If you own a food business and are thinking about selling, Origen runs the sale for you: we value the company, prepare it for diligence, find and qualify the right buyers confidentially, negotiate price and terms, and manage the process to closing — so you can keep running the business.
- For owners of food distributors, manufacturers, produce companies, grocery stores and bodegas, and foodservice businesses.
- We find the buyer who values what you built — strategic acquirers, PE-backed platforms, and qualified individual buyers — not just the highest headline bid.
- Confidential, NDA-controlled outreach; the first conversation is free; the whole process is available in Spanish.
What does a sell-side advisor do?
You built it. We position it. A sell-side advisor runs the entire sale process on the owner's behalf — the work most owners don't have the time, contacts or negotiating distance to do themselves while still running a business.
| Phase | What we do | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Assess | Review financials, normalize earnings, give you an honest valuation range and identify value gaps | 2–4 weeks |
| 2. Prepare | Clean up add-backs and working capital, organize the data room, write the confidential information memorandum | 4–8 weeks |
| 3. Market | Build a targeted buyer list; confidential outreach under NDA to strategic, private equity and qualified individual buyers | 6–12 weeks |
| 4. Negotiate | Compare offers on price, structure, working capital and terms; negotiate the letter of intent | 2–6 weeks |
| 5. Close | Manage buyer diligence, coordinate attorneys and accountants, protect value through the purchase agreement | 60–90 days |
Why work with a food-focused advisor?
Generalist business brokers list businesses. Food buyers underwrite route density, perishable inventory, PACA and food-safety compliance, seasonal working capital, and customer concentration — and they discount whatever they don't understand. We have operated in this supply chain, so we can explain your business to a buyer in their language, and to you in yours.
- Right buyer, not just highest bidder. Many owners care about their team, suppliers and name as much as the price. We weigh all of it.
- Deal structure that protects proceeds. Asset vs. stock, the working capital peg, earnouts and seller notes can move more money than the headline number. See how structure shapes what you keep.
- Bilingual. Many of the best ethnic food businesses are run in Spanish. So is our process, when you want it to be.
Businesses we sell
Ethnic and specialty food distributors and wholesalers, produce distributors, food manufacturers and co-packers, Hispanic grocery stores, supermarkets and bodegas, foodservice operators, restaurants, and food logistics companies — primarily in the Northeast and South Florida, with buyers nationwide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sell my food business confidentially?
Through an advisor-run process. Your business is described anonymously in a short teaser, interested buyers sign an NDA before seeing any identifying details, and employees, customers and suppliers are not told until you decide. Origen manages every buyer contact.
How long does it take to sell a food business?
Most sales take roughly six to twelve months from engagement to closing, depending on size, preparation and buyer financing. Preparation done before going to market is the biggest factor in shortening it.
How much is my food business worth?
It depends mainly on earnings quality, customer concentration, owner dependence and your segment. Small owner-operated businesses are usually valued on SDE and larger ones on EBITDA; private food distributors commonly trade around 6x–11x EBITDA. We provide an honest valuation range in the first phase of work.
Who buys food businesses like mine?
Larger distributors and manufacturers, private equity-backed platforms adding regional businesses, independent sponsors and search funds, and individual operators. The right mix depends on your size, category and geography.
Can the sale be handled in Spanish?
Yes. Meetings, documents and negotiations can be conducted in Spanish, English, or both.
Thinking about a sale or an acquisition?
Every first conversation is confidential and free. We'll give you an honest read — no obligation.
This page is general education, not legal, tax, valuation, or financial advice. Every business is different; talk to qualified advisors about your specific situation.