Pepper has acquired Alima, bringing together two companies focused on modernizing food distribution through AI-driven systems and unified operational platforms.
The deal strengthens Pepper’s capabilities in product content, data infrastructure, and AI-powered workflows, particularly for distributors managing large and fragmented product catalogs. As part of the acquisition, Alima’s leadership team will take on key roles within Pepper to advance these efforts.
Jorge Vizcayno will lead Pepper’s product content platform and data infrastructure initiatives, focusing on AI systems that match and enrich product data at scale. Blanca Espinosa will help drive customer implementation strategies, leveraging AI to improve onboarding and deployment processes.
Pepper, headquartered in New York City, provides an end-to-end platform for distributors, including ordering, sales, marketing, accounts receivable, and embedded payments. The company’s broader strategy centers on enabling independent distributors to modernize operations and grow revenue through AI-enabled tools.
Founded in 2021, Alima has focused on helping small and midsize distributors, particularly in Latin America, digitize sales and operations. The company addresses a significant market gap, where a large share of distributors still rely on manual processes and in-person sales.
Both companies share the view that independent distributors represent the future of food distribution and that AI-driven platforms will become central to how these businesses operate and scale.
KEY QUOTES
“As we got to know Pepper, it became clear that our missions were deeply aligned and that Pepper is positioned to win this category. Joining forces felt like the most honest continuation of Alima’s journey.”
Jorge Vizcayno, Co-Founder And CEO Of Alima
“Pepper is building the platform we wish existed when we started Alima. Joining the Pepper team allows us to focus on building, accelerating innovation, and helping customers through agentic tools and streamlined implementation processes.”
Blanca Espinosa, Co-Founder And CMO Of Alima
“Jorge and Blanca are exceptional builders who deeply understand the food industry and the challenges distributors face every day, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the team.”
Bowie Cheung, CEO And Co-Founder Of Pepper
