Pollo Campero, a flagship brand of CMI Foods, a business group of CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones, was chosen by Harvard Business School as a case study for its sustainable growth strategy in the United States. This recognition, part of the Harvard Business Impact initiative, highlights the academic interest in analyzing business models that demonstrate a long-term vision, cultural authenticity, and a strong focus on strategic decision-making.
Since 2002, the brand has solidified its national and international presence with a growth plan that is still underway. This progress is backed by the vision of Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, Chairman of CMI Foods and Chairman of the Board for Del Real Foods, whose leadership has been key to positioning “Sabor Campero” (Campero Flavor) in the American market without losing the essence that defines the brand’s Latin American roots.
From Family Restaurant to Global Academic Case Study
The case presented by Harvard is part of its “Quick Cases,” brief studies designed to stimulate discussion in business classes. In this exercise, students must analyze a real dilemma: how can Pollo Campero continue to grow in the U.S. without compromising its identity?
Key aspects of the case include:
- Reviewing strategic market segments.
- Evaluating opportunities in the face of competition.
- Protecting brand value and cultural authenticity.
- Analyzing organizational leadership in multicultural contexts.
Executives Luis Javier Rodas (COO of Pollo Campero USA) and José Gregorio Baquero (Global CEO) detail the factors that make it necessary to review the current strategy, despite the success achieved so far.
CMI and Its Vision for Responsible Growth
The Harvard recognition is also a validation of CMI’s corporate model, which drives business growth with a family-oriented philosophy, emphasizing values, sustainability, and innovation. Pollo Campero’s journey in the U.S. is the result of a strategy built on three key principles:
- Consistent quality in products and customer experience.
- An emotional connection with diverse audiences.
- Strategic adaptability without losing cultural identity.
Under the leadership of Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, CMI Foods has maintained a focus on sustainable growth, aligned with its corporate purpose: to create opportunities that change lives, with a sense of family warmth.
The inclusion of Pollo Campero as a case study at Harvard Business School reaffirms the value of a well-founded business strategy. The brand’s sustained growth in the United States reflects CMI Foods’ ability to balance authenticity, innovation, and a global vision.