Tortilla Manufacturing Business

Increased demand for tortilla among Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike in the U.S. is fuelling the growth of tortilla making business into a billion-dollar industry. Find out from our basic guide how you can enter into this business that can be started as a small business but expanded to commercial-scale later on.

Tortilla making is a billion dollar industry in the US. It has been growing in the last 10 years due to the increase of Hispanic population in America as well as the increased popularity for tortillas among the non-Hispanics.

Some businesses that have started as a small operation are now mass-producing the product, distributing them in bulk and earning millions.

Small Tortilla Making Business

If you are interested in entering this kind of business, you can start small by operating a tortilla stand around malls. If you already own a restaurant, you can add a tortilla making machine in your kitchen to offer tortillas to customer – this even if your restaurant doesn’t specialize in Mexican food. If the volume of your production is low, you could do the mixing and rolling, and buy only a divider and a press. Having the least number of equipment is also advantageous – aside from the fact that you don’t have to buy them – to keep your operational space at a minimum, and thus keep your rent low. Some small tortilla machines are as small as to fit in less than 3 square feet of space. Small-scale electronic tortilla makers are available in department stores and home shops.

Commercial Tortilla Making Machine

But if you plan to produce tortillas in large volume, then you should consider purchasing a commercial tortilla maker to reduce the time you have to spend in mixing, rolling and cooking. A full assembly line would include mixers, and cutters. Still, if you plan on mass producing and distributing to grocery stores or food shops then you would need a machine for counting, packaging and labeling in your assembly line. And you would need a storage space that is preferably kept at a controlled humidity and temperature. Find tortilla machines at www.e-tortilla.com.

Tortilla Recipes

You can create flour or corn tortillas or both and there are machines that can do either. You can create them small for asadas and wraps or large for burritos and by using traditional Mexican recipes or by innovating by adding spices and other flavors like chili powder, spinach, tomato, garlic or basil. You can keep the tortillas free of preservatives or preserve them for a few months.

While the temptation to establish on brand is strong for many startup business owners, success in the tortilla business doesn’t have to depend on this. There are large tortilla makers that earn a lot even without a recognized brand in the market. They concentrate on mass-producing tortillas for wholesale food distributors and on filling capacity gaps of other tortilla manufacturers.

