Julio Ibáñez has played a key role in advancing Hispanic retail in the United States. As part of Aurora Grocery Group, he contributes to the growth of nearly 50 supermarkets across the East Coast under brands like Compare Foods, Gala Foods, and Gala Fresh Farms. Through the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce (HRCOC), he supports Hispanic-owned retailers and suppliers with education, networking, and advocacy. He also co-leads The Retail Academy, in collaboration with Tecnológico de Monterrey, to prepare future operators and executives. In media, his influence extends to Abasto Magazine—the most important Hispanic retail publication in the U.S.—and DiarioRetail.com, a platform he founded to share industry insights and news.