Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Representing the third generation, Bryce Ruiz is President and COO; Kim Ruiz Beck is Vice Chairman.  Both are children of Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Fred Ruiz.

Ruiz Foods is dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen Mexican foods selling to all segments of the retail and foodservice channel. The signature brand, El Monterey, is the market leader in the frozen Mexican food category.  Ruiz Foods employs over 2,600 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

This official recognition for years of leadership and industry citizenship was attended by members of the third Ruiz generation – Kim Ruiz Beck, Vice Chairman, and Bryce Ruiz, President and COO.  Fred Ruiz expressed his gratitude to FMI and to the retailers for their business as he spoke about the future of Ruiz Foods and the transition to the next generation.

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in research, education, industry relations and public affairs on behalf of its 1,500 member companies — food retailers and wholesalers — in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate approximately 26,000 retail food stores with a combined annual sales volume of $680 billion — three-quarters of all retail food store sales in the United States. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent supermarkets. Its international membership includes 200 companies from more than 50 countries.

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO.

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

“Shifting demographics and economic changes are reshaping American eating habits and shopping patterns,” reports ‘The Future of Food Retailing,’ a recent study from Packaged Facts.  “The changing configuration of the American family has sweeping implications for food purchasing behavior.  In fact, two out of three consumers are cooking more meals at home and eating out less.”

El Monterey Family Meals are currently available in selected test markets, introduced at the May, 2008 Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) annual food show, and will be available for national distribution later this year.  For more information, call Ruiz Foods customer service at 1-888-477-6474.

“Mexican food is our heritage … it’s what we know,” adds Ruiz.  “That’s just one of the reasons we have a reputation for innovation.  I am proud to say we were the first to offer burritos in a family-pack, the first of offer flour taquitos, and the first to offer roller grill tornados.  Now, we are the first to offer our consumer a restaurant-quality family meal line bringing convenience, value, great taste and ease in preparation to the kitchen table.”

El Monterey Family Meals:

Spicy Beef Enchiladas with Spanish-style Rice
Cheese Enchiladas with Spanish-style Rice
Beef and Bean Burritos with Spanish-style Rice
Chicken Enchiladas with Spanish-style Rice
Chicken Mexicana and Pasta

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

The Zerocrats established the Frozen Food Hall of Fame in 1990 to honor individuals who have helped shape the industry with their hard work and dedication.  Each year members of the Zerocrats nominate and vote on the Hall of Fame’s newest inductees.  A special ceremony at the annual AFFI Frozen Food Convention honors the imagination and innovation of each inductee that have ensured the continued success of the frozen food industry. Fred Ruiz was inducted in the Frozen Food Hall of Fame in 2006.

“I am very honored to be asked to join such a prestigious group,” said Fred Ruiz.  “I can remember calling a few Zerocrats for advice early in my career.  I sincerely appreciated their willingness to share their experience and the friendships that have grown over the years. I have always admired the members of the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats – never thinking I would one day be invited to join such influentials in our industry.”

The Order was formed in 1954 with 22 original members including Clarence Birdseye – known affectionately as the father of frozen food – who, in 1923, invented and later perfected a system of packing fresh food into wax cardboard boxes and flash-freezing under high pressure.  Current members number 100. Members of The Distinguished Order of Zerocrats meet during each American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) convention and National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) convention. In addition to promoting the image and advancement of the frozen food industry, they work to raise money for scholarships.

Ruiz Foods has been featured on the covers of Hispanic Business Magazine, Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Magazine, Costco Connection and Hispanic Trends Magazine, and products from their signature El Monterey line have been featured on episodes of the Food Network’s hit show ‘Unwrapped’ (2005 and 2003) as well as NBC’s ‘California Country’ (2004).  October 2003 saw the visit of President George W. Bush to the Ruiz facility.  Approximately 1,800 people attended the event when the President introduced his Administration’s Minority Home Ownership Initiative.

Among his many honors and awards, Fred Ruiz has been inducted into the Tortilla Industry Association Hall of Fame (2005) and named California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year (2005).

Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and Chief Operating Officer.  Siblings Kelly Ruiz Hanchett serves on the Board of Directors and Matt Ruiz is in college. Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

Earlier this year, El Monterey Chicken and Cheese Flour Taquitos, Shredded Steak and Cheese Flour Taquitos and Southwest Chicken Taquitos were awarded the American Culinary ‘ChefsBest™ Best Taste Award’ for 2007.  This award is presented only if a product secures the highest score in their category and meets certain standards in areas such as taste, texture, aroma, feel and freshness.  “The award is purposely ensured to be a very impartial and fair review,” adds Ruiz, “and we are very pleased to learn that professional chefs wholeheartedly agree that we are manufacturing a product that our consumer truly wants and enjoys.”

