The Culinary Institute of American plans to use Cacique products in its food preparation and instructional classes.
Cacique products will be used throughout the Culinary Institute of America's system.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. – Cacique, a leading producer of Mexican style chorizos, cheeses, creams and yogurts, will be a mainstay in the kitchens of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). The CIA will be using Cacique products in many of the institute’s food preparation and instructional classes starting this month.

Gilbert and Jennie de Cardenas founded Cacique Inc. in 1973. Since then, Cacique has become an established and leading brand of Hispanic food products in the United States among Hispanic and non-Hispanic consumers.

“In partnering with the CIA, we are able to provide our authentic products to the kitchen classrooms where students are first exposed to high quality ingredients while developing their culinary skills,” said Tirso Iglesias, vice president of sales and marketing. “The use of our Cacique products throughout the CIA system validates the authenticity our brand represents to the multicultural consumers, who seek familiar quality, ingredients and flavors.”

The partnership with Cacique will enable CIA to provide students and chefs with ingredients familiar among Hispanic consumers — a growing and influential demographic — in addition to non-Hispanic consumers whose tastes are increasingly influenced by ethnic flavors.

“The support of organizations like Cacique is critical when training the next generation of great chefs,” said Victor Gielisse, vice president of Advancement and Business Development at the college. “The CIA has a tremendous reputation for the education that we provide to our students, and the support that we receive from Cacique will allow the college to continue to grow and innovate in the future.”