ILE

What ILE does

ILE (Industria Lojana de Especerías ILE C.A.) is an Ecuadorian family-controlled food solutions company founded in 1972 in Loja, Ecuador, manufacturing 100% organic spices, seasonings, aromatic herbs, sauces, pastes, essences, and powders sold under multiple sub-brands including ILE, Sabora (flagship since 1990), Kasserola, The Infusion Company, Dulcet Infusion, Aliño Oro, Vilcagua, and Meruvilla. The company operates a modern industrial plant in Loja built in 1985 with automated packaging (since 1980) and aromatic-herb processing lines (since 1998), supported by the wind-powered Centro de Acopio Zapotillo agricultural collection center (inaugurated 2017, BID/CFN-financed) sourcing from 200+ associated producers across Ecuador's Sierra, Coast, and Amazon regions.

The business model is B2C/B2B CPG with revenue generated primarily through domestic branded sales — distributed nationally via wholly-owned subsidiaries Comercializadora Godoy Ruíz S.A. (Sierra) and Comercializadora Coile S.A. (Costa), retail supermarket chains, and the owned ileshop.com.ec e-commerce platform — supplemented by international export sales to 9 countries (US, Spain, Italy, Chile, Puerto Rico, Japan, Colombia, Peru, Canada) via exclusive regional distribution partners including Family Food Distributors (US, since 1994), Productos Goya Nativo (Europe, since 2006), Evolution Brands (Colombia, since 2021-06), and Kospind Japan (Japan, since 2021-05). Marketing combines social-media influencer programs, gastronomic training (3,000+ professionals trained across 24+ cities in partnership with Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism), consumer promotions, and trade shows including SIAL Paris 2018.

The company holds a stack of sustainability and organic certifications (USDA Organic, EU Organic, Kosher, Halal, BPM, Sello Carbono Neutro since 2013), maintains a AAA- credit rating from Summa Ratings (2017–2018), trains 3,000+ hospitality professionals through Academia ILE, and operates with 1,000+ direct employees plus hundreds of indirect jobs. The Godoy Ruíz founding family retains control through the second generation (President Amada Godoy, General Manager Manuel Agustín Godoy Ruiz, International Development Manager Pablo Godoy Arias).

Name

ILE

Legal name

Industria Lojana de Especerías ILE C.A.

Website

https://ile.com.ec

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

ILE is an Ecuadorian family-owned food solutions company founded in 1972, manufacturing 100% organic spices, seasonings, herbs, sauces, and teas under brands including Sabora, Kasserola, and The Infusion Company, distributed domestically via owned subsidiaries and exported to 9 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Seasonings and Spices Manufacturing

NAICS

Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Pesto, Cooking Pastes & Concentrated Flavor Bases Manufacturing (AFAKADAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spices, Herbs & Seasonings Trading/Wholesale (AFAIAKAE), Ingredients, Spices & Culinary Supplies Distribution (CRAOABAK), Ethnic & International Foods Distribution (CRAOABAG)

Keywords

• Organic food seasonings
• Culinary spice manufacturing
• Aromatic herbs and infusions
• Consumer packaged goods
• Food ingredients production

Headquarters

HQ city

Loja

HQ country

Ecuador

HQ region

Latin America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Food Products - Domestic Sales: ILE generates the majority of its revenue through the domestic sale of branded food products including spices, seasonings, aromatic herbs, sauces, pastes, essences, and powders. Products are sold through commercial offices in most Ecuadorian provinces, retail supermarket chains, and the company's own e-commerce platform (ileshop.com.ec). Domestic distribution is managed through allied agencies Comercializadora Godoy Ruíz S.A. (Sierra) and Coile S.A. (Costa).
2. International Export Sales: ILE exports products under brands including ILE, Sabora, Kasserola, The Infusion Company, and Dulcet Infusion to the United States, Spain, Italy, Chile, Puerto Rico, Japan, Colombia, Peru, and other countries. Export revenue is generated through regional distribution partners (e.g., Family Food Distributors Inc. in the US, Productos Goya Nativo in Spain, Evolution Brands in Colombia, Kospind Japan in Japan). Products include Ataco Orgánico Molido, aromatic herbs, organic teas, and seasoning blends.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

ILE (Industria Lojana de Especerías) is an Ecuadorian food solutions company that manufactures and sells 100% organic spices, seasonings, aromatic herbs, sauces, pastes, essences, and culinary ingredients under multiple brands including ILE, Sabora, Kasserola, The Infusion Company, Dulcet Infusion, Hierbas Aromáticas, and Aliño Oro. The company operates a modern industrial plant in Loja and distributes products domestically through retail supermarkets, commercial offices across Ecuadorian provinces, allied agencies, and the ileshop.com.ec e-commerce store. Internationally, ILE exports to the USA, Spain, Italy, Chile, Puerto Rico, Japan, Colombia, and Peru through dedicated distribution partners, and runs gastronomic training programs for restaurant and hotel workers to drive product adoption among foodservice professionals.

