Recent Industry Headlines
December 8, 2025
Cold Chain Logistics Conference Features Major Industry Players
Leading multinational corporations including Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, and Dole are confirmed participants at the upcoming TOC Cold Chain conference in Panama. The event will spotlight innovative cold storage solutions and supply chain developments in Central America.
Francis McCawley, Managing Director of Maersk Container Industry San Antonio (MCIS), will present insights on how MCI's newly established refrigerated container manufacturing facility in Chile is reshaping cold chain logistics for regional shippers and exporters.
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November 2, 2025
Inaugural TOC Conference Addresses Perishable Export Market
The logistics sector will gather for critical discussions on perishable cargo movements and container shipping market volatility at the first-ever TOC Cold Chain conference, scheduled for December 5-6 in Panama City.
Industry stakeholders will receive updates on transformative infrastructure projects affecting perishable exports and imports throughout the region. The conference aims to connect decision-makers across the cold chain supply network.
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March 23, 2025
Regional Poultry Industry Prepares for Annual Congress
The 22nd Central American and Caribbean Poultry Congress is set to convene in Panama from May 23-25, with preparations well underway for the international gathering.
The event will bring together poultry producers, processors, and suppliers from across the region to discuss industry trends, production techniques, and market opportunities in Central America's growing poultry sector.
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May 12, 2011
American Quick-Service Brand Enters Panamanian Market
CKE Restaurants Inc. has launched its first Carl's Jr. location in Panama at Tocumen Panama International Airport in Panama City. The restaurant operation is managed by International Meal Company Caribbean and Central America, the international division of International Meal Corporation SA.
The parent company operates as Brazil's largest retail food concessionaire and multi-brand casual dining operator, with additional operations spanning Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
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September 4, 2009
Aquaculture Operations Expand Through Strategic Acquisition
Open Blue Sea Farms has completed the acquisition of Pristine Oceans of Panama, creating what will become the world's largest open ocean aquaculture enterprise. The transaction expands the company's existing cobia production operations in Panamanian waters.
The first commercial harvest of free-range cobia from the combined operations is scheduled for December 2009, marking a significant milestone in sustainable ocean fish farming.
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August 31, 2009
Wildlife Management Issue Emerges on Coiba Island
Authorities face pressing decisions regarding the feral cattle population inhabiting Coiba Island, the site of a former penal colony. The free-roaming livestock has occupied the island for several years following the facility's closure.
Environmental officials are evaluating management options for the cattle herd as part of broader conservation efforts on the island.
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August 13, 2009
Canadian Beef Gains Market Access After Six-Year Absence
Panama has formally approved Canada's meat inspection protocols and removed restrictions on Canadian beef imports that were implemented in 2003 due to bovine disease concerns.
The market reopening represents a significant development for Canadian beef exporters seeking access to Central American markets after a six-year trade suspension.
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July 6, 2009
Business-Focused Leadership Assumes National Office
Ricardo Martinelli, a successful supermarket chain executive and entrepreneur, was sworn in as Panama's president during Wednesday ceremonies. National Assembly President Jose Luis Varela administered the oath of office.
The new administration signals a pro-business, conservative policy direction following Martinelli's May electoral victory. The business community anticipates commerce-friendly initiatives under the new leadership.
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May 30, 2009
Pork Industry Supports Pending Trade Agreements
Republican Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa has voiced support for advancing the Free Trade Agreements with Panama and Colombia currently pending congressional approval.
The agreements have garnered backing from agricultural commodity groups seeking expanded market access in Central and South America for American pork and other protein products.
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May 29, 2009
Trade Officials Address Labor Provisions in Bilateral Agreement
Assistant United States Trade Representative Everett Eissenstat testified before the Senate Finance Committee regarding the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. Eissenstat indicated that bilateral discussions have focused on labor law harmonization issues.
The administration anticipates Panama will soon implement legislative and regulatory measures that align with the Agreement's labor standards and enforcement provisions.
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