Since 1949, La Preferida has expanded into a complete line of quality Mexican specialties which are preferred by the Hispanic community in the United States, as well as a growing number of Anglo consumers who enjoy authentic Mexican goods. Four generations later, La Preferida’s commitment to quality and variety continues to be supported by strong customer loyalty in several of America’s major markets. The company offers a full line of more than 200 authentic Mexican food items, including frijoles, salsas and jalapeños. La Preferida’s success grew as their close ties to the Hispanic community strengthened. We’ve foreseen both the expansion of Mexican foods into the general population and the continued growth of the Hispanic community. Trendy “new” ethnic foods that customers now demand have been staples in our product line for years. La Preferida Mexican Foods provides highest quality ingredients available to create an ethnically authentic food experience including over 250 retail/foodservice products. 

The Illinois-based supplier has been exporting products since 1993. To expand and grow international presence the company started participated in Food Export-Midwest programs in 1998. LP International has since participated in Food Export Buyers Missions, Food Show PLUS!, Market Builder, the Online Product Catalog, and webinars.  

In November of last year, LP International participated in Food Export’s Condiments, Sauces, and Rubs Buyers Mission at the American Royal BBQ. At the Buyers Mission the supplier met with seven different buyers representing companies in Australia, Brazil, Curaçao, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. During the private meetings with buyers LP International presented its U.S. made products including hot sauces, salsa, and condiment products. These meetings helped the Illinois supplier gain $7,500 in sales to the United Kingdom with projected sales of $10,000 over the next twelve months.

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.