Consumer product companies launch thousands of new product lines every year. But a selected few achieve game-changing success in innovation and category achievement. Barcel USA, a subsidiary of Mexico City-based Grupo Bimbo, is a proud recipient of the Nielsen’s 2014 U.S. Breakthrough Innovation Award for its Takis snack line, an honor only given to 14 companies across all consumer categories.

“Since our Takis Fuego was first introduced in the United States in 2006, the snack has exploded in popularity, especially among teenagers,” said Rubén Herrera, Vice President of Barcel USA. “Although the product was initially launched in the U.S. for the growing Hispanic market, teens of all ethnicities have been captivated by the innovative shape and unique flavor of Takis. We are proud to receive this prestigious award, and we will continue to seek ways to innovate and lead this new category segment –rolled corn tortilla chips.”

Currently, Takis has five line flavors including Fuego, Fajitas, Nitro, Guacamole, Salsa Brava and a limited edition flavor Xtra Hot. Also, Barcel USA has other exciting lines of products, including Barcel Potato Chips and Speedsters, another well-rounded concept with distinctive flavor within its popular portfolio of salty snacks and peanuts.

In winning the U.S. Breakthrough Innovation Award, Barcel USA demonstrated high marks in Nielsen’s three main requirements: distinctiveness, relevance and endurance. In the case of Takis, Barcel USA has had a double-digit growth year after year. Because of the tremendous success of the Takis brand, Barcel USA opened a production facility in Coppell, Texas in 2012 to accommodate the increased U.S. demand. Distributed in major metropolitan areas, Takis continues to grow and expand across other areas in the United States.

As a company, Barcel USA also promotes active lifestyles. The Takis brand epitomizes this philosophy by encouraging consumers to use the intense flavors of Takis to live life to the fullest.

“There’s nothing that come close to Takis on the market today,” said Herrera . “Our innovative and intense flavors combined with our authentic history make Takis truly a one-of-a-kind chip in the marketplace.