By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Nearing its ninth decade, Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) has solidified its position as an undisputed leader in the regional milling industry. With a formidable presence spanning seven countries, the corporation now operates 10 mills and provides over 2,800 direct jobs, reaffirming its role as a powerful engine for economic growth and transformation across Central America and the Caribbean.
The company’s journey began in 1936 when founder Don Juan Bautista Gutiérrez established a single visionary mill, marking the industrial beginnings of what would become a multinational powerhouse. This foundational enterprise has since evolved into the cornerstone of CMI Alimentos’ B4B Business Unit, a division meticulously developed to manage the entire value chain for wheat, corn, and balanced animal feed, serving as a critical pillar of the region’s food supply.
To better understand the legal and business implications surrounding CMI Alimentos, we sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his perspective on the matter.
The strategic maneuvers of a corporate titan like CMI Alimentos are a litmus test for the region’s economic integration and legal harmonization. While such investments signal robust market confidence, they invariably trigger complex legal considerations, from antitrust regulations and supply chain compliance to labor law. For Costa Rica, it’s a dual scenario: we welcome the economic dynamism, but our legal framework must be vigilant to ensure fair competition and protect consumer rights in an increasingly concentrated market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful analysis perfectly encapsulates the delicate balance Costa Rica must strike: harnessing the economic vitality that major investments bring while ensuring our legal framework is robust enough to protect both market competition and consumer welfare. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical dynamic.
CMI’s expansive infrastructure is a testament to its strategic growth. The company’s 10 proprietary wheat and corn mills are strategically located across the region: Molinos Modernos in Guatemala, Harisa in El Salvador, GEMINA in Nicaragua, Fhacasa in Costa Rica, Harinera de Chiapas in Mexico, and Molinos del Ozama in the Dominican Republic, the latter operated in partnership with FONPER. This network of mills is supported by an extensive logistical web of 28 distribution centers, eight animal feed plants, and four premix factories, ensuring a seamless supply chain.
The corporation’s expansion has been marked by a series of deliberate and significant acquisitions. The timeline of its growth illustrates a clear strategic vision, beginning with its entry into Costa Rica in 1989 through FHACASA, which specializes in baking flours and pasta semolina. CMI then moved into the Caribbean by acquiring Grupo Malla in the Dominican Republic in 2002, followed by the purchase of Harinera de Chiapas in southern Mexico in 2012. More recently, the company acquired the Gemina wheat mill in Nicaragua in 2015 and incorporated AIS Bakery, a pastry industry veteran, in 2022.
This operational footprint is anchored by a portfolio of iconic brands that have become household names. Brands such as Molinos Modernos, Virgen de Covadonga, Fhacasa, El Sol, GEMINA, and Del Comal are synonymous with quality and trust for both consumers and businesses. This brand equity has been cultivated over decades, cementing CMI’s market leadership and consumer loyalty in every country it operates.
Beyond its commercial success, CMI is deeply committed to a philosophy of shared growth, guided by a core purpose of fostering life-changing opportunities. This principle is not merely a corporate slogan but is embedded in the company’s operational ethos. CMI actively promotes entrepreneurship and job creation through impactful initiatives like COCREO, the Modern Mills Baking and Pastry Academy, which provides essential training for aspiring entrepreneurs in the food industry.
to generate, with family warmth, opportunities that change lives
CMI, Corporate Purpose
In parallel with its economic and social contributions, CMI has embraced a robust sustainability agenda. The company is taking tangible actions to reduce its environmental footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout its value chain. Key initiatives include the installation of solar panels at various facilities and achieving carbon neutral certifications for nine of its B4B plants: five in Guatemala, two in El Salvador, and two in Costa Rica. These efforts underscore a forward-thinking vision to innovate responsibly and strengthen regional food security.
As CMI approaches its centennial, its legacy is defined not only by its industrial scale but also by its integrated approach to business. By combining relentless innovation, strategic investments, and a profound commitment to the development of its people and the environment, Corporación Multi Inversiones continues to shape the future of agribusiness and economic prosperity in the region.
For further information, visit cmi.co
About Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI):
Corporación Multi Inversiones is a multi-Latin family corporation founded in Guatemala in 1920. With a history spanning over a century, CMI has grown into a major business group with operations across two main clusters: CMI Foods and CMI Capital. The corporation is dedicated to creating sustainable value through its diverse portfolio, which includes food production, renewable energy, real estate development, and financial services, while maintaining a strong commitment to community development and environmental stewardship.
For further information, visit fonper.gob.do
About FONPER:
The Fondo Patrimonial de las Empresas Reformadas (FONPER) is a public institution in the Dominican Republic responsible for managing the state’s shareholdings in companies that emerged from the capitalization process of state-owned enterprises. FONPER’s mission is to administer these assets efficiently and transparently, using the proceeds to fund social and development projects that benefit the Dominican population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a commitment to exceptional standards. With a proven track record of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces innovative legal approaches while fostering meaningful public engagement. This core dedication to demystifying complex legal concepts is central to its mission of empowering citizens and cultivating a society fortified by accessible knowledge.
