Del Real Foods is a manufacturer of traditionally inspired, branded and private label, heat-and-serve Hispanic cuisine products, including value-added meats, prepared specialty items, fresh salsas and side dishes. The company sells its convenient, clean-label products to the club, retail, foodservice and wholesale distributor channels and is the largest producer of fresh tamales in the country, selling more than 80 million per year.

  • Visit website

  • Sector

    Consumer

  • Headquarters

    California

  • Investment date

    October 2016

Producing traditionally-inspired Hispanic foods for modern life.

Family is at the heart of Del Real, which brings traditional family recipes to thousands of families across the country. These values filter through to all parts of the business, from sourcing fresh ingredients for all its products to the emphasis it places on the safety of its workers.

Investment rationale

Del Real is well positioned in a large, growing industry, where its focus on cleaner labels (using fewer, more wholesome ingredients), authentic, ethnic flavors and healthier eating give it an advantage. We see exciting opportunities for growth outside of its core Western markets, building on its strong, established brand, blue-chip customer base and diversified distribution channels.

Making a difference

Growth

  • Launched new branding and packaging initiatives, alongside a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform.
  • Developing new products, focusing primarily on handheld items, powered by a proven innovation engine.
  • Expanding its geographic presence, leveraging consumer insights and an innovation strategy to provide an optimal product offering for expansion regions.

 

Operations

  • Acquired a second plant in Oklahoma to expand production capacity (commercial production started in 2019).
  • Acquired a new warehouse facility in Mira Loma, CA to bring distribution operations in-house.
  • Invested across automation, strategic procurement, processes and other key infrastructure to strengthen barriers to entry.

Leadership

  • Recruited three independent board members and a Chairwoman.
  • Recruited CEO and CFO and supplemented management team with key operational and commercial hires.