Colombia’s leading retailer is consolidating its financial recovery and accelerating its digital and omnichannel transformation through a long-term strategy focused on modernization and sustainable investment.
This article was prepared by the team at Food Retail Italia, the official representative of international fairs Cibus and TuttoFood Milan in Latin America.
2024, a turning point for Colombia’s retail flagship
The year 2024 marked a major inflection point in the recent history of Grupo Éxito, Colombia’s leading retail company. After several years of structural adjustments, the group closed the year with solid results and entered a new phase of leadership under Grupo Calleja, the Salvadoran holding that acquired control of the company through a process designed to revitalize the brand and strengthen its regional presence.
With more than 37,000 employees and 500 stores across Colombia, Grupo Éxito maintains a dominant market position through a diversified portfolio that includes retail, financial services (via the Tuya credit card in partnership with Bancolombia), travel, insurance, fashion, logistics, and real estate. This diversification not only provides resilience but also reflects a long-term vision focused on building integrated consumer ecosystems.
Financial results: clear signs of recovery
At the close of 2024, Grupo Éxito reported operating revenues of COP 21.9 trillion, representing 6% year-over-year growth. Although net income stood at COP 237.2 billion, slightly below the previous year’s figure, it marked a significant turnaround from earlier quarters of losses and confirmed a return to operational profitability.
Consolidated recurring EBITDA reached COP 1.6 trillion, with a 7.4% margin, reflecting improved cost management and disciplined control of administrative expenses, which totaled COP 4.68 trillion. Operating income, at COP 776.1 billion, established a solid foundation for 2025, a year expected to focus on expansion and efficiency consolidation.
In Q4 2024, revenues rose to COP 6.3 trillion, driven by strong performance in real estate and retail formats in Colombia, which together accounted for 74% of total revenues. The Uruguayan business also grew 13.5% year over year, making a notable contribution to regional results.
However, financial debt increased by 78.5%, a point of concern that management aims to address through prudent liquidity policies and a focus on high-return, sustainable investments.
Modernization, innovation, and omnichannel culture
Grupo Éxito’s modernization plan—targeting over 100 store renovations by 2027—demonstrates its commitment to elevating the customer experience. Its key formats, including Éxito Wow, Carulla FreshMarket, and Surtimayorista, exemplify the group’s differentiated approach: integrating technology, sustainability, and personalized shopping experiences.
At the same time, the Viva ecosystem, which combines shopping centers, retail, and entertainment, reinforces the group’s position in the real estate business—an increasingly important source of revenue.
Digital transformation remains one of Grupo Éxito’s strategic pillars. Strengthening its omnichannel platforms has enhanced sales reach and improved integration between physical and digital commerce, particularly in food (+3.3%) and non-food (+5.8%) categories.
Supporting Colombian producers and sustainability
Among the group’s most highly regarded initiatives is its direct sourcing program with Colombian farmers, which promotes rural development and strengthens the national supply chain. This local procurement model aligns with global trends toward sustainability, traceability, and fair trade, generating value for both consumers and producers.
Governance and new leadership
Since Carlos Calleja assumed the presidency, Grupo Éxito has entered a new management phase centered on efficiency, innovation, and responsible growth. Calleja emphasized that “the 2024 year-end figures reflect the joint effort of our teams and a shared commitment to restoring the group’s historic leadership.”
The combination of financial discipline and regional strategic vision places Grupo Éxito in a strong position to face 2025, a year expected to consolidate growth and reinforce its capital structure.
2025 Outlook: selective growth and financial sustainability
For 2025, Grupo Éxito projects steady organic growth based on three strategic pillars:
- Operational efficiency and debt control
- Selective expansion of physical stores and digital channels
- Investment in sustainability and traceability across its value chain
The group’s ambition is not only to reaffirm its leadership in Colombian retail but also to position itself as a Latin American benchmark for innovation, transparency, and sustainable development.
In the words of Calleja:
“Éxito’s future lies in becoming a modern, regional, and digital group that combines profitability with social purpose.”
