Honduras reported a shrimp production of 131 million pounds in 2023, as revealed by data from the National Association of Aquaculturists of Honduras (Andah). 61% of this production was exported in various presentations.

The primary markets driving this demand include Asia, the United States, and Mexico. Meeting the needs of these markets necessitates a robust supply chain emphasizing high quality and safety standards. To support this, an investment of nearly a million USD was dedicated to expanding a concentrated food distribution center in the municipality of Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Cortés.

This expansion is attributed to the Nicovita distribution center, operated by the Peruvian company Vitapro. Vitapro has been a key player in supplying food to the national aquaculture chain since 2017.

The Nicovita distribution center’s relocation to Santa Cruz de Yojoa has not only centralized delivery logistics in Honduras but has also enhanced control over the management of final products. According to a press release from Nicovita, this consolidation results in a substantial boost to the industry’s growth, improved delivery times, and ensures product safety, aligning with the stringent standards of the food sector.

The infrastructure reinforcement in Santa Cruz de Yojoa has yielded a 60% increase in operational capacity. This expansion, coupled with the overall operational efficiency of the plant, has led to the creation of approximately 200 direct jobs in the area. Such job creation is particularly vital for regions that require additional investments to spur economic growth and employment opportunities.

Since the inauguration of the Santa Cruz plant in 2017, Vitapro has consistently demonstrated its trust in Honduras’ potential. The company has invested over 15 million USD to fortify the national aquaculture industry, contributing significantly to the country’s economic landscape.

The construction of the distribution center in Santa Cruz de Yojoa, with its substantial investment, has expanded the capacity by more than 5,000 tons of food for the Honduran aquaculture sector.