Tender, juicy and… smelly? CMI Alimentos Report

A new report led by Bank Information Center, in collaboration with local researchers and community members, critically examines a recent IDB Invest loan to CMI Alimentos, a major poultry production company in Central America.

Focusing on the recently inaugurated “Granja Los Pensamientos” poultry farm—expected to produce up to 12 million chickens annually—the study highlights concerns from local communities, including the Xinka Indigenous People, about a lack of consultation, environmental impacts, and limited transparency. The report also analyzes the mismatch between IDB Invest’s policies and the action of the loan, exploring the broader responsibility of financial institutions in ensuring sustainable supply chains.

Field research identified key issues related to CMI Alimentos’ operations such as strong odors affecting nearby communities, unfulfilled commitments to local development, and the absence of clear communication channels for concerns or complaints. The findings raise important questions about accountability and the need for greater oversight.