Apex Capital, a private equity firm with a focus on the consumer sector, has acquired a majority stake in Juanita’s Foods, a producer of authentic Mexican food products in the US.

Founded in 1946 in Wilmington, California, Juanita’s Foods has been a pioneer in bringing Mexican cuisine to American households.

The company offers a range of shelf-stable Mexican staples like Menudo, Pozole, Hominy, Albondigas, and Nacho Cheese, maintaining the rich taste of traditional Mexican cooking.

The acquisition aims to support Juanita’s Foods’ growth by preserving its strong heritage while driving innovation across its product portfolio.

The De La Torre family will retain a significant ownership interest and continue their involvement in the business, ensuring quality and authentic Mexican flavours.

Juanita’s Foods CEO Aaron De La Torre said: “This partnership strengthens our commitment to expanding Juanita’s into new markets and categories.

“Apex Capital brings the expertise and resources needed to support our continued growth while preserving our dedication to our employees and customers.

“Together, we will drive long-term value and innovation. Our shared belief in putting people at the centre and honouring our brand’s legacy will be key to our future success.”

Apex Capital plans to focus on operational excellence, cultural authenticity, and community engagement to maintain stability for employees and customers.

The private equity firm is affiliated with Grupo Mariposa, a food and beverage conglomerate with operations in 16 countries.

The partnership aligns with Apex Capital’s strategy of investing in consumer businesses and scaling them through a proprietary operational framework.

The framework includes commercial acceleration, digital transformation, organisational development, supply chain optimisation, and sustainability initiatives.

Apex Capital managing partner Pedro Palma said: “We are proud to partner with Juanita’s, a brand that deeply resonates with Hispanic consumers in the United States and aligns with our values.

“This investment is a strong fit with our strategy of nurturing heritage Hispanic brands with high growth potential, guided by a focus on operational excellence and sustainable value creation.”