VOICES FROM THE SECTOR: AGRI-FOOD
What were the main factors behind your growth over the past few years?
PROLUXSA is a family business that was founded by Maximo Gallardo, a biochemist who started manufacturing and selling certain products on a small scale. He started selling nonfood products and later decided to manufacture natural vinegar. Since vinegar was not being produced in Panama back then, he brought in technology from France and Germany to establish the first vinegar plant in Panama. We are the main vinegar processing plant in Central America and the Caribbean, and we have the highest capacity for exports. As a matter of fact, we have a surplus that we export across the Caribbean, which is how we became bigger in the regional food business. In 1986, we ventured into the fruit drink business with non-tropical sugar-free juices. We sourced apple, grape, prune, and other juice concentrates and broke the monopoly of international brands in this important segment.
What sort of certification has the company acquired?
When you start exporting to companies like Unilever and Nestlé, you must acquire a number of certifications to become a reliable supplier; that was a challenge. ISO 2000 was essential for the food safety system, but so is the FSSC 22000, which includes other food safety requirements such as bioterrorism, food defense, and food fraud.
VOICES FROM THE SECTOR: AGRI-FOOD
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Spotlight Feature
Success in Sight
ith the election of the new government, Panama's recovery has begun, and the general consensus is that the country is ready to grow to new heights. The new policies, initiatives, and projects being undertaken across the country, in addition to growing FDI levels, have all proven to be extremely encouraging, and businesses across sectors have much reason to be positive and contribute to the country's economic rebirth.
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