Grupo Gloria, a diversified Peruvian food and beverage conglomerate, has been honored with the prestigious EMA Empresas Familiares award, recognizing it’s enduring success and innovative spirit. Presented by PwC Peru and G de Gestión in collaboration with the Asociación de empresas Familiares (AEF), the award underscores the critical role family-owned businesses play in Peru’s economic landscape. The recognition comes as Grupo Gloria actively pursues expansion into Asian markets,particularly Hong Kong,and commits to important sustainability initiatives across its holdings,including a significant investment in photovoltaic projects and a recent 300 million Sol loan for Cemento Yura tied to environmental goals.
Grupo Gloria, a leading Peruvian food and beverage company, has been recognized for its transformative vision and resilience with the EMA Empresas Familiares award. The recognition, presented by PwC Peru and G de Gestión in partnership with the Asociación de Empresas Familiares (AEF), acknowledges the company’s legacy of innovation and its ability to inspire. The award highlights the increasing importance of family-owned businesses in the Peruvian economy.
Claudio Rodríguez, of Grupo Gloria, at the EMA Empresas Familiares award ceremony. Photos Jesús Saucedo /@photo.gec
Looking ahead to 2026, Grupo Gloria is prioritizing initiatives to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. The company, founded by Jorge Rodríguez and his uncle Vito, is focused on portfolio innovation to cater to diverse consumer needs, from affordable and nutritious products addressing food security in Peru to premium offerings for international markets.
According to Claudio Rodríguez, the company is also developing a “multilatina” management model designed to meet global standards. Expansion into new markets, particularly in Asia, will require improvements in logistics, export processes, and brand strength while maintaining product quality. This strategic shift reflects a broader trend of Latin American companies seeking growth beyond regional borders.
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Grupo Gloria is also investing in decarbonization efforts, with photovoltaic projects planned for both Gloria S.A. and Cemento Yura, a company in which it holds a stake. Cemento Yura recently secured a 300 million Sol loan linked to sustainability goals, demonstrating a growing commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
The company’s strategy for anticipating market changes relies on rigorous analysis, active listening, and operational discipline. Grupo Gloria utilizes data analytics, scenario modeling, and commercial intelligence tools to forecast demand and evaluate investment decisions. Digitalization of its sales force provides daily insights into market behavior and competitor activity.
A pivotal moment in the company’s history came with the acquisition of Pil Andina SA in Bolivia in the late 1990s. This acquisition transformed Grupo Gloria from a dairy company focused on the Peruvian market into a diversified, multilatina group. “That jump changed the scale, the culture, and the ambition of the group,” the company stated.
More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted a review of investments, portfolio optimization, and an acceleration of digital transformation. The company reported that these changes resulted in a more efficient operation and a more agile organizational structure.
READ ALSO: Grupo Gloria Completes Acquisition and Takes Control of San Mateo: “its essence will be maintained”
Claudio’s Vision
What key lessons has Claudio Rodríguez learned from his father and uncle Vito Rodríguez that he considers fundamental to the group’s resilience? According to Rodríguez, his father and uncle instilled in him the importance of long-term thinking and prioritizing sustainability over short-term gains. This long-term vision has enabled the company to diversify, vertically integrate, and expand into new sectors and geographies.
He also emphasized the value of staying close to stakeholders – from farmers to factory workers – to enable rapid response to changing environments. Furthermore, he credits a strong discipline of reinvestment with allowing Grupo Gloria to grow and expand internationally while maintaining financial stability.
The company balances tradition and innovation through a solid family governance structure and a fully professionalized management team. Formal family forums define the company’s purpose, values, and long-term vision without interfering with day-to-day operations. Grupo Gloria incorporates external talent, applies modern evaluation methodologies, and manages investments with technical rigor.
What advice would he give to a medium-sized family business seeking a resilient organizational culture? Rodríguez recommends building a clear and genuine purpose that connects with teams, customers, and communities. He also advises investing in long-term relationships with suppliers, employees, and local communities, which can provide a buffer during challenging times. Finally, he stresses the importance of professionalizing the business while preserving its family values.
What legacy does he hope to leave for the next generation that will eventually assume leadership? Rodríguez aspires to leave a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable group capable of competing globally while maintaining its Peruvian identity. He hopes the next generation will find an organization that promotes merit, fosters a sense of pride, and continues to be a part of the lives of millions of families both in Peru and abroad.
“If there’s one thing I want to remain,” he said, “it’s the conviction that a Peruvian family business can grow, transform, and transcend without losing its essence and with the clear goal of investing in Peru, contributing to the country’s development and progress.”
Most Admired Companies 2025
- The Most Admired Companies award, organized by PwC and G de Gestión, celebrated its fourteenth anniversary this year. Starting with this edition, the recognition is focusing on family businesses. For this reason, the Association of Family Businesses joined as a strategic ally in the evaluation of the organizations that applied.
Bachelor of Journalism from Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University. Active participant in courses at the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas.
