Ibérico Taste - We Love Spanish Gourmet Food!
In a world where food is more than sustenance—where it becomes memory, culture, and connection—few stories capture the heart of that journey as beautifully as that of Guillermo Pabón García and his wife Milana. What began as a cross-cultural love story between a Sevillian native and a Czech soul enchanted by Spain, evolved into a transatlantic culinary adventure rooted in tradition, resilience, and reinvention. After a decade of living in various corners of Spain, Milana and Guillermo made the leap to the United States in 2021, chasing new dreams in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. But when an unexpected layoff abruptly changed their course, the couple turned challenge into opportunity. They moved to vibrant Miami and launched Ibérico Taste—a heartfelt tribute to the flavors and heritage of Spain, brought lovingly to American tables. And as if starting a business wasn't enough of a leap, life added one more delicious chapter: in November 2023, they welcomed their son Patrik, further anchoring their story in their new homeland. In this exclusive Delivery Rank’s interview, Guillermo Pabón García invites us into the world of Ibérico Taste—where every product tells a story, every flavor is a bridge, and the journey from Spain to the U.S. continues to unfold, one delicious bite at a time.
Your journey from corporate layoffs to launching Ibérico Taste is deeply inspiring. What was the exact moment you realized turning to Spanish gourmet food was not just a fallback—but your calling?
The idea of sharing Spanish gourmet food had been in the back of our minds for some time, but honestly, it was just that—an idea. When we were laid off, our first instinct was to look at returning to Spain and rejoining the company’s Spanish branch. But after a few days traveling through Florida to clear our heads, something clicked. We decided this was the moment to chase our dream, to take a risk, because we truly believe that if you don’t take risks, you don’t win. Things might go wrong or right—but we knew that if you don’t try, you’ll never grow or achieve anything meaningful. That’s when Ibérico Taste was born.
As a multicultural couple—Guillermo from Seville and Milana from Zlin, Czech Republic—how have your unique backgrounds shaped the way you curate and share Spanish gastronomy in the U.S.?
Our different backgrounds give us a broader perspective on food and culture. Guillermo brings his deep connection to Spanish traditions, having grown up in Seville, where gastronomy is such an important part of daily life. Milana brings an outsider’s curiosity and a keen sense of how to translate that rich culture to people who might not be familiar with it. Together, we’re always thinking about how to present Spanish food in a way that feels authentic but also approachable for people discovering it for the first time.
What has surprised you most about introducing traditional Spanish delicacies to American customers—especially those who may not be familiar with them?
We’re constantly amazed by how many customers come to us eager to try something new—even if they don’t know much about Spanish food. Some have been to Spain and tasted something they loved but couldn’t quite name, and now they’re searching for it here. Others are following a friend’s or family member’s recommendation. We love guiding them—explaining how to enjoy each product, how to store it, what makes it special, and helping them discover new favorites. Sharing that knowledge is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
You describe your packaging as being done with love. Can you walk us through the emotions or rituals behind preparing an order—from selection to shipping?
From the very beginning, packaging was one of the things we knew we had to get right. We didn’t just want to offer high-quality products—we wanted the unboxing experience to match that quality. When we lived in Arlington, VA, we ordered Spanish products from different websites (some of which are now our competitors). But the experience was disappointing: the products were great, but they arrived in plain boxes, wrapped without care. We weren’t just buying food—we were trying to feel closer to home—and that magic was missing.
That’s why, at Ibérico Taste, we personalize every part of the packaging to create the best possible shopping experience and show the care that goes into every box. From the outside, customers see our custom tape, which immediately sparks curiosity and adds value. Inside, we always include a small surprise because, through these little touches, we want to share our passion for Spanish cuisine and build a community of true Spanish food lovers who support our brand. We want every order to feel like a gift—a little piece of Spain delivered to their door.
Looking ahead, what dreams do you have for Ibérico Taste? Are there new flavors, experiences, or regions of Spain you’re excited to introduce to the U.S. next?
Our dream is to become the reference point for anyone in the U.S. seeking top-quality Spanish products—from Spaniards living here who miss their lifelong favorites, to Americans who’ve traveled to Spain and fallen in love with tapas culture. We’re still a small business, but we’re growing fast, and with that growth comes the ability to bring in more and more new and innovative products. We get proposals from amazing producers in Spain almost daily—our list of possibilities is endless. We have to go step by step, of course, but no matter how big we get, we’re committed to keeping our family-business spirit alive. That means continuing to focus on every detail and treating every customer with the attention and care they deserve.
To read more about Ibérico Taste, please visit https://ibericotaste.us/