#United States #Tropical Cheese #Perth Amboy #Vic Mehren #Hispanic dairy

Tropical Cheese Industries Welcomes Vic Mehren as New CEO

Tropical Cheese, a prominent producer of Hispanic dairy products in the United States, has made headlines with the recent appointment of Vic Mehren as its Chief Executive Officer. Mehren will officially take the reins on September 2, 2025, and his arrival is set to usher in a new phase of growth for the company.

With over 20 years of leadership experience in the consumer goods sector, Mehren has proven himself capable of driving transformational growth. Prior to joining Tropical Cheese, he served as CEO of Second Nature Brands, spearheading significant revenue increases and broadening the brand's offerings, which garnered impressive returns for investors. His past experience also includes senior roles at Mars and Wrigley, where he demonstrated his adeptness in managing diverse business units and operations across the country.

Vic Mehren expressed his enthusiasm for leading Tropical Cheese, stating, "Tropical Cheese is an iconic brand built on authenticity, quality, and deep cultural roots. I'm truly honored to be part of the next chapter as we build on the foundation laid by Rafael Mendez and his family. I see immense potential for scaling the Tropical Cheese platform nationally, while preserving what makes this business special."

Founded in 1982, Tropical Cheese has risen to become a category leader in Hispanic cheeses primarily servicing retail channels via a direct-store delivery system. The company has a strong backing from Avance Investment Management and AUA Private Equity, both of which are committed to its vision of growth and expansion within the Hispanic dairy and related food markets.

Luis Zaldivar, Managing Partner at Avance, praised Mehren’s capabilities, noting that his extensive track record of fostering transformational growth in notable consumer brands equips him with the right mix of strategic vision and operational prowess necessary to advance Tropical Cheese’s position as a premier producer of Hispanic dairy products.

Andy Unanue, Managing Partner of AUA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting his experience in family-owned businesses during his tenure at Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S. Unanue emphasized the crucial role of effective leadership in enhancing value creation.

Tropical Cheese has built a reputation as a family-run premium brand, recognized for its wide variety of Hispanic cheeses, meats, and other food products. Positioning itself as a trusted option for Hispanic households, the company continues to provide customers with authentic flavors, high-quality products, and unmatched delivery services.

Mehren’s appointment aligns with the broader strategic goals of both Avance and AUA, who are focused on leveraging the growth of the Hispanic demographic across the United States. The integration of sophisticated operational strategies with an ethos centered on cultural authenticity will be paramount to Tropical Cheese’s future initiatives.

As Tropical Cheese prepares for this new chapter under Mehren’s leadership, the company is poised to seize opportunities that will enhance its national footprint while honoring the rich traditions that underline its mission.

The excitement surrounding Mehren’s appointment stems not only from his impressive credentials but also from the strong legacy established by the Mendez family. As the new CEO, Mehren is set to navigate the company towards new heights, ensuring that Tropical Cheese not only maintains its status as a leading provider of Hispanic dairy products but also continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.