Old El Paso Mexican-style products

The Legacy of Old El Paso

Old El Paso is one of the most recognizable brands globally for Mexican-style cuisine, offering a wide range of dinner kits, taco shells, tortillas, and seasonings. The brand traces its roots back to 1917 with the Mountain Pass Canning Company in New Mexico, USA. Over the decades, it evolved from a local canning operation into a global leader in the pantry staples category, helping to popularize Mexican flavors in kitchens across North America, Europe, and Australia.

Manufacturing and Global Distribution

Old El Paso products are manufactured in multiple countries to serve their respective regional markets. In North America, production is heavily concentrated in the United States, while products sold in Europe and other international markets are often produced in regional facilities, such as those in Spain. This decentralized manufacturing approach ensures freshness and reduces logistics costs for its heavy glass jars and bulky meal kits.

Ownership and Corporate Structure

Today, Old El Paso is owned by the American multinational food conglomerate General Mills. While the brand was originally a product of the Mountain Pass Canning Company and later PET Inc., it became a cornerstone of the General Mills portfolio following the acquisition of Pillsbury in 2001. Under General Mills' ownership, the brand has focused on convenience and expanding its product line to include gluten-free and health-conscious options, maintaining its status as a staple in the international food market.