Louisville-based distributor will create 20 new Kentucky jobs while doubling its operational footprint
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2026) — Abastos Wholesale, a specialized distributor and supply chain partner serving restaurants, grocery stores and food service providers across multiple states, will expand its Louisville, Kentucky, operation with a $10.3 million investment. The project is expected to create 20 new jobs and further strengthen Kentucky’s growing distribution and logistics sector.
The expansion will allow Abastos Wholesale to double its current operational space in Louisville. Planned improvements include significant building renovations, the addition of a larger warehouse and new administrative and technology offices. The company will add positions in logistics, inventory control, fulfillment, packaging, shipping and technology to support its continued growth.
“Companies like Abastos Wholesale recognize the logistical advantages that come with being located in the commonwealth, which positions any company for success when it comes to logistics and distribution,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This project is a result of the ongoing commitment to the work the company does and its employees and will add 20 new job opportunities to the Louisville community. I want to congratulate Abastos on this exciting next step and look forward to its continued success.”
Founded in Louisville, Abastos Wholesale sources authentic products, including specialty foods, beverages, produce and restaurant supplies, directly from Mexico, Latin America and specialized importers. The company sells in bulk to restaurants, grocery stores and food service providers and also sources products grown in Kentucky, supporting the state’s agriculture industry.
Abastos offers more than 900 products and ingredients, including specialty chili varieties, cheeses, tortillas, seasonings and beverages. Its services include cross-border transportation, warehousing and delivery designed to ensure fresh, reliable inventory for customers.
“Abastos Wholesale is making a $10.3 million investment in our home – Kentucky! We were founded in Louisville, and our roots are here,” said Alejandro Ruiz Gonzalez, president of Abastos Wholesale. “As a tree grows, its roots grow deeper; much like our commitment and investment in the commonwealth. Kentucky’s multicultural and dynamic food scene has created fertile ground for Abastos to expand our markets and feed our roots as a hometown company. Louisville’s central location has further allowed us to branch out to serve a multistate region. We would like to thank Gov. Beshear and the commonwealth of Kentucky for their support now and in the future. We are proud to be a part of Team Kentucky!”
Local leaders said the expansion reflects both Abastos Wholesale’s growth and Louisville’s ability to support diverse, locally founded companies as they scale.
“Congratulations to Abastos Wholesale on the announcement of its new, expanded facility in South Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Not only does this project represent Abastos doubling its physical footprint, adding new jobs and investing over $10 million in Louisville, it also shows our community has the resources to grow small, locally owned diverse businesses into economic powerhouses.”
Trevor Pawl, CEO of One Louisville, said the project highlights the strength of Louisville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Abastos Wholesale is the perfect example of a Louisville success story – a business born and grown in the south end who’s expanding their reach across the Midwest region,” said Pawl. “This expansion is a testament to how Louisville lifts up our entrepreneurs, who in turn drive investment back into our city.”
To support the project, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with Abastos Wholesale through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement may provide up to $500,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s $10.3 million investment and the creation and maintenance of 20 full-time Kentucky-resident jobs over 10 years.
The agreement also includes an average hourly wage target of $31.50, including benefits, across the new jobs. By meeting annual performance targets, Abastos may be eligible to retain a portion of the new tax revenue it generates through income tax credits and wage assessments.
The company may also receive workforce support through Kentucky’s workforce service providers, including no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
Abastos Wholesale’s expansion adds to Kentucky’s recent economic development momentum. Since the beginning of Gov. Beshear’s administration, the state has announced more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50 billion in announced investment and creating more than 70,000 jobs.
Kentucky also reached a record $50.6 billion in exports in 2025, a 5.65% increase over 2024. In addition, Site Selection magazine recently ranked Kentucky among the top five states nationally for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking.
For more information on Abastos Wholesale, visit abastoswholesale.com.
