Empresas Polar Acquires San Antonio Ricos Products

The Venezuelan food giant has purchased the long-standing family-owned snack business based in San Antonio.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A large industrial silo and corrugated steel warehouse facility under a clear, bright blue sky. — Empresas Polar has finalized its acquisition of Ricos Products Company, a San Antonio-based snack manufacturer, aiming to expand its global food portfolio. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Empresas Polar has completed the acquisition of Ricos Products Company, a family-owned snack manufacturer with deep roots in San Antonio. This deal brings the iconic nacho brand under the ownership of the Venezuela-founded corporation.

Why it matters

The acquisition aims to leverage the established Ricos brand to drive innovation and expand the reach of their snack offerings. Empresas Polar intends to build upon the legacy of the family-run enterprise to support future growth.

Ricos Products Company traces its history back to the Liberto family's 1909 San Antonio grocery store, culminating in 117 years of operation. In 2019, the snack maker saw projected sales reach $128 million, following the 2007 sale of its distribution business.

The players

Ricos Products Company

This is a family-owned snack manufacturer based in San Antonio known for its long-standing presence in the food industry.

Empresas Polar

Founded in 1941, this Venezuelan corporation operates a diverse range of food and beverage businesses internationally.

The Liberto family

The founding family behind the San Antonio-based business that began operating U.S. grocery stores in 1890.

The details

Empresas Polar, which was founded in Venezuela in 1941, executed the acquisition through one of its corporate subsidiaries. The move integrates Ricos, famous for introducing nachos at a 1976 Dallas event, into a global portfolio that includes a grain and cereal facility in Greenville, Texas.

1909: The Liberto family opened a grocery store in San Antonio.
1941: Empresas Polar was founded in Venezuela.
1976: Ricos introduced nachos at a Dallas event.
2007: Ricos sold its distribution business to Vistar.
October 2026: Empresas Polar acquired Ricos Products Company.

Market Landscape

This acquisition follows the 2007 sale of the Ricos distribution business to Vistar, representing a new phase in the company's long-term evolution. The move positions the combined entity to compete more aggressively within the snack market through integrated manufacturing and operations.

Consumers should not expect immediate changes to the availability or pricing of Ricos products as the brand transitions to new ownership. Loyal customers will likely continue to see the snack products in their usual retail locations.

The takeaway

This merger signals a significant shift for a long-standing local institution as it integrates into a much larger global framework. Residents and followers of the brand should watch for future innovations as the new parent company works to expand the product line.