Grupo Gloria withdraws almost all its machinery from the Nueva Helvecia plant

In a decisive step signaling its definitive exit from the Uruguayan market, Grupo Gloria has nearly completely dismantled its industrial plant in Nueva Helvecia. This move leaves the future of local dairy production in question. The Peruvian multinational has been removing almost all machinery from this facility over the last week, indicating no short or long-term plans to resume operations, cementing its departure after more than a decade.

Grupo Gloria’s departure represents a significant loss for the regional dairy industry, as the Nueva Helvecia plant once propelled local economic activity and employment. Despite its inactivity, there was hope for reactivation, which has now vanished, compelling local milk producers to form tighter relationships with other companies and cooperatives to place their raw materials competitively.

The dismantling reaffirms the challenges large corporations face when expanding into foreign markets. Despite its success in its home country, Grupo Gloria has struggled to gain a foothold in Uruguay, due to complex market conditions, profitability issues, and economic fluctuations.

The dismantling of Grupo Gloria's plant serves as a stark reminder of the dairy sector’s vulnerability to strategic decisions by large enterprises. The absence left by the Peruvian firm in Nueva Helvecia calls for new investments and robust strategic planning to ensure the local dairy industry can sustain its vitality.