Grupo San Simón

Sustainability

We are building a responsible agro-industrial model that benefits people, communities and the environment.

At Grupo San Simón, environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria guide our management and support responsible, sustainable, long-term growth. We are committed to agro-industrial development that improves sustainability, traceability and operational efficiency while creating value for Venezuela.

We promote a circular economy, efficient resource use, lower environmental impact and sustainable, traceable supply chains. We also support formal and rural employment, community development and management grounded in ethics, transparency and compliance.

Sustainability is part of our identity and vision. We develop circular economy models, pursue international certifications and implement strategies that support business growth, social well-being and environmental protection.

Our Pillars
E — Environmental
Environmental
S — Social
Social
G — Governance
Governance
Cover of the Grupo San Simón 2024–2025 Sustainability Report

Explore ourSustainability
Report2024-2025

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Our Approach

Three Pillars of Responsible Growth

We integrate environmental, social and governance criteria into our management decisions.

E — Environmental

Environmental

Circular economy, efficient resource use, reduced environmental impact, zero deforestation, responsible emissions management and sustainable, traceable supply chains.

S — Social

Social

Formal and rural employment, community development, smallholder inclusion, human rights, constructive community relationships and stronger local economies.

G — Governance

Governance

Ethics, transparency and compliance. Audits by leading international firms. A1 and A2 risk ratings from external evaluators. Entry into the Venezuelan securities market (SUNAVAL, January 2026).

International Commitment

Toward Sustainable Palm Oil: The RSPO Process

Grupo San Simón is aligning its operations with international sustainability standards, guided by ethics, transparency, social responsibility and environmental protection.

We have started preparing for certification by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a leading international reference for sustainability in the oil palm industry. This involves gradually introducing policies, procedures and standards that strengthen our operations and bring them into line with global best practices.

We focus on continuous improvement, compliance, traceability, smallholder inclusion, responsible emissions management and circular economy models. We also promote environmental sustainability, human rights and constructive community relationships as part of our commitment to long-term growth.

Grupo San Simón certificate
Innovation for Sustainability

Certified Catatumbo Seed

First Domestically Produced Oil Palm Seed

Innovation and technology support sustainable growth in Venezuelan agribusiness. Grupo San Simón reached a milestone by developing Catatumbo, the first domestically produced oil palm seed certified by the National Seed Commission (CONASEM).

More than a decade of research, genetic selection and specialized work produced a seed adapted to the soil and climate south of Lake Maracaibo. Catatumbo can yield more than 26 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per hectare and achieve oil extraction rates of up to 30%, helping growers improve competitiveness and efficiency. It also reduces reliance on imported planting materials and strengthens the sector’s technological independence.

Certified Catatumbo seed, the first domestically produced oil palm seed
+10
Years

of research and specialized genetic selection

+26
t/ha

Fresh fruit bunch yield per hectare

30%
Extraction

Achievable oil extraction rate

2022
CONASEM

Venezuela’s first certified domestically produced oil palm seed

Social Impact

Fundación Grupo San Simón

The Foundation promotes social well-being and sustainable development, creating shared value for our employees, communities, and the places where we operate. We work to turn social challenges into opportunities for growth and improve the quality of life of Venezuelan families.

Our programs in nutrition, education, housing, sustainability, and volunteering make a positive difference within and beyond the company. We also support communities, strengthen institutions, promote sports and culture, and advance food security and sustainable social development. This work reflects Grupo San Simón’s longstanding commitment to people and communities.

Our Programs and Initiatives

Employee and Family Programs

San Simón Family Program

We support our employees’ well-being and development through food assistance, professional training, and recreational activities. The program focuses on four areas.

Nutrition

Monthly food assistance prioritizes staple foods and the Group’s dairy and meat products.

Education

Funding for technical and university studies for employees and their children, based on academic excellence.

Health

Financial assistance for medical treatment and surgery for employees and their families.

Housing

Support to repair or purchase a primary residence.

San Simón Volunteer ProgramMore than 60 volunteers

Volunteering gives employees a direct role in Grupo San Simón’s social programs. It connects the company’s success with the well-being of its communities and gives employees a way to make a personal contribution to a better Venezuela.

