CMI: A Company Success Story in the U.S. Market

CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones, a multilatina family-owned corporation founded in Guatemala in the 1920s, has established a significant presence in the United States thanks to strategic vision and strong brand management guided by a long-term philosophy. With businesses ranging from food production to restaurants and food solutions, CMI has expanded internationally by relying on a consistent corporate culture and family values.

Today, its focus on the U.S. market is evident in the growth of Pollo Campero and the acquisition of a majority stake in Del Real Foods, two strategic decision that highlight its commitment to quality, authenticity, and the preferences of U.S. consumers.

A Family Corporation with Strategic Vision

CMI began as a family business in Guatemala and, with over 100 years of history, has diversified its operations across 15 countries, including a well-established presence in the United States. The leadership of executives such as Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, President Chairman of CMI Foods and Chairman of The Board of Del Real Food, Felipe Bosch Gutiérrez, President Chairman of CMI Capital, and Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez, Chairman of CMI’s Board, drives initiatives guided by long-term goals and a culture that values relationships with employees, customers, and business partners.

CMI’s strategic approach has remained consistent over the decades, prioritizing product and service quality and building lasting relationships. This vision has translated into a strong presence in complex international markets like the U.S., where competition demands high standards and adaptability.

Pollo Campero and Del Real Foods as Growth Drivers

Pollo Campero, part of CMI Foods, has been a cornerstone of the corporation’s U.S. presence. Operating for more than three decades in the country, the restaurant chain has established itself among consumers, ranking in the top three of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken in 2025 for the second consecutive year.

Pollo Campero’s journey demonstrates how a Central American brand can maintain its identity while earning recognition in a demanding market. Its offerings combine traditional recipes with service tailored to local preferences, creating a loyal customer base that values both authenticity and quality.

In 2024, CMI also acquired a majority stake in Del Real Foods, a U.S.-based company specializing in refrigerated, Hispanic-inspired foods such as tamales, carnitas, and sauces. This acquisition strengthens CMI’s commitment to providing products that culturally resonate with diverse consumers, aligning with a strategy that balances culinary tradition with efficient, market-adapted operations.

This type of partnership reflects CMI’s philosophy of collaborating with companies that share family values and dedication to quality, integrating experience, capabilities, and knowledge to better meet the expectations of U.S. consumers seeking authentic Hispanic flavors.

Factors Driving CMI’s Success in the U.S.

Key elements contributing to CMI’s positioning in the United States include:

• Consistent cultural identity: Brands like Pollo Campero maintain a distinctive profile that appeals to both Hispanic communities and consumers seeking authentic flavors.
• Long-term relationships: The family-oriented approach facilitates strategic partnerships with companies like Del Real Foods.
• Product quality: Consumer recognition and preference reflect high production standards and value offerings.

As a multilatina family corporation, CMI demonstrates how a strategic vision anchored in values and operational consistency can secure a relevant position in a demanding market like the United States. Through brands with distinct identities and decisions reflecting a commitment to quality and cultural connection, the company has successfully integrated its family legacy with corporate practices aligned to consumer and partner expectations.

This approach positions CMI as a benchmark for understanding how a Latin American company can be competitive, adaptable, and recognized in international markets without sacrificing its essence or founding principles.