As demand for Hispanic cuisine continues to grow, La Vaquita, the award-winning Hispanic cheese brand, is expanding its foodservice business nationally. The move brings La Vaquita’s authentic cheeses to operators throughout the United States to meet consumers’ demand for traditional Hispanic ingredients.
La Vaquita’s foodservice portfolio helps restaurants bring Hispanic flavor to a wide range of dishes, just as it has done for homes across Texas for five decades. La Vaquita cheeses combine authenticity, quality, and a broad portfolio of offerings in one trusted brand, supporting applications from crumbled toppings and bold garnishes to melted, seared, and fried cheeses, including enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, and bowls. La Vaquita’s varieties crafted for restaurant operators include:
· Queso Fresco
· Queso Cotija
· Queso Blanco
· Queso Freir
· Queso Panela
· Queso Quesadilla
La Vaquita’s Expansion Fulfills Restaurant Needs
The expansion comes as Hispanic cuisine continues to gain momentum across U.S. menus, with the U.S. Mexican restaurant industry valued at approximately $105 billion in 2026 with roughly 52,000 businesses operating nationally. Today, Mexican cuisine represents about 1 in 10 U.S. restaurants and is present in nearly every county in the country. At the same time, the Hispanic cheese category continues to deliver double-digit growth, fueled by consumer demand for authentic flavors and menu innovation.
“As more people continue to seek Hispanic foods, operators are looking for traditional, high-quality cheeses to help create differentiated dining experiences,” said David Garascia, Vice President of Sales, Foodservice at DFA. “For over 50 years, La Vaquita has been helping bring families and friends together around delicious, authentic recipes. We are excited to deepen the relationships with consumers and restaurant operators by delivering La Vaquita’s award-winning cheeses to foodservice through authentic craftsmanship, quality, and consistency.”
In addition to offering authentic flavor, the portfolio supports back-of-house efficiency with foodservice-ready packaging and formats designed for consistent prep, easier handling, and dependable performance. Operators can source a broad range of Hispanic cheese varieties from a single trusted brand known for its quality, safety, and unparalleled service levels.
“La Vaquita brings authentic flavor to every plate,” said Nico Ramos, Chef and Owner, Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen. “The cheeses remind me of the flavors I grew up with, and they deliver the consistency and performance I need in a professional kitchen. Whether I’m crumbling Queso Fresco, creating a creamy sauce with Queso Blanco, or adding the bold finish of Cotija, I know I’m working with a product that brings the best to every dish.”
Founded in 1971 by Maria Castro, who began making Queso Fresco in her Houston home, today La Vaquita is available at retailers in Texas and beyond. La Vaquita products, from fresh cheeses to butter to cremas, have earned recognition at national and international cheese competitions, including Best of Class honors at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest.