Volunteers share their time and expertise to help others. Guided by the motto “Commitment That Makes a Difference,” more than 60 volunteers help deliver social programs and training activities.

Community Programs

Community Support Program

We work with partner organizations to strengthen local institutions, promote sports and culture, improve child nutrition, and support older adults. These partnerships help us reach more people and better serve our communities.

Training Project: Oil Palm Cultivation and Production10 hectares

We are planting 10 hectares of oil palm at the Santa Bárbara Agricultural Technical School as part of a hands-on training and production project. Teachers and students gain practical experience and share technical knowledge.

The school, Grupo San Simón, and Fundación Grupo San Simón are working together to combine technical education, agriculture, and technology transfer in a social enterprise model. The project aims to benefit the community, advance sustainability, and connect classroom learning with agricultural production.

San Simón Family Gardens Project15 families

In partnership with the Centro de Promoción Integral del Niño (CEPIN) and local partners, we help 15 families in the Etnia Guajira community in Maracaibo improve their food security through sustainable gardens, nutrition education, and practical support for growing food.

The project helps families build gardening skills, adopt responsible practices, and make better use of local resources. Its goal is to improve food security and support their long-term social, economic, and environmental well-being.

Partnerships and Collaboration

We strengthen relationships with partner organizations and institutions to extend the reach of our social initiatives, create opportunities for development, and support the long-term well-being of communities.

Fundación Grupo San Simón

Social Impact Infographic

Fundación Grupo San Simón
The San Simón Legacy
Corporate Social Programs for Employees
  • San Simón Family Program
  • San Simón Volunteer Program
Corporate Social Programs for Communities
Humanitarian Programs

Community Support Program

  • Institutional Development
  • Sports and Culture
  • Child Nutrition
  • Support for Older Adults
Development Programs

Sowing the Future Program

  • San Simón Family Gardens Project
  • Oil Palm Cultivation and Production Project
Producer Development

Growing with Producers

Grupo San Simón’s Producer Development Plan supports productivity through cooperation and strategic partnerships across the agricultural value chain.

Oil Palm Grower Support Program

Financing for small and medium-sized growers to improve Venezuela’s palm oil sector.

  • Forward purchases of fresh fruit bunches
  • Agricultural products
  • Financing programs
  • Agricultural services
  • A range of planting materials, including Catatumbo seed

Dairy Development Plan

An initiative to increase production of quality milk and improve producer well-being.

  • Development of new dairy production areas
  • Introduction of breeding females
  • Comprehensive producer support
  • Quality improvement
40,000
hectares — INTI–Grupo San Simón Agreement

Grupo San Simón and the National Land Institute (INTI) have signed agreements to develop and improve oil palm production in Venezuela. These include planting 40,000 hectares in suitable areas with a focus on social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Sur del Lago Zulia, Mérida, Trujillo · 10,000 ha
Catatumbo–La Fría Corridor Zulia–Táchira · 10,000 ha
Central Plains Portuguesa, Barinas, Yaracuy · 10,000 ha
Eastern Corridor Monagas · 10,000 ha
External Recognition

2023 Environmental Sustainability Challenge Award — Nestlé Venezuela

Grupo San Simón’s Inversiones El Palmeral received Nestlé Venezuela’s 2023 Environmental Sustainability Challenge award at its Repensemos el Futuro event, which recognizes suppliers whose sustainable practices align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The award recognized initiatives to advance environmental, social and economic sustainability, including the circular economy, emissions reduction, zero-deforestation practices and responsible engagement with workers and communities.

Sustainability guides Grupo San Simón’s strategy. Across its businesses, the Group works to use resources efficiently, make use of by-products, invest in agricultural research, strengthen communities and progressively adopt international sustainability standards. The award reinforces the Group’s commitment to creating economic, social and environmental value for Venezuela over the long term.

Nestlé Venezuela’s 2023 Environmental Sustainability Challenge trophy awarded to Inversiones El Palmeral
Becoming a securities issuer means our processes, transparency and governance meet increasingly demanding standards. It strengthens the trust of our partners, customers and consumers and reaffirms our vision of sustainable growth for Venezuela.

Wilmer J. Pérez Ll — CEO, Grupo San Simón