IF WE TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THE PAST, WE CAN MAKE GUATEMALA A COUNTRY WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR US ALL.
Throughout my life, I’ve learned that one of the most important markers of success is the positive impact we make on all those we cross paths with along the way. At the end of the day, it’s the stories and lessons we share with others that make up our legacy and keep our purpose alive over time. In that sense, reflecting on beer brand Cerveza Gallo’s 125-year legacy also means marveling at the value of a history of success, passion, and excellence, a path that has brought Cervecería Centro Americana, S.A.’s slogan of believing, trusting, and investing in Guatemala’s success to life.
To tell Cerveza Gallo’s story is to tell a story of our country’s progress and development. It means recognizing all those people who, through their honest work, dedication, and commitment, have contributed to creating the environment of development opportunities that have allowed us to advance as a society. This beer brand is an essential component of our identity as Guatemalans and a constant reminder of the struggle for our country’s progress and future.
Since its origin, Guatemala’s emblematic beer brand has based its success on the vision of Mariano and Rafael Castillo Cordova. They sought to produce a beer of the highest quality using the best technology available at the time, supported by the knowledge and experience of the best brewmasters and professionals available. This commitment allowed the founders to take advantage of the opportunities that arose, face the challenges of entrepreneurship, and become pioneers in Guatemala’s national industry. Today, more than a century later, their legacy continues to inspire all those committed to the development of Guatemalan society, even beyond the brewing industry. They have become an example of courage and determination for any project being pursued.
Throughout this history, our quality has been recognized by multiple Monde Selection gold medals since 1969, awarded by the International Institute for Quality Selections (Institut Pour Sélection de la Qualité) in Belgium. That same organization also recognized us with the 25 Years Trophy in 2015, given only to those who have received gold medals for quality and taste for 25 consecutive years. These are milestones that undoubtedly fill us with pride as a 100% national brand.
More importantly, in these 125 years, Gallo has not only built value for Guatemalan society through its impressive national and international commercial growth, but has also been on the side of the people. It has contributed to social and cultural development in complex moments of need, living up to its ideal that “before being brewers, we are Guatemalans.”
Since its foundation in 1896, the Gallo brand has always lived its values, which include solidarity with those who need it most. It works to be on the side of the Guatemalan people, especially during times when the values of solidarity and pride in helping others should be at the fore. Through initiatives such as “Listen Up. We live better when we take responsibility,” the brand has encouraged a movement toward responsible drinking, road safety, and the prevention of underage drinking in our society.
The brand has also supported environmental protection programs such as EcoPlaya, which has removed several tons of garbage from our beaches to protect our waters and our country’s main tourist attraction. In addition, our operations now reuse the carbon dioxide produced during beer fermentation and take advantage of wastewater to reduce water consumption. We also stopped using plastic rings in Cerveza Gallo can packaging in 2014.
Recently, in the aftermath of Tropical Storms Iota and Eta, the brand donated the first 22,500 meals to the families forced to go to shelters. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand contributed over Q$7.7 million in medical equipment to the temporary hospital in Parque de la Industria and sent 9,600 pounds of high-protein food supplement Incaparina and 1,200 food kits to different areas of our country, benefitting more than 20,000 citizens. It has also promoted various important sporting and cultural events over the years, including the Vuelta Ciclística de Guatemala and Árbol Gallo Festival.
All these are proof of our commitment to Guatemala and the Guatemalan community.
