Fresca Mexican Foods Joins C.H. Guenther to Boost Foodservice and Tortilla Operations
C.H. Guenther & Son LLC (“CHG”), a heritage-rich commercial baking and food manufacturing company with over 170 years of experience producing both branded and private label products, has announced the strategic acquisition of Fresca Mexican Foods, LLC (“Fresca”), a prominent manufacturer specializing in flour tortillas, corn tortillas, and tortilla chips. Based just outside Boise, Idaho, Fresca has earned a reputation for its high-quality offerings and deep-rooted partnerships with some of North America’s most recognizable foodservice and quick service restaurant (QSR) brands.
This acquisition significantly strengthens CHG’s manufacturing capabilities in the fast-growing tortilla segment and further aligns the company with leading players in the foodservice industry. By bringing Fresca’s product portfolio, state-of-the-art manufacturing operations, and seasoned team into its fold, CHG is positioning itself as a dominant supplier of premium tortilla products across the United States and beyond.
Strategic Move Enhances Market Position and Capacity
The acquisition supports CHG’s long-term strategy of enhancing its footprint in high-demand product categories and accelerating growth through targeted investments and partnerships. Tortillas, especially in the foodservice and QSR sectors, continue to see robust demand driven by consumer preferences for Mexican and Latin-inspired cuisine, health-conscious wraps, and convenient handheld formats.
According to industry data, the U.S. tortilla market is valued at over $13 billion and growing steadily, driven by both ethnic and mainstream consumer trends. With this move, CHG strengthens its competitive position and increases its ability to respond quickly to evolving customer needs across a broad range of foodservice formats, including national QSR chains, fast casual concepts, and institutional dining.
Executive Insights: Alignment of Vision and Values
Rod Hepponstall, President and CEO of C.H. Guenther & Son, expressed his enthusiasm for the transaction and the alignment between the two companies.
“I am very pleased to welcome Fresca to the CHG family,” said Hepponstall. “The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and strategic partnerships with some of the most prominent fast casual and QSR chains in North America are a great fit as we continue to execute our growth strategy. We share a commitment to quality, innovation and customer service, and I am confident the addition of Fresca’s talented team will strengthen CHG’s ability to deliver superior products and service to our customers.”
Fresca brings with it decades of experience in crafting high-quality tortilla products, with an emphasis on innovation, food safety, and scalable production. Its Boise-area facility is recognized for implementing modern food manufacturing technologies and meeting the stringent quality requirements of large-scale foodservice operators.
Andy Savin, President of Fresca, echoed these sentiments, describing the acquisition as a pivotal and promising next chapter for the company.
“Joining CHG marks an exciting new chapter for Fresca,” said Savin. “Together, we’ll continue to deliver exceptional products and service to our customers while expanding our reach and capabilities. Our values are closely aligned with CHG’s, and we’re excited about the possibilities ahead.”
Backed by Strong Ownership and Investment Strategy
C.H. Guenther & Son is a portfolio company of Pritzker Private Capital (PPC), a Chicago-based investment firm known for partnering with middle-market companies that demonstrate strong growth potential and operational excellence. PPC has supported CHG’s long-term strategic vision and played a key role in facilitating this acquisition.
“Fresca is an excellent strategic fit with CHG’s portfolio,” said Phil Iler, Principal at Pritzker Private Capital. “CHG has built a terrific commercial baking platform and we’re delighted to continue our successful partnership together as the company explores complementary acquisition opportunities to add product capabilities and expand into new geographies.”
This transaction exemplifies PPC’s investment philosophy of supporting management teams in building sustainable, long-term value through operational improvements, organic growth, and disciplined M&A. In recent years, PPC and CHG have collaborated on a series of initiatives to modernize production, introduce new products, and enter new channels and regions—both domestically and internationally.
A Growing International Footprint
Today, CHG employs over 5,000 people across more than 30 food manufacturing facilities located throughout the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Its corporate headquarters are based in San Antonio, Texas, where the company’s legacy traces back to the mid-1800s.
The addition of Fresca not only enhances CHG’s presence in the northwestern U.S., but also expands its national supply network and provides the scalability needed to support new customer growth. It complements CHG’s existing tortilla operations and allows for better service flexibility and product innovation tailored to customer needs.
Industry Context: Meeting Demand with Innovation
The foodservice industry has seen a strong rebound post-pandemic, with heightened demand for convenient, flavorful, and globally inspired foods. Tortillas have emerged as a staple ingredient across multiple menu applications, from traditional tacos and burritos to fusion wraps, flatbreads, and even breakfast items. As more operators look for ways to differentiate their offerings while ensuring consistency and supply chain reliability, CHG’s expanded capabilities make it a preferred partner.
By integrating Fresca’s production expertise and customer relationships, CHG can now offer a wider range of tortilla SKUs, including clean-label, non-GMO, and specialty formulations that appeal to today’s health-conscious diners.
