Goya Foods BANS its CEO from doing interviews without permission of the board after he questioned the election and sales slowed dramatically
The CEO of Goya Foods has been told by his own board that he must keep his thoughts to himself following recent television appearances where he kept on questioning the results of the presidential election.
Robert Unanue, 67, who owns less than five per cent of the company, has been censured for recent remarks over the January 6th invasion of the Capitol.
During an appearance on inauguration day he called Biden's election 'unverified' while appearing on Fox Business.
The CEO of Goya Foods, Robert Unanue, 67, has been told he must seek permission of the board before speaking on matters of politics going forward
'I think this it is mission accomplished. Mission accomplished by the union, the partnership, the conglomerate of social media, Big Tech, big media and government, big government, for ushering in the dawn of a new world order. This great reset,' Unanue said during an interview with Fox Business.
'With an unverified election, and the big prize is the United States,' he continued.
But now a vote by Goya's nine-member board now means Unanue must obtain permission before making any more media appearances according to the New York Post.
'Bob does not speak for Goya Foods when he speaks on TV,' Goya board member and third-generation owner Andy Unanue said. 'The family has diverse views on politics, but politics is not part of our business. Our political point of views are irrelevant.'
Unanue, who is a longtime Trump supporter made some controversial remarks in the wake of the deadly January 6 invasion of the US Capitol building. Above, Unanue is seen in July
Although Robert Unanue has declined to comment on the vote on the board, he acknowledged that he would reign in the airing of his political thoughts.
'Independently, I've made the decision to lower the temperature and walk away from speaking about politics and religion. I realize it's important because of the diverse views of the company and our market,' he said.
But he also stated that he may speak out from time to time should he felt the need.
The CEO, who personally owns less than five percent of the business, didn't fully close the door on speaking out either.
'I don't believe I should speak politically or in a faith-based manner on behalf of the company,' he said. 'But I leave open the possibility of speaking on behalf of myself.'
Unanue drew the ire of fellow Goya directors last July after stated the US was 'truly blessed' to have Trump for president.
Donald Trump followed his daughter's lead and tweeted his support for Goya last July
The comments led to calls for the company to be boycotted. Goya shareholders, meanwhile, also claimed the CEO's comments cost them sales by alienating customers.
'We should be growing more than we are,' a Goya source said.
Although sales are up as a result of buying during the pandemic, sales have fallen since calls for a 'buycott' in July and it is leading to calls for Unanue to be removed from the board.
Nielsen data shows that sales of Goya beans grew by 82 percent with its rice shooting up by 85 percent until June 1st. Then sales fell after his praising of President Trump.
Year-on-year, sales in recent weeks are up only 10 percent over a year ago.
Goya is privately held and does not publicly disclose earnings, making specifc details impossible to verify.
'More than 50 percent of the shareholders do not want Bob to be the CEO,' a Goya source said the The Post. 'All these political statements that Bob is making is dangerous for the company and for us personally as owners.'
The controversy in July came after CEO Bob Unanue (left) praised President Donald Trump, leading to outcry from celebrities and liberal figures
'It will hurt the Unanue name and company if he continues. He should be thrown out as CEO. I think it's really hurting us.
Unanue appears to be fully aware of the divisive nature of his comments.
'I'm attacked by my own family' he said to The Post. 'I could be fired tomorrow … whatever. It's touch and go.'
In an attempt to perhaps draw Democrat supporters back to the brand, Unanue praised Biden's inaugural address.
'I was very thrilled to hear Biden call for unity and prayer. I respect him. I just don't know if everyone on the left agrees with him. If President Biden gets his way, it's good,' he said.
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