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Tia Lupita Foods is a brand that appeared in episode 20 of season 14 of Shark Tank. Hector Saldivar founded the company as a homage to his mother’s jalapeño hot sauce. Tia Lupita offers a range of products, including hot sauces, tortillas, and chips made with cactus.
The hot sauces are a best-seller for Tia Lupita, with the original red jalapeño hot sauce and salsa verde being particularly popular. These hot sauces provide a flavorful and spicy kick to any dish. They are made with high-quality ingredients and are perfect for adding heat and flavor to tacos, eggs, or any other meal.
In addition to the hot sauces, Tia Lupita also offers grain-free tortilla chips made with cactus. These chips have become a new best-seller for the company.
They are a great choice for those following a grain-free or gluten-free diet. The chips are made with cactus, which provides a unique and delicious flavor. They are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping or snacking on their own.
Tia Lupita’s products stand out for their quality and taste. The brand focuses on using sustainable ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors. The hot sauces and chips are made with care and attention to detail, resulting in products that are both delicious and satisfying.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or looking for a healthier snack option, Tia Lupita Foods offers a range of products that are sure to please your taste buds.
Company Name | Tia Lupita Foods |
Founder | Hector Saldivar |
Product | Natural Mexican food inspired by Mexican culture |
Investment Seeking | $500,000 for 5% equity |
Final Deal Accepted | $500,000 as a line of credit at a 12.5% interest rate for 5% equity non-diluted |
Shark Name | Kevin O’Leary |
Episode | Season 14, Episode 20 |
Business Status | In Business |
Website | Visit Website |
Net Worth | $10 million |
What Is Tia Lupita?
Tia Lupita Foods is a company that specializes in producing creative and healthy Mexican culinary products. The company was inspired by Hector’s mother, Tia Lupita, and aims to represent the passion, heritage, and flavors of Mexico.
Tia Lupita Foods initially started with a trademarked spicy sauce based on Tia Lupita’s family recipe but has since expanded its product line to include cactus tortillas, grain-free cactus tortilla chips, and two types of Salsa Macha.
These products are known for their delicious taste and meet current dietary requirements, as they are high in fiber, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
The company also emphasizes sustainability by incorporating ingredients like okara, a fiber-rich portion of soybeans that is recycled into grain-free flour for their tortillas.
Tia Lupita Foods aims to offer healthier options while showcasing Mexican heritage, love, and flavors.
Who Is The Founder Of Tia Lupita?
Tia Lupita Foods was founded by Hector Saldivar, a Mexican immigrant who moved to San Francisco, California. Hector’s connection to his Mexican roots and his love for his mother’s homemade hot sauce inspired him to create the brand.
His mother, Tia Lupita, regularly sent him bottles of her hot sauce to ensure he always had a taste of home. As Hector shared the sauce with friends, it gained popularity, leading him to realize the potential of his mother’s recipe.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Hector faced various challenges in his professional journey. He experienced being underpaid and passed over for promotions due to his accent.
However, with determination and the support of his wife, Hector took a leap of faith and started his own business. He returned to Mexico to seek Tia Lupita’s blessing to share the family recipe with the world.
Tia Lupita Foods was officially launched in 2018, with its first product being the signature hot sauce based on Tia Lupita’s family recipe. The brand was named in honor of Hector’s mother and the family’s culinary legacy.
Hector fondly remembers his mother’s love for cooking, including a detail captured in the brand’s logo – she would wear a curler on her head to keep her bangs out of her eyes.
Since its initial launch, Tia Lupita has expanded its product offerings to include healthier and more creative options. They now offer grain-free cactus tortilla chips, cactus tortillas, and two varieties of Salsa Macha. These innovative products cater to modern dietary needs by being gluten-free, non-GMO, and high in fiber.
The founders of Tia Lupita Foods, Hector Saldivar and his mother, Tia Lupita, have successfully combined traditional Mexican flavors with innovative and sustainable ingredients.
Their use of the Nopales Cactus, also known as the prickly pear, showcases the versatility and nutritional benefits of this native Mexican plant.
Additionally, Tia Lupita Foods is committed to sustainability by using upcycled ingredients like okara in their products.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Tia Lupita Foods had already achieved recognition and accolades. They had entered the natural foods specialty channel, won the Expo West virtual pitch slam, and even collaborated with Fenty Beauty for an upcoming lip product.
Through their dedication to sharing their family’s culinary legacy, Tia Lupita Foods continues to bring joy and a taste of home to people around the world.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Tia Lupita?
During the Shark Tank pitch, Hector Saldivar presented his Mexican-inspired health food brand, Tia Lupita Foods, to the Sharks. He was seeking a $500,000 investment in exchange for 5% equity in his company.
Hector highlighted the uniqueness of Tia Lupita Foods, emphasizing their use of simple, clean ingredients. He specifically mentioned that their tortillas and tortilla chips are made with cactus, a low glycemic superfood.
The Sharks had varying views on the product. Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran were not interested and dropped out.
Mark Cuban also felt it was not the right investment for him and quickly dropped out as well.
