Monarca Unveiled: Leading Hispanic Snacking to New Heights

Deal News | Mar 28, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Monarca Authentic Snacks

Benestar Brands, formerly known as Evans Food Group Ltd., and Palmex Alimentos have come together to form Monarca Authentic Snacks, aiming to be the leader in Hispanic snacking in the Americas. This strategic merger, finalized in December 2023, positions the company as a vertically integrated manufacturer of a wide range of snacks, including pork rinds and tortilla chips. Monarca is poised for growth with nine manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Mexico, leveraging 90 years of heritage, and aims to captivate the growing Hispanic segment in the U.S. Monarca's bold identity is inspired by the Monarch butterfly, symbolizing heritage, resilience, transformation, and community. With brands like Mac's and 4505 in its portfolio, the company offers innovation and scale in the snack market.

Sectors

  • Food and Beverage
  • Manufacturing
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • United States – The U.S. is a primary market mentioned for Monarca Authentic Snacks' operations and its target market expansion.
  • Mexico – Monarca Authentic Snacks has a significant presence in Mexico with manufacturing plants, and the cultural heritage of the brand is linked to Mexico.
  • South America – Monarca's strategic market expansion is targeted across the Americas, which includes South America.

Industry

  • Food and Beverage – The article discusses the merger of two companies into Monarca Authentic Snacks, focusing on the production and distribution of Hispanic and Hispanic-inspired snacks.
  • Manufacturing – Monarca Authentic Snacks operates nine manufacturing plants for its snack products, demonstrating its role in the manufacturing sector.
  • Private Equity – Wind Point Partners and Highlander Partners, both private equity firms, are mentioned as financial stakeholders involved in Monarca Authentic Snacks.

Financials

  • $6 billion – Assets under management by Wind Point Partners, involved in Monarca Authentic Snacks.
  • $3 billion – Assets under management by Highlander Partners, also associated with Monarca Authentic Snacks.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Monarca Authentic SnacksTarget CompanyCompanyFormed from the merger of Benestar Brands and Palmex Alimentos, it aims to be the leader in Hispanic snacking in the Americas.
Benestar BrandsSelling CompanyCompanyFormerly Evans Food Group Ltd., part of the merger creating Monarca Authentic Snacks.
Palmex AlimentosSelling CompanyCompanyA major player in the merger forming Monarca Authentic Snacks.
Wind Point PartnersPrivate Equity FirmCompanyA private equity firm with $6 billion in assets under management, involved in the creation of Monarca Authentic Snacks.
Highlander PartnersPrivate Investment FirmCompanyBased in Dallas, this firm manages over $3 billion in assets and follows a buy and build strategy, investing in Monarca Authentic Snacks.
Jose Luis PradoChairman and CEOPersonChairman and CEO of Monarca Authentic Snacks, guiding its strategic direction.
Jesus VelazquezU.S. PresidentPersonU.S. President of Monarca Authentic Snacks, involved in brand strategy and market expansion.