Valley Milk and Rizo Family Form Francisco Foods LLC, Acquiring Rizo-Lopez Foods Assets Out of Bankruptcy

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MODESTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 7, 2026--

Valley Milk, LLC, a premier California dairy ingredient producer founded by multi-generational Central Valley dairy families, nutritionists, and veterinarians, today announced the formation of Francisco Foods, LLC, a newly established entity that has acquired substantially all assets of Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. out of bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California.

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Francisco Foods, LLC is a joint venture majority-owned by Valley Milk, LLC, with the Rizo family retaining a meaningful ownership stake through Rilosa, LLC, an entity controlled by Edwin and Ivan Rizo, founders of Rizo-Lopez Foods.

While Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. will cease to exist, its spirit, workforce, and loyal customer base live on. With the support of Valley Milk, the business has evolved into Francisco Foods, LLC, emerging stronger and with a renewed commitment to excellence. The Tío Francisco brand, synonymous with over 35 years of award-winning Hispanic-style dairy products distributed nationwide, will continue and build upon that proud tradition. Quality is in the name — Francisco.

"This partnership is a natural extension of Valley Milk's commitment to the Central Valley community and the dairy industry," said Damien Caton, CEO of Valley Milk, LLC. "We are proud to work alongside the Rizo family to bring quality Hispanic-style dairy products back to consumers who have long valued this brand, and we are fully committed to building something stronger and more resilient for the long run."

"Valley Milk was built on a shared vision of excellence and community stewardship, and this investment reflects that same spirit," said Mike de Jager, Chairman of the Valley Milk Board. "Francisco Foods represents an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have across the region for years to come."

"The Tío Francisco brand was built on family, craft, and a deep connection to the Hispanic community, and that will never change," said Edwin Rizo, Co-Founder of Rizo-Lopez Foods. "Partnering with Valley Milk gives us the foundation to come back stronger, and I am confident that our customers and partners will see and feel that difference from day one."

Francisco Foods, under the Tío Francisco brand, will continue producing and serving its excellent line of Hispanic-style cheeses and cream products. We are back, stronger than ever, and ready to continue serving you with excellence.

About Valley Milk, LLC

Valley Milk LLC is a world-class dairy ingredient processor located in Turlock, California, founded by multi-generational Central Valley dairy farm families, nutritionists, and veterinarians. The company processes over 2.5 million pounds of raw milk per day into premium dairy ingredients for global markets, with an emphasis on quality, food safety, and sustainability. Learn more at valleymilkca.com.

About Francisco Foods, LLC

Francisco Foods, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company formed to acquire and operate dairy production assets formerly held by Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc., headquartered in Modesto, California.

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Media Contact | Damien Caton –[email protected]

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES FOOD/BEVERAGE

SOURCE: Valley Milk, LLC

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PUB: 04/07/2026 06:03 PM/DISC: 04/07/2026 06:03 PM

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