Guatemala’s Most Influential Business Groups in 2025

Business groups in Guatemala have played a crucial role in the country's economy, driving development, job creation, and innovation across various industries. Companies like CMI (Corporación Multi Inversiones), Cervecería Centro Americana, and Agencias J.I Cohen have established strong leadership locally and internationally, distinguished by their growth, corporate values, and commitment to sustainability.

In 2025, these companies remain essential to Guatemala’s economic landscape, investing in infrastructure, technology, and social responsibility. Below, we examine how these three business giants have positioned themselves as regional leaders.

CMI: Over 100 Years of Innovation and Expansion

CMI (Corporación Multi Inversiones) is among Guatemala’s most influential business groups, significantly impacting the nation’s economy. Founded in 1920 by entrepreneur Juan Bautista Gutiérrez, this family-owned corporation has evolved into a multinational conglomerate operating in more than 16 countries, primarily throughout Latin America and the United States.

CMI operates through two major business units:

• CMI Foods, covering flour milling, pasta and cookie production, poultry, and pork industries.
• CMI Capital, focusing on renewable energy projects, real estate development, and financial services.

CMI’s steady growth has been driven by strong leadership, currently under Juan Luis Bosch and Juan José Gutiérrez. In 2022, the corporation announced an investment of $1.8 billion aimed at generating jobs, improving infrastructure, and boosting innovation.

Additionally, CMI has integrated sustainability strategies and corporate social responsibility practices, ensuring its operations positively impact the communities it serves.

Agencias J.I Cohen: Innovation and Ethics in Pharmaceutical Distribution

With more than 70 years of experience, Agencias J.I Cohen is a leading company in Guatemala’s pharmaceutical distribution sector, as well as beauty products and nutritional supplements. Founded by Jack Irving Cohen and currently led by Alberto Cohen Mory, the company has positioned itself as a benchmark in logistics and international trade.

What sets Agencias J.I Cohen apart is its focus on technology and digital transformation. The company has adopted advanced digital tools to optimize its logistics operations, ensuring product traceability and safety. Additionally, it has incorporated electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, reinforcing its sustainability commitments.

In its organizational culture, the company emphasizes values like ethics, integrity, commitment, and quality, fostering a respectful and equitable workplace. Its focus on gender equality has opened opportunities for more women to hold strategic positions, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors like logistics and international trade.

Cervecería Centro Americana: Tradition and Leadership in the Brewing Industry

Founded in 1886, Cervecería Centro Americana is one of Guatemala’s most iconic companies. From its inception, the company has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in overcoming diverse challenges. Its best-known product, Cerveza Gallo ("Gallo Beer"), is widely regarded as a symbol of Guatemalan identity. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio to include brands like Monte Carlo, Dorada Draft, and Moza, strengthening its position in the beer market.

In terms of growth, in 2022, the company’s CEO, Guillermo Castillo, announced a $500 million investment plan aimed at expanding operations and creating additional jobs in Guatemala.

Furthermore, Cervecería Centro Americana has launched initiatives focused on social responsibility and environmental sustainability, implementing more efficient production processes to minimize environmental impacts. Its slogan, "Creemos, confiamos e invertimos en Guatemala" ("We believe in, trust, and invest in Guatemala"), underscores its long-term commitment to the country’s development.

The business groups that have established strong foundations in Guatemala by 2025 share key characteristics: strategic vision, innovation, and sustainability commitments. CMI, Cervecería Centro Americana, and Agencias J.I Cohen exemplify companies that have expanded beyond their local markets to become influential regional and international players, driving Guatemala’s economic and social development.