The Guatemalan company Castillo Hermanos has acquired 100% of the equity interest of Sociedad Alimentos de Primera, a manufacturer of the Bonlac brand of dairy products in Panama.

Corporación Castillo Hermanos will now participate in the dairy market in Panama, through Sociedad Alimentos de Primera S.A., which until recently was owned by the Panamanian company Empresa Panameña de Alimentos S.A

See also: “Purchases and Sales of Dairy Products in Central America”

Prensa.com reports that “Hermanos Castillo is a holding company with investments in over 90 companies in Central America (Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua). It has experience in the production of beers, among which is its flagship brand: Gallo beer. It also produces soft and carbonated drinks.”

In Panama, they are entering into a market where other companies with financial muscle are involved. The dairy industry in Panama is dominated by the brands Estrella Azul (Coca-Cola Femsa), Nestle, Nevada Panama (Dos Pinos) and Productos Lácteos San Antonio, S.A. (Prolacsa). Bonlac, which has been absorbed by the operation of Castillo Hermanos, has 12% of the dairy market. Bonlac will continue to operate its business, offices and products as normal. Together with Castillo Hermanos it will work to carry out an orderly and smooth transition without inconveniencing its customers, suppliers or employees, company representatives said in a statement.”