61 Comments

  • zoila said on January 15, 2010
    Hi may name is zoila, I live in new oreleans La. I am interesting inn having a small tortilla making business. thank you
  • andrew baek said on July 14, 2010
    I am looking to start a tortilla business in korea. Right now i'm in LA near cerritos and was interested in knowing more about the machines. I think all I need is a cutter and a cooler. please get back to me. Andrew
  • Vicky said on August 12, 2010
    I am looking to open a mexican restaurant in Athens Greece and I want to buy a tortilla machine with the use of 200 tortilla per day.
  • Jay said on September 2, 2010
    Hi, I used to have a tortilla plan overseas, now I'm interested to open one in USA. I was scared the market here is saturated. Could you please guide me through this here in states. Thanks
  • Francisco Castillo said on October 1, 2010
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My name is Francisco Castillo and I'm starting a tortilla boutique here in Toronto. There is a well established tortilla chain retailer here, but my approach is different. Some of the bigger challenges you may find in this industry relate to safety standards vs the standards your machinery meets. In my machinery selection process, I became the rep for a reputable tortilla machinery manufacturer from Mexico. This machinery is UL certified, which means that it does meet safety standards in most parts of the world. If you wish to get a quote, please feel free to call or e-mail me: Kensington Tortillas, 178 Baldwin St., Toronto, ON, M5T1L8, Canada Tel (416)809-8098 kensingtontortillas@gmail.com
  • isael acosta said on October 5, 2010
    san antonio, need help to get started on tortilla manufacturing business
  • Kim Bowers said on October 26, 2010
    We are starting a Mexican food restaurant chain in Chongqing,China and need a tortilla machine.
  • andrea said on November 1, 2010
    i'M LOOKING TO START A TORTILLA BUSINESS IN NICARAGUA. LOOKING FOR EQUIPMENT I CAN SHIP FROM MEXICO OR U.S.A.
  • duane dupre said on January 24, 2011
    We have 2-3 dual lines as well as some assorted tortilla equipment for sale. Located in Southeast Texas
  • Dirk said on February 21, 2011
    Hi, I am also interested to open a small tortilla production to sell tortilla to restaurants. So far Communication with Mexicans have been without a result, we need the ETL standard as a minimum. Does any one of you have a good contact from an manufacturer or can recommend one. ETL certification and a capacity of 60KG/h or 1800 piece/h is needed or CE certification of course ;). Please think and help me, you will be invited to opening party : Mail: ohlmeier.dirk@googlemail.com
  • David said on March 5, 2011
    I am developing a new concept of Mexican Bakery. I need any information you can provide regarding Tortillas (Flour and Corn) and other bakery items.
  • Fernando said on March 9, 2011
    I'm also planning to open small tortilla production to sell them at supermarket and also restaurants. Any help would be appreciated!
  • James expert adviser said on March 10, 2011
    @Fernando, there are various sizes of tortilla machines so you have to decide on the manufacturing capacity first. You can also try second hand machines to save on your investment.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • Graciela Schaedeli said on March 30, 2011
    I want some information about prices on commercial tortilla makers also shipment price to Vancouver Island, BC. Canada
  • Paola said on August 25, 2011
    Elgin illinois, I will like to open a small Tortilleria, How can I do it?? Where do I buy the machine from? thank you
  • felix agbebaku said on February 24, 2012
    I am from Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria. West Africa. I am interested in starting a small tortilla business and would like to have info regarding where to buy machines and their cost to Lagos, Nigeria. Preferably 1 machine for mixing & pressing and another for baking out the final product. Also needed is some production guide & method. Thanks. felix
  • Ramesh yadav said on March 26, 2012
    Hi, I'm Ramesh yadav. I'm living in Chandigarh, INDIA. I want to start this business in INDIA. kindly send me all details of this business in small scales and large scale. Thanks to you
  • Francisco Castillo said on May 15, 2012
    To all people interested in the tortilla business in Canada or the U.S.: GET A PRE-CERTIFIED TORTILLA MACHINE. I've seen cases where the machine is there but the gas company won't supply because of liability issues. This ties in with insurance costs, worker's compensation/safety, business permits, etc. A pre-certified tortilla machine is a plug & play device, whereas anything else is deemed as unknown territory by all authorities, & treated as high risk. How good is a tortilla machine that you can't operate because of legal and technical reasons? E-mail me if you need help with compliance or tortilla equipment advice. Francisco Castillo, kensingtontortillas@hotmail.com, Toronto, ON. (416) 809-8098
  • Samuel said on June 10, 2012
    I'm wanting to start tortilla boutique...where can i buy a used torilla machine that meets all safety compliance...i live in south texas..something that produces 500 to1500 tortillas per hour.y...plz let me know prices...
  • Monica said on August 1, 2012
