Maria Elena's Authentic Latino Named Company of the Year at Latin Business Association...

Maria Elena's Authentic Latino Named Company of the Year at Latin Business
Association Gala

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Maria Elena's Authentic Latino Inc.
(www.MariaElenas.com) was named 2009 Company of the Year by the Latin Business
Association, among companies with $1 Million revenue or less. The coveted
award, presented at the LBA 2009 Sol Business Awards Gala, puts Maria Elena's
among a distinguished group of Hispanic entrepreneurs cited for promoting the
success of Latino businesses, and especially for supporting the advancement of
Hispanic youth.

"We are humbled and very grateful for this honor," said Maria Elena's founder
Jerry Gonzalez. "As a further expression of our commitment to help young
Latinos, we are our increasing efforts to give back by pledging 1% of our
sales in 2009 to the LBA Scholarship Fund."

Photos Available:
http://lba-award.mariaelenas.com/LBA_Award_Presentation_to_Jerry_Gonzalez.jpg
http://lba-award.mariaelenas.com/Jerry_and_Karen_Gonzalez_with_LBA_Award.jpg

Inspired by deep love for authentic Hispanic food and their Latino roots,
Jerry and his brother, Victor Gonzalez, launched the company and
affectionately named it for their mother, Maria Elena de Gonzalez. Native
Angelenos, the founders envisioned Maria Elena's Authentic Latino as a unique
manufacturer offering Natural and Organic versions of authentic Latin food and
beverages. "Our mission is centered on leveraging Jerry's keen understanding
of natural and organic foods to bring consumers delicious and nutritious new
twists on our favorite traditional Hispanic foods," explained Victor.

Among their best-selling products is Maria Elena's Certified Organic Horchata,
a nutritious powdered drink mix based on the popular Latino rice and cinnamon
refreshment. It is available through leading natural food retailers such as
Whole Foods, Hispanic chains like Vallarta's Supermarkets, and online through
prominent Internet retailers like MexGrocer.com. This traditional taste
experience mixes easily with water to serve over ice, use in premium coffee
drinks, or as a mixer with Rum or Brandy. Free from all Trans and Saturated
Fats, it is calcium-rich, providing 15% of the recommended daily adult
allowance of calcium.

Available in a 10-ounce Retail and Foodservice Pack, the line is also gaining
sales at select restaurants, coffee houses, and other venues serving premium
refreshments that distinguish them from competitors.

Hispanic-Owned and MBE Certified, the company is based in Valencia, California
where it operates a state-of-the-art, Certified Organic food manufacturing
facility.

The country's largest Latino business organization, the LBA is celebrating
over 30 years of commitment to Latino business growth, through advocacy,
education, and business opportunities.

SOURCE Maria Elena's Authentic Latino Inc.

Jerry Gonzalez of Maria Elena's Authentic Latino Inc., +1-661-295-9833, ext.
102