¡This year we celebrate 170 years of operation! Let’s celebrate together the history and achievements.
“We are characterized for operating with a high social conscience. We are recognized for doing things the right way, promoting development in our actions. We seek to positively impact the places where we operate, training and transforming industries with our good example”
Don Julio Herrera, General Manager 1973-1994; President Pantaleon Group 1994-2016
A visionary, Manuel María Herrera acquires the Pantaleon and San Gregorio estate in 1849, which is then converted into Pantaleon Sugar Mill. Constituting Herrera & Company with his two oldest children, Francisco Herrera Moreno and Carlos Herrera Luna, they produce 40 thousand 25 pound sacks of sugar in 1880.
When his father dies, Carlos Herrera takes over and turns the company into the largest sugar producer in Guatemala, implementing technological advances and promoting the construction of the railway station that connected Pantaleon Sugar Mill with the port. Then, under the administration of Carlos Herrera Dorión, sugar exportation to the international markets is promoted.
When Julio Herrera was appointed General Manager of the company in 1973, he began a diversifications stage by acquiring Concepción Mill in Guatemala, Monte Rosa Mill in Nicaragua, La Grecia Mill in Honduras, Pánuco Mill in Mexico and Vale do Paraná Mill in Brazil, jointly managed with the Manuelita Group.
Innovating becomes a constant, boosting the production of energy from cane bagasse and the production of ethanol and molasses. Responsible development continues to be part of the company´s cultures and business strategy and 1992, the founding families created the Pantaleon Foundation with the intention of ensuring the development and well-being of surrounding communities.
In 2012, as a group, Pantaleon reached a production of one million tons of sugar for the first time.
Under the strategic vision of strengthening Pantaleon´s position, in 2019 the shares of La Grecia Mill in Honduras is sold. This decision allows the group to face future challenges in the industry and focus on the operational excellence, creation of value added, high responsibility and reputation.
After 170 years of operation, Pantaleon continues as a family business and has become a leader in the production of sugar in Latin America.
We thank everyone who has helped us build this success together.
“We have a great past. We have a great present. We have a great future … it´s in our hands. Let´s continue building this great legacy”.
FRANCISCO BALTODANO, Pantaleon CEO