Tortilla maker looks to conquer Asian tastes

Gruma, a leading Mexican manufacturer of corn flour and tortillas headquartered in Nuevo Leon, has just opened its first plant in Shanghai.

Gruma, a leading Mexican manufacturer of corn flour and tortillas headquartered in Nuevo Leon, has just opened its first plant in Shanghai.

The company, also known as Mission Foods, has opened 89 facilities worldwide, including Europe and Australia.

The Shanghai plant has the capacity to produce 15,000 tons of wheat tortillas, 7,000 tons of corn tortillas and 6,000 tons of snacks, according to a news release.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera, Gruma chairman, estimates 180 new jobs will be generated by the new plant's opening. The company reportedly invested $100 million in market research, geographical location and infrastructure to ensure the plant is strategically located to best meet the culinary demands of its Asian clients.

Gruma's new Shanghai plant shows a vision that is long term and truly global. Just wait until the Chinese taste chicharrones.