Food Business Review

Modern bakeries operate in an increasingly competitive market where consumers demand products with great taste, nutritional value and clean labeling. Meeting these expectations is far from simple. From artisanal pastry shops to industrial-scale producers, bakeries must contend with fluctuating raw material quality, shifts in texture and flavor and production inconsistencies that put both efficiency and final product outcomes at risk. Natural de Alimentos, a pioneer in specialized creams, butters and tailored blends for the baking and pastry industry, works closely with producers to co-create solutions that address these challenges. Its ingredient solutions are engineered to meet clean-label requirements and stringent regulatory standards, with functionality customized for each partner’s operational needs Building on a heritage of more than five decades, Natural de Alimentos has become a trusted partner across the full spectrum of baking. “Innovation isn’t about creating new products. It’s about anticipating where the market is headed and equipping our clients with the tools to thrive in that future,” says Enrique Lara Pérez, CEO. Guided by a customer-first vision, Pérez has driven modernization and agility in Natural de Alimentos. His work builds on the legacy of board Chairman Eloy Solano Plascencia, whose leadership shaped the company’s identity and long-term vision. Together, they unite experience with innovation to reinforce Natural de Alimentos’s role as a catalyst for success in the industry.

Top Shrimp Producer in Mexico 2025

If you have good shrimp, you don’t need to sell it—it sells itself,” says Mauricio Bours, president of BG Shrimp. That belief was recently put to the test when a client conducted a side-by-side quality control comparison, sourcing shrimp from BG Shrimp and four to five other brands. The competitors’ shrimp lacked uniformity, failed to meet advertised sizes, and showed visible quality issues. In contrast, BG Shrimp’s offering not only met all requirements but also stood out for its excellence, polished presentation, and the guaranteed quality promised on the label. Impressed by the consistency and integrity, the client realized that a premium product delivers more than just shrimp—it builds trust. This experience helped cement BG Shrimp’s reputation as one of Mexico’s top producers and a trusted U.S. importer, where quality speaks louder than any sales pitch. A vertically integrated, family-owned company, BG Shrimp oversees the entire production cycle—from hatchery to cold storage. With 8,000 acres of farms, the company employs 3,000 families, produces 27 million pounds of shrimp annually, and processes over 300,000 pounds daily. The expansive operation is jointly run by Bours and his brother: one oversees U.S. operations from Los Angeles, while the other manages the Mexican market. BG Shrimp supplies its products to major supermarkets and maintains a strong presence in both retail and foodservice, particularly within Latino and Mexican-American communities. The company delivers shrimp to these markets within three days, maintaining a level of freshness and quality that outpaces the competition. “Our clients speak directly with us—no middleman, no delays—making service fast, efficient, and personalized,” says Bours. Building on that speed and flexibility, BG Shrimp offers head-on, headless, shell-on, and value-added shrimp, all customizable to meet specific client needs. Shrimp are processed immediately after harvest in the company’s own facilities—located just 25 to 45 minutes from the farms—ensuring the cold chain is never broken. To maintain optimal freshness, BG Shrimp also operates ice plants near its farms in Mexico, where temperatures often exceed 100°F. Because shrimp are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, each load is equipped with tracking devices that monitor conditions throughout transport. Whether delivering directly to clients or through distributors, BG Shrimp ensures every shipment arrives fresh, properly handled, and with its quality preserved from start to finish. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand exports and double its U.S. shipments. Currently, only about 30 percent of its 30 million pounds of production is exported to the United States. To stay competitive, BG Shrimp is also focused on reducing production costs and improving efficiency, having recently increased yields by 40 percent—from 3.2 to 3.9 tons per hectare. But BG Shrimp’s vision extends beyond profit and product. With a community-first mindset, it owns a financial company that provides credit and financial support not only to its own operations but also to other aquaculture producers in the region. This initiative aims to strengthen the local economy and the primary sector—especially in areas where traditional banks are hesitant to lend. Its leadership in the industry is further reflected in its early invitation to join the Global Shrimp Council, making it one of the first Mexican companies represented in the international organization.

Top Distribution and Service Company in Costa Rica - 2025

For nearly a century, Ciamesa has been a driving force in Costa Rica’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, transforming distribution across the different retail channels (supermarket chains, independent supermarkets, mom & pop stores), as well as in HORECA (hotels, restaurants and cafés) and institutional channels. Its integrated service model streamlines purchasing, logistics and in-store execution, giving clients the advantage of managing everything through one trusted partner. The company has built a supply chain recognized for its speed and agility in a country where narrow roads, limited infrastructure and challenging terrain often slow down distribution. With more than 1,500 employees, Ciamesa delivers thousands of products every day and ensures nationwide coverage in a maximum of 48 hours. “If a client needs a product, we’ll find a way to deliver it, even if it’s not a scheduled delivery day,” says Walter Vega, commercial director. A Value Network for Every Stakeholder Ciamesa’s distribution network serves supermarket chains, independent stores, wholesalers, pharmacies, schools and convenience outlets, with specialized divisions in food, wine and spirits. Its integrated services model creates value across the chain: brands gain stronger visibility and access, retailers receive operational and logistical support and consumers enjoy reliable product availability. The company has also developed a 360° support model that includes in-store activations, tastings, sampling and timely deliveries. Its ability to restock weekly, even in remote areas, allows retailers to keep shelves always stocked with products, minimize stockouts and reduce waste.

IN FOCUS

Rethinking Supply Chains in Pastry and Baking in Latin America

Modern bakeries are transforming through sustainable practices, focusing on regenerative farming, traceable ingredients, and carbon-neutral cocoa, prioritizing ethics and quality in food sourcing.

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Latin America's Role in Global Food Logistics

Optimizing cold chain logistics is essential for ensuring food quality and safety, particularly for perishable items like seafood and baking ingredients, through temperature control and innovative practices.

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EDITORIAL

Strengthening The Roots Of Latin America’s Food Chain

Latin America’s food landscape reflects a balance of heritage, innovation and integrity. Producers across the region are improving ingredient quality, advancing sustainable aquaculture and modernizing distribution to strengthen regional supply chains. Every stage of production emphasizes transparency and care for people and the environment. Local expertise and responsible practices are turning regional resources into global benchmarks of quality. This edition of Food Business Review Latin America presents the organizations driving this transformation across baking, aquaculture and distribution. Baking is being elevated by ingredient suppliers who blend regional produce with modern food science to create cleaner, more functional formulations. Their focus on quality and authenticity is inspiring a new generation of bakers to achieve creativity and consistency. Innovation along Mexico’s coastline is led by shrimp producers who are redefining aquaculture through responsible hatchery practices and precise monitoring systems. Sustainable growth has become a mission and a market advantage, securing the country’s global reputation for quality seafood. In this edition of Food Business Review Latin America, we spotlight companies actively contributing to strengthening food production, advancing sustainability and improving distribution across the region. The edition features Natural de Alimentos, a leading Mexican company transforming the baking and pastry sector through innovation and partnership. With decades of expertise, it develops specialized creams, butters and blends that support clean-label standards, sustainability and operational efficiency. Its research-driven approach and customer-focused model continue to shape modern baking across Latin America. We hope this edition inspires new perspectives on how collaboration and innovation can strengthen Latin America’s food ecosystem.