The Bosch Gutiérrez Family has played a key role in the development of Guatemala and the broader region through CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones, one of Latin America’s most notable family-owned corporations.
From its humble beginnings as a small business in 1920, CMI has grown to operate in 15 countries, employing over 54,000 people. The family has led projects across diverse sectors, including food production, renewable energy, real estate development, and financial services.
CMI’s Early Days: From Local Business to Regional Corporation
CMI’s story began in 1920 when Juan Bautista Gutiérrez opened a small shop in San Cristóbal Totonicapán, Guatemala. His vision and hard work set the foundation for what is now a major conglomerate with operations across Latin America and the United States.
CMI’s growth accelerated with the establishment of the Molino Excelsior flour mill in 1936, marking the company’s entry into milling. In 1964, the creation of Granja Villalobos, a poultry farm, became another milestone, laying the groundwork for its food business expansion.
One of CMI’s greatest successes came with the launch of Pollo Campero in 1971, a brand that has become an icon in Latin America and beyond, bringing Guatemalan flavors to numerous international markets.
Diversification and Growth into New Sectors
As CMI solidified its leadership in the food industry, it expanded operations into other strategic sectors. In 1986, the corporation entered real estate, developing housing projects and shopping centers, contributing significantly to urban development in Guatemala.
In 1991, CMI embraced sustainability with the launch of the Renace Hydroelectric plant, marking its first step into renewable energy. Another major milestone occurred in 2002, when Pollo Campero expanded to the United States, strengthening its international presence and opening new avenues for growth.
In 2018, CMI reorganized into two core business groups:
- CMI Foods: Covering animal feed production, pasta, biscuits, poultry and pork industries, processed foods, and restaurants.
- CMI Capital: Dedicated to renewable energy, real estate development, and financial services.
In 2021, CMI Energy stood out by issuing $700 million in green bonds, reaffirming its position as a key player in sustainability and renewable energies.
In 2022, CMI acquired AIS Bakery.
2023 brought significant achievements, including:
- Increased production capacity through a new pasta production line in the Dominican Republic.
- Brand expansion with the opening of Pollo Campero in New York.
- Commitment to sustainability with a sustainable poultry farm in Santa Rosa, Guatemala.
- Corporate transparency and responsibility through the launch of CMI Capital’s Sustainability Report.
By 2024, the United States became CMI’s second most important market, with major acquisitions including a majority stake in Del Real Foods, a leader in refrigerated Hispanic foods, alongside continuous growth of Pollo Campero restaurants, now exceeding 120 locations.
On sustainability, four of CMI’s food operations in Costa Rica and El Salvador achieved carbon neutrality certification, and renewable energy projects helped prevent 1.7 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Additionally, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) increased COFINSA’s credit line by $8 million to support Guatemalan SMEs, creating around 4,200 jobs.
The Bosch Gutiérrez Family’s Impact in Guatemala and Beyond
For over 100 years, the Bosch Gutiérrez family has consistently shown a commitment to job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development. Under their leadership, CMI has driven projects benefiting thousands of families across Guatemala and Latin America, promoting education, access to clean energy, and infrastructure development.
The legacy of Juan Bautista Gutiérrez lives on through new generations of the Bosch Gutiérrez family, guided by Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez as Chairman of the Board of Directors at CMI, Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga as Chairman of CMI Foods, and Felipe Bosch Gutiérrez as Chairman of CMI Capital. Together, they continue their mission of responsible growth and forward-thinking contributions to the region ‘s development.