Product overview

ILE (Industria Lojana de Especerías) is a food solutions company that provides spices, seasonings, herbs, sauces, pastes, essences, and other culinary ingredients. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Loja, Ecuador, the company operates a multi-brand portfolio including ILE (core brand), Sabora (flagship seasoning since 1990), Kasserola (seasonings), The Infusion Company (organic teas and aromatic herbs), Dulcet Infusion (herbs with Stevia), Hierbas Aromáticas ILE, Vilcagua, Meruvilla, Aliño Oro, and Alto Cayetano. Products are organized into categories: Aromaticas, DelAroma, Especias, Pastas, Polvos, Salsas, Sazonadores, and Varios. The company exports to the United States, Spain, Italy, Chile, Puerto Rico, Japan, Colombia, Peru, and Canada. The main production plant is in Loja, Ecuador, receiving 100% organic raw materials from the Sierra, Coast, and Ecuadorian Amazon regions. The company also maintains an e-commerce platform at ileshop.com.ec.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sabora: Flagship seasoning and spice brand, launched in 1990, considered a staple in Ecuadorian cuisine
• Kasserola
• Aliño Oro
• Vilcagua
• Meruvilla
• The Infusion Company
• Dulcet Infusion
• Hierbas Aromáticas ILE
• Alto Cayetano
• Mukcho
• Aromáticas Saludables ILE

Products and services

• Sabora Flagship seasoning and spice brand launched in 1990, recognized as a tradition in Ecuadorian cuisine. Sold through national retail, ILE's e-commerce, and international distributors.
• Kasserola Seasoning brand featuring Achiote, Asian Mix, and Aliño Casero products, distributed in Ecuador and exported to Colombia via Evolution Brands.
• The Infusion Company Brand of organic aromatic herbs and teas for infusions, marketed internationally through distribution partners in Colombia and other export markets.
• Dulcet Infusion Brand featuring blends of aromatic herbs with natural Stevia, highlighted for flavor, sweetness, and consumer wellness benefits.
• Hierbas Aromáticas ILE (Aromaticas Saludables ILE) 100% organic aromatic herbs product line introduced in 2002 in self-filtering paper format, achieved high acceptance in domestic and international markets, and forms one of the eight product categories on ileshop.com.ec.
• Aliño Oro Premium seasoning brand under the ILE umbrella, promoted through retail channels and the ileshop.com.ec e-commerce platform.
• Aliño Completo ILE Complete seasoning product launched in 1992, achieving strong market acceptance as a blended seasoning for traditional Ecuadorian dishes.
• Vilcagua Water product brand under ILE's portfolio, featured in gastronomic events and promotions.
• Meruvilla Seasoning and condiment brand in ILE's product portfolio, sold through retail and e-commerce.
• Alto Cayetano Brand in ILE's product portfolio, mentioned in promotional campaigns alongside other ILE product lines.
• Ataco Orgánico Molido ILE Organic ground amaranth (Ataco) product sourced from Tungurahua province and processed under ILE's organic quality standards; first exported to Japan in 2021 through Kospind Japan Co., LTD.
• Mukcho Brand under ILE's product portfolio promoted alongside other seasoning lines.
• DelAroma DelAroma product category available through ILE's online shop, covering aroma and flavoring products for culinary use.

