Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez Tours RGV Canning Company

[Press Release From State Rep. Armando Martinez (D-Weslaco), TX-HD-39]

Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez toured the canning plant and farming operations of Rio Valley Canning Company (RVCC) in Donna, Texas, with Buddy Ault, President of RVCC.  RVCC has been in business for over 15 years and is responsible for the employment of over 245 individuals during their peak canning season.  Their most well known product is mixed diced tomatoes and chilies.  They also can hominy.

“Rio Valley Canning is an amazing company.  This company, in our own backyard, cans for over 300 HEB stores and various Kroger stores throughout United States.  Additionally, they can hominy for institutional facilities throughout northern Mexico,” Representative Martinez stated, “This is what the American dream is all about.”

The canning facility, which was previously owned and operated by a local family, use to be known as the home of “Rotel” until the name was sold to a food conglomerate.  Concerned about the loss of jobs and the closing of the facility, a group of local investors acquire the canning facility and created their own products.

“It is truly amazing the impact that RVCC’s product has had on our eating habits.  If you have ever eaten chili con queso the odds are that RVCC canned the key ingredients, chilies and tomatoes,” said Representative Martinez.  “RVCC is what I call an ideal corporate citizen and I am very proud to have them my district.”