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Tropical Cheese, a leading US producer of Hispanic dairy products, has acquired Cibao Meat Products, a manufacturer of premium Hispanic-style meats, as it looks to broaden its branded refrigerated foods offering and accelerate growth across the East Coast.
As part of the deal, Cibao will operate as the Cibao Meat Products Division within Tropical Cheese, enabling the company to offer a more comprehensive portfolio of Hispanic refrigerated food products spanning both cheese and meat categories. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1982, Tropical Cheese is the category leader in Hispanic cheeses across the Eastern US, serving retail customers through an integrated distribution network that includes direct-store delivery.
The business is backed by Avance Investment Management and AUA Private Equity, and is focused on expanding its footprint and becoming a leading branded player across the full spectrum of Hispanic refrigerated foods.
Vic Mehren, chief executive officer of Tropical Cheese, said the acquisition brings together two complementary category leaders.
“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,” he said. “This combination provides our customers with more high-quality offerings, stronger support, and additional resources behind service and execution.”
Mehren added that Cibao’s premium ingredients and authentic recipes align closely with Tropical Cheese’s focus on delivering authentic Hispanic foods to a wider consumer base.
Founded in 1969, Cibao Meat Products is a third-generation, family-owned business headquartered in Rockaway, New Jersey. The company manufactures a wide range of Hispanic-style meat products under the Induveca and Campesino brands and has built a strong reputation for quality, authenticity and service. The business also operates a robust cold-chain logistics platform designed to ensure freshness and consistency.
Heinz Vieluf Jr, president of Cibao Meat Products, said the acquisition marks an important next phase for the company.
“Joining the Tropical Cheese family gives Cibao access to greater resources and capabilities, enabling us to further invest in the business and deliver for our customers,” he stated. “We look forward to continuing to bring trusted, traditional products to the communities we serve.”
Both companies highlighted their shared heritage as family-built businesses and their alignment around quality, authenticity and long-term growth. The acquisition strengthens Tropical Cheese’s position as a one-stop supplier of branded Hispanic refrigerated foods and supports its ambition to deepen relationships with retailers and distributors serving the growing US Hispanic consumer base.
Top image: © Cibao Meat Products
