Press Releases

Winners Named in “Celebrating the Mexican Tradition of Menudo” Competition

Culinary students Marcello Lambert and David Valencia have been named grand prize winners in the Celebrating the Mexican Tradition of Menudo Competition sponsored by Juanita’s Foods (www.juanitas.com) and The Art Institutes system of schools (www.artinstitutes.edu). They will each receive a $5,500 tuition scholarship and other prizes to support their culinary education. 

The competition challenged students across The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes to create their own unique recipe that celebrates one of the most important Mexican culinary traditions, menudo. Local winners were awarded a $500 tuition scholarship and advanced to the national finals. At the national finals, Lambert, a student at The Art Institute of Charleston, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, and Valencia, a student at The Art Institute of Dallas, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, emerged victorious. Both are students in the Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management program at their respective schools. A total of $17,500 in scholarships were awarded.



 “Carrying on traditions is deeply embedded in the history of our company and our family,” said Aaron De La Torre, CEO of Juanita’s, maker of the number one selling menudo in the U.S. “We are pleased to reward students at The Art Institutes who are doing the same. We believe that working with the next wave of culinary masters is important to ensure Mexican traditions continue to be passed on to future generations.”

“At The Art Institutes, our culinary arts students are immersed in both traditional and emerging flavors from every corner of the world and have demonstrated their aptitude for Mexican cuisine with this exciting competition,” said Chef David Hendricksen, CCE, CCC, National Culinary Director, The Art Institutes.

In addition to earning a $5,500 tuition scholarship, each winning student will receive an expense-paid trip to Los Angeles this January to help Juanita’s and The Art Institutes set the Guinness World Record for the largest menudo. 

About Juanita’s 
Juanita’s is a third generation family-owned and operated business based in Wilmington, California. Founded in 1946 by George de la Torre Sr. and his nephew, the company carries on a strong family tradition and business legacy by producing authentic home style Mexican foods. Juanita’s products include flavorful soups, sauces and stews made with the best quality ingredients and delivered ready to eat so families can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying their favorite foods with their loved ones. For more information, visit www.juanitas.com.