Agrocentro

Agrocentro has been a well-established crop protection company in Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia and Belize for over four decades. Agrocentro has been a steady supplier of the regions' largest crops for subsistence and small farmers, such as grains, coffee and vegetables. It has also expanded to be a prominent player in the export-oriented sector, serving large farming corporations in a broader market that includes banana, sugar, avocado and palm growers.

Agrocentro formulation plant is located in the industrial zone of Guatemala. It offers a wide range of products, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, plant nutrition products and bio-products. The company has always focused on continuous growth and adaptation, evident in its journey from a basic herbicide formulator to a comprehensive crop protection solutions provider.

About 15 years ago, Agrocentro formulated a diversification strategy to reduce its reliance on a single molecule, Paraquat, which at the time constituted approximately 75 to 80 percent of its business. Following this, Agrocentro introduced bio-products and organic solutions and collaborated with international partners to bring cutting-edge products. This includes joint ventures with European and South American suppliers for complementary plant nutrition products and bio-pesticides.

These efforts enabled Agrocentro to meet its diversification goals and expand its product portfolio, catering to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions.

Today, Paraquat represents less than 30 percent of its business, highlighting the company’s ability to adapt to market demands and the evolving needs of modern agriculture.

At the heart of Agrocentro’s operations is maintaining high standards of quality control and compliance, achieving and sustaining ISO 9001 certification for over 15 years. It continuously works with authorities, guild members and customers to asses and comply with international standards like Global GAP, Rainforest Alliance. The ISO 9001 certification testifies to the quality of its products and its commitment to sustainable and ethical agricultural practices.

“Our dedication to high-quality standards is reflected in the positive feedback from clients who often appreciate the reliability and effectiveness of our products,” says Rodrigo Luna, Agroindustrial Commercial Director.

The company also diligently works with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and timely approvals for quickly bringing new and innovative products to market. A key aspect that gives Agrocentro a competitive edge is its emphasis on logistics and supply chain efficiency. Recognizing the importance of logistics in business success, the company has built a robust logistics network, allowing it to proactively navigate the regulatory environment and logistical hurdles. Given the region's climate-dependent agriculture, this strategic move ensures the timely delivery of products to end-users, laying the foundation for the company’s success.

Agrocentro has a strong sustainability culture, defined as a genuine commitment to conducting business ethically and in accordance with the law. The company believes that this approach fosters a “prosperous and sustainable agriculture for all.” Agrocentro thinks that this way of doing business promotes economic growth, reduces environmental impact and enhances the professional and family development of their employees. Agrocentro has an ethics code that sets clear expectations for conduct towards employees and other stakeholders.

The company provides fresh, ready-to-use products with minimal lead time due to its strategic location close to major agricultural zones. This is particularly beneficial for crops requiring intensive management, such as bananas, which require weekly applications of agricultural products. Agrocentro also has an extensive distribution network—encompassing over 200 retailers—that ensures products are readily available to end-users. Its efficient supply chain management establishes Agrocentro as a preferred supplier for growers in the region.

Agrocentro focuses on building strong relationships with stakeholders and clients, helping them reduce inventory costs and maintain continuous operations—a crucial aspect in the highly competitive agricultural sector. With a focus on quality, logistics and customer satisfaction, the company continues its diversification journey, scripting a story of strategic foresight, innovation and resilience. It aims to further expand its product offerings and enhance logistical capabilities, paving the way to transform Central American agriculture.

Agrocentro’s strong foundation and clear vision of promoting sustainable agricultural practices allow it to continuously adapt to market demands and overcome regional challenges, cementing its position as a trusted partner for both large farming corporations that produce for export and small farmers across the region.