Goya Foods recognizes achievement

Jorge A. Plasencia was the inaugural recipient of the Goya Hispanic Achievement Award presented this week in New York.

Goya, the largest Hispanic-owned food company, and the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce created the award to recognize a Hispanic leader or organization in the fields of business, arts, science and social responsibility.　 The award was presented to Plasencia at an exclusive gala dinner at the New York City Public Library, attended by more than 250 people.

"We established The Goya Hispanic Achievement Award to celebrate our heritage and the success of the Latin community," said Bob Unanue, president of Goya Foods. "We wanted to highlight and commend an individual like Jorge Plasencia, who symbolizes and embodies the characteristics and qualities of an outstanding leader."

Plasencia is considered one of the foremost experts in reaching the burgeoning multicultural majority in the United States, with a celebrated career that spans over two decades of pioneering success in media, marketing, entertainment and professional sports. Most recently, Plasencia was elected chairman of the board of the National Council of La Raza, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. In 1991, while still a teenager, he cofounded Amigos For Kids, a non-profit organization supporting underprivileged children and families that he has since nurtured into an institution of national prominence. His work with Amigos For Kids has earned him the March of Dimes' Humanitarian of the Year award, among others.　

As a widely recognized Hispanic leader for its contributions to advancing the social, business and political objectives of the Hispanic community, Goya has impacted the food industry for more than 75　years.

"We are truly honored to host and organize this prestigious event for one of our founding members," said Xavier Ruiz, president of the Spain - U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Goya Foods was founded in 1936 and offer more than 2,200 products.