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Berkeley, CA

Expanding fresh heirloom masa production through equipment upgrades, inventory purchases, and team growth.

• Authentic sourcing: Masa made from Mexican landrace maíz sourced directly from partner farmers.
• Cultural mission: Dedicated to fostering exploration, connection, and reclaiming identity through food.
• Production expansion: Conveyor tortilla oven purchase will improve efficiency and meet demand.
• Supply security: Large-scale maíz purchase ensures steady supply for future growth.
• Team growth: Hiring and training new staff to support expanding operations.

Bolita is a Berkeley-based food producer specializing in fresh masa made exclusively from Mexican landrace maíz. Founded from a desire to connect more deeply with heritage and tradition, the company’s mission is to foster cultural exploration, connection, and identity through food. Unlike commercial masa harina, Bolita’s product is crafted from heirloom varieties sourced directly from partner farmers in Mexico, preserving unique flavors and supporting agricultural biodiversity. This focus on authenticity and sustainability sets Bolita apart in the Bay Area’s food landscape, where demand for high-quality, culturally rooted products continues to grow.

Funds from this raise will be used for working capital, including purchasing a conveyor tortilla oven to streamline production and acquiring a full shipping container of heirloom maíz to secure supply for future growth. The investment will also support hiring and training additional staff to meet increasing demand. By expanding production capacity and strengthening supply chains, Bolita aims to bring its distinctive masa to more customers both locally and beyond, building on its reputation for quality and cultural integrity while creating more opportunities to share the tradition of fresh masa.

Company Info

Bolita produces fresh masa from heirloom Mexican corn, supplying consumers and businesses with authentic, traditionally made products from its base in Berkeley, California.

Bolita is a Berkeley, California-based food producer specializing in fresh masa made exclusively from Mexican landrace maíz. The company is dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of maize through its sourcing and production practices, working closely with farmer partners in Mexico to secure high-quality, heirloom corn varieties. The masa is crafted to honor traditional methods while meeting the needs of a growing customer base in the Bay Area and beyond. Bolita’s work emphasizes cultural connection, identity, and culinary authenticity, offering a product distinct from the more common dried flour-based masa harina.

The business serves both retail and wholesale markets, providing fresh masa to consumers, restaurants, and specialty food outlets. With production rooted in sustainability and respect for agricultural traditions, Bolita’s operations are supported by a culinary and production team focused on consistency and quality. The company’s offerings support a wider appreciation of traditional maize products, encouraging exploration of flavor and texture profiles unique to heirloom varieties. Bolita continues to expand its reach by scaling production capacity, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, and introducing more people to the value and taste of authentic, fresh masa.