Ex-Goya COO on the $1.4 Trillion Family Business Opportunity in Three Consumer Sectors | Andy Unanue

Andy Unanue, Founder and Managing Partner of AUA Private Equity Partners and former COO of Goya Foods breaks down the trillion-dollar opportunity in US food, beverage, and pet wellness family businesses. Andy shares how his experience in a family-run business shaped his firm's strategy of partnering with lower-middle-market, family-run companies across those sectors and explains how AUA unlocks 15% to 30% operational efficiencies. The discussion dives into major consumer trends, including the humanization of pets, the rise of ethnic food markets, and the impact of GLP-1 drugs on snacking habits. Finally, Andy offers actionable advice on navigating generational wealth transfers, building positive workplace cultures, and transitioning family enterprises for long-term success. Learn more about AUA Private Equity Partners: https://auaequity.com Follow Max on X: https://x.com/maxwiethe Follow Other People’s Money on: Apple Podcast https://bit.ly/4e7QJ1M Spotify https://bit.ly/3Yhaazi YouTube https://bit.ly/3C63VXR X https://x.com/opmpod Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:51 Goya Roots to PE 02:48 Market Size Focus 04:21 Operational Playbook 07:26 Exit Paths for Families 09:34 PE Exits and Buyers 13:18 Leaving Upside for the Next Buyer 16:17 Macro Trends Tailwinds 21:22 Beverage Bets and Risk 28:29 Authenticity Wins Consumers 31:41 Marketing and Internet Shift 36:10 Deal Sourcing and Moats 39:08 Co-Manufacturing Advantage 41:14 Regional Brands and Add Ons 44:56 Manufacturing Renaissance 53:34 Wealth Transfer and Family Offices 58:58 AUA Future and Wrap Up