The Consorcio Azucarero de Empresas Industriales (CAEI) received the prestigious Agribusiness of the Year 2025 Award, the highest institutional recognition bestowed by the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD). The JAD gathers the leading agribusiness entities in the Dominican Republic.
The distinction was formally presented on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, by Vice President Raquel Peña to Amelia Vicini for CAEI during a ceremony attended by leaders from the agricultural sector, business executives, producers, representatives from international organizations and government officials.
The award, approved unanimously by the JAD’s board of directors, specifically highlights CAEI’s historic, social, productive, and environmental contributions throughout its 143-year history. The company traces its origins back to 1882 with the founding of the Ingenio Cristóbal Colón, one of the nation’s first major sugar projects.
Roberto Serrano, president of the JAD’s Board of Directors, emphasized that the award serves to recognize the achievements of companies and producers who are driving the agricultural sector.
“With this award, we seek to highlight agro-entrepreneurs for their contributions to agricultural modernization, productive sustainability, and international competitiveness,” Serrano stated, noting that these contributions strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position in both local and export markets for quality agricultural products.
Osmar C. Benítez, executive president of the JAD, lauded CAEI in his institutional presentation, describing the consortium as “a modern, innovative, and profoundly responsible institution whose vision combines productive efficiency, sustainable management, research, clean energy, social equity, and community development.”
Benítez particularly noted CAEI’s role as a pioneer in adopting advanced precision agriculture tools, including sensors, satellite imagery, predictive models, automation, soil monitoring, and data management, which he said elevates productivity standards across the sector.
CAEI’s core area of influence is in the province of San Pedro de Macorís, where it is a major economic engine, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The company also spearheads initiatives focused on social welfare, education, and environmental preservation.
Upon presenting the trophy, Vice President Peña underscored that the recognition of CAEI confirms a crucial truth: that when government, business, and community advance together, the nation also progresses.
“This award is not just an institutional merit; it is proof that 143 years of continuous commitment have borne fruit,” she declared. “The history of CAEI is also the story of how true development is constructed: with sustainable production, energy innovation, environmental responsibility, decent employment, and social programs that transform entire communities.”
The Vice President congratulated the entire CAEI leadership and team for their strategic vision and business model, which she affirmed “honors the Dominican Republic.” She concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the agro-sector to boost exports, job creation, and national competitiveness.
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3 December 2025