Grupo Gloria exits Puerto Rico market with sale of Suiza Dairy

PUERTO RICO – Grupo Gloria, a dairy industry, has finalized the sale of its operations in Puerto Rico, including its UHT milk production plant, Suiza Dairy Corporation, located in Aguadilla, as well as assets of Suiza Fruit Corporation.

Both entities now fall under the ownership of Suiza Caribe LLC, a subsidiary of CC1, the parent company of Coca-Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers.

This strategic divestment signals Grupo Gloria’s shift in focus away from Caribbean markets, potentially paving the way for deeper regional consolidation.

For CC1, the acquisition represents a major expansion into the dairy and juice segments, broadening its footprint beyond its already substantial beverage distribution network.

Industry analysts view the move as a realignment of key players in the region’s food and beverage landscape. With CC1 taking the reins, Suiza Dairy and Suiza Fruit are expected to benefit from enhanced infrastructure, synergies in supply chain management, and potentially expanded distribution channels throughout Puerto Rico and neighboring markets.

As Grupo Gloria reorients its business portfolio, the ripple effects of this deal may reshape competitive dynamics across the Caribbean. The sale is more than a change in ownership—it’s a reshuffling of influence in Latin American agribusiness.

Nestlé to exit Ecuador’s dairy sector through Grupo Gloria

In 2024, Nestlé announced plans to exit the dairy sector in Ecuador through an agreement with Latin American food company Grupo Gloria.

The deal involves the sale of a factory and distribution centre in Cayambe, north of Quito, along with local brands La Vaquita, Yogu Yogu, Natura, Cereavena, and Huesitos.

Grupo Gloria will also obtain licensing rights for international brands La Lechera and Svelty with the transaction subject to approval from Ecuador’s competition watchdog.

Nestlé’s exit from the dairy sector in Ecuador and Nicaragua aligns with its broader business strategy and regional considerations.

The company remains active in various sectors, including culinary products, confectionery, coffee, and infant formula.

In 2018, Nestlé acquired Ecuadorian company Terrafertil, strengthening its plant-based product offering in Latin America.

Peru-based Grupo Gloria, the acquiring party in the Ecuador deal, operates in multiple countries, producing dairy items, plant-based milk, jam, cake, canned fish, and soft drinks.

The acquisition according to the company, reflects Grupo Gloria’s commitment to the Ecuadorian market and its aim to strengthen its portfolio in Latin America.

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