Quantifiable outcome

• Carbon Neutral certification maintained since 2013; 2,016.72 tonCO2 offset in 2016 through forest protection of 420.70 hectares
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Evolution BrandscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2021Evolution Brands serves as the exclusive distributor for ILE products in Colombia, handling Kasserola seasonings (Achiote, Asian Mix, Aliño Casero), The Infusion Company herbs and organic teas, and Dulcet Infusion products. Products are distributed through Supermercados Olímpica and Verdeser in major Colombian cities. More than 15 ILE products entered the Colombian market in June 2021.
• Kospind Japan Co., LTD. (株式会社)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2021Kospind Japan Co., LTD. serves as the exclusive importer and distributor of ILE products in Japan. The partnership enabled ILE's first entry into the Japanese market in May 2021, with Ataco Orgánico Molido ILE as the flagship export product, sourced from Tungurahua province and processed under ILE's quality standards. The partnership required compliance with Japan's stringent phytosanitary regulations, certified by Ecuador's regulatory agency.
• Comercializadora Godoy Ruíz S.A.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorComercializadora Godoy Ruíz S.A. is ILE's allied distribution agency serving the Sierra region of Ecuador. Established in 1995 as part of ILE's own commercial chain, it handles efficient sales and distribution of ILE products throughout Ecuador's highland provinces.
• Comercializadora Coile S.A.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorComercializadora Coile S.A. is ILE's allied distribution agency serving the Costa (coastal) region of Ecuador. Established in 1995 alongside Godoy Ruíz as part of ILE's integrated commercial chain, it enables efficient distribution of ILE products across Ecuador's coastal provinces.
• PRO ECUADORminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPRO ECUADOR, the Ecuadorian trade promotion office, organized gastronomic events including 'Ecuador Exquisito' in Canada featuring ILE products. PRO ECUADOR's commercial office in Canada facilitated ILE's brand presence in the Canadian market through event sponsorship and trade promotion.
• Ministerio de Turismo de EcuadorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcuador's Ministry of Tourism partnered with ILE on the 'Operación en Cafeterías y Restaurantes' gastronomic training program, which was delivered across 20+ Ecuadorian cities benefiting 3,000+ participants. The partnership is part of a national plan to strengthen the tourism sector through hospitality training, with the Ministry providing institutional support alongside ILE's product expertise and culinary ambassadors.
• Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería de EcuadorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcuador's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock partnered with ILE for the Centro de Acopio Zapotillo project, providing technical oversight and considering the project a model for national agricultural development and contraband control. The Ministry views the project as a benchmark for production measurement and yield estimation.
• Asociación de Chef del EcuadorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ecuadorian Chef Association partnered with ILE on gastronomic training programs for restaurant and hotel workers, contributing culinary expertise to capacity-building initiatives delivered across Ecuador.
• Agencia de Regulación y Control Fito y Zoosanitario de EcuadorminorOthersEcuador's Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency certified the quality and safety of ILE's Ataco Orgánico Molido export product to Japan, verifying compliance with the stringent regulatory requirements of the Japanese market.
• Family Food Distributors Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFamily Food Distributors Inc. operates as ILE's US distribution partner from its facility in Kearny, New Jersey. ILE has been exporting to the United States since 1994, making this one of ILE's longest-standing international distribution relationships.
• Productos Goya Nativo S.L.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProductos Goya Nativo S.L. serves as ILE's European distribution partner from Casarrubios del Monte, Toledo, Spain. ILE began exporting to Europe in 2006 driven by demand from Ecuadorian migrants and European consumers. The partnership was recognized by ASOECHES in 2018 for quality and innovation.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kerry Group: Global taste and nutrition company serving food and beverage manufacturers with seasonings, flavors, and functional ingredients. Comparable to ILE in core flavor/seasoning technology and as a B2B/B2C ingredient supplier at scale.
• Badia Spices: US-based family-owned spices and seasonings company with strong Hispanic market presence. Closely comparable to ILE in product mix (spices, seasonings, herbs), distribution model, and family-controlled ownership structure.
• Goya Foods: Largest Hispanic food company in the US, distributing seasonings, sauces, and ingredients across the Americas and Caribbean. Highly comparable to ILE given its focus on ethnic/Latin food products, multi-country distribution, and family ownership model.

Broad incumbents

• Alicorp: Largest consumer goods company in Peru with leading positions in seasonings, oils, and packaged foods across Latin America. Comparable to ILE as a regional CPG incumbent operating in adjacent Andean/Pacific markets with similar product categories.
• Empresas Polar: Venezuela's largest privately-held food and beverage company with a broad portfolio of branded consumer foods. Comparable to ILE as a family-controlled regional food manufacturer with multi-category branded products across Latin America.
• Grupo Nutresa: Colombia's largest food conglomerate with a broad portfolio of branded consumer foods across multiple categories. Comparable to ILE as a regional food manufacturer that ILE must compete with for Colombian retail shelf space at Olímpica and Verdeser.
• McCormick & Company: Global leader in spices, seasonings, and flavor solutions with operations in 150+ countries. Comparable to ILE as a direct category incumbent that defines the competitive landscape ILE must navigate in international markets.
• Tresmontes Lucchetti: Chilean food company (owned by JT International) producing pastas, sauces, seasonings, and culinary products across Latin America. Comparable to ILE as a regional food manufacturer with overlapping pasta, sauce, and seasoning categories.

Regional players

• Pronaca: Ecuador's largest food company producing processed meats, sausages, and value-added food products. Comparable to ILE as a domestic Ecuadorian food manufacturer and natural strategic partner/competitor for the Ecuadorian retail channel.

Others

• Olam Food Ingredients: Global food and beverage ingredient supplier with a strong presence in spices, seasonings, and edible nuts sourced from emerging markets. Comparable to ILE as a supplier of food ingredients into B2B channels and as a peer in the global spice supply chain.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ileecuador
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_luYF14vyQYRPd7DkFqe8A
• Facebookfacebook.com/ILEEcuador
• Instagraminstagram.com/ileecuador
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/grupoile

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ILE