MIAMI, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- El Latino, a Miami-based ethnic specialty food brand providing a diverse line of authentic Latin American and Caribbean products, today announced a strategic partnership with private equity firm Apex Capital, marking a new and inspiring chapter in its growth journey. Built on a strong foundation of trust, quality, and deep customer relationships, El Latino has grown into a recognized platform serving the evolving needs of the Hispanic market in the United States.
El Latino will continue operating with no interruption to its services, preserving the culture, values, and way of doing business that have defined the company's success since its inception. María Elena Ibañez will remain president of the company, ensuring its strategic continuity, stability, and close connection with clients. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping El Latino's trajectory, guiding it with strategic vision, resilience, and deep commitment to excellence.
"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," said Ms. Ibañez. "It also creates a compelling opportunity to expand into new regions across the United States, bringing our proven model and high-quality offerings to a broader and increasingly dynamic market."
Apex Capital joins El Latino as a strategic partner to support this next phase of growth and to provide additional capabilities. Backed by more than 140 years of combined experience in the food and beverage industry through its affiliation with Grupo Mariposa, Apex Capital brings a differentiated combination of operational expertise, strategic insight, and long-term vision to help scale El Latino's platform.
"This partnership represents an opportunity to build on a strong and proven platform while accelerating its next phase of expansion," said Pedro Palma, Managing Partner at Apex Capital. "We look forward to supporting El Latino in its continued growth and long-term success, as the company remains firmly committed to its core principles of quality, service, and innovation."
Apex Capital was advised by Hogan Lovells as legal counsel, and El Latino was advised by Cassel Salpeter & Co as financial advisor and PAG Law as legal counsel.
About El Latino
El Latino is a consumer-focused company serving the Hispanic market in the United States, built on a strong heritage of quality, authenticity, and customer trust. The company has developed a reputation for delivering consistent, high-quality products and services that resonate with its communities, combining tradition with a forward-looking approach to growth and innovation.
About Apex Capital
Apex Capital is a private equity firm focused on investing in consumer businesses across the Americas. The firm partners with high-potential, category-leading companies to accelerate growth, enhance operations, and unlock long-term value. Apex Capital leverages a differentiated operating model and deep industry expertise, supported by its affiliation with Grupo Mariposa—a multinational food and beverage group with more than 140 years of history—to scale platforms and expand them across new markets.
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Apex Capital:
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SOURCE Apex Capital; El Latino
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