For many years, Paraguay remained on a second level in front of the major markets of South America. Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia concentrate the majority of international inversions and the attention of European companies. However, the scenario is evolving.
The data published by the Central Bank of Paraguay they confirm that the country is currently the most dynamic economy in the region. In the first quarter of 2026, the Brute Internal Product (PIB) recorded an interannual growth of 5,8 %, widely surpassing Peru (3,5%), Argentina (2,3%), Colombia (2,2%), Brazil (1,8%) and Uruguay (0,9%), while Chile showed a slight reduction (-0,5%).
No, if it's a regional growth. Paraguay is realizing the results of an economic strategy built over years on solid pillars: macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, generally controlled inflation, competitive electricity coming from the hydroelectric plants of Italy and Yacyre and a favorable environment for the productive reversal.
For the modern retail sector, these indicators have a very concrete consequence. The increase in purchasing power boosts internal consumption, accelerates inversions in new countries and strengthens the capacity of the main operators to expand further across the national front. It is proof that retail not only reflects the evolution of the economy, but has also become one of its main drivers of transformation.
Grupo Vierci: when a national champion becomes a regional actor
The growth of Paraguay probably includes the best expression in the trajectory of the Vierci Group, one of the most important business conglomerates in Latin America.
El grupo opera en ten countries, he is one of the mayores private employers of Paraguay, with more than 18.600 collaborators, and develops activities in multiple sectors: retail, distribution of mass consumption products, gastronomy, communication media, real estate shops, agricultural shops and services.
The beginning of 2026 marked a point of inflection in its expansion strategy. Grupo Vierci signed the agreement to purchase it 100% of GDN Uruguay, incorporating some of the most recognized commercial lines in the country:
- TaTa, one of the main supermarket chains in Uruguay;
- San Roque Pharmacy;
- BAS, contact person in the fashion sector;
- MultiAhorro Hogar;
- Frontoy, specialized operator in the mayor format (cash & carry).
This operation constitutes one of the most relevant transactions in South American retail in recent years. With more 200 points of sale, about 5.000 collaborators and a consolidated electronic commerce platform, GDN Uruguay represents an strategic asset that significantly expanded the regional presence of the Paraguayan group.
Let us know that the most significant aspect of this operation is not only on an entrepreneurial dimension, but also on a symbolic value. Over the decades, large Latin American retail purchases have been led by Chilean or Brazilian groups. Today there is a Paraguayan company that takes the regional consolidator paper.
It is a clear sign of the growing financial solidity of the Paraguayan business and of its ability to compete successfully in the international scenario.
For Italian and European companies in the food sector, Paraguay should not be considered solely a market of six thousand inhabitants. It is consolidating as an strategic platform within Mercosur and as an interlocutor capable of developing regional projects.
Understanding the evolution of operators like Grupo Vierci means understanding one of the most relevant transformations that South American retail is experiencing.
