This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

 

Part of the mission of Somos is to dispel the idea that Mexican food is unhealthy, says Miguel Leal, Founder and CEO of the Mexican food brand.

 

"You know those yellow fluorescent tacos don't exist," Miguel says. "Mexican food was 100 percent plant-based before the Spanish Conquest era in Mexico. They are the ones that brought a lot of the animal protein that is used now in Mexican food."

 

Instead, authentic Mexican food is full of vegetables, legumes, and grains.

 

"That's why we launched first with plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO because we wanted to completely turn over that misconception and show that Mexican food can be authentic, delicious, and also healthy and convenient," he says.

 

Another Somos objective is to feature regional cuisines. One of the first products is chilaquiles, a popular dish that best resembles breakfast nachos.

 

Miguel's life-long obsession with food began growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, where his family would journey to Texas to do grocery shopping. Fascinated by the number of choices in the stores, he began a career with big food companies after college. He fell in love with the CPG community in 2009. Being from a family of entrepreneurs, he made the next natural step to try starting a brand.

 

"If I had any regrets, it's that we didn't do it sooner," he says.

 

Somos combines online sales with retail sales as part of its strategy.

 

"I think we could do this company for 20, 30, 50 years and still have new things that we can bring into the market because Mexican cuisine and culture are so rich," Miguel says.

 

In Part 2, Miguel talks about:

 

* The difference between Mexican food in America and Mexican food in Mexico.
* The popularity of chilaquiles.
* How he came to love the CPG marketplace and community.
* A tour of the brand's website.
* An explanation of the brand's products.
* The meaning of the name "Somos."

 

Join Ramon Vela and Miguel Leal as they break down the inside story on The Story of a Brand.

 

For more on Somos, visit: https://eatsomos.com/ 

 

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, now through May 5^th, all SOMOS meal kits on eatsomos.com  – including the Cinco de Mayo Taco Kit – are 50% off with code CELEBRATECINCO at checkout.

 

Subscribe and Listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand,” or click here to listen on your favorite podcast player: Listen now.

 

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This episode is also brought to you by Sendlane.

 

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