    Hello, my name is, Monica. I'm from Long Beach, Ca, USA. I want to start a tortilla business. I have a great recipe that's just been passed down from my mother. I have no idea where to go or how to start (Branding, producing, marketing, price, etc.) Please help. Thank you,
  • Carlos said on August 24, 2012
    Hello me and my wife are thinking of a tortilla business at our home but we do not know were to start.
  • shanta said on September 6, 2012
    Hello, I am so interested in setting up a tortilla business in a mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I love tortillas and I am confident that it would be the best ever fast but healthy food for today's generation. Please get me started.
  • Aaron Magembe said on October 27, 2012
    Hello, I am so excited to start this new business. Firstly, I would like to have a manual tortilla machine for my small business. Please tell me where can I get the equipment? Please let me know!
  • Leonel Escobedo said on December 5, 2012
    Hello, I am interested in setting up a tortilla business in my town. I would like to have a manual on the equipment is need it to open the Store. Please let me know where can I get this equipment? Thank you for your time and Help. Leonel Escobedo.
  • p.h said on December 8, 2012
    Hey . I am thinking of opening a restaurant in Sweden and would need something that press and cook 500 tortilla in hour. Would be good to now the cost of the shipping to.
  • Jen said on January 10, 2013
    Singapore, Hi, I am interested in setting up a tortilla wrap business in Singapore. To sell it at a cafe or for takeaway . Please tell me where I can get both the machines and the prices as well.
    1) to produce the tortilla wrap pieces.
    2) to press and grill for a short while the already wrapped with fillings tortilla. After which it can be sold at counter or served immediately. Thank you.
  • Robyn McLean said on January 30, 2013
    Cape Town, South Africa. Please let me know the details of importing a sml - med tortilla machine (press 500 -1000 tortilla an hour). Kind Regards, Robyn
  • Smsjqa said on January 30, 2013
    kenner, louisiana I am very interested in opening a tortilla business, please help
  • Ricardo Hernandez said on April 24, 2013
    So many people interested in starting a tortilla business; is there a school that teaches the use of the different machines? I would be interested in attending this type of class.
  • FRANACISCO REYES said on April 26, 2013
    Would like to start a tortilla business in Barstow Ca. is there a school or some kind of information on how to.
  • saba hailemichael said on April 30, 2013
    I need to open gluten free tortilla business start small and grow big in Texas, please give me the information
  • Pedro L. Ruiz said on May 5, 2013
    I own a restaurant in Brazil and I do need a small corn tortilla please send me some info. ASAP TX
  • Bhaskar Patel said on July 8, 2013
    I am looking to start a tortilla business in Gujarat State India. I would like to set up a small plant that can grow in supplying Mexican restaurants Right now i'm interested in knowing more about the machines. What machines would i need and what is the whole production method and recipe for making both flour and corn tortillas that would have a long shelf life. Bhaskar
  • Alma Esquivel said on November 15, 2013
    I'm Interested on the Tortilleria business. Please send me information, about how to start my own business. Thank you!
  • shiva raj singh said on November 18, 2013
    actually i have residential place around 900 sq ft area, in second floor in bangalore. i like to start small scale business like FOOD PRODUCTION FACTORY, my budget within 3 lakhs...
  • mark hadida said on December 26, 2013
    Queenstown, New Zealand. We need to upgrade our current tortilla machines from producing 900 12" tortillas per hour to machine package than can produce 3,000 to 5,000 plus per hour. to include mixer, rounder, press, oven and cooling rack. Please can anyone help with suggestions on where we can get one from.
  • Neena suri said on February 8, 2014
    I wanted to tortillas business. I would like to start up in my home where and how to start and what is the total cost . Pls guide ASAP. I am From Vancouver b.c
  • Ram somasale said on April 16, 2014
    Hello sir. I would like to have small scale tortilla making in Toronto and I don’t know but I can do it this because I love food. I pray to food god every day and i like to give food for less for others and I want to have different tastes and veggies I have lot of recipes of my mother thought me I want to sell food for less you can help me set up the company I don’t have money lot but I can start with your help and pay you with Honesty from Toronto also I am from Indian make TORTILLA AND ROTI MAKING. Please help me and I will take orders for your company I will display your machines I will train people I am not doing for money Just I want to bring food for people.
  • Martin Clegg said on May 4, 2014
    South Africa. looking for a machine to start a small business
  • sheila said on July 23, 2014
    I am in Canada now and I would like to open a tortilla business in Haiti.. I would like to start small but tell me where to find the machines and how much and also do they have any training for making tortillas also what about the packaging. thank you
