DINUBA, CALIF. – Ruiz Foods Inc., the nation’s largest frozen Mexican food manufacturer and makers of the El Monterey and Tornados brands, is ranked first among the top 10 U.S. Hispanic-owned manufacturing companies in the U.S., according to the June 2009 issue of Hispanic Business Magazine. The company was ranked second in 2009.

The company ranked first among the top 500 U.S. Hispanic-owned manufacturing companies in California for the second year in a row; and sixth among the top 500 Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S. In 2009, Ruiz Foods Inc. ranked 14th among the top 500, according to the magazine.

“We attribute our success to our commitment to respond to the consumer’s desire for food that brings convenience, great taste, quality ingredients and solid value to the family,” said Bryce Ruiz, president and chief executive officer of Ruiz Foods. “It’s a commitment my dad and grandfather made when they co-founded Ruiz Foods in 1964. We are very proud of what our team members and our vision continue to accomplish.”

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, Calif. Third-generation Bryce Ruiz, the elder son, is president and c.e.o. Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter, is chairman. Their father, Fred Ruiz, is co-founder and chairman emeritus.

Ruiz Foods manufactures prepared frozen foods that are sold to retail, convenience stores, clubs, vending, industrial and foodservice. The Tornados brand, introduced just five years ago, is also available in retail grocery stores nationwide, the company said. The El Monterey brand is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category and the No. 1 brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. The company employs more than 2,500 people in three facilities located in the U.S.