El Monterey Taquitos have enhanced America’s favorite Mexican food party fare.  Prepared with quality meats, cheeses and robust ingredients, all El Monterey Taquitos are made with freshly baked tortillas prepared in the Ruiz bakery.  Both flour and corn tortilla options are available.  Product can be baked in the oven, fried, or microwaved.  El Monterey Taquitos are available by calling Ruiz Foods customer service at 1-888-477-6474.

El Monterey Flour Tortilla Taquitos:
Shredded Steak & Cheese Taquitos
Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
Egg, Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Taquitos
NEW: Southwest Chicken Taquitos In a Seasoned Batter

El Monterey Corn Tortilla Taquitos:
Shredded Steak Taquitos
Chicken Taquitos

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

El Monterey Shredded Beef and Cheese Flour Taquitos and El Monterey Chicken and Cheese Flour Taquitos are also recipients of the ‘ChefsBest™ Best Taste Award.’ The American Culinary ‘ChefsBest™ Best Taste Award’ is presented only if a product secures the highest score in their category and meets certain standards in areas such as taste, texture, aroma, feel and freshness.

“ChefsBest™ not only utilizes the expertise of professional chefs in their determination,” adds Ruiz, “but the taste tests are conducted by purchasing the actual product from the stores and preparing them just as the consumer would at home.  It’s purposely ensured to be a very impartial and fair review.”

El Monterey Taquitos have revolutionized America’s favorite party fare.  Prepared with quality meats, cheeses and robust ingredients, all El Monterey Taquitos are hand-rolled in freshly baked tortillas prepared in the Ruiz bakery.  Both flour and corn tortilla options are available.  Product can be baked in the oven, fried, or microwaved.  The MSRP is $7.99.  El Monterey Southwest Chicken Taquitos are available by calling Ruiz Foods customer service at 1-888-477-6474.

Available Flour Tortilla Taquitos:
Shredded Steak & Cheese Taquitos
Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
Egg, Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Taquitos
NEW: Southwest Chicken Taquitos In a Seasoned Batter

Available Corn Tortilla Taquitos:
Shredded Steak Taquitos
Chicken Taquitos

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

El Monterey Chicken and Cheese Taquitos and El Monterey Shredded Steak and Cheese Taquitos were awarded the American Culinary ‘ChefsBest™ Best Taste Award’ for 2007. El Monterey Taquitos are prepared with quality meats, cheeses and flavorful ingredients, all hand-rolled in freshly baked tortillas directly from the Ruiz bakery.

El Monterey 10-pack Burritos are at the very core of Ruiz’s signature brand.  Since the company’s inception over 40 years ago, El Monterey Burritos have been providing quality, convenience and great taste for every eating occasion – meals, entertaining or between-meal snacks.  El Monterey 10-pack Burritos offer a variety of flavors including:  Bean & Cheese, Beef & Bean, Beef & Bean Green Chili, Beef & Bean Red Chili, Spicy Taco Picante, and Beef & Bean Chimichangas.

El Monterey Cruncheros are batter-dipped and then lightly deep-fried for a crispy, satisfying crunch.  Available in five flavors, the added coating given Mexican food lovers a whole new way to enjoy taquitos, burritos and quesadillas.

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

• 1st among the top 10 U.S. Hispanic-owned manufacturing companies in the State of California and

• 18th among the top 500 Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States according to the June, 2007 issue of Hispanic Business Magazine. (In 2006, Ruiz Foods, Inc. ranked 19th).

“Our growth this past year continues to be very solid and double-digit. We attribute this to our commitment to product quality, innovation and authenticity and are very proud of what our Team Members and our vision can accomplish,” said Bryce Ruiz, President and COO, Ruiz Foods. 

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

According to NPD Foodworld’s “Eating Patterns in America” (2006), “Americans are motivated by convenience first.” Harry Balzer, Vice President of the NPD and author of the report says “convenience remains the driving force behind consumer purchasing decisions.”

“Our El Monterey Tornados not only revitalized the use of roller grills in convenience stores and quick-serve food outlets,” adds Ruiz, “but c-store retailers recently ranked El Monterey Tornados in the #1, #2 and #6 positions out of the top 10 frozen sandwiches by sku.”

El Monterey Tornados are soft flour tortillas rolled in crispy seasoned batter and stuffed with savory meats and real cheeses melted to perfection.  The regular size El Monterey Tornado is 3 oz. each and 6” in length, whereas the XXL Tornado is 4.25 oz each and 9” in length – 40% larger.  Tornados were originally formulated to bring the authentic flavors of Mexican food to the c-store consumer while utilizing the convenience of the roller grill.  Product is not only prepared on the roller grill, but then held warm on the roller grill or in the hot case.  The MSRP is $0.99 - $2.29. 

