An independent editorial resource on the Dominican Republic's sugar industry — see our methodology & sourcing.
DIVERSIFICATION
Central Romana has played an important role in the development of tourism in the Dominican Republic, particularly in the eastern region of the country. The company entered the tourism business as the local economy expanded and the growing presence of international companies created greater demand for quality accommodations.
Its first step into the sector came with the conversion of an existing employees' club into Hotel Romana. The success of the hotel led Central Romana to pursue larger tourism and real estate projects, eventually establishing a portfolio that includes Casa de Campo, Costasur, Marina Casa de Campo, La Romana International Airport, and La Romana Port.
A large resort and residential community, including golf courses, a marina, and villa developments, built on land the company already controlled from its agricultural holdings.
The continent's first modern marina, built at the mouth of the Chavón River with 87 apartments, 14 villas, and 353 slips for vessels up to 250 feet. Its yacht club, shops, and restaurants helped boost the country's yacht tourism.
A recreated 16th-century Mediterranean-style artisan village overlooking the Chavón River, now a cultural and tourist attraction with an amphitheater and design school.
Opened in December 2002 on the Romana River, this private port covers 40,000 square meters and can berth two large cruise ships, serving as the gateway to the country's fastest-growing tourism region in the east.
A company-built airport that gave the region direct international air access, supporting both the resort business and general regional development.
DIVERSIFICATION
Following its success in sugar production, the company began expanding into other areas of agricultural production and labor, with the support of the Dominican government. These initiatives were intended to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector and contribute to broader economic development. Over the years, Central Romana has continued to diversify its activities, expanding its operations and investing across a range of industries.
Furfural
A chemical made from sugarcane bagasse and other agricultural waste, produced at a plant Central Romana built in 1955 and expanded in 1973 into the world's largest furfural facility.
Dominican Iron
An iron foundry and welding operation that manufactures heavy parts and equipment for sugar mills, supplying both the Dominican industry and sugar producers in the United States.
A construction materials division producing ready-mixed concrete, prefabricated structures, bridges, and industrial buildings, which grew out of maintaining the company's 350 kilometers of sugarcane railway.
The country's first free trade zone, founded in 1969 through a public-private partnership to bring labor-intensive export industries to the eastern region. It became the model for 51 industrial parks nationwide and today employs over 8,000 people.
A meat producer founded in 1966 that has exported to the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Russia, and now sells deli meats locally under the Higueral brand. Its dairy buffalo operation spawned Agrolácteos, which makes buffalo and cow mozzarella under the same name.