Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at MIC Food Group®: Stories From Our Team
Why We’re Celebrating
From sweet plantains and yuca to sweet potato and boniato, MIC Food Group® exists to make authentic Latin-Caribbean flavors simple for busy kitchens. This month (Sept 15–Oct 15), we’re spotlighting teammates whose stories remind us that food is memory, pride, and community.
Below are quick Q&As with some of our many MIC team members who have a Hispanic background – what dish takes them home, what their heritage means, and the traditions they’re proud to carry forward.
Alberto Monro
Warehouse Coordinator | Venezuela
WHAT DISH REMINDS YOU OF YOUR CHILDHOOD?
“Pabellón criollo instantly transports me back to family lunches. The combination of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and sweet fried plantains is more than a meal—it’s a ritual where laughter and stories flow freely around the table.”
WHAT DOES BEING VENEZUELAN MEAN TO YOU?
“Being Venezuelan means carrying a mosaic of flavors, rhythms, and stories wherever I go. From the bright colors of our Carnival to the warm laughter shared over arepas, my heritage is a constant reminder of creativity and joy. Through every challenge, I choose to smile. That optimism fuels my dream of contributing back home.”
WHAT’S SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT VENEZUELAN CULTURE?
“Venezuelan culture stands out for its deep sense of improvisation and adaptability. Whether it’s solving problems with limited resources or turning everyday moments into creative expressions, we thrive on making the most of what we have. From inventing new ways to cook during shortages to crafting humor out of hardship, our ingenuity is a quiet superpower that shapes how we live, connect, and persevere.”
Poliana Ginart
Supply Chain Analyst | Brazil
WHAT DISH REMINDS YOU OF YOUR CHILDHOOD?
“Brigadeiro! It’s a Brazilian chocolate truffle made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Every single birthday party in Brazil has to- have brigadeiro. They’re a childhood staple and a sweet memory of celebrations with family and friends.”
WHAT DOES BEING BRAZILIAN MEAN TO YOU?
“Being Brazilian means embracing diversity, joy, and resilience. Brazil is such a melting pot of cultures, and I feel proud to carry that energy and warmth with me everywhere I go.”
HOW HAS YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND SHAPED YOU?
“Growing up in Brazil taught me the importance of family, community, and celebration. Even during challenges, we always find reasons to come together, celebrate, and support one another. That mindset has shaped how I work and connect with others.”
IF VISITING BRAZIL, WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THEY SHOULD EAT?
“Definitely a traditional churrasco (Brazilian barbecue). It’s a big part of our culture and is all about sharing food and time together with family and friends. And of course, it pairs perfectly with a refreshing caipirinha (our national cocktail made with lime, sugar, and cachaça).”
George Sturtz
Sr. Manager, Transportation & Logistics | Mexican American
WHAT DOES BEING MEXICAN AMERICAN MEAN TO YOU?
“To me it means that I have the ability to understand my two cultures to the full extent and relate to my fellow Latin friends”
HOW HAS YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND SHAPED YOU?
“It has opened my horizons and broken the barriers of language, for example. I love the fact of communicating with all Spanish speakers”
IF SOMEONE IS VISITING MEXICO, WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THEY SHOULD EAT?
“Street tacos of course”
Valeria Lytton
Senior Director of Marketing | El Salvador
WHAT DOES BEING EL SALVADORAN MEAN TO YOU?
“THE LAND OF THE VOLCANOES”
“Being Salvadoran for me means honoring and continuing the rich traditions, legacy and cultural connections of my ancestors and my family such as coffee growing.
I love El Salvador (La Tierra de los Volcanes) for its natural beauty, people and uniqueness.”
WHEN VISITING EL SALVADOR, WHAT’S THE FIRST THING ONE SHOULD EAT?
“Pupusas of course!”
WHAT’S SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR CULTURE?
“The original inhabitants of El Salvador were the Pipil people, a part of the Nahua-speaking peoples of Mesoamerica, with a rich culture, language (Nahuatl), and organized communities.”
“When the Spanish colonized the region, they imposed new systems and religion, but many Pipil traditions, foods, folklore, and language elements survived and became integrated into modern Salvadoran culture with words used to describe the foods we eat like Pupusa, Atol, tamal along with cultural elements we see present every day.”
Arthur Artiles
Corporate Chef | Cuba
WHAT IS THE BEST CUBAN DISH YOU RECOMMEND FOR SOMEONE TO TRY?
“Rabo Encendido”
“Fricasé de pollo”
WHAT DOES BEING CUBAN MEAN TO YOU?
“Prideful. Knowing the sacrifices my grandparents and my family made to leave their country to get ahead for all of us.”
WHAT IS SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT CUBAN CULTURE?
“We’re very quiet… [he’s kidding] We’re very passionate. We’re proud of our heritage. Music is a big influence on our culture. We like to dance, have a good time, and we are always celebrating.”
Sively Diaz
International Procurement & Logistic Coordinator | Honduras
WHAT DOES BEING HONDURAN MEAN TO YOU?
“Being Honduran fills me with pride in my roots. Wherever I go, I always try to showcase the beauty of my country: its people, amazing tourist spots, and gastronomy. Honestly, Honduras is a five-star country in every way!”
WHAT FAMILY RECIPE ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
“Fried fish with plantain slices! My family grew up around Lake Yojoa, where this dish is super traditional, and my mom and grandma make it absolutely delicious.”
Jorge Burr
Procurement Director | Chile
WHAT DISH REMINDS YOU OF YOUR CHILDHOOD?
“Cazuela – a hearty stew with beef or chicken, pumpkin, potatoes, corn, and rice — perfect for understanding Chilean family meals.”
WHAT’S SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT CHILE?
“La Cueca: Chile’s national dance, symbolizing courtship, danced with pañuelos (handkerchiefs).”
HOW HAS YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND SHAPED YOU?
“My Chilean background taught me resilience, the importance of family, and to always stay connected to my roots. It’s shaped how I see life and how I connect with people wherever I go.”
WHEN VISITING CHILE, WHAT’S THE FIRST THING ONE SHOULD EAT?
“Empanada de Pino — baked pastry filled with beef, onions, egg, and olives. A classic that represents Chilean home cooking.”
MIC Food Group® and the People Behind It
At MIC Food Group®, our products start with people, multi-generation growers across Latin America, food safety teams in our GFSI-certified plants, R&D chefs testing every cut and format, logistics partners who keep supply reliable, and the sales, marketing, and customer success folks who listen first and help operators win. We’re a family-owned company that has spent 30+ years building trust through consistency, innovation, and genuine care for one another and our customers.
Hispanic Heritage Month highlights what we feel year-round: our strength is our culture. The stories you’ve read are the same values that move our business forward, pride in our roots, respect for quality from farm to fork, and joy in serving food that brings people together. To everyone who grows, inspects, cooks, ships, and shares our plantains, yuca, boniato, pineapple, and more—thank you. You’re the reason MIC Food Group® is a special place to work and a partner our customers can count on.