  • sal gutierrez said on August 19, 2014
    i have almost new tortilla machine for sale if interested please email me
  • Lusy said on September 19, 2014
    I need information about where to buy tortilla making machinery. Please email me information ASAP. I'm located in Modesto, California, U.S.A.
  • Esther Macias said on October 7, 2014
    I am looking into buying a tortilla machine from Mexico. What are the requirements for importing machines from Mexico to California and what does California require as far as codes, etc.
  • Javier Santana said on October 20, 2014
    I have had excellent success with this company. Superior Food Machinery @ (800)944-0396 or (562)949-0396, E-mail: info@superiorinc.com
  • Delfin Vargas said on November 1, 2014
    I live on NYC in an area were freshly made tortilla are not available but a strong market exist. I am interested in starting a store that would sells freshly made tortilla plus perhaps different salsas. I am interested in a machine that would produce about 4500 per hour. The rent is high in NYC then I would have to produce to a point to cover production and salary of perhaps two or three employees. Which machine would you recommend and what would the cost by of the ingredients to make the tortillas be. I am traveling to my inlaws on vacation in Mexico this coming March 2015 to find out some more information on producing tortillas. I hoping to start with a small location. The market is very strong for fresh tortilla that I know I will do well. I am not sure of how much funds I will need to start off with a location rent of about $3500. a month and in addition to gas and electricity to operate the machines. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
  • mustapha said on January 13, 2015
    i'm planning to open a small factory to produce flour tortillas in algeria, could you tell me in order to produce flour tortillas how many 10"tortillas a kilo of flour can give me and also could you help me with a manufacturer i need to get whole line from kneading to packaging to produce about 3000 tortillas an hour a good and reliable machine.thanks a million tortillas
  • Abdus Salek said on January 27, 2015
    I am from Dhaka Bangladesh, want to set up a medium scale tortilla plant (commercial) in Dhaka. Production capacity 1500 Pcs per hour (- +). Will appreciate if you provide a guide line for the above scale plant. ( flour based) . Also machinery manufacturer/ supplier ( new / used ) thanking you. Salek.
  • ashray pokharna said on February 3, 2015
    I am from pune wanna start a small tortilla chips factory .please guide
  • taylor reynolds said on March 5, 2015
    I am living in Germany and am planning on starting a burrito store and need to know the best way to produce 150-200 30cm tortillas a day any help or tips on what machine or process i should use would be awesome!
  • TANIYA ALEX said on June 3, 2015
    hi, i am from bangalore i would like to start a small tortilla industry. please guide me.
  • Jai said on July 28, 2015
    Hi, I would like to know more details on equipment and related costs to start a small to medium scale manufacturing unit for tortillas in India. I am in Northern part of India and keen to get started. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, Jai
  • NHL said on August 3, 2015
    Need to have recipe for tortillas. I am in Africa where maize corn is abundant. Though this product has not been tried I am convinced it will sell. Can I also have cost of machines and freight charges medium to large machines that do from kneading to packaging. Thanks
  • NHL said on August 5, 2015
    I in a company in Kenya. We grow a lot of maize. We would to value add to this product and hence venturing into Tortilla products. Please give me a quote on both medium and large machines for making Tortilla right from kneading to packaging. Thanks
  • Shashi Sachdeva said on August 16, 2015
    i want to open making Tortilla business at home, please advise how we can start? Thanks
  • Shashi Sachdeva said on August 16, 2015
    McKinney,Texas, USA
  • KCD said on November 5, 2015
    south America, fort Worth TX
  • Anton vom Pina said on December 11, 2015
    I recommend CELORIO tortilla machines. They are located in San Antonio, TX. (210) 366 3066 news@tortilladoras.com Simply the best!!!
  • Besco Manufacturing, Inc. said on June 20, 2016
    We have what you are looking for! High performance Flour Tortilla Presses, Grills, and Ovens! We are located in San Antonio, Texas! call us at 1-800-683-0928!
  • Ruth said on July 20, 2016
    Hi I'm Ruth here in Bryan, college station tx. I am looking to start a small tortilla business and wanting to learn more on how to start and distribute to restaurants. Thank you!
  • barbara said on November 10, 2016
    My name is Barbara, and like most of the folks on this thread, I too would like to start a tortilla business, in Dayton TX. I have the location, but need guidance, plan, etc.
  • Saied said on April 25, 2017
    Hi, My name is Saied from Saudi Arabia, How can I keep the tortillas free of preservatives or preserve them for a few months? I mean can you please help me by giving me full Flour Tortilla Recipe with step by step on producing it? I have line but we are suffering because our Tortilla is valid for 4 days only. Thanks

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