For the second consecutive year, Molinos Modernos, through its Cocreo Academy of Bakery and Pastry, brought together more than 200 bakers and pastry chefs in Quetzaltenango. The event, known as Festipan Navideño, focused on technical training, sharing experiences, and encouraging innovation to support business growth and profitability for local clients.
The gathering was organized by Cocreo, part of CMI Alimentos within Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI). It aimed to foster an exchange of knowledge among bakers and provide tools for developing and innovating their businesses. Participants received training on new trends, recipes, and strategies relevant both to the holiday season and products that can remain profitable throughout the year.
José Carlos Ruiz, regional training manager at Molinos Modernos via Academia Cocreo, emphasized the significance of this second edition. He stated: “We are very happy to hold our Festipan Navideño in Quetzaltenango for the second time, with more than 200 clients participating—some traveled over eight hours to join us. The purpose of these events is to help our baking community grow through technical training by bringing them trends, new products, and innovative ideas they can implement in their businesses.”
Pablo Ramírez, commercial developer at Molinos Modernos, highlighted the importance of client involvement in such initiatives. He said: “For us it is a great joy to have clients here. These spaces allow us to show the variety of products we offer, how they can expand their businesses and generate innovations. What matters most to us is that they grow.”
Attendees also shared positive feedback about Molinos Modernos’ support through Cocreo. Mayra Orozco from Panadería San Juan in San Pedro Sacatepéquez said: “We have used Molinos Modernos’ product for 60 years and they have always been attentive when we need support. I learned a lot at the event; I loved the bread they made and will definitely put it into practice.”
María Cardona from Panadería y Pastelería Doña Luisa in Concepción Chiquirrichapa noted: “Molinos Modernos’ premixes have been fundamental for our growth because they save us time. After being at Cocreo we have grown a lot; I invite other bakers to take advantage of the school because it really helps—you cannot imagine all you can learn.”
From Huehuetenango, entrepreneur José Cristóbal added: “The recipes and what we learned here are totally new for me and very useful for my business. Cocreo has also supported us administratively and financially; for us Molinos Modernos is the best ally for a good business.”
Ruiz further explained that Festipan aims not only to share knowledge but also strengthen relationships with clients: “We were able to share with them and spend a good time together—that was also one of the objectives,” he concluded.
With programs like Festipan Navideño, CMI Alimentos—through Molinos Modernos and its Cocreo initiative—continues its commitment to supporting client growth by promoting professionalization in baking through technical education, innovation, and close collaboration.
Currently led by third-generation family members Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga as President Chairman of CMI Alimentos and Felipe Bosch Gutiérrez as President Chairman of CMI Capital, CMI maintains its focus on sustainable development investments that encourage entrepreneurship opportunities across its programs.
