Mas Panadas hits 1800 stores nationwide

Maspanadas, a company founded by Margarita Womack in 2017, has made significant strides in the frozen foods industry, with a focus on Latin American-inspired empanadas. This startup has grown from a small operation to a well-recognized brand, poised to further expand its reach. Maspanadas is now supplying its products to retailers including Whole Foods Market, Giant Foods, and MOM’s Organic Market, with plans to increase its footprint even further.

The story of Maspanadas begins with Womack, whose academic background in biology and business uniquely positioned her for entrepreneurship. After earning a Ph.D. in Biology from Princeton University and an MBA from Georgetown University, Womack made the shift from academia to the food business, driven by a desire to create nutritious, convenient meal options that reflected her Colombian heritage. As a mother of three, she wanted to bring the flavors and recipes of her culture to the masses in a form that was both accessible and high-quality.

The decision to focus on empanadas came from Womack's love for the traditional dish, which is popular in Colombia and across Latin America. She recognized a gap in the market for frozen empanadas that not only captured the authentic flavors of Latin cuisine but also provided consumers with a healthy, convenient option. Using carefully sourced ingredients, Maspanadas offers a variety of empanadas with fillings such as beef, chicken, and vegetarian options, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.

From the outset, the company participated in Union Kitchen’s Accelerator, which provided essential support for product development, branding, and scaling operations. Through the Accelerator, Maspanadas was able to refine its recipes, develop packaging that would stand out in the competitive frozen food aisle, and implement a successful distribution strategy. The program also helped the company expand its operational capacity, eventually facilitating partnerships with major grocery chains and increasing its presence in retail stores across the country.

Today, Maspanadas’ products can be found in more than 1,800 stores nationwide, a significant milestone that reflects the brand’s appeal and the quality of its offerings. This expansion has been driven by a combination of factors: a robust go-to-market strategy, high-quality products, and the backing of Union Kitchen’s operational expertise. One of the company’s major accomplishments has been its successful entry into larger retail outlets, including regional placements at Whole Foods Market and Costco in the Northeast.

Maspanadas also recognizes the importance of growth through innovative approaches, which is evident in the company’s ability to scale production. In 2023, Maspanadas opened a new 12,000-square-foot facility in Rockville, Maryland, which allows them to produce over 20,000 empanadas daily. This expanded production capacity supports the company's partnerships with retailers and opens new opportunities for further distribution across the U.S. The company’s infrastructure improvements have also allowed them to refine their supply chain, ensuring that their empanadas reach consumers in the best condition possible.

Maspanadas’ rise has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the company was named one of Angeles Investors' Top 100 Hispanic-Led Companies in the U.S., a recognition that highlights its progress and innovation in a competitive sector. Womack herself was included in the 2023 Nosh Notables List, which celebrates outstanding contributions to the food and beverage industry. These honors reflect not only the company's success but also Womack’s role in driving it forward.

Maspanadas’ story is a powerful example of how thoughtful product development, strategic partnerships, and operational scalability can drive growth in the food industry. The company’s trajectory—from local markets to national retail chains—offers valuable insights for other food entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. For entrepreneurs seeking to transition from small-scale operations to larger distribution channels, Maspanadas provides a model of how to leverage accelerator programs, scale effectively, and maintain a commitment to quality throughout the process. With its solid foundation and continued growth, Maspanadas is well on its way to becoming a staple in homes across the U.S. while staying true to its roots and mission of bringing authentic Latin flavors to the masses.

The company’s success also underscores the importance of a strong support system for emerging food brands. The Accelerator has played a pivotal role in Maspanadas' development, and it serves as an example of how incubators can help emerging food companies navigate the complexities of scaling operations and penetrating competitive markets.