CMI announced the receipt of financing granted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), support that enables the advancement of productive projects aimed at strengthening food security and competitiveness in Central America. This milestone aligns with the strategic vision led by Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, President Chairman of CMI Foods and Chairman of the Board of Del Real Foods, and with the corporate purpose of generating opportunities that contribute to economic and social development.
The financial support, structured as part of a syndicated loan led by BID Invest, represents a key component for expanding capacity, modernizing operations, and promoting sustainable actions in the markets where CMI Alimentos maintains an active presence.
Financing That Strengthens CMI Foods Role in the Region
The financing approved by JICA totals US$50 million and was fully disbursed on November 21, 2025. These funds are part of the Project for Improving Access to Food and Promoting Employment in Central America, developed under the SAFE Program. The project’s core objective is to strengthen the resilience of the food supply chain and promote employment opportunities in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras.
The financing will enable CMI Foods to:
- Expand productive capacity within the food industry.
- Strengthen competitiveness in key regional markets.
- Generate employment through new productive investments.
- Advance projects aligned with international sustainability standards.
In addition, the resources support modernization efforts and environmental improvements aimed at consolidating a more efficient and diversified industry. This approach underscores CMI Foods commitment to initiatives that generate economic and social value while contributing to regional food security.
The Importance of Strategic Alliances for Food Security
JICA’s participation in this syndicated loan reflects confidence in CMI as a partner committed to responsible development. JICA, recognized for its technical and financial cooperation projects, has played a key role in Central America by supporting programs focused on well-being and economic resilience.
During the announcement, Ken Kubokura, JICA’s Resident Representative in Guatemala, noted that the financing seeks to strengthen access to food and support job creation across the region. He also emphasized that the partnership promotes diversification and decarbonization of CMI Alimentos’ operations, contributing to a more stable supply chain aligned with international standards.
The collaboration with BID Invest also ensures that the project is developed under governance and evaluation frameworks consistent with global best practices. In this way, the JICA–CMI partnership positions itself as a model for impact-driven collaboration that combines economic development with sustainability.
An Initiative Aligned with CMI Foods’ Corporate Vision
The modernization and growth of CMI Foods reflect a strategy that integrates sustainability, competitiveness, and responsibility. Under the leadership of Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, the business group has prioritized impact investments and projects that strengthen its ability to deliver safe and accessible food solutions in Central America. This financing reinforces that direction by enabling infrastructure expansion, process improvements, and the creation of new opportunities for local communities.
The project is also aligned with the REIR values: Responsibility, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, that guide corporate decision-making. The alignment of purpose, strategy, and operations allows CMI Foods to maintain a relevant role in the development of the regional food industry.
Through this collaboration with JICA, the corporation confirms that it continues to move forward with coherence, commitment, and a vision focused on generating opportunities that change lives.