The leading newspaper in Portugal Expresso highlighted the positive effect of Foreign Investment in the country’s heartland

31 of March of 2014

Expresso de Portugal learned about Jeronimo Martins’ businesses in Colombia. One year after their arrival, they now run 36 stores across 11 cities, and their sales growth is close to double-digit figures, with the goal to manufacture 55% of their proprietary brands in the country.

A news report by the economic journal highlights the positive impact on the Coffee Cultural Landscape (central area of the country) thanks to the opening of their first ARA store in Pereira, as well as their distribution center, with the support by PROCOLOMBIA Colombia.

Benefits for the local economy are outstanding, as value chains are being created. They currently have 200 local suppliers in charge of manufacturing 26% of their proprietary products, and their goal is to reach 55% by 2015.

Among other factors, the reasons why this company decided to focus their attention on Colombian regions like Risaralda, Quindio, Calda and Valle del Cauca include the expansion of the middle class, positive economic outlooks, and the legal certainty granted by the government.

Currently, Jeronimo Martins creates 490 jobs and aims to follow the Pereira model across the country and open 100 stores.

To learn about all the foreign investment opportunities available in the coffee-producing region of Colombia, please visit:http://www.inviertaencolombia.com.co/informacion-regional/triangulo-del-cafe.html