticity.

"These principles are the reason for our success," says Ray Friedman, Vice-President Marketing and Business Development, "As a direct result, El Monterey is #1 or #2 in almost every category where we compete. We are the leading source for frozen Mexican Food."

While the overall growth of the Frozen Mexican Category remains good, growth of El Monterey remains impressive. According to the most recent Nielsen figures (December 15, 2001), the El Monterey brand contributes nearly 40% of the category’s overall growth outpacing the category 2-1/2 times (25% vs 10% vya 13 weeks).

"We stay in step with what the consumer wants – frozen foods that are high in quality and great tasting – convenient hand-held meal solutions that are quick and save time," adds Friedman. "In addition to that, we also know the industry wants variety and innovation."

As a full line Mexican food manufacturer, the Ruiz Foods’ El Monterey brand offers a complete selection of authentic Mexican recipes: burritos, taquitos, enchiladas, tamales, and Mexican appetizers. Distribution channels include: retail grocery, convenience store, vending, foodservice, warehouse clubs.

Each El Monterey product uses quality meats, chunks of cheese, flavorful spices and ingredients – all hand rolled in freshly baked tortillas. "It is this dedication to making products with a rich Mexican heritage that keeps the consumer coming back for more," says Chris Whiteside, Director of Marketing. So let’s be specific.

El Monterey Flour Taquitos are the nation’s #1 selling Flour Taquito as well as the nation’s fastest growing Flour Taquito. The brainchild of Ruiz Foods just 3 years ago, El Monterey Flour Taquitos continue to take the consumer by storm. Could it be because El Monterey Taquitos are the only 1.5 oz Taquito offering more cheese and more shredded beef or grilled chicken that is perfectly blended with a tangy combination of Mexican spices?

The #1 Tamale – El Monterey – is made with a specially prepared corn masa. It is then hand rolled in corn husks, wrapped and steamed for the best flavor and available in three great flavor choices. Authentic? You bet.

El Monterey Multi-Pack Burritos -- the #1 selling Multi-Pack burrito -- enjoys the highest sales per point of nationally distributed Multi-Pack Burritos. El Monterey Burritos are hand-rolled and available in seven great flavor choices. A favorite for kids? Mmmmm-mmm.

El Monterey Enchiladas – newly reformulated for more flavor – is the #2 selling Enchilada in the nation. El Monterey Enchiladas are now available in two convenient trays of four enchiladas – a new space-efficient carton with striking new packaging graphics. Choose from three great flavor choices (beef, chicken or cheese), add a salad or refried beans -- dinner is ready.

"Whenever mom is in the grocery store, she knows she can trust whichever El Monterey product she chooses," adds Whiteside. "She knows she can trust El Monterey for quality, consistency and great authentic Mexican taste. As long as we continue to deliver this to each of our customers, we will continue to be successful – we will continue to grow – we will continue to be #1."

Contact: Pat Summers-559-266-8183

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