Vilore Foods Acquires ‘Shark Tank’ Alum Tia Lupita Foods

Mexican foods processor had secured an investment on “Shark Tank” TV show in 2023 and grown its distribution and product line since.
July 21, 2025

Mexican foods processor Tia Lupita Foods, which produces hot sauces, grain-free cactus tortilla chips and Mexican Chili Crunch, and was featured on the TV show “Shark Tank”, has been acquired by Vilore Foods, an importer, distributor and brand development company in the U.S. market.

Vilore already distributes brands such as La Costeña, Jumex and Totis, and is a strategic distribution partner for global companies such as Procter & Gamble and Mead Johnson Nutrition, according to the release announcing the transaction. Adding Tia Lupita to its portfolio bolsters its commitment to support culturally connected, emerging brands celebrating heritage and flavor — and it is Vilore’ first entry in the natural foods space.

Tia Lupita was featured on “Shark Tank” in 2023, where it was able to secure an investment from Kevin O’Leary, a “shark” on the show. The company used that investment to increase its product offerings and U.S. distribution.

About the Author

Andy Hanacek

Senior Editor

Andy Hanacek has covered meat, poultry, bakery and snack foods as a B2B editor for nearly 20 years, and has toured hundreds of processing plants and food companies, sharing stories of innovation and technological advancement throughout the food supply chain. In 2018, he won a Folio:Eddie Award for his unique "From the Editor's Desk" video blogs, and he has brought home additional awards from Folio and ASBPE over the years. In addition, Hanacek led the Meat Industry Hall of Fame for several years and was vice president of communications for We R Food Safety, a food safety software and consulting company.

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