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Latin American Foods Firm El Latino Partners with Private Equity
Apex Capital joins as strategic investor to support El Latino's US expansion plans.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:34pm
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A premium selection of El Latino's Latin American cuisine products, showcasing the company's commitment to quality and authenticity as it expands its reach in the United States.Doral TodayEl Latino, a Latin American and Caribbean foods company based in Doral, Florida, has struck a deal with private equity firm Apex Capital to accelerate its expansion across the United States. El Latino's founder and president, María Elena Ibañez, said the partnership will enhance the company's ability to deliver greater value to customers while strengthening long-term relationships. Apex Capital, which is part of the Latin American conglomerate Grupo Mariposa, brings over 140 years of combined experience in the food and beverage industry.
Why it matters
The deal represents a strategic move for El Latino to leverage Apex Capital's expertise and resources to grow its presence in the dynamic US market for Latin American cuisine. As consumer demand for diverse, authentic ethnic foods continues to rise, this partnership positions El Latino to expand its distribution and product offerings to a wider customer base across the country.
The details
Under the agreement, Apex Capital joins El Latino as a 'strategic partner' to support the company's 'next phase of growth and to provide additional capabilities'. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Ibañez will remain as El Latino's president to maintain 'strategic continuity, stability, and close connection with clients'. Apex Capital's managing partner, Pedro Palma, said the partnership represents an opportunity to build on El Latino's strong platform while accelerating its expansion.
- El Latino was founded by María Elena Ibañez in 2002 and is headquartered in Doral, Florida.
- The partnership with Apex Capital was announced on April 7, 2026.
The players
El Latino
A Latin American and Caribbean foods company based in Doral, Florida that offers a range of products from cheeses and yogurts to arepas, empanadas, and frozen items. The company's products are distributed through major US supermarket chains and Hispanic grocers.
María Elena Ibañez
The founder and president of El Latino, who will remain in her leadership role to maintain strategic continuity and close connections with clients.
Apex Capital
A private equity firm that is part of the Latin American conglomerate Grupo Mariposa, with over 140 years of combined experience in the food and beverage industry. Apex Capital is joining El Latino as a strategic partner to support the company's expansion plans.
Pedro Palma
The managing partner of Apex Capital, who stated that the partnership represents an opportunity to build on El Latino's strong platform while accelerating its next phase of expansion.
Grupo Mariposa
The Latin American conglomerate that owns Apex Capital, with interests in food, beverages, and operations in over 20 countries.
What they’re saying
“This alliance with Apex Capital will enhance El Latino's ability to deliver even greater value to our customers while strengthening our long-term relationships.”
— María Elena Ibañez, President, El Latino
“This partnership represents an opportunity to build on a strong and proven platform while accelerating its next phase of expansion.”
— Pedro Palma, Managing Partner, Apex Capital
What’s next
El Latino and Apex Capital have not disclosed specific details about their plans for expanding the Latin American foods company's presence in the United States, but the partnership is expected to drive growth and allow El Latino to bring its products to a wider customer base across the country.
The takeaway
The deal between El Latino and Apex Capital highlights the growing demand for authentic Latin American cuisine in the United States and the opportunities for specialized food companies to expand their reach by partnering with experienced private equity investors. This transaction positions El Latino to leverage Apex Capital's industry expertise and resources to accelerate its expansion and solidify its position as a leading provider of high-quality Latin American food products.
