Marcos Galarza stands out as a leading Ecuadorian entrepreneur and businessman, renowned for steering ventures across diverse sectors for over 27 years. He has emerged as one of Ecuador’s top private-sector influencers, driven by his sharp management and growth strategies.
As the founder and CEO of Gala Corp—a powerhouse spanning multiple industries—Marcos drives innovation and expansion not only in Ecuador but on the global stage. He is also the President and executive representative of INGCO Ecuador, bringing a global brand of professional tools into local markets, and the founder of Gala Importaciones, the exclusive Ecuadorian agent for leading international brands.
With an academic background as a Commercial Engineer and a Master’s in International Business from the University of Toronto and IDE Business School, his achievements have been spotlighted in outlets such as Revista Negocios and Revista Líderes.
Below, we share our exclusive interview with Marcos Galarza.
What are your main products, and which ones are you showcasing today at Gulfood 2026 here in Dubai?
Yes, one of our main products is Mucha Chicha, a beverage made from “la yuca”. Our key strength with this product is that it contains zero alcohol, no sugar, and it is of Ecuadorian and Latin American origin. It is a unique product in Latin America, and we are currently exporting it to Germany, where it has been very well received, especially because it aligns with current health and wellness trends. We also offer three additional flavors.
In addition, we produce tostones and chifles, as well as other products such as moroche, morochips, and, in general, what we do is create snacks made from Ecuadorian products. These are processed by us, and our goal is to bring them to the world, because many of our traditional products are still largely unknown internationally.
Could you briefly tell us about your production process? Is everything done in Ecuador? Where are the beverages and snacks processed and packaged?
Yes, the entire process takes place in Ecuador. It is carried out by Ecuadorian hands, from cultivation all the way to the transformation process used to produce the snacks. Likewise, “la yuca” used for our beverage is grown in Ecuador, and the labor is Ecuadorian. The manufacturing process is also entirely done in Ecuador. Everything we produce is 100% Ecuadorian.
“We have a strong competitive advantage because we are located on the equatorial line. This means the sun shines directly on our land, allowing us to produce high-quality agricultural products.”
Marcos Galarza proudly showcases one of the standout yuca-based products—Mucha Chicha—. As the visionary founder and CEO of Gala Corp, he embodies entrepreneurial spirit while highlighting innovative Ecuadorian flavors.
From your wide range of excellent products, if we were to look at a pie chart, would beverages or snacks represent a larger percentage? Where is your main focus?
We have a strong competitive advantage because we are located on the equatorial line.. This means the sun shines directly on our land, allowing us to produce high-quality agricultural products.
Ecuadorian products such as bananas, flowers, pitahaya, shrimp, and others are highly sought after worldwide and have great value due to our unique geography. Because of this, it’s difficult to name just one flagship product. What we are doing is continuously expanding our product portfolio, and we see that each new product gains more acceptance. This is largely due to the natural advantage that God has given us, and as Ecuadorians, we must take advantage of it.
One of our strongest competitive advantages with Mucha Chicha and “yuca” is that this product has no substitutes. It cannot be produced anywhere else in the world. It is a truly Ecuadorian product, made with Ecuadorian ingredients, and that originality is one of the reasons it is so well received.
As today’s exhibition is coming to an end, what is your impression of Gulfood, especially as this is your first time participating? Any comments or observations?
This is not our first trade fair—we have participated in several before—but this fair has truly been very, very good. We have met serious buyers and direct prospects, we have exchanged contacts, and next week we will already be holding follow-up business meetings to discuss pricing, volumes, and potential new products.
For us, the fair has been extremely positive and very beneficial. After all, we come here to do business. In terms of organization, everything has been excellent—from logistics and parking to visitor flow and overall management. It has truly been a great success. Congratulations to the organizers, because for us this has been an outstanding experience, with valuable learning opportunities and many future deals that we are confident will be finalized.
“One of our strongest competitive advantages with Mucha Chicha and “yuca” is that this product has no substitutes. It cannot be produced anywhere else in the world. It is a truly Ecuadorian product, made with Ecuadorian ingredients, and that originality is one of the reasons it is so well received.”
The Galarza team shines at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.
Looking ahead to the next five years, how do you envision the future of your company—not only in Ecuador, but globally? What new projects come to mind?
As a corporation, we are very active. Our main business is importing, particularly from China under the Inco brand. We are market leaders in tools in Ecuador and Peru. Now, with our exporting business, our vision has expanded even further.
Our goal is to establish a presence in the countries where we have already taken our first steps, such as China, Spain, the United States, and now Dubai. From there, we plan to continue expanding. As my father used to say, “The world is small for great men.” So we move forward step by step, with firm foundations, strengthening the businesses we are building today.
In summary, Marcos Galarza and Gala Corp are powerful examples of how Ecuadorian ingenuity and commitment can reach a global audience while staying true to their roots. With a steadfast focus on quality, authenticity, and innovation, the future of Gala Corp looks not only bright, but limitless.
Editorial Staff 2025 / GULFOOD 2026 – DUBAI
