Robert Unanue Net Worth: Goya Foods CEO Lives A 'Modest' Lifestyle Despite Fortune

Growing up with an abuela is usually a child’s introduction to the Goya brand. The company’s products are a staple in Latin American homes. Here’s how Goya Foods CEO Robert Unanue and the Unanue family built their fortune.

The Unanue family is collectively worth $1.1 billion as of 2014, according to Forbes. The family was considered the second wealthiest Spanish American family in the country at one point, per Fox Business. The clan also ranked 170th in the 2014 Forbes list of richest families.

Despite the success he and his family achieved with Goya Foods, the 67-year-old CEO continues to live a modest lifestyle.

Hispanic Executive described Unanue as a “true-servant-leader” who lives with a “thoughtful, modest style.” The magazine also said that Goya Foods' longtime headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey, were relatively modest as well.

Goya Foods was not an overnight success, tracing its history back to the Spanish Civil War. It started 85 years ago when family patriarch Prudencio Unanue started importing “Goya” sardines from a cannery in Morocco, per ABC News.

Prudencio bought the rights to the name the brand is now called for $1, and the growth of the family-run and operated business started from there. The patriarch wanted to release his products under the Goya brand for the simple reason that it was much easier to pronounce than their family name.

Like Goya’s simple beginnings, Unanue also took the long road to build his fortune. He started working for the company as a young child. It was only in 2004 when he took the helm as CEO. His succession ended years of family fights over the direction of the company.

Joseph, Prudencio's last surviving son who had been managing the business since 1974, was removed from the post after Unanue and a cousin partnered to oust him, with the blessing of other family shareholders.

With Unanue leading Goya Foods, he wanted to let the company reach beyond Latino communities. His vision was to see the company grow with more customers and new territories. Since his ascent, Goya Foods has recorded $1.4 billion in revenue and the number of its products rose to 2,500, Fox Business reported.

Unanue made headlines during the 2020 presidential elections after he voiced his support for then-President Donald Trump. The declaration of support was met with calls online to boycott brands made by the authentic Latin American cuisine manufacturer, CNN reported.