Investor-backed Tropical Cheese has expanded its dairy portfolio with the acquisition of Cibao Meat Products, enhancing its footprint in the food and beverage industry. This strategic move now incorporates the Induveca and Campesino brands under the Tropical Cheese umbrella, allowing for a more comprehensive range of Hispanic refrigerated food products.
The financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed. Cibao will function as the Cibao Meat Products Division within Tropical Cheese. In a statement issued on January 13, the dairy group expressed that this acquisition enables them to provide a “more complete” portfolio, addressing the growing consumer trends in the food and drink business.
Victor Mehren, who recently became the CEO of Tropical Cheese in September, noted that the transaction “accelerates” the company’s growth trajectory. He stated, “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 enhances the quality of offerings available to customers while bolstering support and resources for service execution.
Both Tropical Cheese and Cibao are family-owned entities, which adds depth to their operational dynamics. Heinz Vieluf Jr., president of Cibao, remarked, “Joining Tropical Cheese gives Cibao access to greater resources and capabilities, enabling us to further invest in the business and deliver for our customers.”
Founded in 1982, Tropical Cheese began as a small milk delivery service in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Since then, it has evolved into a producer of Latin American and Caribbean-style cheese, meat, seafood, and tortillas. In 2024, Tropical Cheese received significant investment from Avance Investment Management and AUA Private Equity Partners, with the founding Mendez family retaining a minority stake.
The company is now focusing on expanding its reach and growing its portfolio within the food and drink consumer trends. According to their statement, Tropical Cheese aims to become a leading brand across the spectrum of Hispanic refrigerated food products on the East Coast. In addition to its U.S. operations, Tropical Cheese also supplies clients in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe.
By integrating Cibao Meat Products into its structure, Tropical Cheese is poised to reshape its offerings in line with evolving consumer preferences within the food and beverage sector.
