The first industrial production facility of corn flour in the world was opened in 1949 under the name "Molinos Azteca, S.A. de C.V.", later shortened to "Grupo Maseca". Expansion quickly led to the government of Costa Rica inviting the company to invest in that country, in 1973. From then on, a long tradition of investments outside of Mexico was followed. In 1977, Grupo Maseca opened a subsidiary in California, pioneering in the production of tortilla in the United States. It would be in Texas, in 1982, where Maseca would open the first production facility of nixtamalized corn flour in that country. By 1990, the company had subsidiaries in North America and Central America, including the United States, Honduras and Costa Rica. It was in this year when the company made its Initial Public Offering in the Mexican Stock Exchange as "GIMSA", or "Grupo Industrial Maseca". Gruma consolidated itself as a holding company after acquiring 10% of Banorte in 1992. From then on, a history of expansions would open subsidiaries around the world, including one in Coventry, England in 2000, and another one in Shanghai, China in 2006, also recently in Ukraine in 2010.
Subsidiaries
Apart from its 10% interest in Banorte, Gruma operates as a holding company for a number of subsidiaries that produce, market, and distribute its various products around the world.
Mission Foods
One of the world's largest producers of flatbread, tortilla and corn flour products.
It is the largest producer of wheat flour in Mexico, with a capacity of one million tons. Gruma entered this market through joint ventures with Archer-Daniels-Midland in 1996, and the further acquisition of other companies. Among its principal brands are "Selecta", "Reposada", "Sello de Oro", and "Diluvio".
Prodisa
Produces, markets, and distributes tortillas through Gruma's most recognizable brand, Misión.
Tecno Maíz
Designs, manufactures and markets machinery for the production of tortillas and other corn snacks. The machinery is sold under the brands "Tortec" and "Batitec".
Gruma Centroamerica
With operations in Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, Gruma produces over of corn flour a year, marketed under the brands "Maseca", "Masarica", and "Torti Masa". Gruma also markets tortillas under the brand "Torti Rica", and other snacks with the brands "Tosty" and "Luisiana". Gruma also produces palmito in of fields in Costa Rica, to be exported to France, Spain, Belgium, Canada and the United States.
Molinos Nacionales (Monaca) and Derivados de Maíz Seleccionados (DEMASECA)
These two companies operate Gruma's interests in Venezuela, which make the company the second largest producer of corn and wheat flour in that country.