PANAMA CITY, Panama – For the first time in its six-decade history, Industrias Panamá Boston has begun exporting its Panamanian-made soaps to Central America. The company announced this week that shipments to Costa Rica commenced in September, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy and projecting annual exports of over 1.2 million units.
This strategic move represents a new chapter for the Panamanian consumer goods manufacturer, which has been a staple in the domestic market since the 1960s. The export initiative is backed by the company’s advanced manufacturing process and its use of both international and locally sourced renewable raw materials, positioning Panama as a growing agro-industrial producer in the region.
Alberto Paz Rodríguez, General Manager of Industrias Panamá Boston, emphasized the significance of this achievement for both the company and the national industry.
“We are proud to be exporting products derived from renewable raw materials that are cultivated, harvested, and processed within the country, adding significant value and consolidating Panama’s position as an agro-industrial producer in the region,”
stated Paz Rodríguez [Translated from Spanish].
Expansion Strategy and Regional Vision
The initial exports to Costa Rica serve as the launching point for a broader regional strategy. The company aims to leverage this Central American foothold to pave the way for future expansion into other markets, including the Caribbean. This aligns with the company’s long-term vision focused on innovation, sustainability, and measured growth.
With a workforce of over 600 employees, Industrias Panamá Boston relies on its skilled labor force and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. The company’s production process incorporates raw materials sourced from global markets, including Germany, Colombia, and the United States, ensuring high-quality standards for its products.
Paz Rodríguez further highlighted the company’s commitment to national development through its industrial operations.
“This step reaffirms our commitment to Panama’s development through an industrial operation that meets high international, environmental, and social standards,”
he concluded [Translated from Spanish].
A Legacy of Manufacturing Excellence
The production of toilet soap has been a core component of Industrias Panamá Boston’s portfolio since the late 1960s. The company’s entry into this product category marked the beginning of its long-standing presence in Panama’s mass-consumption industry. Over sixty years, the company has built a reputation for quality and reliability, making its foray into international exports a natural progression of its business evolution.
The successful export launch to Costa Rica not only strengthens the company’s regional presence but also contributes positively to Panama’s non-traditional exports and its economic footprint in Central America. By processing renewable resources within the country, the company adds substantial value to local agricultural products before they reach international markets.
As Industrias Panamá Boston looks toward future growth in Central America and the Caribbean, this export milestone sets a precedent for other Panamanian manufacturing companies considering regional expansion. The company’s focus on sustainable practices and high-quality production standards provides a competitive edge as it enters new markets and introduces Panamanian-made consumer goods to a wider regional audience.

