FEMSA Exits Jüsto as Grupo OMNi Takes Control

Fomento Económico Mexicano (FEMSA) has formally exited its investment in Jüsto, the digital supermarket recently acquired by Grupo OMNi. The Mexican retail and bottling conglomerate confirmed it is no longer an investor, distancing itself from the platform’s new administration led by Costa Rican businessman Moisés Chaves.

“FEMSA ceased to be a shareholder in Jüsto at the beginning of this year,” the company said in an official statement. “The acquisition and new management of Jüsto by OMNi is not linked in any way to the activities of the group.” 

Venture Capital Exit and Portfolio Shift

FEMSA was an early backer of Jüsto through its venture capital arm, FEMSA Ventures, established in 2018. The exit marks a notable shift in its investment strategy, as FEMSA had previously supported the startup alongside global investors such as General Atlantic.

The divestment follows OMNi’s acquisition of Jüsto USA, the holding company for the startup. OMNi, which recently invested in the Mexican bank Bankaool and acquired drug distributor Marzam, plans to inject US$100 million during the first year to revive operations. While OMNi initially indicated the transaction had the backing of original investors, FEMSA’s clarification establishes a clean break from the platform.

Relaunch Strategy and Management Overhaul

Jüsto abruptly ceased operations on Dec. 15, 2025, after six years in the market, citing financial and strategic challenges. The closure left more than 85% of its suppliers—mostly local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—with outstanding debts.

OMNi’s rescue plan aims to restore the startup’s market valuation, once estimated at US$1 billion. Key components of the restructuring include:

• Leadership Transition: Co-founder and former CEO Ricardo Weder will not return. OMNi is currently searching for a new chief executive.

• Workforce Reactivation: The group intends to reintegrate over 500 employees, primarily in operational roles.

• Supplier Relations: OMNi has committed to reviewing commercial relationships with firms such as Todo Marisco, Wica Alimentos, and Solhimex to settle debts and resume service.

Restoring Supply Chain Confidence

The shutdown exposed vulnerabilities within the Mexican retail tech sector. Suppliers reported that communication prior to the December closure appeared “normal,” with some receiving final purchase orders twice their usual volume before all channels were cut.

Andrea Rodríguez Acosta, co-founder, Todo Marisco, said she learned of the closure through a public website notice. Israel Rodríguez of Solhimex noted that his company’s private-label production for Jüsto represented 10% of the volume they typically supply to major retailers like Walmart. He added that the OMNi acquisition makes collecting unpaid invoices and maintaining partnerships more feasible and stressed the importance of clear, timely communication during the transition.

OMNi and Jüsto issued a joint statement to creditors, saying, “We will review the current status of our commercial relationships with each of you, with the aim of resuming collaboration and restarting service to our users as soon as possible.” HSBC, which provided US$20 million in structured financing to Jüsto in late 2024, has validated the acquisition to facilitate the resumption of customer service in major hubs like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.