Leading the Change: Companies Transforming Guatemala

In 2025, Guatemala’s business groups continue to play a crucial role in the country’s economy. Companies such as Progreso and Grupo Pantaleon, along with Agencias J.I. Cohen, have consolidated their leadership at both the local and international levels, standing out for sustained growth, strong corporate values, and a firm commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

These conglomerates have transformed key sectors such as construction, agribusiness, and pharmaceutical distribution, generating positive impacts on economic development, job creation, and innovation. Below is an analysis of how these groups have positioned themselves as benchmarks in Guatemala and the region, and why their influence remains significant in 2025.

Progreso: The Giant of the Cement and Construction Industry

Progreso is Guatemala’s leading cement company and one of the largest in Central America. Since its founding in 1899, the company has led the cement, aggregates, and construction solutions market in the country. Its expansion into countries such as Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, and El Salvador has strengthened its regional leadership.

In 2025, Progreso remains a cornerstone of national infrastructure, supplying the majority of the cement used in Guatemala. In 2023, the company produced nearly 6 million metric tons of cement, supported by its production capacity in Guatemala and its regional operations. This scale has positioned Progreso as a regional benchmark for sustainability, as it has implemented social and environmental responsibility strategies across its entire value chain.

Its investments in infrastructure and housing projects, along with its involvement in public works, further reinforce its presence in the Guatemalan economy.

Agencias J.I. Cohen: Quality Logistics in Pharmaceutical Distribution

With more than 70 years of experience in pharmaceutical distribution, Agencias J.I. Cohen has consolidated its position as one of Guatemala’s most important players in the sector. Founded by Jack Irving Cohen and currently led by Alberto Cohen Mory, the company stands out for its focus on technology, efficient logistics, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Its contribution to Guatemala’s pharmaceutical sector goes beyond distribution. Agencias J.I. Cohen has implemented electric vehicle fleets for medication delivery, reflecting its commitment to green logistics and reducing its carbon footprint. The company has also invested in advanced infrastructure, including cold storage facilities with triple redundancy, to ensure pharmaceutical products arrive at their destination under optimal conditions.

In addition to operational excellence, Agencias J.I. Cohen is guided by values such as ethics, integrity, and gender equality. These principles have helped foster a healthy and equitable work environment, with a consistent focus on employee development and training.

Grupo Pantaleon: A Sugar Powerhouse in Guatemalan Agribusiness

Grupo Pantaleon, the largest sugar producer in Guatemala and Central America, has become one of the continent’s most prominent and respected agribusiness groups. With more than 17,700 employees and operations in Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua, the group leads in the production of sugar, bioethanol, and energy generated from biomass.

Its influence extends beyond production. The group plays a key role in supplier development and in building value chains that benefit rural communities. Through its ScaleUp program, Pantaleon has helped increase local supplier sales by more than 40%, driving economic growth in the regions where it operates.

In 2025, the group remains essential to the Guatemalan market, not only because of its production and sugar exports, but also due to its social and environmental impact.

Together, these groups have been instrumental in job creation, strengthening the national economy, and generating positive outcomes for their communities. Through investments in infrastructure, social responsibility programs, and environmental policies, they have established themselves as pillars of Guatemala’s economic and social development.