Tropical Cheese, a U.S. producer of Hispanic dairy products, has acquired Cibao Meat Products, a manufacturer of Hispanic-style meat products sold under the Induveca and Campesino brands. The deal adds a dedicated Cibao Meat Products Division within Tropical Cheese and is designed to broaden Tropical Cheese’s portfolio beyond cheese into a more complete lineup of branded Hispanic refrigerated foods.
The companies said the combination brings together two established players in Hispanic foods and strengthens Tropical Cheese’s meats offering while expanding its reach across the East Coast. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1982, Tropical Cheese has grown into a leading Hispanic cheese producer across the Eastern U.S., supported by an integrated distribution footprint that includes direct-store delivery. The company, which is backed by Avance Investment Management and AUA Private Equity Partners, said it is focused on growing its product portfolio and becoming a leading brand across Hispanic refrigerated food categories.
Cibao Meat Products, founded in 1969, is a third-generation, family-owned business headquartered in Rockaway, New Jersey. In addition to its meat portfolio, Cibao brings cold-chain logistics capabilities intended to support freshness and consistency, along with what the companies described as a high-touch commercial team and strong customer service.
KEY QUOTES:
“This acquisition accelerates Tropical Cheese’s growth by uniting two category leaders in Hispanic foods. With Cibao, we will significantly strengthen our Meats Division, expand our Hispanic foods platform, and broaden our reach across the food industry and Hispanic community. This combination provides our customers with more high-quality offerings, stronger support, and additional resources behind service and execution. Cibao’s premium ingredients and authentic recipes help us bring more authentic Hispanic foods to more consumers.”
Vic Mehren, Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Cheese
“At Tropical Cheese, we are highly intentional about pursuing partnerships and opportunities that support our long-term growth and align with our culture, which we found in Cibao Meat Products. Like Tropical Cheese, Cibao is a family-built company with a legacy that reflects our shared values of having pride in what we do, providing quality products to our customers, and supporting the dedicated, hardworking team members who are the key to our success.”
Vic Mehren, Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Cheese
“Joining the Tropical Cheese family represents an exciting next chapter for Cibao Meats. We are both family-built businesses with brands that are rooted in tradition and trusted for their quality. Joining Tropical Cheese gives Cibao access to greater resources and capabilities, enabling us to further invest in the business and deliver for our customers. We look forward to working with Tropical Cheese to continue bringing together the products that have long been staples in the households and communities we grew up in and proudly continue to serve.”
Heinz Vieluf Jr., President, Cibao Meat Products
