Masienda launched in 2014 as an earnest search for a corn tortilla with exceptional flavor and integrity, and now operates a vertically-coordinated supply chain for heirloom corn and companion products, working directly with small scale growers in rural Mexico to source premium ingredients at premium prices in order to offer whole kernel corn, masa harina (flour), and masa supplies and equipment like Molinito, Made In x Masienda Comal and Doña Rosa x Masienda Tortilla Press to restaurants and consumers in the US and beyond.
Core to the supply chain values is a relentless support of agricultural biodiversity, sustainability, and independent farmers. Masienda’s strategy is to focus on growers that make up the group of 3 million subsistence farmers in Mexico who live below the international poverty line, and who preserve the traditional agricultural methods and artifacts of native Mexican corn. By paying premium pricing for their surplus production (i.e., the amount of corn available in excess of their home or community-based consumption), farmers are incentivized to maintain their practices, profitably. Masienda manages community aggregation centers in local communities, sets surplus prices 3-4x above commodity markets, and takes on the financial risk of maintaining an inventory of corn that may go unsold (taking this risk off the farmer), in addition to owning and manning the supply chain from rural Mexico into the US.
Masienda offers a 10% share of affiliate sales on all products found on Masienda.com/shop, and works with affiliates and partners who share the goals and ideals of the brand in supporting small scale subsistence farmers, sustainable agriculture, and good, quality, food. This is the journey of #thirdwave masa.
To learn more about Masienda, visit us online at masienda.com or follow us on Instagram @masienda.
