Manna Tree Forms Strategic Partnership with Mexico’s Grupo Herdez

Manna Tree, a private equity firm focused on health and wellness, has announced a strategic partnership with Grupo Herdez, a major food company in Mexico. The collaboration is aimed at enhancing the global reach of Manna Tree’s portfolio of health and wellness-based businesses by leveraging Grupo Herdez’s industry expertise and extensive distribution network.

According to Ross Iverson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Manna Tree, the partnership will provide additional support and insights to their portfolio companies. He emphasized that Grupo Herdez’s established presence in the U.S. and Mexico offers opportunities to explore the rapidly growing Latin American market, particularly in the health and wellness sector.

Grupo Herdez, listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange since 1991, has a presence in 99% of Mexican households through its range of well-known consumer brands. The company also has a significant U.S. presence via its MegaMex joint venture, which positions it as a leader in the food industry.

Gerardo Canavati Miguel, Chief Financial and IT Officer at Grupo Herdez, highlighted the company’s mission to bring Mexican cuisine to the U.S. market. He noted that the partnership with Manna Tree will enable both companies to drive innovation and discover new opportunities within the food sector.

This partnership comes as the global wellness economy, which contributes 5.6% of total GDP, continues to expand. Both Mexico and the U.S. are seen as key growth markets, particularly in the post-pandemic environment where health and nutrition have become central consumer concerns.

Manna Tree has invested in 13 companies, including Health-Ade, Vital Farms, and Gotham Greens, as part of its commitment to empowering consumers to live healthier, longer lives. Grupo Herdez, with over 1,500 products and a strong sustainability commitment, is a leading player in Mexico’s food industry, employing over 11,500 people and operating numerous production and distribution facilities.