San Antonio-based Vilore Foods — a distributor of Latino brands including South Texas supermarket staples La Costeña, Jumex and Totis — purchased Tia Lupita Foods, a growing brand that produces Mexican foods using simple, better-for-you ingredients, officials said Monday.
Northern California-based Tia Lupita Foods garnered national attention after being featured on TV reality show Shark Tank and landing an investment from entrepreneur and program regular Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary. The company produces gluten-free, non-GMO and no-preservative products including hot sauces and sustainable grain-free cactus tortilla chips.
The Vilore and Tia Lupita didn’t reveal financial terms of their deal.
“This acquisition signifies Vilore Foods’ powerhouse expertise in distributing and championing Hispanic food brands in the U.S. market,” Vilore Foods Director of Growth and Brand Development Edgar Vargas said in a statement.
Vargas continued: “As more U.S. households seek trusted and authentic culturally connected products, we’ve kept an eye on the growth and potential of Tia Lupita Foods and believe this partnership will take the brand to the next level.”
Hector Saldivar, Tia Lupita’s founder, said the transaction will bring the brand’s products to more grocery shelves. He praised Vilore’s leadership for understanding the “cultural roots that drive our brand.”
In a statement, Shark Tank‘s O’Leary congratulated Saldivar on the sale, saying it shows Tia Lupita’s broad consumer appeal.
“You built a brand that resonates with modern consumers while honoring tradition,” O’Leary said. “This acquisition by Vilore Foods is a perfect match and a powerful validation of everything you’ve worked for. I’m proud to have been part of the journey.”
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This article appears in Jul 10-23, 2025.