US based Hispanic refrigerated foods company Del Real Foods has received an undisclosed investment from an affiliated private equity fund of Palladium Equity Partners.
Del Real will utilize the investment to take its products into new geographies, widen its distribution channels besides entering complementary product categories.
Palladium managing director Luis Zaldivar said: “We believe that Del Real is poised to benefit from several macro trends that are dramatically reshaping consumer food choices.
"We first met the founders of Del Real over a decade ago and have followed the company as it established a strong brand and reputation for quality and authenticity. My colleagues and I see a significant potential growth opportunity across products, channels and geographies."
Founded in 2002, Del Real is a manufacturer of a range of heat-and-serve Hispanic food products. Its portfolio includes value-added proteins like Barbacoa and Carnitas, rice and bean dishes along with staples like salsas and tamales.
The Hispanic food company is said to use natural ingredients without preservatives while manufacturing in small batches that replicate conventional cooking methods.
Del Real Foods equity holder Jesus Cardenas Jr. said: "Our company has a strong business, proud heritage and identity. Palladium shares our vision to maintain this legacy as we carefully target opportunities to grow the company geographically and in new distribution channels."
As of now, Del Real’s products are mainly confined to the Western US region. They are available across club stores, national restaurant chains, supermarkets, delicatessens, foodservice distributors and other retail stores.
Palladium is a New York based private equity firm with focus on investing in the food industry. Its portfolio includes Teasdale Foods, Castro Cheese, Taco Bueno Restaurants, Wise Foods and Sahale Snacks.
