ABOUT US BUSINESS UNITS SUSTAINABILITY NEWS CONTACT
WE BRING PEOPLE
TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE
LIFE'S MOST
MEANINGFUL MOMENTS
HISTORY

Our story began in 1882 with the entrepreneurial spirit of our founders, brothers Mariano and Rafael Castillo Córdova. Driven by a vision to build an industry that could foster social and economic growth, they officially established the first company of our group, Cervecería Centro Americana, on February 3, 1886.

Over the years, thanks to the loyalty of our consumers, we have expanded into new categories and markets, bringing industrial progress and human development to all the countries where we operate.

Mariano Castillo Córdova Rafael Castillo Córdova
 
 

Our purpose guides our strategy:

“WE COMBINE INNOVATION AND PASSION TO SHARE AND CELEBRATE ALL THE MOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE, GENERATING WELLNESS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.”

 
OVER A CENTURY
OF INNOVATION

We have diversified into multiple industries through strategic expansion.

1886
1886Brewing (Cervecería Centro Americana)
 
1965
1965Food (Alimentos)
 
1974
1974Real Estate (Abarca)
 
1976
1976Packaging (INGRUP)
 
1983
1983Commerce (Super 24)
 
1983
1983Beverages (Alimentos Maravilla) 
 
1995
1995Recycling (Ecopet)
 
EXPANDING OUR
GLOBAL REACH
   
Natura's trademark license in Honduras
2002
   
Del Monte brand license in Central America and the Caribbean
2006
   
Participation in the VAS and El Pulté highway
2014
   
Acquisition of the Bonlac brand in Panama
2017
   
Acquisition of the Sombrela and Rabinal brand in Guatemala,
La Italiana in Panama and Pro in Costa Rica
2019
   
Alliance with Industrias Venado in Bolivia, joint venture with
Arizona Beverages and acquisition of the Popsis brand
2021
   
Alliance with Calidad Pascual of Spain for Central America and
acquisition of the Nikkos and Alpina brands
2022
   
Acquisition of the Kola Shaler brand
2023
 

OUR SHARED STORY

Our consumers named our most iconic brand
In 1896, we launched Lager Bier, our first beer, featuring a rooster on the label. Since "Lager Bier" was difficult to remember in Spanish, customers simply asked for "a Gallo" (Spanish for rooster), a name that endures to this day.
Committed to Employee Growth
People have always been at the heart of our company. In 1927, long before it became a legal requirement in Guatemala, we paid our employees their first Christmas bonus, known as Aguilando in Guatemala.
Innovation: A Core Value
Innovation has always driven us forward. One of Cervecería Centro Americana's earliest advertisements, published in Diario de Centro América in 1898, showcased the cutting-edge technology used in our production process.
Promoting Well-being Through Sports
In 1945, we sponsored the first edition of the Vuelta Ciclística a Guatemala (Tour of Guatemala). To this day, we continue to support this event annually.
Pioneering Sales Strategies
Since our early days, we have led the way in home beer delivery, using sealed containers with porcelain caps to bring our products directly to consumers. In 1886, we established a dedicated delivery line with the simple two-digit number 44, which later changed to 3396.
Driving Consumer Convenience
We developed a unique business model in Central America that enables us to deliver Agua Pura Salvavidas water jugs directly to consumers' homes.
Architectural Heritage
Our headquarters, located at Finca El Zapote, is home to an iconic entrance portico declared a National Heritage Site of Guatemala. Blending Guatemalan colonial architecture with French romanticism, it features a 19th-century Swiss clock—symbolizing our rich history and enduring legacy.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES




1
LEADERSHIP
We believe effective leadership empowers our teams, drives growth, and fosters adaptability while staying true to our values.
2
INNOVATION
We continuously cultivate internal initiatives that promote innovation and enhance our competitiveness.
  1. Innovation Lab: A dedicated space for developing new ideas and technologies.
  2. Corporate Venture Fund: A platform for identifying and integrating external innovations to drive growth and operational continuity.
3
CULTURE

Since our founding, we have recognized that our people are the driving force behind our success.

Our diverse business units offer a wide range of career opportunities, complemented by personal and professional growth programs and long-term stability. This approach ensures we attract, motivate, and retain top talent.

4
ROUTE TO MARKET

Our extensive distribution network is structured by channels and segments, ensuring our products are always available at the right time to accompany every moment of our consumers' lives.

5
LONG-TERM VISION

Our business strategy focuses on securing our leadership for the next 100 years by making decisions that build trust, create value, and ensure sustainability.



Ethics guide all our actions and decisions. We have a robust framework of internal policies and procedures ensuring our operations comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and our own ethical standards.

LINÉTICA

Our whistleblowing platform

Our 24/7 digital whistleblowing platform allows anonymous reporting of Code of Ethics violations. Available via email, phone, instant messaging, and our website in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama, it meets international standards, including ISO 37002 for Whistleblowing Management Systems.

Make an anonymous report

OUR SHARED
VALUES

RESPECT

We embrace diversity and treat everyone with dignity.

INTEGRITY

We operate with honesty and transparency to build trust.

PASSION

We work with energy, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

SUSTAINABILITY

We implement environmentally responsible practices that support our communities and future generations.

RECOGNITIONS
THAT DRIVE US
FORWARD

Appointed board member of AS/COA
Our CEO Roberto Lara; Appointed board member of AS/COA (Americas Society / Council of the Americas).

Companies with the best human talent
We were awarded second place in Revista Summa's 2025 ranking of Companies with the Best Human Talent. This edition featured the participation of over 1,000 business leaders, executives, and professionals from Central America and the Dominican Republic.

Plaque of Honor of the Royal Order of Civil Merit
Our company, Cervecería Centro Americana, was awarded the Plaque of Honor of the Royal Order of Civil Merit by King Felipe VI of Spain.

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Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention as Best Local Partner for United Way in Latin America

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Manager of the Year
Luis Castillo, Named Manager of the Year in Commercial Innovation by Asociación de Gerentes de Guatemala (Association of Managers of Guatemala).

WE OPERATE
ACROSS MORE THAN 35 COUNTRIES

CENTRAL AMERICA 7
THE CARIBBEAN 14
NORTH AMERICA 3
SOUTH AMERICA 4
EUROPE 6
OCEANIA 1

“We combine innovation and passion to share and celebrate all the
moments of your life, generating wellness and sustainable development.”


Copyright © 2025 Castillo Hermanos