Private equity firm Apex Capital has acquired a majority stake in Juanita’s Foods, the nation’s leading producer of canned Mexican food products, as part of a strategy to invest in heritage Hispanic brands with high growth potential.

Founded in 1946 and based in Wilmington, California, Juanita’s Foods is best known for its pozole and menudo offerings, boasting more than 95% market share in the canned menudo segment. The De La Torre family, which has operated the business across three generations, will retain a minority ownership stake and continue to be involved in day-to-day operations.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal, advised by Lloyd Greif of Greif & Co., forms part of a broader estate planning process aimed at securing the company’s long-term future.

“The company is growing by double digits, and completing this transaction during a period of market volatility speaks to the strength of the brand and business,” said Greif.

Apex Capital, affiliated with Guatemalan food and beverage group Grupo Mariposa, plans to maintain Juanita’s manufacturing footprint in California. Pedro Palma, Managing Partner at Apex Capital, said: “Juanita’s is a strong fit with our strategy of nurturing heritage Hispanic brands through operational excellence and sustainable value creation.”

Juanita’s Foods’ popular shelf-stable products have earned a reputation for delivering traditional Mexican flavours with modern convenience, leveraging a closely guarded family recipe handed down over generations.

The acquisition highlights private equity’s growing interest in culturally resonant consumer brands, particularly those positioned to capitalise on the rapidly expanding Latino demographic in the United States.

Source: Los Angeles Times