Bueno Foods: Growing New Mexico’s Flavor And Investing In Albuquerque’s Future

Success Stories

Bueno Foods: Growing New Mexico’s Flavor And Investing In Albuquerque’s Future

For more than 75 years, Bueno Foods has helped share the flavors of New Mexico with families across the country. Founded by the Baca family and headquartered in Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood, the company has grown from a local family business into one of the Southwest’s leading producers of authentic New Mexican foods, including green chile, red chile, tortillas, tamales, posole, enchiladas, sauces, and other regional favorites.

Even as Bueno Foods has expanded its national reach, Albuquerque has remained home. The company continues to operate from its longtime manufacturing campus, supporting local jobs, New Mexico farmers, suppliers, and the community that helped shape its story.

“Bueno Foods has called Albuquerque home for more than seven decades, and our success has always been tied to the strength of this community,” said Gene Baca, CEO of Bueno Foods. “The support we received from the City of Albuquerque helped us make a significant investment in our future, expanding our operations, creating jobs, and increasing our ability to bring authentic New Mexican foods to customers across the country. As a family-owned business, we are proud to continue growing here, supporting local farmers and suppliers, and sharing the flavors and traditions of New Mexico with generations of customers.”

In 2021, Bueno Foods partnered with the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico on a major expansion project to increase manufacturing and storage capacity. With support through the Local Economic Development Act and Industrial Revenue Bonds, the company advanced a $10 million investment that included a new 25,000-square-foot freezer warehouse at its Albuquerque facility. The project was projected to create 49 new full-time jobs and up to 100 construction jobs.

The expansion helped Bueno Foods strengthen its operations, reach more customers, and continue growing from the same community where its story began. It also reinforced the company’s role as a trusted partner to New Mexico farmers and a proud ambassador for the food traditions that make this state unique.

Bueno Foods’ success is measured not only by growth, but by legacy. For generations, the Baca family has built a company rooted in family, culture, hard work, and community. From supporting local agriculture to investing in employees and giving back through scholarships, food banks, and community programs, Bueno Foods continues to show what homegrown economic development can look like.

Looking ahead, Bueno Foods remains focused on expanding its reach while staying deeply connected to Albuquerque. As demand for authentic New Mexican food continues to grow, the company is helping carry New Mexico’s flavors, values, and traditions to tables across the country.

The City of Albuquerque is proud to support businesses like Bueno Foods that grow here, give back here, and help tell Albuquerque’s story far beyond our city limits.

For more information about Bueno Foods, visit www.buenofoods.com.