Our History

Founded with a Vision

Cibao Meat Products was founded in 1969 by Siegfried Vieluf, a visionary entrepreneur with roots in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The company’s first products—Campesino Salami and Cibao Longaniza—quickly gained popularity within the Dominican community, establishing a strong foundation for future growth.

In October 1980, Heinz Vieluf, Sr. followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming President and Owner of Cibao. Under his leadership, the company expanded its product line while significantly increasing production and sales.

As demand continued to grow, Cibao outgrew its original facility in Washington Heights, New York. In June 1994, the company relocated its production operations to a larger, more advanced facility in the South Bronx. Equipped with modern machinery, the new location enabled Cibao to meet rising demand and support continued growth. During this time, Heinz Vieluf, Sr. stepped down from his role to pursue a political career in the Dominican Republic, entrusting leadership to his sister, Lutzi Vieluf Isidor. Under her guidance, the company continued to thrive and build on its success.

Continued Growth and Success

After many years of sustained growth, Cibao once again recognized the need to expand its office and production capabilities. Vice President Heinz Vieluf, Jr. took on the mission of identifying a facility that could support both the company’s current operations and its long-term vision. After several years of searching, that vision became a reality. In October 2018, following extensive construction, Cibao began its transition to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Rockaway, New Jersey.

In 2021, in recognition of his leadership and contributions, Heinz Vieluf, Jr. was appointed President following Lutzi’s retirement—marking the beginning of Cibao’s third generation of ownership. Today, Cibao Meat Products operates from a 124,000-square-foot headquarters that includes a USDA-certified manufacturing facility, positioning the company for continued growth.

Expanding Horizons

In January 2026, Cibao Meat Products entered a new chapter by joining forces with Tropical Cheese Industries. Founded in 1982 by a Hispanic family, Tropical Cheese is a recognized leader in dairy and cheese products.

This partnership represents a natural next step in Cibao’s growth—bringing together two category leaders with a shared commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation. While Tropical has built its reputation in Hispanic dairy and cheese, Cibao has become a trusted name in Hispanic meats. Together, the two companies are uniquely positioned to deliver a more complete and elevated culinary experience.

This partnership is especially meaningful as both companies share a common story—families of immigrant origin who built their businesses in the tri-state area through perseverance, consistency, and hard work. By joining forces, we unite products that have long been staples in our communities.

Rooted in tradition and trusted for their quality, our brands now have an even greater ability to serve our customers while continuing to honor the values that define us—and shaping the future together. For more information, visit https://tropicalcheese.com/