The ISSCT Congress returns to Guatemala in 2028
In 2005, Guatemala hosted the XXV ISSCT Congress. Twenty-three years later, this international event returns to the land of eternal spring to celebrate the XXXIII ISSCT Congress – Canevolution Summit Guatemala 2028.
The congresses of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists – ISSCT have been held since 1924 and are among the leading global meeting points for innovation, science, technology and sustainability in the sugar cane agroindustry.
From 28 January to 6 February 2028, Guatemala will bring together technicians, scientists, researchers, professionals, companies and institutions linked to the development of sugarcane and its by-products. It will be a space to exchange knowledge, present technical and scientific advances, strengthen partnerships and promote the evolution of agroindustry that integrates productivity, innovation and sustainability.
By taking part in Canevolution Summit Guatemala 2028, participants will experience a high-level technical event while also discovering Guatemala’s natural and cultural richness, marked by the warmth of its people, its diversity and the beauty of a fascinating territory.
Guatemala’s Sugar cane Agroindustry is a global benchmark thanks to its model based on efficiency, constant innovation and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Guatecaña is our sector brand, promoted by the Guatemalan Sugar Association — Asazgua — to project to the world the technical leadership and strong social, environmental and economic contributions of our sector.
A driver of development
Our agroindustry is one of the backbone sectors of Guatemala’s economy:
direct jobs
indirect jobs
families depend on the agroindustry
billion economic footprint in Guatemala
Guatecaña Production Data
Sugar
Molasses
Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy
Alcohol
Organisations that make up Guatecaña
The Guatemalan Sugar Association — Asazgua — was founded in 1957. It is a sector organisation that brings together the country’s sugar mills.
The Guatemalan Sugar cane Research and Training Centre — Cengicaña — was founded in 1992 and is dedicated to developing and adapting new technologies that drive agricultural innovation and sustainability within the sector.
Created in 1990, Fundazúcar is the social arm of the Sugar cane Agroindustry. Through its programmes, it promotes community development and municipal strengthening, positively impacting the lives of thousands of Guatemalans.
Since its foundation in 1994, Expogranel has served as the export terminal for the sugar produced by the sugar mills, contributing to the sector’s global competitiveness. Expogranel is one of the most efficient sugar terminals in the world.
The Private Institute for Climate Change Research — ICC — was created in 2010 as a sector initiative and is the agroindustry’s main technical and scientific adviser on environmental matters.
Innovahub was born within the Sugar cane Agroindustry in 2022 as an initiative to promote the development of business models in innovative areas, as well as technologies and infrastructure.
ATAGUA: The heart of technical talent
The Guatemalan Association of Sugar Technicians — ATAGUA — is an autonomous, non-profit organisation that represents the forefront of knowledge in the country’s Sugarcane Agroindustry.
Its core purpose is to promote the integration and development of sugarcane technicians through the exchange of scientific and social knowledge, both nationally and internationally.
A vision focused on excellence
With a vision focused on excellence, ATAGUA provides the necessary means for the comprehensive development of its members and contributes to strengthening the productivity and sustainability of Guatemala’s agroindustry.
To fulfil its mission, the Association focuses on three strategic objectives:
- Promoting training and continuous development for its members.
- Organising national and international congresses to share advances in technology, innovation and sustainability.
- Developing sports and social activities that encourage integration and connection among members and their families.
Organising Committee
Fraterno Vila G.
Honorary President
Alfredo Vila
President
Alvaro Ruiz
Vice President
Luis Miguel Paiz
Secretary and Treasurer
Mario Sagastume
Manager
Gerardo Espinoza
Technical Coordinator
Alex Guerra
International Relations Coordinator
Erick Corado
Field Coordinator
Elfego Bautista
Factory Coordinator
Ana Isabel López
Logistics Coordinator