From Puerto Rico to Your Table: The Story Behind Monte Adentro Foods

The Origins of a Family Dream

Every great brand begins with a story. For Monte Adentro Foods, it all started with a family in Puerto Rico who believed in tradition, authenticity, and the power of food to connect people. Lizbeth Colorado, from Salinas, and her husband, Héctor Sotomayor, from Ponce, grew up surrounded by the aromas of Puerto Rican kitchens, where recipes were more than instructions—they were memories, legacies, and love passed down through generations.

When they moved to Central Florida in search of better opportunities for their children, like many Puerto Rican families in the diaspora, they found themselves missing something essential: the taste of home. Specifically, they longed for the spicy, flavorful Puerto Rican-style pique that had always been a staple on their family table.

From Salinas and Ponce to Florida: A Journey of Flavor

It was in Florida that Lizbeth remembered a recipe her mother once shared with her—a traditional pique made with local peppers, herbs, and spices. Together with Héctor, she recreated that recipe, adjusting and perfecting it until the result was not only authentic but extraordinary.

Friends and neighbors quickly fell in love with the sauce. What started as a family recipe soon became the foundation for a business, built on the desire to give Puerto Ricans abroad a taste of their island and introduce the wider world to the richness of Puerto Rican flavors.

The Recipe That Started It All: Pike Borikua

Monte Adentro Foods’ first product, Pike Borikua, was born from that family recipe. Unlike mass-produced hot sauces, Pike Borikua is crafted in small batches with natural ingredients. It delivers a kick of spice that enhances rather than overpowers, making it the perfect complement for rice, beans, stews, meats, and the iconic Sancocho Boricua.

For many customers, the first taste of Pike Borikua was an emotional experience. It wasn’t just heat—it was memory, nostalgia, and a reminder of Sunday meals at grandma’s house. That emotional connection became the heart of Monte Adentro Foods.

Building a Brand with Puerto Rican Identity

The name Monte Adentro was carefully chosen. In Puerto Rico, “monte adentro” refers to the rural heart of the island, where the land is fertile, and traditions remain alive. By choosing this name, Lizbeth and Héctor declared their mission: to take the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico “from the heart of the mountain” to tables everywhere.

The brand identity reflects this balance—luxury and artisanal craft combined with cultural authenticity. Every product is a tribute to Puerto Rico’s heritage, but designed for a global audience that values quality, flavor, and story.

Growth in the U.S. and Puerto Rican Diaspora Communities

The Puerto Rican diaspora in the United States has grown significantly, especially in states like Florida, New York, Texas, and Illinois. Monte Adentro Foods found a loyal customer base within these communities, where people searched for flavors that reminded them of home.

From small beginnings, the brand expanded its presence into multiple states, entering specialty stores, local restaurants, and even some retail shelves. Each expansion wasn’t just a business milestone—it was proof that authentic Puerto Rican flavors had a place in the U.S. gourmet market.

Recognition and Awards Along the Way

In 2018, Monte Adentro Foods received recognition from the Puerto Rican Artisans and Artists Association of Florida as the Most Outstanding Micro Handicraft Enterprise. This award not only validated the brand’s quality but also highlighted its role as a cultural ambassador for Puerto Rico in the diaspora.

Monte Adentro Today: A Family of Flavors

Today, Monte Adentro Foods offers much more than Pike Borikua. The product line has grown to include:

• Mango Habanero Sweet & Mild – A tropical blend of ripe mango and habanero peppers.
• Guavapiña Habanero Sweet & Mild – A unique fusion of guava, pineapple, and habanero.
• Chimichurri – A vibrant green sauce of parsley, cilantro, garlic, and spices.
• Giardiniera – A bold mix of pickled vegetables with Puerto Rican flair.
• Pura Miel – 100% pure honey, harvested and packaged with the same care as their sauces.

Each product reflects the brand’s philosophy: artisanal, natural, and deeply rooted in Puerto Rican tradition.

The Future: Expanding Puerto Rican Flavors Worldwide

Monte Adentro Foods continues to grow, reaching more U.S. states and expanding into restaurants and specialty shops. The vision is clear: to become the leading Puerto Rican gourmet brand in the diaspora, bringing not just sauces, but cultural identity to every table.

The next step is wholesale expansion—partnering with distributors, retailers, and restaurants who share the brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

Taste the Story Yourself

Every jar of Monte Adentro sauce is more than a condiment—it’s a story of resilience, heritage, and passion. Whether you’re Puerto Rican longing for home or a food lover searching for new flavors, Monte Adentro invites you to experience the taste of Puerto Rico.

Discover our products today—and bring a piece of Puerto Rico to your table.