Beloved Mexican Dairy Brand Broadens its U.S. Portfolio in the Fast-Growing Hispanic Cheese Segment
DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LALA®, one of Mexico's most recognized dairy brands, is significantly expanding its U.S. cheese portfolio, growing from three SKUs at the start of 2026 to 14 SKUs by the end of September. The growing lineup spans some of the most popular varieties of cheese in Mexican cuisine, including Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, Panela, Cotija and Hispanic Shreds, with new formats designed to reach more households, encourage trial and create additional eating occasions.
The growth comes as Hispanic cheese significantly outpaces the broader cheese category. According to Circana, Hispanic cheese is now a $1.1 billion category growing at an +11% 4-year CAGR, compared with a +2% CAGR for the $22.8 billion mainstream cheese category*. Within Hispanic cheese, Queso Fresco remains the largest segment, while Hispanic Shreds are the second-largest segment and the fastest growing*, creating significant runway for additional distribution and household adoption.
"We see an enormous opportunity to build the Hispanic cheese category in the U.S.," said Flavia Panza, Chief Marketing Officer, LALA U.S., Inc. "LALA started the year with three core cheese products and will have 14 by the end of September. This isn't simply a line extension. We are building a complete portfolio that brings together the authentic varieties Hispanic consumers know and love with formats, convenience and meal inspiration that can introduce these cheeses to an even broader group of shoppers."
Authenticity Meets Everyday Versatility
For many Hispanic households, cheeses such as Queso Fresco, Oaxaca and Panela are not specialty ingredients; they are familiar staples deeply connected to everyday meals, family gatherings and food traditions passed from one generation to the next. At the same time, LALA saw significant potential to broaden how consumers think about and use Hispanic cheese. Cotija can add bold, savory flavor to everything from elotes and chilaquiles to salads and avocado toast. Panela can move from the breakfast table to the grill, while Oaxaca can deliver the signature stretch consumers love in quesadillas while also being a convenient snacking cheese.
"Consumers increasingly want the authentic flavors they know and love, but they also want convenience, versatility and options that fit the way they live today," Panza added. "That can mean a smaller Queso Fresco that makes it easier for a new consumer to try, a Cotija shaker bottle that simplifies a weeknight meal or protein-packed snackable Oaxaca Bites. We are building the portfolio around those different consumer needs while staying true to the taste, quality and heritage consumers expect from LALA."
LALA also redesigned its cheese packaging which was intentionally developed to help bring those possibilities to life. Its vibrant food photography shows shoppers how each variety can be used, helping familiar consumers quickly recognize favorite applications while giving shoppers who may be newer to Hispanic cheese approachable ideas for incorporating it into everyday meals.
A Portfolio Built Around Consumer Needs and High-Growth Segments
LALA entered 2026 with three core cheese offerings: 10-ounce Queso Fresco, 10-ounce Oaxaca and 10-ounce Panela. During the second quarter, four additional SKUs were introduced, with seven more joining the portfolio at the end of September.
- LALA® Queso Fresco – Crafted with whole milk for a fresh, milky flavor and signature crumble, LALA Queso Fresco is expanding beyond its original 10-ounce format to give shoppers more options for different household sizes and occasions. A new 5-ounce format is specifically designed for smaller households and to encourage trial among consumers who may be newer to Queso Fresco, offering an approachable entry point into the category with less commitment and less potential for waste. Larger 17.6-ounce (Medio Kilo) and 35.3-ounce (Kilo) sizes provide added value and convenience for larger families and frequent users.
- LALA® Cotija Cheese – A firm, crumbly aged cheese with rich, savory flavor, LALA is bringing Cotija to consumers in multiple formats, including grated 8- and 14-ounce bags, a convenient 8-ounce shaker bottle and a traditional 8-ounce wedge, making it easy to finish esquites and chilaquiles or adding distinctive flavor to eggs, salads, grain bowls and other everyday dishes.
- LALA® Oaxaca Cheese & Oaxaca Bites – Made with whole milk for a buttery, mild salty flavor and rich, creamy texture, LALA Oaxaca Cheese comes in a traditional 10-ounce ball with easy-to-peel packaging and delivers a smooth, stretchy melt ideal for quesadillas, enchiladas and queso dips. LALA Oaxaca Bites offer the same delicious Oaxaca cheese cut into convenient bite-size pieces and packed in an 8-ounce resealable bag, with seven grams of protein per serving and ideal for lunchboxes, after-school snacks and on-the-go occasions.
- LALA® Panela Cheese – A mild, milky cheese with a firm texture that holds its shape when grilled or pan-seared, LALA Panela Cheese is available in a convenient 10-ounce round with easy-to-open packaging. It's a versatile choice for breakfast, tacos, tortas, salads and more.
- LALA® Natural Cheese Shreds – Conveniently pre-shredded for easy melting in quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, burritos and more. The 7-ounce line includes Quesadilla, Spicy Quesadilla and Mexican Blend varieties.
Building Demand Behind the Portfolio
This expansion will be supported by LALA's new "¡Ya Quedó!" creative platform, a campaign across the company's cheese and crema portfolios built around a familiar cultural insight: a meal can be almost complete, but the right finishing touch is what makes it feel just right — ya quedó.
The integrated campaign will include digital and social media content, influencer partnerships, shopper marketing, holiday retailer activations, product sampling, coupons and cross-merchandising with LALA® Crema, creating opportunities to drive awareness, trial and expanded usage across the Hispanic dairy portfolio.
Deep Mexican Dairy Heritage
The expansion also draws on LALA's deep dairy heritage in Mexico, where the company has been part of family meals for generations. LALA is the No. 1 milk brand in Mexico and reaches 97% of Mexican households+, giving the brand a strong connection to the consumers and food traditions at the heart of Hispanic dairy.
LALA Cotija Cheese (starting at $3.99 SRP), Queso Fresco (starting at $1.99 SRP), Oaxaca Bites (starting at $4.99 SRP) and Shreds ($3.49 SRP), along with the entire LALA cheese portfolio, are available at select Hispanic grocery stores and other retailers nationwide. You can learn more about LALA cheese at lalafoods.com.
*Source: Circana, U.S. MULO, 52W ending 8/9/26; CAGR = 4 year.
+Source(s): Nielsen, 2026; Worldpanel by Numerator, Mexico 2025.
About LALA U.S., Inc.
Based in Dallas, Texas, LALA U.S., Inc. produces and distributes a wide variety of dairy-based products throughout the United States. Nationally distributed products include LALA® yogurt smoothies, yogurts, cheeses, crema Mexicana and milk. Milk and other dairy-based products are also sold under well-known brands including Promised Land® and Skim Plus®. LALA U.S., Inc. is a subsidiary of Grupo LALA, a leading international foods company with significant operations in Mexico, Brazil and the United States.
Agency H5 for LALA Foods
Madison Nehrkorn
mnehrkorn@agencyh5.com
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SOURCE LALA U.S., Inc.
