COCINA 54 Verified listing

We make delicious Gluten-Free empanadas, bringing a convenient product that fits consumers’ busy lifestyles and the search for bold international flavors and better-for-you food.

In just 2 years since we started this company, we have grown to over 800 stores, achieved 140 YOY%growth, 30 % higher velocity and we are at breakeven.

15 years ago, my husband and I came to the States from Argentina. We loved it here in the states, except we could not find good empanadas in supermarkets anywhere so we used to make them ourselves and save them in the freezer for busy weeknight dinners. We shared them with friends, brought them to the office and everyone loved them and at that point, we knew we were onto something.

We realized consumers were looking for better for you products but they were not willing to sacrifice taste or convenience, they want real food,  but they also demand meals that fit their busy lifestyle. Finally, they want bold international flavors.

What makes Cocina 54 empanadas different from/better than other empanadas on the market?

#1: The fact that we’re made from scratch is key. Other empanadas have lots of frozen ingredients so the flavor isn’t the same. Most frozen companies will buy grilled or pre-cooked chicken from somewhere else, which means they need to add sauces and flavorings because they have been processed so much. Our products are minimally processed and made from scratch; we cook all the vegetables and ingredients together, which gives amazing flavor. We also use a lot of vegetables - even the beef one has a lot of vegetables.

#2: The quality of our ingredients. Our products contain antibiotic-free meats and fresh veggies.

#3 Cocina 54 Empanadas are gluten-free. This is key for people who are celiac, but it’s also healthy for people who not necessarily gluten-free.

#4: We’re baked, not fried. Lots of empanadas are fried. Our empanadas are super convenient if you want to microwave them to heat them up.

#5: Authenticity: Our products are made by people who have had and have made empanadas all their lives. We’re really picky when developing these flavors and of course, we know that they have to appeal to a broader market. We are in Texas and people love jalapenos, so we’re super excited about our spicy beef option, bringing fresh jalapenos into them.

#5: Our empanadas are very colorful, naturally. For example, our spicy beef includes crushed red pepper flakes. Things like that add flavor and color.

Traction:

Today, we are over 800 stores INCLUDING HEB, Walmart, Central Market, Wegmans, and Fred Meyers. Next year, we already have plans to double the store count with an exciting partnership with nationwide retailers. And we have an experienced team with and we have foster incredible partnerships in the industry including the Chobani Incubator and Rabobank Foodbytes. Cecilia has over 15 years of experience in the  CPG industry, she has been in sales & marketing roles in large corporations such as Nestle to small entrepreneurial settings such as Stubb’s BBQ. Federico has been the mastermind of our financial success, allowing our company to break even by laser-sharp trade investment management that leads to a 140% unit growth in 2020 without raising capital and distribution in more than 800 stores nationwide.

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