International giant with a social conscience

RICARDO RAMOS G. President and General Manager of Nestlé Central America Region

Ever since Switzerland-based Nestlé–the largest food company in the world–inaugurated its first dairy production plant in Nata, Panama in 1938, the company has constantly contributed to both the economical and social well-being of the nation and has been an important source of nutrition for the entire region.

"Nestlé has played a pioneering role in the development of dairy production and its industrialization in Panama. The company played a similar role in the development of the country's tomato-growing industry and other vegetable crops," explains Ricardo Ramos G., President and General Manager of Nestlé Central America Region.

"These developments show that Panamanian agriculture offers opportunities and that the company contributes to the livelihoods of the rural populations. It is also worth noting that a good part of the output is exported and therefore contributes to the country's trade balance."
The bulk of Nestlé’s exports from Panama are earmarked for countries in Central America and the Caribbean, regions of great strategic importance for the company, Mr. Ramos says.

"Panama occupies a privileged place in the Central American context, for both its geographical location and for the quality of services it offers the region, such as transportation, communication and financial services.
"Nestlé’s headquarters for the whole of Central America is in Panama City, and that is due to the easy access to specialized and highly-educated personnel."
However, Mr. Ramos notes that despite its proximity to the U.S., Panama is still relatively unknown to the majority of Americans.

"Any investor considering doing business in Central America should seriously consider the opportunities Panama has to offer. Whether it be an industrial, commercial or logistic enterprise, one should also keep in mind that Panama is the vertex where the great routes between Asia, America and Europe converge."