One of the largest and most successful Hispanic-owned food companies in the U.S., noted for its CEO’s support of Republican politicians in the 2020 election cycle, has been honored by a New York-based heritage Talk station owned by an individual whose parent company owns one of this food company’s biggest customers in the Big Apple.
Goya was saluted by John Catsimatidis-owned WABC-AM in New York at an all-day event Wednesday (10/6) honoring Hispanic Heritage Day. The salute from WABC was tied to other honors of businesses that have made “numerous contributions” to the Hispanic community. WABC aired the event live, at 10:30am Eastern.
Goya was singled out by Catsimatidis’ WABC for donating more than 40 thousand pounds of food to victims of Hurricane Ida and over 4.5 million pounds of food since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Goya CEO Bob Unanue was presented the Humanitarian Award; officials from the State of Louisiana participated via Zoom to thank Goya for their support.
“The Hispanic culture in New York City is among the most vibrant and fastest growing,” Catsimatidis said. ” As an immigrant myself, I understand what it means to take pride in your culture, your heritage, your ethnicity, and the path by which we all became ‘New Yorkers.’ We are proud of the contributions made by our Hispanic brothers and sisters, whether it is the thousands of Hispanic-owned businesses or the millions of New Yorkers of Hispanic heritage who work, live, play, and pray here in the greatest city on earth.”
While Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media owns WABC, formerly a flagship radio station of now defunct ABC Radio, his Red Apple Group owns fabled New York City grocer Gristedes.
Red Apple Group also has holdings in the energy and real estate sectors. Among the more high-profile properties tied to Catsimatidis is the Residences at 400 Central, a luxury condominium tower being constructed in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Catsimatidis, and Unanue, were notable donors and vocal supporters of former President Donald Trump.