This family controls several offshore manufacturing plants ("Maquilas"). They own the largest plastic injection molding factory in Central America, supplying parts to Hasbro, Mattel, and automotive companies in the US. They also have deep, hidden stakes in offshore banking. Estimated Net Worth: $400 Million Source of Wealth: Hardware, Construction Materials, Cement.
The Jager family founded , the national brewery. While they eventually sold the majority stake to the global giant AB InBev, the Jager family retained significant royalty rights, real estate, and non-compete compensation. They represent the German wave of immigration in the 19th century. They are the "Beer Barons." 10. The Sol Millet Family (Grupo Banistmo / Desarrollo Industrial) Estimated Net Worth: $450 Million Source of Wealth: Industrial plastics, Banking, and Free Zones. 14 richest families in el salvador
The Guirolas are the oldest Spanish colonial family on this list. For centuries, they owned the land that is now the modern suburbs of Escalón and Santa Elena in San Salvador. Today, they are "rentiers"—leasing the land where banks, embassies, and luxury restaurants sit. They don't need to work; they simply collect ground rent. Estimated Net Worth: $250 Million Source of Wealth: Textiles, Apparel Manufacturing. Estimated Net Worth: $400 Million Source of Wealth:
It is difficult to compile a precise "Forbes list" of Salvadoran families because most companies are privately held and the families shun publicity. However, based on economic reports, leaked documents (such as the Pandora Papers), and local business rankings, we have identified the 14 most powerful and wealthiest families controlling the Salvadoran economy today. This list is ranked by estimated net worth and sector influence, not by liquid cash. In El Salvador, power is measured in distribution rights (Coca-Cola, Pharma), land ownership , and banking licenses . 1. The Simán Family (Almacenes Simán / Grupo CMI) Estimated Net Worth: $1.5 - $2 Billion Source of Wealth: Retail, Textiles, Real Estate, and Regional Conglomerates. They represent the German wave of immigration in
Last but not least, the Flores family owns the largest textile "maquila" operations exporting to the US under DR-CAFTA. They manufacture jeans and t-shirts for Walmart, Target, and GAP. While their margins are thin, their volume is massive. They employ thousands of workers, making them a politically connected family when labor disputes arise. It is crucial to note that President Nayib Bukele, despite his popularity, is not part of this "14 families" list. His wealth is modest compared to the Dueñas or Kriete clans. In fact, much of Bukele’s political appeal came from railing against these families' tax evasion and political manipulation.