Available 3 oz. Tornados:
Steak, Egg & Cheese Tornados
Egg, Bacon, Cheese & Salsa Tornados
French Toast & Sausage Tornados
Ranchero Beef Steak & Cheese Tornados
Apple Cinnamon Tornados
Southwestern Style Chicken Tornados
Shredded Beef Tornados
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Tornados
Cheesy Pepper Jack Tornados
Grilled Chicken and Cheddar Tornados
Cheese and Pepperoni Tornados
Nacho Supreme Tornados
Supreme Omelet Tornado
NEW:  Firecracker Chicken Tornado

XXL 4.5 oz Tornados:
Cheese and Pepperoni XXL Tornados
Southwest Chicken XXL Tornados
Ranchero Beef Steak and Cheese XXL Tornados
Sausage, Egg and Cheese XXL Tornados

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is 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®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##

Newly married with two children, and living in Los Angeles, CA, Louis Ruiz became a United States citizen when he joined the Army on December 27, 1944.

After receiving an honorable discharge on December 23, 1945, Louis Ruiz first worked as a grocery store owner, then as an insurance salesman and then, joining his brothers and brother-in-law co-founded a large tortilla factory where they pioneered the automation of tortilla production – moving away from mechanical “hand-thrown” tortillas – while maintaining what was always so critical to him – product quality and consistency.

An entrepreneur and innovator at heart, Louis Ruiz was always experimenting – trying a new recipe or going to his workshop and building a new machine. 

Louis Ruiz was a part of “the greatest generation” and it is this history that explains his work ethic and ‘can do’ attitude.  In fact, as a boy, Louis Ruiz was known to sell newspapers on street corners, feather-dusters door-to-door – sometimes holding two and three jobs at a time.

In 1964, Louis Ruiz, in partnership with his son, Fred, formed Ruiz Foods, Inc. Mr. Ruiz sold frozen enchiladas, tamales and burritos to ‘mom and pop’ grocery stores throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley in the morning and delivered their orders in the afternoon. Perhaps that is why his grandchildren lovingly referred to him as “Superman.”

It was when Ruiz Foods began to build their current facility in Dinuba, California that Louis Ruiz began building a home on “D” Hill in Dinuba. There, once again, he proved what his entrepreneurial attitude could accomplish with hard work and a ‘no quit’ attitude.  With both pleasure and patience, he moved rocks and planted fruit trees and flowering bushes—turning what was once a desolate hill into an oasis admired by anyone who came to visit.

Louis Ruiz formally retired in 1990 from the family business he loved so dearly – yet he never really stopped working.  He was known to visit the Dinuba Ruiz facility frequently and spend most of his time in the Maintenance Department – he loved to make and fix equipment – and he loved to see the maintenance crew. Yes, Mr. Ruiz loved visiting team members … checking to see that “everyone was working.”

While playing a key role in the growth and development of Ruiz Foods, his fondest memories included meeting President Ronald Regan and Vice President George Bush in the Rose Garden of the White House in 1983.  It was then that the company received the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person’s of the Year Award.  During this visit to Washington, D. C., Mr. Ruiz was asked to participate in a military ceremony and, with tears of pride, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Then in October, 2003, Louis Ruiz once again shook hands with a man named Mr. Bush – it was President George W. Bush and, this time, the President came to Dinuba and to Ruiz Foods.  As President Bush said of Louis Ruiz in his speech, “I’d also like to thank the hospitality Louis Ruiz has shown me, the patriarch of this great family, the initial dreamer … to build and create … a chance for … people to realize their dreams.”

Late in 2004, Louis Ruiz became the 14th person to be named to the Tortilla Industry Association Hall of Fame – a distinction reserved for those individuals who have made positive contributions to the industry through technical or significant innovations in products, equipment or ingredients while attaining business success.

Louis F. Ruiz was many things to many people:  A gentle and loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather; a loyal and inspiring mentor and friend; a pioneer and legendary entrepreneur; a generous and compassionate advocate of integrity, honesty, respect and the American Dream.

The family requests that any remembrances be made to: Ruiz 4 Kids, Louis F. Ruiz Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 37, Dinuba, CA; e-mail LouisRuiz@Ruiz4Kids.com . Condolences may be sent to the family at RuizFamily@RuizFoods.com
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About Ruiz Foods, Inc.
Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, CA.  Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Chairman and CEO Fred Ruiz, is Vice Chairman.  Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is President and COO. 

Ruiz Foods is dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen Mexican foods selling to all channels of distribution:  retail, convenience store, entertainment, clubs, vending, industrial and foodservice.  The signature brand is El Monterey®. Ruiz is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category, manufactures the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and employs over 2,500 Team Members in three facilities located in the United States.  ##