Major premium coffee brands and estates that continue to operate in western El Salvador, serving global commodity and specialty coffee markets. 13. The Hill Family
The Deras family is a prominent wealthy family in El Salvador, with an estimated net worth of over $350 million. The family's fortune was made through their interests in the real estate industry, particularly in the development of luxury properties and commercial centers. The family's patriarch, Ricardo Deras, is a well-known businessman and developer, who has founded several successful companies.
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The Poma family is arguably the most prominent and visible billionaire dynasty in Central America. Founded by Bartolomé Poma in the early 20th century, the family began in the automotive sector.
Closely linked to the Meza-Ayau lineage, the Murray-Meza family expanded their wealth through industrial manufacturing, packaging, and logistics. Roberto Murray Meza was one of El Salvador's most respected business leaders and philanthropists, heading Grupo Agrisal. Agrisal is a major player in real estate, hospitality (partnering with Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn), and automotive distribution. 12. The Salaverría Family
They built the iconic Metrocentro malls across the region and operate major international hotel franchises like InterContinental, Marriott, and Choice Hotels. 2. The Kriete Family 14 richest families in el salvador best
Retail, department stores, and franchise management.
In the late 19th century, El Salvador shifted its economy toward coffee production. A small group of families acquired vast tracts of fertile land, concentrated political power, and established a tightly knit network through strategic marriages. This group came to be known as "The 14 Families."
Banking (historically), real estate, and philanthropy. Major premium coffee brands and estates that continue
The Escalante family has a diverse portfolio of businesses, including construction, engineering, and energy. Their company, Grupo Escalante, has worked on numerous high-profile projects.
The term "14 Families" emerged during the peak of El Salvador’s agro-export era. As coffee became the dominant cash crop, a small elite consolidated land ownership, often at the expense of indigenous communities. While the exact list of names has varied in historical accounts, the most frequently cited clans include: (Commerce and industry) Dueñas (Real estate and agriculture) Regalado (Sugar and coffee) Hill (Agribusiness and banking) Meza-Ayau (Brewing and manufacturing) Guirola (Historical coffee dominance) Salaverria (Agro-industry) Quiñonez (Political and economic influence) Llach Dalton