Our Values

Sin Maíz, No Hay País.

“Without corn, there is no country,” is a foundational concept for Yoli Tortilleria. Through our products, recipes and sourcing, we always strive to honor the tradition of the crops and the farmers that grow them. By working with farmers that practice regenerative agriculture, we hope to support a sustainable food system. Additionally, we partner with the University of Missouri’s School of Agriculture to help with their research on what types of heirloom and hybrid maize are suitable for food consumption. The result is a list of corn being put in a database where farmers can learn what corn they could successfully farm and who would be a good market for them to sell to. Overall promoting diversity in the agriculture sector.

“For me, corn is life. I grew up seeing agriculture in Sonora, the milpas [farmlands] and the traditions. It is ingrained in me; it reminds me of my parents and loved ones.” - Marissa Gencarelli, as told to El Universal

juntos somos mejores.

We are better together. Mexican culture is a testament to the power and resilience of community. Yoli Tortilleria owes so much to our community. Our growth is made possible by the farmers and local producers who supply us with fresh, organic ingredients, enabling us to craft food without fillers or preservatives. Additionally, the chefs who choose to collaborate with our products not only motivate us but also contribute to our continual improvement.

From our online community to Yoli’s storefront in Kansas City’s historic Westside, we are strengthening a community of farmers, producers, and consumers united in the desire to gather around good food.

“Our Yoli tortilleras and bakers, farmers, and all of our community around us that make all of this possible. ‘We’ are making it happen. ‘We’ are working together to contribute for meaningful changes in the agriculture industry and regenerate our soil. ‘We’ are honored to be part of this.” - Marissa Gencarelli, via Yoli Tortilleria’s Instagram

La tierra es responsibilidad de todos.

The earth is everyone’s responsibility. Our commitment to our planet doesn’t stop with our products. Through our shipping process and in our Westside shop we make continuous efforts to practice sustainability.

Following a customer concern in 2020 about the environmental impact of shipping in coolers, the Yoli team altered our shipping process to still deliver tortillas at peak freshness while being more eco-conscious. Now, when you order Yoli products online, your order is shipped to you using compostable materials.

In 2024 Yoli Westside partnered with Zero Foodprint to support local farmers in building healthy soil and restore carbon. This process aims to create a food ecosystem that improves the local food economy and improves soil health.

“Yoli takes pride in producing the best quality tortillas while ensuring they are mindful of the land and those who are involved in every step of the process.” - Mark Gencarelli, as told to HERLIFE

Mi inspiraciÓn es mi mamÁ.

From an early age, moms leave an impact on their children. For Yoli co-founder, Marissa, her mom’s spirit of adventure and deep passion for Mexican culture served as an inspiration for what is now Yoli Tortilleria. Her bold, adventurous spirit is captured in the Yoli icon with her sunglasses and scarf worn on road trips through Mexico.

As a way to inspire future generations of women leaders, Yoli supports groups like the Girl Scouts and Girls on the Run. These organizations are instrumental in providing opportunities for girls to recognize their strength and imagine a new world of possiblities.

“Yoli represents our family’s journey and that ‘stop-at-nothing’ attitude.” - Marissa Gencarelli, as told to HERLIFE