June 2

CORPORATE DEBT ISSUES TOTAL MXN 31 BILLION IN MAY. (LA JORNADA 21) (LA JORNADA ONLINE 0) The amount of private debt issues on the stock market to pay for debt refinancing projects in May reached its best monthly figure since March 2018. On the eve of the midterm elections in Mexico, issuers quickened their pace to raise funds from the investing public in the debt markets and finance working capital or to refinance their debt. In the last week of May, dynamism returned to the corporate debt market with the bond auction, where the main issuer was the CFE, which placed MXN 10 billion, with demand at 1.82x, considering an additional amount of MXN 5 billion due to the over-allocation effect. It also highlighted the placement of a long-term MXN 2 billion bond by Gruma with demand at 3.83x.

June 8

A FINANCIALLY STABLE GRUMA SUPPORTS FARMERS IN MEXICO. (EXCÉLSIOR ONLINE 0) (IMAGEN RADIO ONLINE 0) (LOS TUBOS ONLINE (NUEVO LEÓN) 0) Mexican company Gruma,a world leader in the production of nixtamalized corn flour, tortillas and wraps, is recognized in Mexico and abroad as one of the companies with the best corporate social responsibility reputations. It is one of the first companies to consistently support the population affected by natural disasters in Mexico. However, it is also known for maintaining permanent programs and investments in the communities to favor the Mexican farmland and help farmers harvesting corn for human consumption to improve their production processes. A clear example of this is Mexicali, Baja California, where the company has proactively and directly sought to assist agricultural producers with advice and support in harvesting white corn. All of these activities have positioned the company among the top 500 companies in Mexico, according to a ranking prepared by Expansión magazine.

June 13

INTERNATIONAL POSITIONING OF THE MEXICAN TORTILLA. (MILENIO ONLINE 0) (SDP NOTICIAS.COM ONLINE 0) Mexico is known for its tourist attractions and geographical diversity. Our country is also famous for its products, including tortillas, that have conquered consumer palates across the globe. Behind this achievement are companies such as Gruma, a Mexican leader in the production of nixtamalized corn flour, tortillas and wraps worldwide, with a presence in more than 120 countries, where it has consistently positioned Mexican products in global food consumption through its global Maseca and Mission brands. In the United States, Gruma is one of the main producers of corn flour and tortillas, serving industrial, retail and institutional clients. The company’s tortilla business includes 20 plants producing tortillas, chips, and other related products. It also has a presence in Europe, Asia, Oceania and Central America.

June 19

GRUMA BOOSTS AND SUPPORTS THE PRODUCTION OF CORN IN MEXICO. (MILENIO ONLINE 0) (SDP NOTICIAS.COM ONLINE 0) Agricultural activity in Mexico is a pillar of the economy, which is why the Mexican company Gruma indicated that it would maintain a strong commitment to boosting the Mexican farmland. In the agreement entered into with CIMMYT in May 2018, Gruma pledged to contribute USD 872,000 over three years, that is, USD 290,000 per year to research and development, as part of the “Technological Support and Research Program for Sustainable Corn Production,” which also aims to stimulate and promote agricultural activities that guarantee food safety in Mexico and Latin America. 

June 20

MEXICO’S ECONOMIC STRENGTH IS FELT IN ITALY. (DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS ONLINE 0) According to the World Bank, Mexico is among the 15 largest economies globally and the second in Latin America, after Brazil, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 1.08 trillion (2020). It is an economic force that has silently penetrated Italy “with investments totaling EUR 2 billion that currently generates 2,000 direct jobs,” said Carlos García de Alba, Mexico’s Ambassador to Italy in an interview. Traditionally, you hear about European investment in Latin America; however, little is known about the growth of Latin American investments in Europe, particularly Mexico’s investments in Italy. In what sectors are Mexican companies present in Italy? I can mention Bimbo, the leading bread producer in Italy with two factories. Corn flour giant Gruma runs its business out of Cella in Veneto.