Highlander Partners Acquires Tapatío

Monica Watrous Jan. 20, 2026 at 12:23 PM

Private investment firm Highlander Partners has acquired hot sauce brand Tapatío from the Saavedra family, who will retail a minority position in the company following the close of the transaction. The Arnold Companies also took a significant minority equity position, according to a press release. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1971, Tapatío is one of the leading hot sauce brands in the U.S., crafted with a blend of red peppers, vinegar, garlic and spices and sold in big-box retailers, supermarkets, restaurant chains and other retail outlets. Tapatío has released co-branded products with Doritos, Idahoan, BiGS, Van Holten, Bud Light and others.

With support from Highlander Partners, the brand plans to extend its reach into new geographies and distribution channels while investing in new product development.

”We are excited to partner with Tapatío, a generational business that is distinguished by a strong, authentic brand in the fast growing hot sauce category. We believe that Tapatio is poised to benefit from several secular trends that are dramatically reshaping consumer food choices, and we look to take advantage of the brand’s significant whitespace opportunity,” said Jeff L. Hull, president and CEO of Highlander Partners, in a statement.

Dallas-based Highlander Partners has more than $3 billion in assets under management and employs a buy-and-build investment approach. Previous investments include Pretzilla, Bettera Brands, Chicago Custom Foods and Monarca Food Solutions.

“Highlander is a perfect fit given their extensive background in the branded Hispanic food category, and we are pleased to have a partner that invests their own capital and takes a long-term strategic approach to growing companies,” said Luis Saavedra Jr., former CEO for Tapatío, in a statement.

Stout served as exclusive financial advisor to Tapatío. J.P. Morgan led the senior financing facilities, and NMP Capital provided both financing and equity. Katten served as legal advisor to Highlander.