{"id":534543,"date":"2026-01-22T12:22:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/534543\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T12:22:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:22:20","slug":"dallas-highlander-partners-snaps-up-hot-sauce-brand-tapatio-dallas-innovates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/534543\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas’ Highlander Partners Snaps\u00a0Up Hot\u00a0Sauce Brand Tapat\u00edo \u00bb Dallas Innovates"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Grocery store shelf with bottles of Tapatio brand Salsa picante Hot Sauce. Tapatio has been acquired by Dallas-based Highlander Partners. [Photo: Sheila Fitzgerald\/iShutterstock]<\/p>\n

Dallas-based private equity firm Highlander Partners has aquired Tapat\u00edo, the #5 hot sauce brand in the U.S., from the Saavedra family, which has owned the brand since its 1971 founding in California by Jose-Luis Saavedra Sr.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Arnold Companies also invested \u201ca significant minority equity position\u201d along with Highlander, and the Saavedra family will retain a minority position in Tapatio post-closing, Highlander said.<\/p>\n

Tapat\u00edo is named after the term used to describe someone from Guadalajara, Mexico, reflecting the hot sauce\u2019s \u201cdeep connection\u201d to traditional Mexican flavors, Highlander said. Crafted from a blend of red peppers and spices, the hot sauce is known for its \u201cperfect balance of medium heat and rich, tangy flavor,\u201d the PE firm added, noting that Tapat\u00edo is used to enhance everything from Mexican cuisine to eggs, soups, and more.<\/p>\n

Jeff L. Hull, president and CEO of Highlander Partners, called Tapat\u00edo \u201ca generational business that\u2019s distinguished by a strong, authentic brand in the fast growing hot sauce category.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe that Tapat\u00edo is poised to benefit from several secular trends that are dramatically reshaping consumer food choices,\u201d he added in a statement, \u201cand we look to take advantage of the brand\u2019s significant whitespace opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brand saw Highlander as \u2018a perfect fit\u2019<\/p>\n

Luis Saavedra Jr., the former CEO for Tapat\u00edo, called Highlander \u201ca perfect fit given their extensive background in the branded Hispanic food category.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re pleased to have a partner that invests their own capital and takes a long-term strategic approach to growing companies,\u201d Saavedra added in a statement. \u201cTapat\u00edo has a strong business with a proud heritage and identity. Highlander shares our vision to maintain this legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aiming to grow beyond Western U.S.<\/p>\n

To date, Tapat\u00edo\u2019s products have developed a large, loyal following in the Western U.S., Highlander noted, where its customers include big-box retailers, supermarkets, restaurant chains, and other retail outlets. With the Dallas PE firm\u2019s investment and partnership, the company aims to extend its reach into \u201cnascent geographies\u201d while broadening its distribution channels, bolstering new product development, and entering complementary new product categories, Highlander said.<\/p>\n

Highlander Partner Jeff Partridge said his firm shares the Saavedra family\u2019s vision to maintain the brand\u2019s legacy. The PE firm aims to \u201ccarefully and purposefully target opportunities to grow the brand geographically, introduce new flavors and products, and deepen penetration in both the retail and foodservice channels,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Stout served as exclusive financial advisor to Tapatio on the transaction. J.P. Morgan led the senior financing facilities, and NMP Capital provided both financing and equity in support of the transaction. Katten served as legal advisor to Highlander.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss what\u2019s next. Subscribe\u00a0to\u00a0Dallas\u00a0Innovates.<\/p>\n

Track Dallas-Fort Worth\u2019s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\tR E A D\u00a0\u00a0 N E X T\t<\/p>\n