October 12th
"La Criolla Day" in Chicago.
Our Amazing Story
1957: Where It All Began
Our founder, Avelino Maldonado, started with a simple goal: bringing authentic Latin flavors to Chicago. That same year, he introduced our signature Adobo La Criolla Seasoning. Crafted for bold, traditional taste, it remains one of our most popular products today—a true symbol of the quality standards set from the very beginning.
Four Decades of Growth
Over the next forty years, La Criolla grew right alongside the communities we serve. We developed new custom spice blends and earned trust one customer at a time. From local home cooks to professional chefs, our all-natural seasonings became a staple in family kitchens and restaurants for generations.
2016: A New Family Chapter
The Chaparro family proudly took ownership of La Criolla. With a deep respect for Avelino’s original vision, they committed to honoring our traditional recipes while guiding the brand into the future with a shared passion for authentic Hispanic flavors.
2018: Expanding Our Roots
To meet the growing nationwide demand for our premium spices, we moved into a new, state-of-the-art production facility. This milestone allowed us to invest in our people, expand our wholesale and co-packing operations, and bring our high-quality products to even more homes.
2022: Honored by Our Hometown
In celebration of our 65th anniversary, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois formally recognized our legacy by proclaiming October 12th as "La Criolla Day." It was a proud moment honoring our decades of entrepreneurship and cultural contributions to the city.
Today: The Pride of Your Kitchen
La Criolla remains a family-owned spice company driven by heritage and pride. We still believe exactly what we believed in 1957: that clean, high-quality ingredients and great food bring people together.
