Food Security in Latin America: Companies Making a Difference

Food security is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development for any region or country. In Central America, several companies have been recognized for their efforts to ensure access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. These companies focus not only on the production and marketing of food, but also on implementing sustainable practices that benefit communities and the environment.

Here, we present a ranking of the three companies most committed to food security in Central America in 2024, highlighting their strategies and contributions in this crucial area.

CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones

CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI), with more than a century of history, has made food security a key aspect of its operations. Led by Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez and Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, Presidents of CMI Capital and CMI Foods respectively, the corporation has integrated strategies to generate comprehensive value that includes economic, social, and environmental aspects.

CMI Foods focuses its efforts on strengthening the region's food security with quality products and ensuring access to them. In this regard, they have established important partnerships to enhance their operations, such as the one with Jurimar, for the inauguration of a poultry farm in Guatemala.

In addition, their operations have expanded with the acquisition of a poultry plant in Costa Rica and a $7 million investment in improvements to their poultry plant in El Salvador. Meanwhile in Honduras, a new distribution center was opened in San Pedro Sula to distribute products from well-known brands such as Pollo Rey, Toledo, and Franks. This underscores CMI's ongoing commitment to food security and sustainable development in the countries where it operates.

These actions are complemented by the implementation of sustainable practices such as waste sorting and the installation of solar panels, reflecting their strategy to reduce CO2 emissions. With an investment of $1,000 million in infrastructure development, technology, and innovation, CMI aims to strengthen food security through environmentally friendly practices.

Productos Alimenticios DIANA

Productos Alimenticios DIANA is a Central American company with more than 70 years of history, present in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the United States. With more than 4,500 employees, DIANA is engaged in the production and marketing of snacks, candies, cones, and biscuits, manufacturing food products from crops such as corn, peanuts, bananas, cassava, and wheat.

DIANA complies with all regulatory measures to develop clean, accessible food products, and at very low prices, exporting to five Central American countries and the United States. Their products are a rich source of carbohydrates and proteins, essential for the nutrition of the population. In addition, they use world-class raw materials and natural spices from certified suppliers, ensuring the quality and safety of their products.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the tropical storms Amanda and Cristóbal, DIANA played a crucial role in food security. Its products, rich in macronutrients and of high microbiological quality, became an essential complement to the diet of the economically affected and disadvantaged population. Their packaging preserves the freshness and nutritional qualities of their products without the need for refrigeration, which is critical in emergency situations.

The company has implemented a sustainable agenda that includes reducing water consumption and waste generation, and contributing to the collection and recycling of plastics. DIANA also supports women who own small businesses and local agricultural producers through partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Food security in Central America is a challenge that requires the collaboration of various companies committed to sustainability. CMI and Productos Alimenticios DIANAare leading this effort by implementing innovative and sustainable practices that benefit communities and the environment. In addition to ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food, these companies are promoting economic and social development in the region.