54 • March | April 2026 • abasto.com BY ABASTO T he story of Lidia Pineda— known as the “Candy Queen” of the U.S. Midwest—did not begin with massive resour- ces or a rigid corporate structure. Today, however, she stands as a revitalized and successful entrepreneur in total com- mand of her craft. She is a powerhouse in the candy and snack industry, mastering everything from product development and distribution to negotiation, logistics, margins, and profitability. Her Story Lidia Pineda’s journey in the candy and snack industry began 20 years ago with something very tangible: a single pallet of mazapán and Paleta Payaso marsh- mallow pops. Originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico—a city defined by com- merce and a strong work ethic—Lidia was raised in a family shaped by a powerful matriarchy. Growing up watching her rela- tives work from dawn until dusk instilled in her a foundation of responsibility and constant drive. She studied Public Accounting with a specialty in Finance at Tecnológico de Monterrey, one of Mexico’s most pres- tigious universities, but she knew from the start that her true calling was in sales. From her very first move, she understood that success in this market isn’t just about moving volume; it’s about agility, stra- tegic vision, and the ability to identify opportunities where others only see pro- ducts. What began as a small operation transformed into a career dedicated to understanding trends, optimizing supply chains, and, above all, building high-va- lue relationships. Today, that experience allows her to offer a unique perspective on the sector, combining grassroots operatio- nal knowledge with a modern, disruptive business vision. Starting from Scratch For over 20 years, Lidia grew within the industry, gaining deep knowledge of every link in the business chain. For years, that growth was supported by a personal and business partnership that allowed for ex- pansion and consolidation. However, over time, that chapter came to an end. LIDIA PINEDA IS THE Candy Queen HER JOURNEY BEGAN 20 YEARS AGO WITH A SINGLE PALLET OF MAZAPÁN; TODAY, SHE IS REDEFINING THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE. • GOOD BUSINESS