Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, proudly marks a significant milestone this summer, celebrating 30 years of successful operations in Latin America. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of Kerry’s teams and the unwavering trust of its customers.

Kerry first established its presence in Latin America in 1994 with a US$30 million investment in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. This initial venture involved acquiring a processing facility to create a major ingredients manufacturing unit, aimed at supplying the Mexican and Central American markets. Just four years later, Kerry expanded its operations into Brazil, and today, the company has a robust presence across Central America, with a commercial office in Argentina.

“Rooted in our commitment to providing sustainable nutrition solutions that positively impact people, society, and our planet, our journey in Latin America has been about much more than global growth and transformation,” said Kerry. “It has also been about serving local communities and contributing to their development.”

Kerry’s influence in the LATAM region has continued to thrive through strategic acquisitions and development initiatives. In October 2021, Kerry partnered with Café Femenino, becoming the Global Supplier of Café Femenino Coffee Extracts. This initiative is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty that affects female coffee farmers worldwide and operates in nine countries, including Peru, Brazil, and Mexico.

Furthering its commitment to community development, Kerry launched the Young Chef programme in Campinas, Brazil, in July 2023. This initiative provides new opportunities for young people in socially vulnerable situations to explore gastronomy as a powerful tool for building a brighter future. The programme fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration within local communities, celebrating and preserving cultural diversity.

In Poá and Greater São Paulo, the Gerando Baristas programme, created in collaboration with the NGO Gerando Falcões, offers barista skills training to young people, helping them secure employment in coffee shops and restaurants. The programme has already seen success, with 50% of participants securing jobs, and was recognized with a third-place award in the Environmental, Social, and Governance category at the AEVO Award for Entrepreneurship in São Paulo in December 2023.

“Our 30-year journey in Latin America is a source of immense pride for us,” continued. “It reflects our ongoing engagement with regional customers and communities, and the expertise of our chefs, scientists, and technologists. We look forward to continuing to innovate and create great-tasting products with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring a positive impact on our planet.”

As Kerry looks ahead to the next 30 years, the company remains committed to fostering sustainable growth, nurturing local communities, and driving innovation in Latin America and beyond.