From beans to chilies to salsa,
La Costeña has been nearly ubiquitous in U.S. pantries for many years now, thanks to the company’s advanced distribution network and a North American penchant for the spicy and flavorful cuisine of its southern neighbor. Of course, having built up a reputation for quality and authenticity has certainly helped spread its popularity – and not only in the U.S. but in more than 50 countries round the world.
What is today a multinational company traces its humble roots back to 1923 when founder Vicente Lopez Resines opened up a little grocery store called “La Costeña”, where he began preparing chili peppers in vinegar. Having recently returned from a trip to the U.S. where he witnessed the fast paced industrial development of the 1920s, he was inspired to do something about the fluctuating prices of foodstuffs and their vulnerability to climate changes.
“My father realized that products starting going bad really quickly. Prices were low in the harvest season and high the rest of the year, so he decided to can things,” says Vicente Lopez Rodea, company President.
“we use the first in-first out system and never fall behind...
There are very few other warehouses as efficient as ours, even in the U.S.” Vicente Lopez Rodea,
President of La Costeña |
La Costeña’s pickled serrano and largo chilies were so popular, Mr. Lopez Resines started selling them in 44-pound alcohol containers. He then began experimenting with different canning methods, using tins and jars, and soon after, with different contents, such as olives and olive oil. Not only was this revolutionary for the times, it was an instant success.
Over time, the company founder began adding new products to his offering of canned foodstuffs, and in 1951, he installed the first automated production line, raising production significantly and thus allowing La Costeña products to be distributed throughout Mexico.
The company’s growth was unstoppable, and with the introduction of the “easy open” lid in 1997, La Costeña truly consolidated its position as the top tin manufacturer in the market. It also sells the largest variety of canned products of any Mexican company.
Today, La Costeña continues to produce “authentic homemade flavor” as its motto claims, in its enormous 380,000 square meter high-tech facility in Ecatepec, Mexico State. The company, in fact, owns one of the largest warehouses in all of Latin America, distinctive not only because of its size but because it has grown vertically, literally, and introduced first-rate technology.
“We use the first in-first out system and never fall behind. Everything is run automatically on conveyors and cranes. There’s very little denting this way and it helps us manage the stock. There are very few other warehouses as efficient as ours, even in the U.S.”
Proud of continuing the family business, Mr. Rodea is also proud of La Costeña’s contributions to Mexico. “It’s really important for me to give back to society, as we as a company get everything from them. In my opinion, whoever places importance on CSR should start at home. Here at La Costeña, it is really important to keep our employees happy. You’d be surprised if you took a walk through our plant, you’d meet so many people that have been working with us for decades.
“Now we’ve built a residence for our workers with the very best possible facilities. Environment-wise, we are increasingly responsible with our water use and we’re also a leading company in the use of carbon credits in Mexico. This is nothing new around here, though. It’s something I learned from my father, and ever since, we care about what we do and how we do it. It’s not enough to simply run a profitable business; we must also do it responsibly.”
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