Lori Greiner expressed concerns about the company’s debt, which amounted to approximately $1.9 million, causing her to drop out, too.
Ultimately, Kevin O’Leary remained as the only Shark interested in making an offer. After some negotiations, Kevin offered Hector a $500,000 line of credit in exchange for 5% equity in Tia Lupita Foods. Hector accepted the deal, making Kevin O’Leary the sole investor in the company.
Shark’s Name | Investment Offered | Counter Offer by Founders | Final Deal Accepted |
Kevin O’Leary | $500,000 as a line of credit for 5% equity | N/A | $500,000 as a line of credit for 5% equity |
Hector Saldivar’s pitch for Tia Lupita Foods on Shark Tank resulted in a deal with Kevin O’Leary. Kevin offered $500,000 as a line of credit for 5% equity, which Hector accepted.
Did Tia Lupita Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, Tia Lupita Foods did get a deal on Shark Tank. Founder Hector Saldivar appeared on Season 14, Episode 20 of Shark Tank and asked for $500,000 for 5% equity in his company. After negotiations, Kevin O’Leary offered a $500,000 line of credit at a 12.5% interest rate for 5% non-diluted equity.
Saldivar accepted the offer, and Tia Lupita Foods secured a deal with Kevin O’Leary. This investment has helped the company grow and expand its reach in the market.
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What Happened To Tia Lupita After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, Tia Lupita Foods experienced significant growth and success. The company, founded by Hector Saldivar, impressed the Sharks with its delicious line of Mexican products and its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the financial support and guidance from the shark, Tia Lupita Foods was able to expand its operations and increase its production capacity.
They used the investment to improve their packaging, enhance their distribution network, and invest in marketing efforts. This allowed them to reach a wider audience and increase their sales.
Following the show, Tia Lupita Foods quickly pivoted to eCommerce, which proved to be a successful strategy. By 2021, the company had made sales of $1.5 million, and this number doubled to $3 million in 2022.
Their adaptability and determination to thrive during challenging times showcased their passion for providing healthy and flavorful Mexican food.
Tia Lupita Foods has continued to expand its retail presence. Their products can now be found in over 5,000 stores in North America, including major retailers such as Safeway, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Amazon.
The company’s commitment to providing innovative and healthier options without sacrificing taste sets it apart from other Mexican food brands. They achieve this by using natural ingredients, high-quality sourcing, and adapting traditional recipes to cater to health-conscious consumers.
Tia Lupita Foods’ success can be attributed to its dedication to delivering high-quality, nutritious, and delicious products with minimal additives.
Their product lineup includes hot sauces, tortillas, tortilla chips, and cactus snack bars, all incorporating the nutritional benefits of nopales cactus.
With strong sales, an expanding retail presence, and a commitment to preserving the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine, Tia Lupita Foods is poised for continued growth in the international food market.
Their appearance on Shark Tank has further boosted their brand recognition, propelling them toward even greater success in the future.
The increased visibility and credibility from their appearance on Shark Tank also helped Tia Lupita Foods secure partnerships with major retailers and online platforms. Their products became more accessible to consumers, leading to further growth in their business.
Tia Lupita Foods’ appearance on Shark Tank proved to be a turning point for their business. It provided them with the resources and opportunities to scale up their operations, expand their reach, and establish themselves as a successful brand in the food industry.
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Tia Lupita Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Tia Lupita Foods, a brand that makes healthy Mexican foods, received a deal from Kevin O’Leary. The founder, Hector Saldivar, asked for $500,000 for 5% equity but eventually negotiated a $500,000 line of credit at a 12.5% interest rate for 5% non-diluted equity.
The partnership with Kevin O’Leary has brought significant benefits to the business. Following the episode’s airing, Tia Lupita Foods experienced a rapid increase in website visitors and orders.
Within a week, their shop site received around 30,000 visitors, a substantial increase from the previous average of 1,500 visitors per week. This surge in popularity led to further expansion opportunities for the brand.
In April 2023, Tia Lupita Foods introduced its “Salsa Macha” product at Publix Food and Pharmacy retail stores in the United States.
Additionally, their products became available at Costco Wholesale Canada stores in three different flavors. The brand has also secured deals with Save-On-Foods and Pattison Food Group retail stores.
Furthermore, Tia Lupita Foods is currently in talks with Walmart regarding a potential deal. These developments highlight the continued growth and success of the brand after its appearance on Shark Tank.
Tia Lupita is still in business with an estimated net worth of $10 million, and since its official launch in 2016, founder Hector Saldivar has invested $700,000 of his savings into the business. The brand’s headquarters are located in Tiburon, California, and it currently employs 2-10 people.
Tia Lupita Foods is still in business and continues to thrive in the market. The brand’s logo features a picture of Saldivar’s mother as its brand identity. It has also received media recognition from publications such as Entrepreneur and Food Business News.
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What Is the Net Worth Of Tia Lupita?
According to our research, Tia Lupita’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. The valuation of Tia Lupita was $5 million after securing an investment from Kevin O’Leary on season 14 of Shark Tank.