Tree of Life, Webeco Distribute Hispanic DairyTree of Life, Webeco Distribute Hispanic Dairy

St. Augustine, Fla.—Tree of Life and Webeco Foods partnered up to distribute seven Hispanic dairy, cheese and specialty foods brands throughout the United States.

The brands—Lugareno, La Antioquena, Colanta, El Holandes, Dutch Morning, Cervantes and Gayo Azul—have been successful in the South Florida market for years. Now, Tree of Life and Webeco’s partnership will provide shoppers across the country an array of Hispanic cheeses and other Hispanic grocery items.

“These authentic Hispanic dairy and specialty brands truly give Tree of Life a credible Hispanic dairy program,” said Tree of Life senior category manager, Maria Reyes. “This offers our customers the variety and selection needed to be successful in such a critical segment of the category.”

Webeco Foods’ president, Luis Teijeiro said its company chose Tree of Life as its distributor based on many factors. “Level of service was first and foremost,” he said. “Their delivery frequency and scope of distribution were also very important. They extend distribution into areas we couldn’t service. They can maintain product on the shelves better than we can, based on their more frequent deliveries to each store. We expect to sell more in the current stores where we have distribution, and we expect to expand our distribution based on the geographic reach of Tree of Life.”

Lugareno, maker of traditional dry-cured Spanish sausages, said they’re thrilled to be part of this new multi-store distribution deal. “Our partnership could not have come at a better time—it’s perfect,” said Lugareno’s president, Caroline LaBauve. “The opportunity to crossover to mainstream America is here now, while the strong Hispanic market continues to drive multi-billion dollar sales in the ethnic food sector.”