History
IMBA S.A. [Industry of Balanced Food (Alimento) Milling Company] a leader in its industry for over 42 years of business, was founded June 29, 1967 in Cochabamba, Bolivia.The legendary figure of Hernán Fiorilo Rivera (†), gave life to the industry which is now known in all corners of Bolivia as IMBA. An enterpriser, pioneer and visionary, don Hernan conquered the challenge of creating the first industrialized poultry company in Bolivia.
In the beginning, don Hernan initially ran IMBA as a feed products company for a variety of animals. It was during the second year when he realized the opportunity to create a company to produce basic poultry products for everyday consumers. Before then, chicken meals were expensive and considered only for special occasions.
Don Hernan made the commitment of diversifying his company into an industrialized poultry company. With his modified feed plant, new farm houses and a new refrigerated processing plant, he gave the Bolivian population the first industrialized poultry company. The concentration of high quality corn from Santa Cruz gave IMBA products there characteristic “GOLD” color. For decades, this assured the consuming public sanitary, natural and flavored poultry products at accessible prices.
During the 1970’s, demand for poultry products by consumers in Bolivia grew exponentially. The enormous demand by the general population encouraged IMBA to form “integrated” relationships with smaller farmers. IMBA would give these farmers baby chickens, feed and technical support. The grown chicken would then be returned to IMBA and carry the “Golden Chicken” label. Eventually most of these farmers became permanent components of the IMBA family.
The 80’s and 90’s were characterized by continued strong growth (14% average per year). In 1982 a new incubation plant was installed in Cotoca, Santa Cruz.
In the valley city of Cochabamba, larger and modern farms such as Pirata, Maica and Algarobos were constructed. A research farm house was built for training as well as implementing new feed and breeding programs.
In 1992, a bold large new refrigerated processing plant was installed in Cochabamba with a capacity more than quadrupling the previous plant. Although many doubted the success of this mega factory for Bolivia, don Hernan was proven correct in the 4th month of operations when the plant reached full capacity to meet demand levels.
In 1994, IMBA became the first and only poultry producer to have its own quality control system with its modern laboratory. Feed, water, soils, and poultry products among other items could be tested permanently to assure clients that IMBA products complied with the most difficult international standards.
In 1995, IMBA became Bolivia 1st and only qualified poultry exporter. Peru became a very committed and demanding market for IMBA. Today product exports continue on a weekly basis into IMBA distribution centers in Peru.
In 1996, IMBA made the legal transformation from a private family company into a corporation. The objective was to standardize and formalize the company divisions in order to be competitive for the challenges of globalization.
In January 1997, Joaquin Siles Rivera became the General Manager and would commence a major company restructuring of all 5 divisions of the company.
In mid July 1997, a tragic and untimely accident took the life of don Hernán Rivera Fiorilo.
In 1998, the company inaugurated a modern reproduction farm in San Lorenzo, Santa Cruz. This would be the largest poultry installation in Bolivia, assuring the specialized genetic birds optimal sanitary and hygiene conditions.
In 1999 through 2000, IMBA endured severe economic challenges due to unforeseen social and political conflicts accompanied by prolonged road blocks especially in the Cochabamba region. Financial, supplier, and labor issues were stretched beyond limits taking important tolls on company resources.
In 2001, IMBA made the unprecedented commitment to be the only meat company in Bolivia to obtain ISO 9001 certification. The six areas audited were its commercial department, processing plant, feed plant, incubation plant, reproduction plant, and quality control laboratory. This long process would be audited and approved by TUV-Germany.
In 2002, IMBA again assured clients of product health with the implementation of HACCP practices and ISO 9001 certification. This quality assurance policy carried IMBA to become the only poultry company in Bolivia qualified for Burger King and McDonald's restaurants in Bolivia.
In 2003 thru 2009, IMBA introduced poultry products to the Santa Cruz market of which was previously occupied by local companies due to previous market agreements.
IMBA made the commitment in Bolivia’s 2nd largest region with the purchase of an important industrial site for the construction of its modern processing plant and feed plant. Continued investments in the Santa Cruz region with farms, feed centers and a modern processing plant made IMBA diversified and the best poultry company with two city production sites.
Short history
In the beginning there was only the dream of one man. That dream realized today is a major industrial player in Bolivia. According to CAPTURA CONSULTING Company in 2008, IMBA is the most recognized name brand in its sector and IMBA products are preferred by the majority of consumers.
IMBA is the most important and influential poultry company in Bolivia producing quality and satisfying the publics’ nutritional demands. Its products are driven by its “Continued Improvement” philosophy accompanied by its strong commitment for the growth and development of Bolivia.